When you need advice on how to achieve ultimate curb appeal through landscaping and lawn care, this guide has all the info to help you feel confident in your next project.  

The Homeowner's Guide to Landscaping & Lawn Care

NOVATO — One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make with landscape construction is cutting costs with quality. While this may save money in the short term, it often ends up costing more later when things need to be repaired or rebuilt. One area where this often occurs is materials. For example, when building a retaining wall, some homeowners opt for hollow concrete blocks to save money. However, since they aren’t solid concrete, these blocks often lack the weight to ensure structural stability. Most homeowners don’t realize that hollow concrete blocks aren’t intended for building structures higher than three feet tall, so when their five-foot retaining wall fails after a couple of years, it can be a rude awakening. Read more

<h1>Aaron Sampson: In Through the Outdoors</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
NOVATO — Aaron Sampson gained equal experience in construction and landscaping, but it wasn’t until he merged the two spheres that he hit his professional stride. “I got into the construction trades right out of high school,” he recounts. “I worked for a residential building contractor that also did landscaping, so I got an equal amount of experience in both aspects. Eventually, I decided that I preferred working outdoors and began pursuing a career in landscape construction. I earned my C-27 license, which enables me to handle general landscaping as well as exterior building projects like patios, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens.”
Today, as owner of Sampson’s Landscaping, Inc., Aaron says his favorite part of his job is seeing the start-to-finish transformation each project undergoes. “A lot of our jobs start as a big blob of dirt. To me, this is like a blank canvas; we’re the artists and it’s our job to paint a picture that the customer wants to see. It’s very rewarding to be able to create something beautiful from nothing.”
A resident of Novato (where he lives with his wife, Caitlin, and their two children), Aaron spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I’m an avid golfer, and I also coach Little League and girls’ softball. When it comes to family time, we enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking and camping.”
In his life and career, Aaron espouses the virtue of giving one’s all. “I believe in living life to the fullest and putting my best effort toward whatever I’m doing,” he affirms. “Whether I’m at work or at play, I always try to give 100 percent. I think that leads to more satisfaction and increases the chances for great outcomes.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? 
A: An early bird.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Catch up on projects around the house.
Q: Who’s your favorite professional golfer? 
A: Phil Mickelson.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: Sports memorabilia.
Q: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? 
A: A new set of golf clubs from my wife.

Aaron Sampson: In Through the Outdoors By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter NOVATO — Aaron Sampson gained equal experience in construction and landscaping, but it wasn’t until he merged the two spheres that he hit his professional stride. “I got into the construction trades right out of high school,” he recounts. “I worked for a residential building contractor that also did landscaping, so I got an equal amount of experience in both aspects. Eventually, I decided that I preferred working outdoors and began pursuing a career in landscape construction. I earned my C-27 license, which enables me to handle general landscaping as well as exterior building projects like patios, retaining walls, Read more

Aaron Sampson is CEO of Sampson’s Landscaping, Inc., a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (415) 582-4375 or by email.

Aaron Sampson: In Through the Outdoors

CAMPBELL — Like any plant, trees require nutrients to grow and flourish. While trees typically derive nutrients from the soil, under certain circumstances they may not be able to get adequate nutrition, which can put them in a state of stress. This can occur when trees are situated near lawns or in areas of dense vegetation, where competition for water, nutrients and minerals is intensified. In cases of extreme nutrient deficiency, a good remedial measure is deep root fertilization. Deep root fertilization utilizes hydraulic injection to deliver nutrients directly into the soil at the tree’s root level. The nutrients are conveyed in the form of a liquefied solution, which makes it easier for the roots to absorb them. Read more

<h1>Simon Tunnicliffe: Outdoor Ambition</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
CAMPBELL — As a young man, Simon Tunnicliffe thought he might enjoy working in an office setting, but he soon realized he preferred an outdoor workspace. “When I was a teenager, the real estate market was really booming in my home country of England, so I thought about pursuing a career in the industry,” he recounts. “I enrolled in a work experience program, where I spent one day a week working in a real estate office. It didn’t take long for me to realize I didn’t like spending my days indoors, so I began looking for a career that would allow me to be outside. Tree service seemed like an obvious choice—I mean, what other job lets you climb trees and use heavy equipment, all while conserving nature?”
After earning his arborist certification, Simon began working locally in the tree service industry, but soon after he took his professional passion abroad, working by turns in Germany, France, California and Australia. Eventually, Simon settled on Northern California for his permanent residence, and in 2005, he founded West Valley Arborists, Inc. “The Bay Area seemed like an ideal place for me to start my own business,” he says. “Besides having perfect weather for working outside, the west coast has one of the world’s largest tree service industries.”
A resident of San Jose (where he lives with his fiancée, Sommer), Simon spends his time outside of work engaged in a variety of active pursuits. “Sommer and I are very active people, so we do a lot of fitness training, hiking, biking and kayaking,” he says. “We also like supporting independent local establishments like wine bars and restaurants.” When the opportunity arises, Simon and Sommer like to get away from it all by taking weekend trips to nearby destinations like Santa Cruz and Lake Tahoe.
In regard to his professional career, Simon likens running a business to a continuous balancing act. “I think you have to be a pretty well-rounded individual to be a successful business owner,” he says. “From overhead costs to managing employees to dealing with customers, there are a lot of aspects to juggle, so you have to maintain a balance. I think it’s also important to have a positive attitude, stay focused and not let the small things get to you.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Simon says he’d celebrate. “I’d throw a big retirement party, just to express my appreciation to my employees and all the people who have supported me throughout my journey. After that, I’d probably do some traveling. I have family in New Zealand, so that might be a good place to start.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Opa! Authentic Greek Cuisine in Campbell.
Q: Did you play any sports in high school? 
A: I played rugby and cricket.
Q: What’s your earliest memory? 
A: When I was five years old, my family lived in Spain, and I remember taking rides to the beach on our Vespa scooter. My parents would put my sister in between them while I crouched on the floor near the front—it was about as packed as you could get!
Q: What kinds of movies do you like? 
A: I’m a big fan of the James Bond movies.
Q: Who’s the best James Bond? 
A: That’s a tough one. I love Sean Connery, but I’m also a fan of Daniel Craig.

Owner

Simon Tunnicliffe: Outdoor Ambition By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter CAMPBELL — As a young man, Simon Tunnicliffe thought he might enjoy working in an office setting, but he soon realized he preferred an outdoor workspace. “When I was a teenager, the real estate market was really booming in my home country of England, so I thought about pursuing a career in the industry,” he recounts. “I enrolled in a work experience program, where I spent one day a week working in a real estate office. It didn’t take long for me to realize I didn’t like spending my days indoors, so I began looking for a career that would allow me to be outside. Read more

Simon Tunnicliffe is a 29-year veteran of the tree service industry and owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/west-valley-arborists-inc">West Valley Arborists, Inc.</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2010. He can be reached at (408) 827-8933 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/west-valley-arborists-inc">email</a>.

