About
Our Team
From landscape architects and designers to horticulturalists and installation experts, we have the most experienced and versatile team in the industry.
Every member of The Great Oaks Landscape staff brings a unique skillset to our team: providing a diverse wealth of knowledge and expertise that allows us to tackle any challenge and provide innovative solutions for every project.
Landscape Division
Maintenance Division
Administrative
Gary Roberts
Founder/President
Gary developed his passion for “The Art of Landscape” with a degree in Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University. He founded Great Oaks Landscape in 1981 and created a fully integrated landscape company dedicated to providing complete design, installation, nursery and maintenance services. He has made it his life’s work building a solid company that provides the most spectacular outdoor spaces imaginable, with superior service given to every client.
Dave Doane
President of Maintenance
Dave is an Arborist with a strong background in plant, annuals, and all horticultural services. He specializes in Landscape Maintenance and Horticultural Services. Dave has 35 years of experience with some of the most prestigious companies in Southeast Michigan and he brought to Great Oaks the integrity, knowledge and drive required to build the company into an industry leader for horticultural services and snow removal.
Steve Ahejew, RLA, ASLA
Director, Design Dept.
Steve started his career with Great Oaks Landscape in 2006 as a graduate of Michigan State University. Steve is a registered landscape architect. He adds a unique and complimentary style to the design department. Steve is the in-house AutoCAD expert and is knowledgeable in many of the cutting-edge 3D modeling and rendering techniques. Steve’s work ethic, leadership ability and innovative approach to landscape architecture help him thrive in his position as Director.
Geoff Fornari, FAPLD
Director of Design/Sales
Geoffrey graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Geoffrey is a Certified Professional Landscape Designer through APLD. Before joining Great Oaks in 2012, Geoffrey spent the previous 15 years as the lead Landscape Designer for two high-end residential landscape design/build companies in Massachusetts. His design capabilities and construction experience have allowed him to design several award-winning residential landscapes, including awards for “Best Residential Back Yard”, “Most Unique Retaining Wall”, and “Best Residential Back/Side Yard”.
Richard Tuttle, RLA, ASLA
V.P. Commercial Sales
Rick is a graduate of Michigan State University and a Registered Landscape Architect. He brings over 30 years of landscape contracting experience to our firm. Rick was previously employed with the city of Detroit, as well as with other prominent landscape firms. Rick is responsible for the development, bidding and administration of Great Oaks’ commercial accounts.
Jason Armbruster
Design/Sales
Graduated From Michigan State University in 1999. Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Landscape Design. Owned his own landscape company for over 15 years as well as several reputable companies prior to starting my own.
Margo Maule, GD
Design/Sales & Network Administrator
Patrick McCauley
Senior Designer
Dwight Paslean
Commercial Bid Estimator
Darrin Thomas
Senior Project Manager
Bob Porter, CGIP
Project Manager
Juan Lopez
Project Manager
Dan Frank
Nursery Manager
Dan brings over 25 years of experience in the landscape and horticulture industry to Great Oaks Landscape. He graduated from Ferris State University in 1992 with Degrees in Ornamental Horticulture and Marketing. After several years working with and for Growers, Distributors, and Landscape Contractors, Dan joined Great Oaks in 2016. His large network, relationships, and understanding of Nursery growers, vendors, and suppliers helps ensures Great Oaks of having superior, premium plants at best prices possible.
Ken Parkinson
Vice President Maintenance
Ken is Great Oaks Senior Account Executive and has 27 years experience in Landscape & Snow Removal Services.
“My objective is to provide high quality landscape and snow removal services that fall within our clients budget.”
Kevin Ashlin, ISA MI-4174A
Certified Staff Arborist
Emily Banks
Account Manager
Pat Mooney
Senior Project Manager
Josh Delay
Project Manager
Ryan O'Neil
Project Manager
Chris Craigie
Project Manager
Anthony Mancinelli
Fleet Manager
William Peterson
Chief Financial Officer
Danny Roberts
Vice President
Julie Lindsey
Human Resources Manager
Doreen Szliter