ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design

About Us

What We Do
Meet ArtisTree
Certifications and Licenses

ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design is a multi-million dollar, licensed and insured company. It evolved from a modest four-person landscaping venture in 1990 into one of the leading landscaping operations in southwest Florida with a growing team and fleet. ArtisTree is based on four core fundamentals that every client enjoys:

Quality service
Personal attention
Immediate response
Proactive approach

Quality Service
In the beginning, ArtisTree solely offered landscape maintenance backed by experience, attentive service and professionalism. Over the years, ArtisTree’s palette of services expanded to include design, but its dedication to offering top-quality and responsive service has remained a staple of the company.

ArtisTree provides contracted professional maintenance to a growing number of communities in the area. The specialized care nurtures thriving landscapes to promote lasting beauty.

While its care for plant life is ArtisTree’s specialty, its sophisticated design is unsurpassed. Enhanced landscape design adds beauty and value to homes and communities. ArtisTree intensifies natural beauty with harmonious layout and plant life diversification, efficient irrigation infrastructure and modern features such as lighting.

ArtisTree uses state of the art Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems to illustrate landscape designs for clients. CAD drawings are full-color, detailed blueprints that offer an overhead view of the landscape project.

Personal Attention
ArtisTree clients rave about the company’s proactive and responsive care. This is largely because each community has its own ArtisTree representative working for them. Each community is assigned an expert account executive to build relationships with the clients in that community. Account executives are available to answer questions, offer advice and layout options to better the health and manageability of lawn and landscapes. They typically interact with clients face to face and are always available by phone.

On the design side, trained and creative designers work directly with clients customizing each and every project for individual tastes and budgets. As a team, the designers create elegant and viable landscapes for homes and communities. Transformations created by ArtisTree designers are dramatic and inspiring.

Builders

ArtisTree can prepare option packages at tiered levels to give new construction property-owners choices to fit a wide range of budgets, tastes and lifestyles.

Starting Fresh

Whether you are starting from scratch or looking to renovate existing landscape ArtisTree will cater to your needs and ideas to ensure you are completely satisfied with the results and progress of your fresh new design. It begins with your vision and ends with breathtaking landscapes you’ll love.

Immediate Response
ArtisTree Account Executives offer honest and reliable maintenance advice to property owners in contracted communities. They are available to consult with individual home and property owners to discuss specific concerns and offer solutions before landscape challenges become detrimental and expensive. They are available to respond to inquiries and problems within 24 hours.

All design work is deadline-driven without compromised quality. Designers work closely with construction builders for new construction and property owners for renovation.

Proactive Approach
Account executives become experts on landscapes in the community he or she serves with weekly visits and close monitoring. It allows them to stay one step ahead of problems and questions impacting the growth and prosperity of plant materials in that community. They provide genuine and responsive service and will coordinate action for clients as soon as it is needed. Account executives serve ArtisTree clients directly and care about the landscape they maintain.

Designers also offer proactive approach. They assist clients at every stage of planning to ensure the look they are dreaming of is also viable. Designers consider planting zones, soil quality, irrigation and maintenance demands to create a beautiful setting that will thrive for a long time with proper care.

Meet ArtisTree

ArtisTree includes award-winning designers, experienced installation crews and service-driven account executives. The company is centered on integrity, honesty and quality. Clients can count on exceptional, personalized service and customized design.

Executive Leaders

	CEO, Joe Gonzalez 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.
	President, Frank Fistner 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.
	General Manager, Maintenance Division, Scott Acton Scott Acton manages ArtisTree’s maintenance teams. More than 11 years experience in horticulture and personnel management prepares Scott for his role in ensuring lawns and landscapes are kept beautiful and healthy year round.
	General Manager Landscape Division, John Lay, CLP With more than 11 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.
	Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Sara Roberts Kentucky native Sara Roberts had a diverse career in merchandising, property management, small business development, advertising sales and communications. Sara provides expert marketing and public relations leadership for ArtisTree.
	Fleet Purchasing Manager, Paul Hurlock 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.
	Irrigation and Lighting Manager, Mike Casper 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.”
	Operations Manager, Landscape Division, Shawn Gulbrandsen, CA, CLP For over eleven years, Shawn has worked in the Florida landscaping and tree care industry. Shawn is a Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture and 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..
	Nursery Manager, Maria Muhlhahn, FCHP 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. Maria is an avid skydiver and boater on the weekends. Florida Certified Horticultural Professional throug PLANET.
	Production Manager, Brett Melton For many years Brett worked for a large home improvement retailer and then with other local landscape and irrigation companies. His passions for a perfect finished product and satisfied customers make him thrive at Artistree. He also enjoys weight lifting and softball in his free time.

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, COLP 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.
	Christopher T. Koontz For over 20 years Chris has been involved in the residential landscape industry. His extensive design and installation background will provide you with a landscape that is not only beautiful but functional. Chris will translate your ideas into reality.

	Horticultural Advisor, Deborah Ross, FCHP Debbie Ross is the new horiticultural advisor for ArtisTree. For over seven years, Debbie has been in the green industry sharing her knowledge throughout the company and the community with educational presentations and training.
Account Executives ArtisTree Account Executives provide genuine and responsive service as project liaisons. They ensure each client receives personal and caring service whether it is for landscape design or continued maintenance. AEs are important to the success of every landscape project.
	Bill Gipp Licensed horticulturalist Bill Gipp is the newest account executive to join the ArtisTree family. He has more than two decades experience working in the landscaping industry in Sarasota. With Bill on your side, you will have an engaging and enjoyable landscaping experience.
	Tim White Account Executive Tim White is a rare Florida native and has 9 years experience. Tim has hands on experience working as a golf course superintendent for many years. Tim strives to develop professional relationships with his clients and provides honest and dependable service.
	Terry Lipman Account Executive Terry Lipman is an agronomist who specializes in plant protection and pest management. His education and experience allows Terry to detect problems when they are minor and trouble shoot appropriately. Customers' needs are Terry’s top priority.
	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 certfied through the University of Florida in Best Management Practices, he provides exceptional personal service for ArtisTree's clients.