Simon Tunnicliffe: Outdoor Ambition

PINOLE — One of the most important steps of hiring a contractor is verifying their credentials, including proper licensing and insurance. If you’re hiring for a paver project, one important credential to look for is certification with the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI). This certification provides added assurance that the contractor is well-versed in the processes and standards of quality paver installation. An ICPI Certified paver contractor’s detailed knowledge of paver installation can go a long way toward ensuring a quality product. For example, they’ll know the correct excavation depth for the particular kind of paver feature they’re installing. Whereas seven inches is a typical excavation depth for a paver walkway, a paver driveway requires an excavation depth of nine to 10 inches to ensure a solid foundation. Read more

<h1>Carlos Barbosa: Paver Protégé</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
PINOLE — When asked about the origin of his career in the paver industry, Carlos Barbosa says it all started with a casual friendship. “Before I started working with pavers, I worked for my dad doing excavation and debris hauling. In 2009, I met Alberto Lisboa, who was installing pavers as a subcontractor on a jobsite I was on, and we became friends. A few years later, Alberto started his own paver business and told me I should come work for him—an opportunity I gladly accepted. He thought I’d be good at sales but felt I first needed to get an education in the industry. For the next three years, I worked alongside Alberto and he taught me everything I needed to know. Finally, after acquiring the requisite knowledge and experience, I moved into the sales department.”
Today, as sales manager of Brasmerica Pavers System Inc., Carlos says his favorite part of his job is seeing the end result of each project. “I enjoy every step of the process, from meeting with clients to helping them with designs. However, my favorite part is actually seeing the design come into being, because that’s when you know you’ve accomplished your goal.”
A resident of Pinole (where he lives with his wife, Sandra, and their two children), Carlos spends his free time on a variety of pastimes. “I enjoy watching sports, especially soccer, hanging out with friends and family, and traveling,” he details. “Due to the demands of work, I don’t go on a lot of long trips, but I do take two or three mini-vacations each year. I like going to Las Vegas, South Lake Tahoe and other destinations that are near enough to make a short visit worthwhile.”
In his life and career, Carlos espouses the value of a respectful attitude. “Respecting others is the most important thing to me,” he affirms. “In regard to my job, this means being respectful of my clients and their homes. When you go into someone’s home and work on their property, you have to respect their space. You also have to remember it’s their project, and they’re entitled to a good value for the money they’re paying you. I show each client respect by making sure they’re served well and receive a high-quality final product.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Carlos says he’d pay a visit to his home country. “I would take a trip to Brazil, which is where I’m from. I’d probably spend a month or so just visiting the family and friends I have there.”
Ask Me Anything! 
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Brasas Do Brazil in Concord.
Q: What was your first job?
A: When I was 11, I got a job cleaning floors and doing deliveries for a supermarket near my neighborhood.
Q: What are your favorite soccer teams?
A: FC Barcelona and the Brazilian national football team.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Dubai.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Christmas.

Sales Manager

A glimpse into the life and career of Carlos Barbosa, sales manager of Brasmerica Pavers System.

Carlos Barbosa is sales manager of Brasmerica Pavers System Inc., a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (707) 879-8949 or by email.

Carlos Barbosa: Paver Protégé

SAN JOSE — Porcelain tile has long been used for home interior design, but it has only recently been applied to the outdoors. Outdoor porcelain tile differs from its indoor counterparts with attributes like increased thickness (2 centimeters) and nonslip engineering for safety underfoot. This product is extremely durable and eye-catchingly beautiful. It can be finished to simulate different types of wood and natural stone, and manufacturers have even developed a screen printing technique that makes it look absolutely stunning in outdoor environments. Installation is a crucial consideration when it comes to outdoor porcelain tile. One option is to inlay the tiles on an existing concrete slab. Just make sure the slab is free of any major cracks—otherwise, Read more

<h1>Roger Van Alst: Paving a Road to Success</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN JOSE — After graduating from Stetson University with a marketing and business degree, Roger Van Alst began a career that would take him around the world and back again. “After a long time managing home improvement companies in both the United States and Australia, I decided it was time to have my own business and acquired Black Diamond Paver Stones &amp; Landscape in 2004,” he says. “When I was devising my business model, I pulled together the best techniques and ideas I’d encountered from my past experience while disposing of those I didn’t care for. A decade later, Black Diamond has grown from a small mom-and-pop operation to a multimillion-dollar company.”
When asked what drew him to hardscapes over other aspects of home improvement, Roger says it was the unique opportunity to improve people’s lives by enhancing their outdoor environments. “In California, we’re able to use our outdoor living spaces nine months out of the year, so they’re basically an extension of the home. I find that transforming customers’ outdoor environments often enriches their lifestyles, so the impact of our work really goes beyond the physical product.”
Originally from New Jersey, Roger settled in the Bay Area in 2000 following a five-year stint living in Australia. Today, as a resident of San Jose (where he lives with his wife, Tiffany, and son, Samuel), Roger says he appreciates the diversity of the local landscape. “I love being in a location that’s close to the mountains, ocean and city. It’s pretty marvelous that you can be waterskiing one afternoon and snow skiing the next. San Jose is also a neat place to be in business because of all the industry and technology.”
Outside of work, Roger engages in a variety of active pastimes, including skiing and boating. “During the winter, I moonlight as a ski instructor at Squaw Valley, which is something I’ve been doing since high school,” he says. “My family and I also like to go boating and waterskiing at the California Delta.” In addition to these outdoor pursuits, Roger likes collecting antique model trains and vintage cars.
In regard to his professional career, Roger espouses the centrality of customer satisfaction. “One of our mottos is, ‘Never leave a customer behind,’” he explains. “To us, customer satisfaction is no joke, and it’s never OK for a customer to be disappointed with our work, regardless of the circumstances. We’ll spend as much time, money and energy as necessary to make sure the client is happy by the project’s end.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Roger says he’d hit the slopes. “In addition to doing more skiing, I would do instructing on a full-time basis. I’d also like to start mentoring young entrepreneurs to help them succeed in their business endeavors.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Do you consider yourself a dog person or a cat person? 
A: A cat person.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Almaden Sushi in Almaden.
Q: What’s your favorite movie genre? 
A: Action/adventure.
Q: Who’s your favorite actor? 
A: Bruce Willis. My favorite film of his is “The Fifth Element.”
Q: Pancakes or waffles? 
A: Pancakes.

President

Roger Van Alst is president &amp; business development director of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/black-diamond-paver-stones-landscape-inc" target="_self">Black Diamond Paver Stones &amp; Landscape, Inc.</a>, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (877) 312-4128 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/black-diamond-paver-stones-landscape-inc" target="_self">email</a>.

