MEET OUR TEAM

Mark’s background in design and construction began in 1988 when he worked with a Lake Forest architect dedicated to the historic estates of the North Shore. Recognizing his passion for residential construction, he later founded a design & build company that focused on the North Shore, Chicago condominiums, and summer homes of Michigan and Indiana. Mark was introduced to JMR when he was working on his own patio project in 2019. Appreciating that the company’s refined customer service and professionalism aligned with his interest in enhancing outdoor living through construction, he began working for JMR in 2020 and has never looked back.

We are grateful to have had Rafael on the JMR team since 2015. After being a construction foreman for many years, he is now using his expertise to oversee the crews. His reliable work ethic and his attention to detail have led to hundreds of successful projects over the years.

Jose has been in the industry for over 30 years and joined JMR in 2022. With his vast experience as laborer, foreman, and supervisor for both maintenance and construction crews, Jose is well-suited to his position as Production Manager of the maintenance department. He enjoys interacting with crews and clients on a regular basis. In his free time, Jose likes watching sports, caring for his horse and dog, and being with his family and friends.

Tim has a passion for creating and overseeing landscape projects and has over 22 years of experience in the industry. Tim’s expertise lies in landscape design, project management and sales, and has led him to numerous accolades and award-winning projects over the years. Tim has worked on diverse residential, commercial, and public spaces, including three palatial landscapes. His discerning eye for design and his ability to pair natural elements with architectural aesthetics result in breathtaking and functional outdoor spaces. When not working, Tim likes to explore nature trails, cultivate his garden, and embrace his holistic approach to life.

Francisco has been with JMR since 2016. In that time, he has set himself apart as a great leader and teacher to the team he works with. Francisco has been in the landscape industry for nearly 20 years. His dedication and his attention to detail is second to none.

Seth loves the detailed aspects of his work and, since graduating from Iowa State University in 2006, he has continually honed those skills in the landscapes he designs across the North Shore and Midwest. As a registered Landscape Architect and LEED AP, Seth is fascinated by all aspects of the design process. He is interested in the collaborative effect of projects while working both internally and externally with designers, engineers and architects. A self-proclaimed “foodie”, Seth is excited to try new foods whenever possible. He also enjoys pulling inspiration from any outdoor space and traveling with his family.

Brian joined the JMR team in early 2023 to assist with landscape construction project management. In 2024 he transitioned to his current role in Business Development. Brian has been involved with the landscape industry since the mid-1990’s. He began his career designing landscapes of both estate-residential properties and corporate/ commercial sites throughout the Midwest. Brian then transitioned to a role in landscape management during that time he became a key member of several leadership teams over the years. Brian appreciates the project lifecycle from concept to design to construction to ongoing management. He understands that no project is the same, details matter, and a happy client is our best advocate! Brian holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a licensed Landscape Architect in Illinois. He also currently serves on the Vernon Hills Planning & Zoning Commission. Brian is married with 3 boys. He enjoys supporting the Wisconsin Badgers, an occasional round of golf, and traveling to new and exciting destinations.

Ken joined JMR in 2022 with over 15 years of experience working closely with the founders of dozens of privately held companies to help them take their businesses to the “next level.” Ken prides himself on focusing on customers, employees, and the business, and believes that the financial side will follow suit. Ken has a BS degree in Finance from the IU Kelly School of Business and an MBA from DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. He spent 20 years as a commercial banking executive prior to starting his own fractional CFO/COO practice. Ken and his wife Cheryl are Libertyville residents but will soon be pursuing their dream to live on the water at nearby Diamond Lake. `

Taylor has been in the landscape industry for 18 years. His past experience consists of working in the greenhouse, working on — and later leading — a crew in enhancements, and being a woody buyer. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys spending time with his wife and small children, brewing beer, and playing hockey.

Carrie brings over 25 years of horticulture industry experience to the JMR team. After graduating from The Ohio State University, she spent several years in residential landscaping, then moved to nursery production where she found a real desire to streamline processes and create improvements. Having spent over 10 years of her career on the commercial landscape side of seasonal color, she has a passion for annuals in the landscape and playing with fun color combinations. Here at JMR, she oversees designs, purchasing, operations, and client relations for seasonal color. Outside of work, Carrie spends time with family and friends, practices yoga, and enjoys the outdoors. Carrie is currently serving on the Women’s Networking Group for Illinois Landscape Contractors Association along with Landscape Connector Committee for AmericanHort.

Dina has been with JMR since 2015 and oversees the Human Resources department, primarily employee administration, payroll, and benefits. When not working, Dina enjoys Book Club, doing crossword puzzles, group exercise classes and watching the Cubs.

Ben joined JMR in 2024 to help lighten the load of our project managers. Prior to this position, he honed his carpentry skills while working for a local deck builder. A former football player at Miami of Ohio, Ben’s competitive and structured nature will likely help him keep everyone accountable, on time and on task while assisting with construction projects. When not working, Ben likes to spend his time hunting and fishing, caring for his vegetable garden, and spending time with his young son.

With over 18 years of experience in the industry, Joel joined JMR early in 2024. A licensed landscape architect, Joel enjoys a challenge and the process of figuring out logistics and detailed planning. Most of the work throughout his extensive career has been spent managing large landscape projects on Chicago’s North Shore and in surrounding states. Joel has managed the installation of multiple ILCA and ASLA award-winning projects, and we are sure there are more to come! Joel enjoys his time off with his wife and two kids and working in his vegetable garden.

