Executive

Administration/Operations

Property Maintenance Division

Design/Build Division

Snow Services Division

Mike Hoffman, President

Mike has always possessed a passion for landscaping and superior service. His vision for excellence inspires a corporate culture that values a positive attitude, teamwork and dedication. Through his efforts, the company has grown to provide complete property maintenance services, plus provide the many disciplines required for design/build projects - including a national award-winning landscape architecture department, specialists in heavy excavation, talented stone masons, and much more.

The strength of his vision has endured the test of time as Hoffman Landscapes has marked its 25th year, a significant achievement in the landscaping industry. Hoffman Landscapes now serves three counties: Fairfield, Litchfield and Westchester.

All Hoffman staff members—approaching 100 year-round employees—are hired for their specialized expertise and are supported in their professional development. As a result, Hoffman Landscapes enjoys exceedingly low turnover, while providing the finest level of service and commitment to our customers.

Mike attended Clemson University where he studied civil engineering and finance. He has been a Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) since 2000, having demonstrated expert knowledge in all phases of horticulture and landscape management. Mike appeared as the Fine Living Network's landscape expert for two seasons of their home improvement show Simplify Your Life. Mike is a member of PLANET (the Professional Landcare Network), as well as an active supporter of local community projects.

Tom Creta, CFO

Tom’s expertise in financial management, combined with his leadership talents and organizational skills, have played a central role in the rapid growth of the company. Tom joined Hoffman in 1998, and immediately began to apply his business management expertise to drive rapid growth.

His professionalism is evident in all he does. As a company partner, his ultimate goal is to match Hoffman’s dedication to excellence in landscape design and maintenance to a similar level of competence for internal operations.

A highly motivated problem solver, Tom coordinates the corporate office staff and all outside supporting agencies. He is also responsible for long range planning.

Tom started his career at Ernst and Young, then went on to work as the Tax Manager and Tax Director for two more companies before joining Hoffman. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Quinnipiac University. He has also completed advanced Master’s degree courses in taxation at the University of New Haven. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening at his Fairfield home.

Administration/Operations

MaryAnn Baccash, Office Manager

Always bright, personable and ready to help, Mary Ann plays a key role to coordinate a rapid response to customers’ requests. Because she has been with Hoffman since 2005, she has an excellent understanding of the diverse operations of our Design/Build, Property Management and Snow Services departments. A highly motivated and an experienced problem-solver, Mary Ann has over 30 years of office management experience. She studied business at Sacred Heart University. A lifelong resident of the Nutmeg state, she has generously given her time to many community boards and associations.

Rob Odom, Supervisor, Fleet and Facilities

Responsible for the smooth and reliable operation of our fleet of more than 50 commercial vehicles ranging from large excavators to small engine equipment, Rob has steadily moved up through Hoffman Landscapes since joining the company in 2000. Rob began as a crew foreman and was soon promoted to supervisor. He has spent time working for both the Maintenance and Design Build departments, prior to moving into his role supporting the entire company as Supervisor of Fleet and Facilities.

Rob graduated from Alfred State College with a degree in Landscape Management. He recently was certified by Fisher for V-Plow procedure and repair.

Property Maintenance Division

David Schrang, General Manager, Property Maintenance

With more than 30 years of tree and turf experience, David oversees the entire division in his role of General Manager of Property Maintenance. David takes a hands-on approach to management, mentoring supervisors to develop management skills that encourage their crews to do the best job possible. He is involved and stays current with the needs of each property, and is available to discuss any client concern.

He is a CT licensed Ornamental and Turf Supervisor and is on the board of the Housatonic River Commission. Having been with Hoffman Landscapes since 1997, David has unparalleled knowledge about the specific maintenance needs of Connecticut properties from establishing lawns, disease prevention and treatment, pruning and transplanting. David graduated from SUNY/Alfred in 1979 with an associate’s degree in Horticulture.

Scott Fawcett, Branch Manager, Property Maintenance

Scott joined Hoffman in 2002, bringing with him over 20 years of landscaping and property management experience. As the former owner of his own lawn care maintenance and design/build company in Greenwich, Scott offers outstanding customer service and attention to detail.

As a Branch Manager, Scott oversees the production of all property maintenance crews operating across lower Fairfield County and Westchester. He’s a primary point of contact for customers to discuss any questions they may have, the impact of changing or developing landscape conditions, or additional Hoffman services they may need.

Scott is a CT Licensed Arborist and Licensed Ornamental and Turf Supervisor. He is also a SIMA Certified Snow Removal Professional.

Jonathan Trottier, Branch Manager, Property Maintenance

Jonathan (Jay) is a dedicated professional who has steadily advanced his career in landscaping, both through his academic credentials and growing management experience. Jay came up through the management ranks at Hoffman, first as a Project Manager with responsibility to always meet or exceed customer expectations.

As a Branch Manager, Jay now oversees the production of all property maintenance crews operating across several cities and towns. He’s a primary point of contact for customers to discuss any questions they may have, the impact of changing or developing landscape conditions, or additional Hoffman services they may need.