Roger Van Alst: Paving a Road to Success

SANTA ROSA — If you’ve decided to go with pavers for your new driveway, walkway or patio, congratulations—you’ve made a great choice! However, while you may have made one big decision, you now have a lot more of them ahead of you. There are nearly countless style and color options for pavers, and it will take a lot of perusing and careful consideration before you find the perfect one for your home, landscape, and budget. To aid you in this process, we recommend sitting down with your paving stone contractor, who will utilize their knowledge to steer you in the right direction. In addition to style and color, another option you should look into when choosing pavers is permeability. Read more

<h1>Hayley Johnson: Paving a New Pathway</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Senior Writer</h6>
SANTA ROSA — Hayley Johnson used to do PR and marketing for a high-tech firm, but after she became a mother, she realized it was time to pave a new professional pathway. “In 2001, I had my first daughter and took some time off of work,” she recounts. “While I was off, I decided to help my dad with his paver business and found that I liked it a lot, from the hands-on creativity to the direct client involvement…not to mention getting to work outside. My marketing career involved long hours and travel, so I knew if I went back, I would have to put my daughter in daycare. Ultimately, I decided to join my father in the paver business. When he retired in 2003, I bought him out and took it over.” 
Today, as owner of The Legacy Paver Group, Hayley says her favorite part of her job is the endless creative possibilities. “Every project we do is a blank canvas—we’re not stuck to a single design, so there’s plenty of room for creativity, which makes it a lot of fun. I enjoy working with clients throughout their projects, translating their visions into custom designs and fine-tuning them as we go along.” 
A resident of Santa Rosa (where she lives with her husband and business partner, Sean, and their two daughters), Hayley expresses her appreciation for life in the North Bay. “Compared to other regions of the Bay Area, Marin and Sonoma have more scenic, rural beauty, with lots of farmland and vineyards. I’m originally from the United Kingdom, and some parts of this area remind me of being in Wales—except with much better weather!” 
Outside of work, Hayley spends her time on a variety of interests and pastimes. “I enjoy photography, reading, playing soccer and working out—basically, anything active or creative,” she says. “I also like hanging out by the pool with my family and hosting barbeques at our house.” Additionally, Hayley and her family like to travel as much as possible. “Besides visiting family in England, we like to see and experience new places. We’ve been to Africa, Cuba and all over Europe, so I would definitely say travel is our favorite activity.” 
In her life and career, Hayley espouses the importance of having goals. “I’m a very goal-oriented person,” she explains. “Whether with my business or in my personal life, I find that having a goal to work toward helps me stay motivated, focused and engaged. Having goals also gives you a basis for structure and organization, which leads to more positive outcomes, so I think it’s a big key to success in work and life.” 
When asked the first thing she’d do if she were to retire tomorrow, Hayley says she’d take her family on a trip. “Honestly, I don’t think about retirement—I enjoy running my business and could see myself doing it into my 70s and beyond. However, if I did retire, I would definitely do more traveling. Maybe I’d jump on a river cruise down the Danube. That would be a good way to kick things off.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What kinds of books do you like to read? 
A: I like everything from biographies and historical novels to chick lit. Basically, if something captures my interest, I’ll read it to death.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: South America. Brazil would be my first stop. I work with a lot of Brazilians and they’re a lot of fun. Plus, it’s a huge country, so I could spend a lot of time there.
Q: Do you consider yourself a dog person or a cat person? 
A: I have both, so I don’t really have a preference, but overall I’m probably more of a cat person…just don’t tell my dog.
Q: If someone was making a movie about your life, what actress would you choose to play yourself? 
A: No one—I’d have it be a documentary.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child? 
A: My bike.

Hayley Johnson: Paving a New Pathway By James Florence, Senior Writer SANTA ROSA — Hayley Johnson used to do PR and marketing for a high-tech firm, but after she became a mother, she realized it was time to pave a new professional pathway. “In 2001, I had my first daughter and took some time off of work,” she recounts. “While I was off, I decided to help my dad with his paver business and found that I liked it a lot, from the hands-on creativity to the direct client involvement…not to mention getting to work outside. My marketing career involved long hours and travel, so I knew if I went back, Read more

Hayley Johnson is a veteran of the paving stones industry and owner of The Legacy Paver Group, a Diamond Certified company since 2013. She can be reached at (415) 886-2903 or by email.

Hayley Johnson: Paving a New Pathway

LIVERMORE — The upkeep of trees on a property is an important yet often overlooked aspect of home maintenance. In addition to having their health periodically assessed by a professional, you should keep your trees well-trimmed via regular pruning and periodic canopy thinning. Thinning the canopy of a tree typically consists of removing elements like deadwood, cross branches and excess growth. In addition to improving a tree’s ventilation (allowing wind to pass through the tree more freely), thinning results in weight reduction, which lessens the strain on a tree’s trunk and roots. Furthermore, thinning a tree’s canopy increases sunlight exposure to its interior branches and your overall property. When it comes to trees growing near your home, Read more

<h1>Terry Powell: Early Entrepreneur </h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
LIVERMORE &mdash; While many children get their first taste of the vocational realm by performing yard work around their neighborhoods, for Terry Powell, it became a genuine entrepreneurial enterprise. “When I was about seven years old, I started doing chores around my neighborhood to earn money, from mowing lawns and pulling weeds to washing cars and cleaning garages,” he remembers. “Pretty soon, I started advertising my services by putting up flyers, and by the time I was in my early teens, I had about five guys working for me. Later, when I was in high school, I got into tree service. I loved it, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Since founding Terry’s Tree Service, Inc. in 1998, Terry has continued to find motivation in the thing that first attracted him to the trade: a love for trees. “I’ve always been an outdoor enthusiast, and I’m very passionate about nature. After all these years, I still get satisfaction from improving the health and beauty of my clients’ trees.”
Residing in Livermore with his wife, Diane, and three of their five children, Terry considers the Bay Area a perfect place to pursue his favorite outdoor activities. “We have a little bit of everything here as far as the landscape is concerned,” he says. “My family and I do a lot of fishing, hiking and camping, so it’s great to have areas like Lake Tahoe and Lake Del Valle so near to us.”
In addition to his professional career, Terry is a full-time family man—a vocation to which he devotes the majority of his free time. “With five kids, three of whom are still at home, life is very full,” he says. “Our family likes to stay active, both with outdoor pursuits and in-town activities like bowling. We also enjoy attending local events such as the Livermore Honey and Wine Festival. Basically, if there’s a crowd, we’re there.”
In regard to a personal philosophy, Terry espouses the importance of living intentionally. “I try to live my life one day at a time,” he affirms. “Life is an adventure, but it’s short, so it’s important to live it to the fullest. The best advice I could give someone is to not dwell on the past or worry about the future, but to just try to stay in the moment.”
When asked what his future retirement might look like, Terry says he’d kick things off by embracing a new hobby. “When I retire, I plan to start skydiving, which is something my wife won’t let me do until the kids are out of school. Another thing I’ve always wanted to do is get an RV and do some more traveling. In addition to seeing a lot of notable sights, it would give me a chance to visit some of my distant friends and family members whom I don’t get a chance to see often.”
<h8>Ask Me Anything!</h8>
Q: What’s your favorite kind of tree? 
A: Oak. I’ve always loved the twisted, freeform shapes of their branches. I especially like the Oak trees here in the Valley, some of which are 400 years old.
Q: Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction books? 
A: Nonfiction, because I mainly read books that pertain to my industry.
Q: If you could immediately master a musical instrument, what would you choose? 
A: The fiddle—Charlie Daniels is one of my favorite musicians.
Q: What’s your favorite smell? 
A: Mountain air.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: Antique glass bottles. I actually had one of the largest antique bottle collections in the Bay Area until the Loma Prieta earthquake wiped out most of them.

Terry Powell is a 39-year veteran of the tree service industry and owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/terrys-tree-service-inc" target="_self">Terry's Tree Service, Inc.</a>, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 820-8733 (TREE) or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/terrys-tree-service-inc" target="_self">email</a>.

