Joe Gonzalez

CEO

Joe Gonzalez acquired ArtisTree in 1990 after retiring early from a successful New York fashion career.  Joe is focused on integrity, honesty, and customer service as the cornerstones of ArtisTree’s operations.  His highest goal is to continue as the number one landscape maintenance and design company for luxury builders and community associations in southwest Florida. 

Frank Fistner

President

Frank Fistner is president of ArtisTree.  He is one of the original employees of the company and became a partner in the company in 2003.  Frank has 20 years invested in the business and manages the day to day operations.  He is extremely hands on and helps maintain strong relationships with clients.

Scott Acton

General Manager

Maintenance Division

Scott Acton manages ArtisTree’s maintenance teams.  More than 13 years experience in horticulture and personnel management prepares Scott for his role in ensuring lawns and landscapes are kept beautiful and healthy year round. 

John Lay, CLP

General Manager

Landscape Division

With more than 13 years experience, John Lay is well versed in horticultural and personnel management.  John oversees the design and installation teams to ensure the highest quality care is taken.   He recognizes the importance of beautiful landscaping to enhancing the aesthetic beauty and value of a property, which includes installation of appropriate plant life and continual care.  John is a Certified Landscape Professional through PLANET.

Sara Roberts

Director of Marketing and Public Relations

Kentucky native Sara Roberts had a diverse career in merchandising, property management, small business development, advertising sales and communications.  Since 2005 Sara has provided expert marketing and public relations leadership and has garnered national recognition for ArtisTree's growth and industry standing.

Pam Lasota

Office Manager

Pam joined ArtisTree in 2003 after relocating from Atlanta. She has dedicated her 30 year career to the Horticultural Industry while managing offices for landscape architects and maintenance companies.  She left the Green Industry for five years to work in the accounting field to enhance her management and accounting skills.  Pam also holds an A.S. Degree in Ornamental Horticulture.

Mike Casper

Operations Manager

Maintenance Division

Mike, an Ohio native, oversees all irrigation and lighting installations, maintenance and repairs.  He comes to Artistree with over ten years of golf course management.  Mike says the best part of his job at Artistree is “being able to motivate and inspire his crew members to reach their potential and the gratification of seeing projects completed in a professional and timely manner.”

Maria Muhlhahn, FCHP

ISA Certified Arborist,

No. FL-6112A

Operations Manager

Landscape Division

Maria is a seasoned professional in the landscaping industry.  Since 1989, she has experienced many of the different areas the industry offers- from buyer to management.  Satisfaction comes from being part of a company that strives to be the best and to do the best for their clients and employees. She is a Florida Certified Horticultural Professional through FNGLA.

Chris Barber

Production Manager

Patti Wilson

Nursery Manager

Scott Wagner

Chemical Manager

Scott is a dedicated and professional team member that enjoys the challenge of maintaining beautiful turf for our clients.  Many years in the industry has lead Scott to be at the top of his field while enjoying interaction with customers and association managers.

Leonel Gomez

Irrigation Maintenance Manager

Steven J. Tanaka

ISA Certified Arborist,

No. FL-5306A

Tree Department Manager

A graduate of Auburn University's esteemed Horticultural program, Steven began his career as Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota. Moving to Environmental Consultants Inc., he worked with utility companies' vegetation management and was instrumental with debris removal in the 2004 hurricane season. Exceptional customer service lead him to the City of Sarasota where he was the supervisor of landscaping.

Gary Bowyer

Business Development

Originally from a farming family in Virginia, Gary served over 25 years with a window manufacturing company, overseeing operation, product development and managing a team of 500 employees. Central to his work ethic is communication. An active member of The West Florida Chapter of Community Association Institute, (CAI), and Local Chambers of Commerce, Gary is our ArtisTree Ambassador.

Paul Hurlock

Fleet Manager

Paul  relocated to Venice from Ontario, Canada, in late 2006 with one of his two daughters in order to enjoy the Florida lifestyle.  For over twenty-five years Paul was in the automotive fleet business with General Motors.  He now purchases ArtisTree's equipment and vehicles and manages the maintenance of the fleet  with two in house mechanics.

Designers

ArtisTree has experienced and cutting edge designers on staff. Each designer has different strengths and creative visions. As a team, they create elegant and viable landscapes for homes and communities. Transformations created by ArtisTree designers are dramatic and rewarding.

Clinton Lak, BSLA

Designer Clinton Lak brings more than 14 years experience in the green industry to the mix.  He has a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture.  Clinton is inspired by new home sites where he can develop elaborate landscapes on bare open land.

Joe Mantkowski, LICHP

Designer Joe Mantkowski grew up in the greens business as the son of a landscaping company-owner. His lifetime of maintaining and growing landscape in Venice, FL, equips him with a realistic perspective on caring for plant life. His experience ultimately influences his design style for manageability and lasting beauty. Certified Ornamental Landscape Professional through PLANET.

Shawn Gulbrandsen, CLP

For over eleven years, Shawn has worked in the Florida landscaping and tree care industry.  Shawn is a Certified Landscape Professional through PLANET.  His favorite aspect of his profession is the general diversity in the field of horticulture along with the day to day challenges that accompany it.

Ben Appel

Connecticut native, Ben, has been in the landscape design business for over twelve years.  As a seasoned professional with experience at Selby Botanical Gardens, Tropiflora, Inc., and Appel Horticultural Services, he has gained insight and expertise in many facets of the industry, including water features and tropical gardens.  Ben was the 2004 West Coast Garden Show winner and 2006 Civic Beautification Award for Sarasota County.

Bill Gipp

Licensed horticulturalist Bill Gipp has more than two decades experience working in the landscaping industry in Sarasota County. With Bill on your side, you will have an engaging and enjoyable landscaping experience.

Jeremy Lepper

In 2006, Jeremy relocated from Indiana where he had over 9 years experience in comprehensive estate maintenance, where he met the unique needs of clients with custom programs for their estates.  An Indiana University graduate, Jeremy know the importance of customer satisfaction and attention to detail.  Trained and certified through the University of Florida in Best Management Practices, he provides exceptional personal service for ArtisTree's clients.

Karin Dubbs

A Pennsylvania native, Karin, has a bachelor's degree in Ornamental Horticulture, Environmental Design & Landscape Contracting.  Karin has been working in the green industry for over 15 years.  Her focus on customer satisfaction is the keystone of her success.

Chad Keech

Chad was born and raised in Sarasota, which gives him a unique perspective on landscape maintenance.  With over 10 years experience in turf and ornamental care, Chad has seen it all and knows how to respond to any conditions.  Customer relations is Chad's favorite aspect of his job.