The Experts
Our Team
These are the people who make A Touch of Green a trusted name in the industry.
With years of experience in landscape design, gardening, construction, and customer service, we’re well-prepared to handle every aspect of your project. At A Touch of Green, you can trust that you’re in capable hands every step of the way.
Design Team Transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional landscapes
Jim Lahey
Owner and Designer
Jim has been a leader in the landscape industry for over 40 years. His extensive knowledge and expertise are one of a kind. With a vast range of experience designing landscapes, lighting, hardscapes, and outdoor living environments, Jim's educated insight and vision for formulating original and unique designs are a constant source of inspiration for our team. His passion for his work and design has been proven, and he has been recognized with many awards throughout the Chicagoland area.
Jamilee Lahey
Landscape Designer
Jamilee grew up immersed in the family business, gaining hands-on experience from a young age. She continued to work there throughout high school and college, developing a deep understanding and passion for the industry. She graduated from Purdue University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture. She has experience working on high-end residential projects and various commercial jobs in South Florida and the Chicago suburbs. Her industry involvement has shaped her into a well-rounded designer who brings a fresh outlook to the design process. Jamilee's passion for creating a positive experience for her clients and her original designs make her unique and a joy to work with.
Greg Stevens
Landscape Architect
Greg is a registered landscape architect with over 30 years of experience in landscape architecture and land planning. Holding a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a Master of Urban Engineering from Purdue University, Greg has designed a wide variety of outdoor environments. Whether creating a high-end residential oasis or designing a master-planned community, Greg's vision, guided by customer wishes, elevates natural beauty with purpose and sustainability, creating spaces for planning, relaxing, and living. His reputation and leadership skills make A Touch of Green a leader in the industry.
Gerry Piehl
Landscape Designer
Gerry grew up in small-town Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University in the late 90s. He has been working in the Western Suburbs for over 25 years, specializing in building custom structures with a keen eye on construction details. His strong artistic background helps him express his landscape visions to homeowners and his team. His attention to detail shows his passion for creating landscape designs unique to each client.
Tony Petrovich
Project Manager/ Assistant Designer
Tony has a unique background and extensive experience in the landscape industry. He began his career over 20 years ago as a heavy equipment driver for a landscape design-build firm. Quickly becoming a key player, he learned the industry rapidly, bringing in work and advancing his skills. As Tony moved up, he gained valuable knowledge of the design process and landscape production from his peers. He eventually started and ran his own freelance company, designing and installing residential landscape and hardscape projects. Now, Tony is an integral part of our team as an assistant and project manager for our designers. He is involved in nearly every project's design and installation phases, ensuring quality and control throughout construction.
Administrative Team Ensuring smooth operations and exceptional client service
Sheryl Ott
Office Manager & CEO’s Assistant
With over 30 years at A Touch of Green, Sheryl has played a vital role in the company's development and growth. Her dedication and hard work have significantly contributed to the company's success over the decades. Sheryl's exceptional multitasking skills make her an invaluable asset and a cherished friend to all.
Stephanie Schade
Assistant Office Manager
Stephanie has been part of A Touch of Green's administrative staff since 2019 and is actively transitioning into the office manager role. With over 20 years of experience in various management positions within the landscape industry, her knowledge and expertise are invaluable. Stephanie's friendly personality, positive attitude, and extensive knowledge create a positive work environment in the office and ensure an excellent customer experience.
Val Villaseñor
Administrative Assistant
Val brings several years of experience in customer service and administration to A Touch of Green with past roles as a cashier and receptionist. She honed her administrative skills working at car dealerships for major brands. These experiences helped Val build strong communication skills and understand customer needs. She is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a family-owned business and values the strong relationships she has built with her team members.
Garden Center Team Ready to help you with all your gardening needs and advice
Steve Rydecki
Garden Center Manager
With over 30 years of experience in the landscape industry, Steve has served as the Garden Center Manager at A Touch of Green since 1996. His unmatched expertise in plant materials sets him apart as an invaluable resource.
Kathy Neakarse
Assistant Garden Center Manager
Since 2007, Kathy has been the Assistant Garden Center Manager at A Touch of Green. Known for her friendly and knowledgeable personality, Kathy brings creativity and enthusiasm to her role, constantly brainstorming ways to enhance the customer experience and create a welcoming shopping environment in the Garden Center.
Tom Siberz
Garden Center Sales Manager
Tom has served as the Garden Center Sales Manager since 2002. With his ever-smiling face and perpetually positive attitude, Tom is renowned for his helpfulness. He ensures that customers feel informed and ready to install their purchases.
Roberto Calderon
Head Yard Foreman
Antonio Torres
Assistant Yard Foreman & Head Installation Foreman
Joyce Cora
Customer Service & Sales
Pete Calabrese
Customer Service & Sales
Paty Granito
Customer Assistant & Cashier
Susan Moerman
Head Cashier
Construction Foremen Bringing your outdoor visions to life with precision and expertise
Antonio Garcia
Project Manager
Antonio has been with A Touch of Green since 2002. He initially served as a landscape foreman, showcasing exceptional leadership skills. Over time, he transitioned into the role of Project Manager for the construction crews. Known for his extensive knowledge and gentle demeanor, Antonio is a favorite among customers and a delight to collaborate with.
Reuben Aguilera
Hardscape Foreman
Since 1989, Reuben has been a valued foreman at A Touch of Green. With his kind manners and wealth of experience, he has become our go-to guy for troubleshooting problems.
Alvaro “Al” Garcia
Hardscape Foreman
Al has been a paver crew foreman for A Touch of Green since 1995. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, he has become a customer favorite. With numerous award-winning projects, including outdoor kitchens, pool decks, and grill islands, Al and his crew are recognized as one of the best in the industry.
Roberto Gaytan
Hardscape Foreman
Since 1994, Roberto has been a paver crew foreman at A Touch of Green. Renowned for his skill in laying pavers, Roberto has become our go-to outdoor living installation expert. From grill islands and bars to pergolas, fire pits, water features, and night lighting, Roberto and his crew are invaluable assets to A Touch of Green.
Efrain Aguilera
Paver & Landscape Foreman
Efrain brings over 25 years of experience creating and installing hardscapes. His meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship are matched only by his unwavering dedication and strong work ethic. Whether it's paver patios, driveways, fire and water features, or grill islands, Efrain is your go-to person for all outdoor living needs. His professionalism shines through in every project, complemented by his courteous and thoughtful demeanor.
Miguel Aguilera
Landscape Foreman
With over 20 years of experience, Miguel excels at creating award-winning gardens and landscapes, showcasing his mastery in landscape construction. Whether it's intimate garden landscapes or large residential projects, Miguel's expertise spans all types of landscape construction.
Salvador Lemus
Landscape Foreman
Since 2010, Salvador has consistently excelled in installing stunning designs for both residential and commercial projects. His professionalism as a landscape foreman at A Touch of Green is evident in every project he takes on.
Christian Cano
Landscape Foreman
Christian brings over 10 years of experience in the field as a foreman. With a meticulous eye for landscape installation, he handles projects ranging from small garden areas to larger residential landscapes with finesse. Christian seamlessly collaborates with his crew and the paver crews.