Terry Powell: Early Entrepreneur 

CONCORD— One thing every concrete paver feature requires is a firm foundation beneath it. This includes not only elements like geotextile fabric and base rock, but soil that won’t shift or expand/contract over time. Unfortunately, much of the Bay Area has clay soil, which is exactly the type you don’t want beneath your paver installation. Soft and highly water-absorbent, clay soil expands in rainy weather and contracts in dry weather. Not surprisingly, this kind of soil volatility can compromise the stability of any paver feature. If you have clay soil on your property, your contractor will need to take additional steps to prepare for paver installation. First, they’ll need to remove all the clay soil from the installation area. Read more

<h1>Itamar M. Junior: Paving a Livelihood</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Senior Writer</h6>
After coming to the United States from his home country of Brazil, Itamar M. Junior immediately set to work paving a professional livelihood for himself. “I started out as a laborer for a large paving company, and from there I developed a passion for paver design and installation,” he recounts. “During the next several years, I did many projects and gained valuable experience in the trade. I also learned a lot about customer service. Eventually, I decided to take the knowledge and experience I’d accumulated and start an independent paver business, which I did with my partner, Candido Silva, in 2012.”
Today, as co-owner of Atlas Pavers Co., Itamar says his favorite part of his job is working with customers. “I like interacting with our clients and delivering exactly what they’re looking for. With each project, I take time to get to know the customer’s needs and expectations, which helps me ensure those expectations are met in the end.”
A resident of El Cerrito, Itamar spends most of his time outside of work with his family, consisting of his wife, Jenny, a 16-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter. “I like hanging out with family, whether we’re going to the movies or swimming and barbequing at home,” he details. “We also get involved in charity events with the Masons of California, of which I’m a member.” In addition to family time, Itamar enjoys practicing martial arts (“I’ve been doing jiu-jitsu my whole life.”) and reading motivational books.
In regard to a professional philosophy, Itamar espouses the importance of achieving a balance between work and life. “As a business owner, I have to devote most of my day to my work, but I also realize the importance of family time,” he explains. “Even after I get home in the afternoon, I often still have work to do—phone calls, scheduling and organizing for the following day. However, I’ve made it a rule that at 8pm, I have to stop what I’m doing and focus on my family. I find that setting aside that time helps me maintain a healthy balance in my life.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Itamar says he’d do some globetrotting. “I would take my family and go explore the world. My first trip would probably be to Italy. I’ve always wanted to see Venice and ride on the gondoliers. And, of course, the wine is always good.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite snack? 
A: Pretzels.
Q: Is there a book that has been particularly influential for you? 
A: “Chicken Soup for the Soul” by Jack Canfield.
Q: What’s your favorite kind of food? 
A: Brazilian.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday? 
A: Thanksgiving. It’s a good time to give thanks for everything we have and share some of that with those who are less fortunate.
Q: Pancakes or waffles? 
A: Waffles.

Co-owner

A glimpse into the life and career of Itamar M. Junior, co-owner of Atlas Pavers Co.

Itamar M. Junior is co-owner of Atlas Pavers Co., a Diamond Certified company since 2016. He can be reached at (650) 469-3960 or by email.

Itamar M. Junior: Paving a Livelihood

SAN ANSELMO — Sudden oak death has been a major problem in California for years, and it continues to concern property owners statewide. In some cases, however, what people perceive to be symptoms of this disease actually denote a much less alarming condition. One of the most obvious signs of sudden oak death is a black staining of the lower part of the tree trunk—a thick, sticky substance with a sweet odor, similar to wine. What few people realize is there’s another tree condition that exhibits similar symptoms: bacterial wetwood (also known as slime flux). Bacterial wetwood is basically a fermented, slimy bacterial liquid that oozes from a crack or wound on a tree’s exterior and leaves vertical streaks as it runs down the side of the trunk. Read more

<h1>James Cairnes: Climbing to the Top</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN ANSELMO — For James Cairnes, an adolescent injury became an unlikely catalyst for a lifelong career in an unfamiliar field. “I was in a motorcycle accident when I was 17 and ended up in the hospital,” he remembers. “The guy in the bed next to me was an arborist. I had no idea what an arborist was, so he told me all about it. I found it fascinating, and when I started college the following year, I enrolled in a three-year arboriculture program. It was sort of by chance, but it ended up significantly altering the course of my life.”
Today, as owner of World Tree Service, Inc., James says his favorite part of his job is going out on a limb for his customers. “I still like climbing, which is something I’ve enjoyed since I started. I also like looking after the long-term health of my customers’ trees and making sure they can exist in harmony with the surrounding wildlife and environment.”
James took a circuitous route to get to his current residence in Marin County—he lived in Norway, Ireland and England before he reached adulthood, and when he was 25 years old, he took a trip to the United States that eventually turned into a permanent residence. “After living in New York for seven years, I was ready to head back to England, but first I went on a cross-country motorcycle trip to California,” he explains. “Soon after I arrived, I met a woman named Natalie Carey, with whom I would later co-found World Tree Service.”
Outside of work, James spends his time engaged in a variety of active outdoor pastimes. “My main sport is motorcycle trials, which basically consists of riding through obstacle courses of logs and rocks without putting your feet down,” he says. “I also like mountain and road biking, as well as surfing.” In keeping with his love of tree climbing, James also volunteers as a climber for WildCare, a wildlife rehabilitation center in San Rafael. “We rescue baby birds that have fallen out of their nests, climb up the tree and reunite them with their parents. I actually met my girlfriend doing this, since she works for WildCare.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, James says he’d set out for his longest ride yet. “I would ride my motorcycle to South America. I’ve done a few trips to Central America, so I’ve sort of been building up to this bigger excursion. While I’m down there, I’d like to do some rainforest tree-climbing work, like setting up tree platforms for documentary film crews.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite kind of tree? 
A: I really like the California buckeye and the dawn redwood, which is unique in that it’s a deciduous conifer.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Read a book by the fire.
Q: What’s your favorite book? 
A: “Jupiter’s Travels” by Ted Simon, a British guy who traveled around the world on an old Triumph motorcycle. It was really influential in terms of my own motorcycle travels.
Q: Who’s the best James Bond? 
A: Sean Connery.
Q: What’s the most death-defying feat you’ve ever attempted? 
A: Bungee jumping at the Pipeline in New Zealand—a 335-foot jump!

James Cairnes: Climbing to the Top By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SAN ANSELMO — For James Cairnes, an adolescent injury became an unlikely catalyst for a lifelong career in an unfamiliar field. “I was in a motorcycle accident when I was 17 and ended up in the hospital,” he remembers. “The guy in the bed next to me was an arborist. I had no idea what an arborist was, so he told me all about it. I found it fascinating, and when I started college the following year, I enrolled in a three-year arboriculture program. It was sort of by chance, but it ended up significantly altering the course of my life.” Today, Read more

James Cairnes is a 26-year veteran of the tree service industry and owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/world-tree-service-inc">World Tree Service, Inc.</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2002. He can be reached at (415) 868-5904 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/world-tree-service-inc">email</a>.