Jay is a PLANET Certified Landscape Technician (CLT), and is a NOFA certified Organic Land Care Professional. He holds a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Auburn University in Alabama.

Nicholas Johnson, Project Director, Property Maintenance

A seasoned professional in every phase of landscape project design and management, Nick brings 19 plus years of experience to his position as Project Director. For the past 12 years, his career concentrated on designing and managing installations for both private estates and public properties in various Connecticut communities. Nick is responsive to customers’ questions throughout the development process. He thinks creatively to help keep projects moving smoothly on time and on budget.
 
He holds a Bachelors Degree from the State University of New York, Cobleskill, where he specialized in landscape design, construction & ornamental horticulture. He has completed the Connecticut Pesticide Supervisory license program.

Charles Sadler, Project Director, Property Maintenance

With an eye for landscape beauty and a background in both design and maintenance, Charles has the right combination of talents to assure Hoffman customers receive the highest quality property care. His love of the outdoors comes through as part of his multi-faceted experiences, from being a bonsai instructor to his studies at the Chicago Botanic Garden. He brings a hands-on approach to project management with a desire to enhance each property.
 
Notably, he is a winner of National Society of Illustration award as well as a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts for Illustration and an Associates Degree in Graphic Design from Rochester Institute of Technology. Currently, Charles is a candidate for a Masters of Landscape Architecture from the State University of New York.

Bill San Giacomo, Supervisor, Property Maintenance

Bill began as an assistant gardener at a local farm and then spent ten years with a lawn care company. When he joined Hoffman Landscapes in 2001 as a Design/Build foreman, he brought a comprehensive knowledge of maintenance and construction with him. Bill currently serves as Property Maintenance Supervisor.

He continues his landscaping education at Rutgers University and the University of Connecticut.

Peter Lawrenia, Supervisor, Property Maintenance

A love of landscaping and the outdoors goes all the way back to Pete’s childhood. He began his career while in high school with tree removal and ornamental tree pruning. From there he broadened his landscaping experience working on drainage and septic system installations.

He joined Hoffman in 2007 as a crew leader and has been recognized with a PLANET award for his work. In 2008, he was promoted to Property Maintenance Supervisor

Pete has an Associate’s degree in Landscapes Architecture from Keystone College.

Joe Bamburger, Supervisor, Property Maintenance

Joe has more than 15 years of experience in the landscaping industry. His superior skills to oversee and train crews are top notch and so, too, is his ability to provide exceptional customer service.

As a Hoffman property maintenance supervisor, all of Joe’s skills come into play, managing and training crew members, organizing workloads and meeting with customers to assure the highest level of satisfaction. Joe is also OSHA certified, and maintains a CT pesticide certification.

Jason Springer, Irrigation Technician

Jason is responsible for overseeing all of Hoffman Landscapes installation and maintenance of new and existing water management systems.

Jason holds a CT J3 Irrigation License.

Joseph Tully, Field Supervisor

With 30 years of business experience in landscape care and machinery operation, Joe has both the management ability and customer relations skills to assure our crews provide the highest quality property maintenance. He started his career in the ‘70s working  for Springdale Florist where he learned every aspect of plant care through direct hands-on experience. This position also allowed him to develop his skills talking with customers and solving their needs for healthy, beautiful landscapes. The experience served him well when he started his own property maintenance business in 1989, including installation of trees, shrubs, stonework and irrigation systems.

Joe is also expert with sophisticated machine tools. He spent several years building prototypes to precise quality control standards. What’s more, he’s qualified to operate earth moving equipment. Easily approachable, Joe keeps daily property maintenance operations running smoothly. He graduated J.M. Wright Technical Trade School, post graduate program.

Bill Csaszar, Field Supervisor

Bill has an expansive resume in the green industry. In the early ‘80s, he started and rapidly grew his own property maintenance business in the Chicago area. It serviced a select group of property owners who required highly detailed and expert residential landscape care. When he moved back to the Northeast to re-establish his roots in this region, he was promptly hired to establish the new wholesale nursery operation for a regional chain. It was the company’s third store. His ability to execute the store layout from scratch, provide proper plant care, and meet customers’ needs helped make it a successful start-up in just three years.

Most recently, Bill was a senior project manager in the construction industry where he worked with clients, architects and design/build teams. His attention to detail, plus his ability to build responsive support teams allowed his groups to deliver projects of consistent quality.  Bill holds an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Ornamental Horticulture from SUNY, Farmingdale campus.

Walter Guedes , Supervisor, Plant Health Care

Dedicated to controlling invasives, parasites and insects that attack plant and human life, Walter is our application specialist for Integrated Pest Management (IPM). He carries out spray programs to protect shrubs and turf grasses, plus handles spray work for deer and tick control. He hold a Custom Grounds supervisory license in both Connecticut and New York state. Over the years, he has taken additional courses in landscape care. He attended college in Brazil, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Married and a father of two, Walter enjoys hiking and outdoor sports in his spare time.