Shannon Mitchell is a licensed landscape architect who has spent his entire career in the design industry. His portfolio includes a wide range of project types, including healthcare and educational facilities, entertainment, residential and commercial sites, recreational parks, and memorial sites. Shannon joined JMR in 2022 after spending much of the last decade overseas, designing landscapes and managing Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan crews in the installation and maintenance of his designs. Outside of work, Shannon’s primary focus is on his wife, Annie, and having her join him in the U.S. from Dubai.

JMR was proud to have Dennis join the team in 2023. Fondly referred to as “Murph” or “The Professor” by some colleagues, he has worked an astounding 53 years in the industry since receiving his Bachelor Degree in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University. Throughout the years, he has focused on residential, commercial, institutional and sports facilities. He finds great satisfaction in developing and designing a project, then carrying out the detail and the construction drawings, while often reminding himself that “the devil is in the details.” When not working, Dennis can be found watching all types of sporting events and has spent time coaching youth sports teams.

Juan has been working in landscaping for 24 years. He loves his job and appreciates the work ethic of everyone at JMR, and it is reflected in each of his projects. Year after year, the change of seasons and the blooming and color of the foliage continue to inspire him. In his spare time, Juan likes to take walks with his family.

After working 30 years as a Project Manager in the residential custom home industry, Eric joined JMR in early 2024. A graduate of University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Bachelor Degree in Construction Management, Eric has a keen eye for detail and appreciates the importance of overseeing projects from conceptual design to completion. He is married and a father of four (to two sets of twins!) In his spare time, Eric enjoys working on home improvement projects, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and spending time at his family cabin in northern Wisconsin.

Nicole was led to landscape design when realizing project site analysis was her favorite aspect of pursuing her Bachelor of Architecture degree at Miami University in Ohio. She prefers the traditional methods of design but appreciates the impact of using modern technologies and 3D software to help clients visualize and understand the process. Her favorite type of design is formal, and likes to use gardens throughout London as inspiration. Nicole enjoys and appreciates the change of seasons, going to farmers’ markets and cooking on weekends.

Since founding JMR Landscaping in 2011, Joey has transformed his business from neighborhood lawn care to a full-service, boutique landscaping company. His passion lies in the design and installation of landscape construction and hardscapes, and he loves working on a project from inception to completion. Joey’s vision and his tenacity, along with his ability to respect clients’ wishes, enable him to continually create and transform properties with the help of his valuable colleagues. When others are able to lure Joey away from his work, he likes to snowmobile, golf, fish, and travel.

Kim has been with JMR Landscaping since its inception. Expertly overseeing and handling multiple aspects of the business, she is primarily responsible for customer invoicing. When not in the office, Kim enjoys pickleball, jigsaw puzzles and spending quality time with family and friends.

Sue has been part of the JMR team since 2018. With a focus on marketing and customer relations, she is a key figure around the office. Sue likes to spend her time outside of work playing tennis, walking her dogs and rooting on the Green Bay Packers with her family.

After spending most of his career in corporate finance, Scott joined JMR in 2019. His financial and analytical expertise assists departments with budgeting, sales reporting, scheduling, and various other aspects of administration. Scott never shies away from resolving issues or finding ways to improve processes while building team cohesion. For fun, Scott plays tennis, golf, and pickleball. He also enjoys fantasy football, fantasy baseball, and playing card games with friends and family.

Blake came to JMR with 13 years of professional experience in the automotive industry. He was drawn to anything with a motor at a young age, and that passion has fostered skills in fabrication, mechanical work, wiring, parts procurement, and more. Outside of work, Blake enjoys riding his motorcycle or snowmobile, fishing and sport shooting, jogs with his dog, time in the gym, and relaxing with family and friends.

Noel joined JMR at the start of 2024, although she has been in the landscape industry since 2017. She spent time in the native restoration field before later transferring to an account management position. Noel continues to stay on top of things in the industry by participating in the Women’s Networking Group and the Young Professionals Committee, which she has taken part in for several years. Noel loves that her job allows her to appreciate the outdoors while working. In her personal time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her soon-to-be husband and dogs.

Mary Kate joined the administrative team in 2024. She is valuable in a multitude of areas around the office, but her responsibilities primarily include customer contracts and administering our maintenance software. Outside of JMR, Mary Kate enjoys spending time with her family, being with her dogs, and cooking.

Isabel came on board with JMR in 2022. With a background in advertising and marketing, one of her strengths has always been in nurturing client relations. That quality, in addition to her astute gardening ability, makes Isabel an ideal fit for her position. In her role of Account Manager, Isabel prides herself on conducting thoughtful collaborations with the clients to best anticipate their needs, as well as assisting them to better protect and enhance the value of their property. Outside of JMR, Isabel likes to cook, garden, take walks with her dog, and travel with family.

Paul joined JMR in 2024 after managing maintenance/enhancement of fine residential properties and gardens along Chicago’s northshore since the mid-1990’s. An alumnus of UW-Madison with a BS in Agriculture, Paul has held previous management positions in materials procurement and landscape maintenance. He is proud to mentor others, establish new account relationships, and work with the production team to deliver exceptional service and quality to our clients. When not working, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, practicing yoga, and playing an occasional round of golf.