James Cairnes: Climbing to the Top

WATSONVILLE — After four years of drought in California, forecasts of a wet winter mean relief may finally be in sight. While the ongoing lack of rain has taken a toll on the state’s landscape production and water supply, it’s had at least one positive side effect: by forcing us to adapt our irrigation and planting techniques, it’s given us a greater sense of responsibility when it comes to our water use. During the last four years, we’ve both improved the efficiency of our irrigation technology and implemented a more widespread usage of it. For example, many California residents are now installing water retention systems, which harvest water from home appliances like washing machines (as well as downspouts and trench drains) and reuse it for landscape irrigation. Read more

<h1>Jerry Allison: A Natural Development</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
WATSONVILLE — When Jerry Allison got his first proper landscaping job in 1974, he wasn’t new to the field; rather, it was something he’d long been acquainted with. “I’ve been doing landscaping work since I was a kid,” he remembers. “When I was 10 years old, I used to mow and edge my neighbors’ lawns, and I spent my high school years gardening to make extra money, so it was something that just came naturally to me.” Given his innate inclinations, it didn’t take long for Jerry to progress in the industry—after working at a plant nursery for two years, he got his contractor’s license and started his own landscaping business.
Today, as president of Jerry Allison Landscaping, Inc., Jerry says his favorite part of his job is bringing his clients’ projects from conception to completion. “I enjoy the process of taking something I’ve envisioned in my mind and making it a reality. That was always the most exciting aspect of the job for me, and it continues to be today.”
Having lived in a variety of locations during his childhood (mainly due to the itinerant nature of his father’s military career), when Jerry moved to Santa Cruz in 1974, he intended to stay put. Four decades later, he considers the city and its associated county an ideal environment for a landscaping professional to succeed. “There are a lot of amazing opportunities here in terms of landscaping projects, so it’s a great place to be doing what I do. Plus, this area has a lot of different soil types, which keeps things interesting and challenging.”
Outside of work, Jerry spends the bulk of his free time with his wife, Cecile, and their family. “My stepson, Scot, was the best man at our wedding, and today he works for my company as office manager and bookkeeper,” he says. “Cecile and I also have a daughter, Calla, and a grandson, Braden, who live in Southern California, so we visit them pretty regularly.” Jerry also makes it a point to stay physically active. “I swim two to three times a week and do a lot of biking with my wife. We recently agreed to do a triathlon with my daughter, so we’ve been doing a lot of swimming, running and biking in preparation.”
In his life and career, Jerry espouses the virtues of biting off more than you can chew. “Before I was a landscape contractor, I worked as a river guide,” he recounts. “When I started that job, I didn’t know what I was doing—in fact, during the first year, my coworkers called me the ‘rock magnet.’ But eventually, I learned the ropes and got really good at it. Ever since then, that’s pretty much how I’ve pursued everything: by jumping in, giving it my best effort and figuring things out as I go.”
When asked what his future retirement might look like, Jerry says he’ll have no trouble finding ways to stay busy. “I have a hard time not doing anything. For example, the first time I took time off after starting my business, Cecile and I went to Hawaii for what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. The guy who lived next door to our rental house was in the process of building a rock wall, and I ended up helping him work on it because it looked more fun than just sitting around at the beach.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Have you ever read a book more than once? 
A: “The Catcher in the Rye.” I first read it in high school, and I picked it up again recently and really enjoyed it.
Q: What’s your favorite tree? 
A: The Dawn Redwood. During a trip to New Zealand, I went to a park and found a Dawn Redwood that had been planted on the exact date that I was born, which, coincidentally, is International Arbor Day. It’s had a special place in my heart ever since.
Q: If you had a theme song, what would it be? 
A: “Gettin’ By” by Jerry Jeff Walker. When I was a river guide, I used to bring my guitar along and regale my passengers by singing songs, and that was kind of my theme.
Q: What’s the strangest food you’ve ever eaten? 
A: Chocolate-covered crickets.
Q: What’s your favorite newspaper comic strip? 
A: “Lio.”

Jerry Allison: A Natural Development By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter WATSONVILLE — When Jerry Allison got his first proper landscaping job in 1974, he wasn’t new to the field; rather, it was something he’d long been acquainted with. “I’ve been doing landscaping work since I was a kid,” he remembers. “When I was 10 years old, I used to mow and edge my neighbors’ lawns, and I spent my high school years gardening to make extra money, so it was something that just came naturally to me.” Given his innate inclinations, it didn’t take long for Jerry to progress in the industry—after working at a plant nursery for two years, Read more

Jerry Allison is a 42-year veteran of the landscaping industry and president of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/jerry-allison-landscaping-inc">Jerry Allison Landscaping, Inc.</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2013. He can be reached at (831) 275-0999 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/jerry-allison-landscaping-inc">email</a>.

Jerry Allison: A Natural Development

SANTA ROSA — The simplest way to prolong the lifespan of an asphalt driveway is to have it routinely sealcoated. Sealcoating is the process of applying a sealant that protects an asphalt surface from the elements. This sealant keeps rainwater from permeating the surface, prevents erosion from sun exposure, and protects against stains from oil and similar fluids. For optimal performance, an asphalt surface should be sealcoated every two to three years. While a homeowner can feasibly perform asphalt sealcoating independently, it’s better to leave this task to a professional paving company. First of all, sealcoating is difficult—not only is it time- and labor-intensive, it’s also extremely dirty work. Additionally, a paving company has access to professional-grade products that you can’t get at a regular hardware store. Read more

<h1>Jack Wahl: Heavy-Duty</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SANTA ROSA — Jack Wahl has always been in awe of heavy-duty vehicles, so when he saw an opportunity to operate them professionally, he jumped on board. “I’ve always had an interest in heavy equipment,” he affirms. “While working as a plumber, I had a chance to operate some trenching equipment and I really enjoyed it. Later, when I hired a paving company to install a driveway at my home, I again felt inspired watching the process and equipment used to perform the job. At that point, I decided to get a job in the paving industry, and I fell in love with it right away. From there, I figured the best thing to do was start my own company. Eight years later, here I am.”
Today, as owner of Jackson’s Paving &amp; Equipment Rentals, Inc., Jack says his favorite part of his job (other than riding around on large vehicles) is interacting with and satisfying his customers. “I like meeting new people and seeing them happy with my work. I’m very motivated to provide each customer with total satisfaction, so it means a lot when they’re smiling at the end of the job.”
A resident of Santa Rosa, Jack spends most of his time outside of work with his wife, Amy, and their son, Jackson. “We enjoy activities like picnicking, fishing and playing board games,” he details. “Jackson plays basketball, baseball and soccer, so Amy and I like to support him and attend his games. When we get a chance, we also enjoy traveling to places like Hawaii and Alaska.”
In regard to his professional career, Jack says he gains perspective by putting himself in the customer’s shoes. “My main thing is making sure our customers are really happy with what we’ve provided. I’ve had professionals work on my home in the past and I know how frustrating it is when you don’t get the results you were hoping for. I never want my clients to feel that way, which is why my daily goal is to do the best job I possibly can for them.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Stark’s Steak &amp; Seafood in Santa Rosa.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? 
A: Both—I get up early and go to bed late.
Q: What was your first job? 
A: I was a furniture delivery guy.
Q: What’s your favorite TV show? 
A: “The Blacklist.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: Back to Hawaii. It’s peaceful, the weather is great and the food is delicious.