Joseph Maisano, Supervisor, Turf Care

With more than 30 years of experience in the landscape industry, Joseph conducts regular assessments of fertilization programs at our customers’ properties. Based on prevailing conditions, exposures to sun and shade as well as the different needs of individual plantings, he develops custom care programs. During implementation, he supervises the crew to assure the correct application. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts with an Associate’s degree in Horticulture and Golf Course Management, Joseph also studied at the University of Connecticut. He’s completed professional courses in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association in Arboriculture. He holds licenses as both an Arborist, and as an Ornamental and Turf Supervisor. During his time off from the green industry which he loves, he enjoys golfing and boating.

Design/Build Division

Brian S. Cossari, ASLA, Landscape Architect and Design/Build Sales Manager

For more than 10 years, Brian has been serving Hoffman clients and leading our Landscape Architect Department. Brian creates stunning design solutions that set properties apart, are in harmony with existing structures, and solve environmental challenges that might be present. His expansive talents as a designer and problem solver have been recognized with both local and national awards. In addition to his design activities, he oversees Hoffman’s Design/Build sales team.

Brian is a licensed Landscape Architect in New York and Connecticut. He is also an Executive Committee member of the Connecticut Chapter of Landscape Architects. Brian earned a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts.

Matthew Biron, Landscape Designer

When it comes to creating lighting for a dramatic night setting, Matt excels. He’s a natural for this design specialty, as he’s always been interested in everything digital related to landscape architecture.

To gain first-hand knowledge and experience of the technical side of lighting systems, Matt worked with Hoffman’s licensed electrician. Setting up and installing lighting systems has given Matt superior knowledge of all that’s possible, combining security, energy savings and landscape beauty.

Matt is also proficient with the latest computer design software, including AutoCAD and Photoshop. His skills with digital photography add yet another creative dimension to Matt’s unique eye for site planning and design.

Matt received a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Marc Schwartz, Landscape Designer

With 25 years of experience working throughout Connecticut as well as Westchester County, Marc is a top-level landscape and swimming pool designer. Prior to joining Hoffman, he was a principal in a landscape architectural design firm focused on swimming pool environments, master planning, site development and project management.  Marc is a graduate of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a Master of Landscape Architecture Degree. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Massachusetts.

Erin Gramlich, Landscape Designer

With an eye for outdoor beauty and a lifelong commitment to the landscape architecture field, Erin joined Hoffman’s Design/Build Department as a Landscape Designer. Her duties span the entire process, from conceptualization and drafting, to managing the permitting process, to final master plan. Erin finds the creative process enormously satisfying, taking pride in watching an installation reach completion and knowing the customer is ultimately pleased with the work.

Prior to joining Hoffman, she was a Landscape Designer in Fairfield for three years. She also spent ten years working at a local garden center affording her excellent knowledge of planting selection to achieve desired, lasting effects. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Rhode Island, and enjoys reading, traveling and gardening.

Kevin Begnal, Operations Manager, Design & Build

Kevin brings 12 years of industry experience to Hoffman Landscapes, including overseeing construction on several award-winning projects. He possesses a strong background in installation and masonry. Kevin holds a degree in English and Psychology from Hobart William Smith College, and has taken professional development classes at Colorado State University and the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA.

Rey Alejandrino, Design/Build Estimator

Working closely with our Architectural Design group as well as our in-house landscape construction crews and suppliers, Rey carefully reviews landscape design plans to establish time lines and cost budgets. Rey is thoroughly qualified for this specialized skill, having two decades of experience in the engineering and construction industries. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Angeles University in the Philippines, Rey ventured out and worked in Saudi Arabia for seven years. Starting as a project supervisor, a few years later he was promoted to contracts supervisor overseeing multiple projects. He also spent another ten years as an estimator in the commercial roofing industry before joining our firm. Rey is a member of the Filipino American Association of Engineers (FAAE) based in the Tri-state area.

Snow Services Division

Sandy Rice, General Manager, Snow Services

During his 30-year career in the snow removal and landscape industries, Sandy’s management skills have provided him with the opportunity to serve many Fortune 500 companies and commercial property owners throughout the Northeast. He keenly understands the importance of rapid response to keep facilities and properties functioning under even the most difficult weather conditions.

As the general manager of Hoffman’s Snow Services, he is responsible for the coordination of 32 trucks and 23 medium and heavy duty snow removal machines. His resources include 55 equipment operators plus 120 laborers who are ready to move into action when the snow flies – day or night. His role is to assure each customer’s roadways, parking areas and walkways are accessible and safe during the harsh winter season. To stay abreast with fast-changing weather conditions as well as current with individual customer situations, his team stays in touch the latest mobile/web technologies. When the snow starts, Sandy’s team is fully prepared and ready to run. Sandy has a BS degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Delaware Valley College and is a member of the Board of Directors of Horizons in South Windham, CT.