A glimpse into the life and career of Jack Wahl, owner of Jackson's Paving & Equipment Rentals, Inc. in Santa Rosa.

Jack Wahl is owner of Jackson’s Paving &amp; Equipment Rentals, Inc., a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (707) 219-6303 or by email.

Jack Wahl: Heavy-Duty

CONCORD — Due to the recent drought, many California residents are opting to replace their lawns with more drought-tolerant alternatives like rock gardens and synthetic turf. However, some homeowners aren’t as enthusiastic about the prospect of giving up the soft, lush lawns to which they’ve grown accustomed. If this is the case for you, there’s good news: By following a few simple guidelines, you can install a lawn that consumes far less water than the average. 1. Get the lawn area as level as possible, maintaining a slope of no more than 2 percent to minimize water run-off. 2. Before installing your turf, make sure the soil is properly prepared. Add compost and till the soil to a minimum depth of four to six inches. Read more

<h1>Paul Singh: A Natural Move</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
CONCORD — Paul Singh was raised in the landscaping industry, so it was only natural for him to combine his experiential background with his entrepreneurial drive. “My father was a landscape contractor, so I got involved with the field at a fairly young age,” he recounts. “Growing up, my goal was always to own a business one day, and since I already had knowledge and experience with landscaping, I decided it would be a good way to go. After studying business in college, I worked with my dad for a few more years before getting my contractor’s license and starting my own business.”
Today, as owner of Natural Landscaping Contractors, Paul says he enjoys staying on the cutting edge of his field. “This is the type of industry where things are constantly changing and you’re constantly learning, so I’m always in sort of a growth mode. I feel like I could keep going in this business forever and never get bored.”
Originally from India, Paul came to the United States at the age of 17. “It was tough coming here from India,” he remembers. “I feel like I lost a few years just trying to learn a new culture, but I think I got them back once I adjusted to life here.” Today, as a resident of Concord (where he lives with his wife, Baljit, and their three children), Paul considers the Bay Area a perfect place to be a landscape professional. “Besides the great weather, people here are willing to spend money on their homes and landscapes, so there’s a very good market for what I do.”
In addition to working outdoors, Paul likes spending his free time there as well. “My family and I love outdoor activities like hiking, boating and skiing, depending on the time of year,” he affirms. “We also like to travel, but since we’re a young, growing family, we haven’t been able to do as much of that as we’d like. I think it will happen more as life progresses.”
In his life and career, Paul espouses the importance of taking a thorough approach. “When addressing an issue, whether it’s with your family or a customer, it’s important to be thorough and not just take the easy route,” he explains. “Rather than putting a bandage on it, you need to uncover the real issues and deal with them, as well as be proactive about dealing with them in the future. I think that’s a crucial part of doing well in both life and business.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Paul says he’d get involved in charity work. “My wife and I have hopes of one day going back to India and doing charity work, particularly with the youth. I’ve always considered the teenage years as a critical formative time that can determine the course of one’s adult life. That’s why I’d love to help out in some way, whether by doing job training or counseling at-risk youth. I think that would be a really good use of my retirement years.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Our kitchen at home—my wife cooks really good food.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday? 
A: Any holiday that gives me an extra day off with my family.
Q: What’s your earliest memory? 
A: Learning to walk. I can remember my family helping and encouraging me as I took my first steps. It’s pretty amazing that I can remember that far back, considering I can barely remember what I did yesterday!
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: Vinyl records. I have a whole bunch of them, ranging in genre from electronic music to classic rock.
Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future? 
A: Probably the past, just to relive some of my chaotic, carefree youth.

Paul Singh: A Natural Move By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter CONCORD — Paul Singh was raised in the landscaping industry, so it was only natural for him to combine his experiential background with his entrepreneurial drive. “My father was a landscape contractor, so I got involved with the field at a fairly young age,” he recounts. “Growing up, my goal was always to own a business one day, and since I already had knowledge and experience with landscaping, I decided it would be a good way to go. After studying business in college, I worked with my dad for a few more years before getting my contractor’s license and starting my own business.” Today, Read more

Paul Singh is a lifetime veteran of the landscaping industry and owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/natural-landscaping-contractors">Natural Landscaping Contractors</a>, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 201-6127 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/natural-landscaping-contractors">email</a>.

Paul Singh: A Natural Move

SAN JOSE — When choosing an artificial turf product, most people focus on the look and feel, but another important aspect that often gets overlooked is what’s below the turf: the base. Unlike a natural lawn, an artificial turf lawn requires a strong base underneath to provide support. The base also needs to be permeable in order to facilitate proper drainage. It’s recommended for most artificial turf installations to have a base that’s at least three inches thick. In addition to a basic rock infill, there are several specialty options available for the base of your artificial lawn, including: AirDrain This cellular drainage grid creates a 1-inch separation between the artificial grass and the substrate below. Read more

<h1>Troy Scott: A Heavenly Opportunity</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN JOSE — When Troy Scott started working at Heavenly Greens as a sale rep in 2006, he never thought he’d eventually own the company. “I was drawn to this company by a fascination with the artificial turf industry,” he remembers. “Not only was it an innovative, growing industry, I had a feeling that water conservation would continue to be a trend, which it has. I started handling marketing for the company, and I eventually got promoted to vice president of marketing. In 2017, Tim Netherton, who was vice president of sales, and I acquired the company from the original owner.” 
Today, Troy says his favorite part of his job is applying cutting-edge technology to Heavenly Greens’ operations. “I enjoy creating systems that make our company run more efficiently. We’re pretty unique in the sense that we deploy a lot of enterprise-level software that a business like ours wouldn’t normally use.” A resident of San Jose (where he lives with his wife, Cathy, and their dogs, Roxy and Moose), Troy spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I enjoy outdoor activities like riding dirt bikes and camping,” he details. “I also have a Formula 1 racing simulator, which is a lot of fun. You can join an internet league and race people from all over the world.” Troy also enjoys running his side business ventures, one of which is a digital marketing agency that’s geared toward artificial turf companies.
In regard to a professional philosophy, Troy espouses the value of maintaining a family dynamic. “We’re a family-owned business, and we strive to treat all of our employees like family,” he explains. “We have regular gatherings and events for them, including an annual awards banquet where we recognize team members for their work and achievements. We also make sure our employees are taken care of, even during lean times, like this past year with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is for everyone to feel like a valued member of the Heavenly Greens family.”
When asked about the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Troy says he’d go camping. “I’d probably plan an extended camping trip with some of my close friends. After that, I’d get back to work on one of my side businesses. I’m not the kind of person who likes to sit still for too long—I like keeping busy and innovating.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? A: I’m a night owl by nature, but I’ve had to become an early bird by necessity.
Q: What’s your favorite book? A: “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? A: New Zealand.
Q: Music or talk radio? A: Music.
Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future? 
A: I would go to the past, maybe the old American West, just to enjoy the slower pace of life.

Troy Scott is owner of Heavenly Greens, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (408) 372-7973 or by email.

Troy Scott: A Heavenly Opportunity

WALNUT CREEK — Due to the rainy weather, one of the biggest concerns during the winter is proper drainage. To prevent water and/or structural damage to your home, you should inspect two key areas before the season begins: Gutters The single most important measure you can take before winter is to make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and functional. You should also check the drainage basins around your property (if there are any). A good way to test your downspouts and other drainage components is to insert a garden hose and make sure the water flows out as it should; if it doesn’t, there’s a clog somewhere. Crawl space Drainage is critical in the crawl space beneath your home, Read more

<h1>Vic Cvijanovic: Landscape of Opportunity</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
WALNUT CREEK — Originally from the former Yugoslavia, Vic Cvijanovic brought his family to the United States because he was lured by the prospect of a better life. He found the “Land of Opportunity” to be true to its namesake, but it was ultimately his own work ethic and determination that earned him the prosperity he sought. “After coming here with my wife and two children, I needed a way to support my family, so I took a job doing landscaping,” he recounts. “As time went on, I found I didn’t agree with the way the company did things—particularly their low standard of quality. To carve my own professional niche, I started doing small jobs on the side, and eventually I was able to start my own business.”
Today, as owner of Pacific Landscaping, Vic says he continues to appreciate the same attributes that initially attracted him to the landscaping field. “When I first started in this industry, I really liked the creativity involved, and I still have a passion for it today. I find it very fulfilling to work with my customers and help them achieve their dreams and expectations for their landscapes.”
As a resident of Walnut Creek (where he lives with his wife, Tinka), Vic expresses his appreciation for life in the Bay Area. “If there is paradise on this Earth, this is the closest thing to it,” he says. “The weather is wonderful, the people are great and there are almost unlimited opportunities to make something of your life.”
Outside of work, Vic engages in a variety of pastimes, from skiing at Lake Tahoe to vising family in Europe. He also enjoys spending time with his immediate family, particularly since he recently became a grandfather. “My kids are both grown up, but we still do lots of family activities together,” he affirms. “My wife and I now have a beautiful baby granddaughter, so that’s been a real joy for us.” Vic also likes reading, attending church and working on his business. “I’m very passionate about my work, so I invest a lot of time into developing my company.”
In his life and career, Vic espouses the importance of doing what you love, as well as the value of self-sovereignty. “I work hard, sometimes 14 or more hours a day, but at the same time, I also enjoy life,” he says. “After all, this is something I choose to do. Since I create my own schedule, I’m able to run my business and live my life how I want to. It’s a good feeling to have that kind of control over things.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Vic says he would continue to stay involved with his profession. “I don’t think much about retirement because I enjoy what I do. Even if I sold my company, I would still want to do something in the field of landscaping, like consulting or design.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite book? 
A: “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. I think few authors were able to penetrate the human soul like Dostoyevsky.
Q: Coffee or tea? 
A: Coffee.
Q: What’s your favorite season? 
A: Fall—it reminds me of my childhood and the beginning of the school year. Plus, I like the smell of the air, the changing weather and the rain.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? 
A: An early bird. I love to wake up early and get a lot accomplished.
Q: What’s your favorite snack? 
A: Little mortadella and salami sandwiches—I used to eat them a lot as a child.

Vic Cvijanovic: Landscape of Opportunity By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter WALNUT CREEK — Originally from the former Yugoslavia, Vic Cvijanovic brought his family to the United States because he was lured by the prospect of a better life. He found the “Land of Opportunity” to be true to its namesake, but it was ultimately his own work ethic and determination that earned him the prosperity he sought. “After coming here with my wife and two children, I needed a way to support my family, so I took a job doing landscaping,” he recounts. “As time went on, I found I didn’t agree with the way the company did things—particularly their low standard of quality. Read more

Vic Cvijanovic is a 32-year veteran of the landscaping industry and owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/pacific-landscaping">Pacific Landscaping</a>, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 526-5983 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/pacific-landscaping">email</a>.

Vic Cvijanovic: Landscape of Opportunity

SAN JOSE — Do you have a large back or front yard that you’d like to get more use out of? Good news: There are plenty of options for you to do just that. Here are three ways to enhance your outdoor living space. &nbsp; Synthetic grass Everyone likes a nice lawn, but not everyone enjoys the upkeep and expenses that come with it. That’s why synthetic grass can be a worthwhile addition to your outdoor living area. Synthetic grass provides the same aesthetics of natural grass without any of the disadvantages like watering, mowing or gophers. Today’s synthetic products are also durable, environmentally friendly, and safe for kids and pets. Read more

<h1>Rick Telly: An Interlocking Opportunity</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN JOSE — In the wake of the 2008 recession, Rick Telly found a job opportunity that, while technically outside of his expertise, nevertheless interlocked with his prior professional experience. “I started in the construction industry in 2001, when my brother-in-law got me an entry-level position as a prepping detailer,” he remembers. “I’ve always been handy and enjoyed building, so it was a good fit. I would go into the newly built homes and handle finishing details like drywall touch-ups and lighting—whatever was needed to get them ready for turnover. Following that, I worked as a backend quality assurance superintendent for a new home developer.
“In 2009, after the housing market crashed, I found myself unemployed,” he continues. “I came across a job listing for a project manager to oversee paver installations. I didn’t know a lot about pavers, but I applied anyway and got the job. Once I started, I took an avid interest in the work. I was fascinated by the different elements and how we were able to totally transform a property. Over time, I branched out into related areas like lighting, artificial turf and outdoor kitchens. I continued to grow my knowledge, as well as my network of professional contacts.”
In 2020, Rick started his own hardscaping business: Unique Pavers. Today, he says his favorite part of his job is interacting with clients. “I enjoy getting to know people from all different walks of life. Our company is small, so we’re able to develop a close relationship with each customer and tailor the project to their individual needs and wants. The way we see it, each of our customers is unique, so their paver installations should be as well.”
A lifelong resident of San Jose (where he lives with his husband, Mike), Rick spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “For fun, Mike and I like camping, fishing, traveling and going to concerts. We love to see the world and experience new places, foods, and cultures.” Rick and Mike also like spending time with their dogs (two chihuahuas and two French bulldogs) and renovating their home.
Regarding a professional philosophy, Rick espouses the value of doing things right the first time. “I don’t like to waste time and money redoing things,” he affirms. “That’s just something I learned over the years, from seeing things my parents went through to gaining experience on jobsites. I saw that when you take shortcuts to save money, you end up spending more in the long run. I don’t want to repeat those mistakes, so I always try to do things correctly the first time, and that has helped me gain a positive reputation in the industry.”
When asked what he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Rick says he’d see more of the world. “I would continue to broaden my horizons and explore new places. It wasn’t until after I got married that I first traveled out of the country, and ever since, I’ve been addicted to it. There’s still a lot more of the world I haven’t seen, so I look forward to traveling more in the future.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: Rome. I’m fascinated by the ancient history and culture there.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Golden Buddha in San Jose.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Watch a movie.
Q: How do you like your coffee? 
A: Black—no cream, no sugar.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: I collect souvenir bottle openers from different places that I’ve visited.

Rick Telly: An Interlocking Opportunity By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SAN JOSE — In the wake of the 2008 recession, Rick Telly found a job opportunity that, while technically outside of his expertise, nevertheless interlocked with his prior professional experience. “I started in the construction industry in 2001, when my brother-in-law got me an entry-level position as a prepping detailer,” he remembers. “I’ve always been handy and enjoyed building, so it was a good fit. I would go into the newly built homes and handle finishing details like drywall touch-ups and lighting—whatever was needed to get them ready for turnover. Following that, I worked as a backend quality assurance superintendent for a new home developer. Read more

Rick Telly is CEO of Unique Pavers, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (650) 686-5509 or by email.

Rick Telly: An Interlocking Opportunity

In the wake of the recent North Bay fires, a professional landscape designer offers some hopeful insights on the landscape's imminent recovery.

<h1>Linda Gottuso-Guay: A Natural Gift</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SANTA ROSA — When asked how she got into landscaping, Linda Gottuso-Guay credits both an innate ability and an uncommon opportunity. “I really believe part of it is genetic,” she says. “I come from a family of farmers on my mother’s side, and my father was a great artist and musician, so I was gifted with a passion for both nature and art. Later, when I met my husband, James, he recognized the natural talent I had. He was a structural engineer, and after we got married, we decided to put our talents together and form a landscaping business. Between his knowledge of construction and my artistic eye, we make a great team. We’ve been working together for more than 40 years, and now our daughter and her husband have joined us in the business, so it has become a real family affair.”
Today, as vice president of Manzanita Landscape Construction, Inc., Linda says she enjoys the process of arranging plants to both practical and artistic effect. “With the sheer diversity of plants available, knowing how to arrange them is crucial. I enjoy taking all the different elements and making them work together to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.”
When she’s not remodeling landscapes, Linda can often be found working on her own home and property in Santa Rosa. “Over the years, James and I have made a lot of custom touches to our home,” she says. “I’m always redoing the interior or the landscape—that’s the designer in me, I can’t help it.” Linda also enjoys cooking at home and spending time with friends and family. “Many of our past clients have become good friends, so if we go out to dinner or host a party, it’s usually with them. We feel very blessed to have these long-term relationships.”
When asked what she’d do if she were to retire tomorrow, Linda says she’d divide her efforts between travel and philanthropy. “My husband and I have an RV, and we would love to take it out for a month at a time and tour the country. Assuming I had the money, I would also like to be involved in philanthropy. I love animals—I used to raise therapy dogs—and I would definitely be interested in supporting a cause like ending animal abuse.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite kind of food? 
A: I’m Italian, so Italian food, of course.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: Plants. I’m a plantaholic.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday? 
A: It’s a tie between Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Q: What was your favorite Halloween costume as a child? 
A: A cat.
Q: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? 
A: There are a few. One is the snow skis my parents bought for me when I was a child. They didn’t have a lot of money, so that was very special. As an adult, I’d have to say the best gift was my children. I’ll also include the love notes my husband has written me over the years—I’ve kept them all.

Vice President

Linda Gottuso-Guay: A Natural Gift By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SANTA ROSA — When asked how she got into landscaping, Linda Gottuso-Guay credits both an innate ability and an uncommon opportunity. “I really believe part of it is genetic,” she says. “I come from a family of farmers on my mother’s side, and my father was a great artist and musician, so I was gifted with a passion for both nature and art. Later, when I met my husband, James, he recognized the natural talent I had. He was a structural engineer, and after we got married, we decided to put our talents together and form a landscaping business. Read more

Linda Gottuso-Guay is vice president of Manzanita Landscape Construction, Inc., a Diamond Certified company since 2004. She can be reached at (707) 602-7947 or by email.

Linda Gottuso-Guay: A Natural Gift

SANTA ROSA — One of the most important aspects of a paver installation is its design. Pavers come in myriad styles, colors and textures, which makes any project a blank canvas with an endless range of artistic possibilities. However, even if you come up with a great design for your paver project, if it doesn’t reflect the aesthetic attributes of your home and property, it may end up looking out of place. That’s why you need to consider the big picture when creating your paver design. The first step is to make sure your paver design complements your home’s architectural style. After, if you install a modern-looking driveway at your Victorian-style home, the result could be aesthetically dissonant. Read more

<h1>Stan Jonah: Not the Retiring Kind</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Senior Writer</h6>
SANTA ROSA &mdash; Stan Jonah has retired at least three times over the last 20 years, but in each instance, he simply wasn’t able to make it stick. “I’ve found that I’m not the retiring kind,” he laughs. “The first time I attempted it, I had just sold my marketing company, which I ran for many years. About six months later, I received a call from a former client who owned a concrete paver business. Things weren’t going well for his company, so he asked if I could come in and help him with marketing. I got involved and saw very quickly that marketing pavers was unlike marketing anything else, mainly because most people were unfamiliar with them. So, I devised a new marketing approach for the company, which subsequently turned things around and became very successful.” 
His work complete, Stan again attempted retirement, but a growing sense of unrest spurred him back into the workforce, where he rejoined his friend’s paver business. Eventually, after working for a couple more paver companies and at least one more failed attempt at retirement, Stan’s professional path led him to The Legacy Paver Group, where he works today as sales manager. 
After two decades spent marketing pavers, Stan says he still enjoys the competitive nature of his job. “Generally speaking, consumers get three bids before choosing a paver company, so I’m always competing. My job is to find out what the customer knows, learn who they’ve talked to and plan a marketing strategy accordingly. It’s sort of like a game—always challenging and fun.” 
A resident of Kenwood, Stan expresses a fond nostalgia for the North Bay Area setting. “I was born and raised in San Francisco, and my family used to come up to Sonoma County often in the summers. It has changed a lot since I was a kid, but it’s still beautiful and holds a lot of good memories for me, so I’m very happy to be living here.” 
Outside of work, Stan spends his time on a variety of pastimes. “I like to stay active by playing golf and racquetball,” he says. “Other than that, most of my time is spent with my animals. I have about 50 birds, from little finches to giant parrots, as well as a lot of tropical fish. I’ve had pet birds and fish since I was a teenager, so it’s something I’ve enjoyed all my life. A couple of my parrots even talk, which never ceases to fascinate me.” 
In his life and career, Stan espouses the importance of keeping a positive attitude. “Avoid negativity at all costs,” he advises. “I’ve always been a positive person, which is really important when you’re in sales because you get rejected all the time. You have to learn how to deal with it, understand it, turn it around and find the positive. For example, rather than getting depressed about being rejected, you can make it a learning experience and see how you could do better in the future.” 
When asked whether he’ll reattempt retirement in the future, Stan says it’s unlikely. “I need to be active, to keep my brain working. I’ve been in sales since I was 12 years old, so at this point it’s part of my life. I love it—if I didn’t have it, I’d probably just deteriorate.” 
<h8>Ask Me Anything!</h8> 
Q: If you could live in the city or the country, which would you choose? 
A: The country.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? 
A: I don’t usually eat breakfast, but if I had to, I’d have Eggs Benedict.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: I love Chinese food, so a couple of my favorites are Kirin and Great China, both of which are in Santa Rosa.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: I’ve traveled all over, but my favorite place in the world is Yosemite. I go there two or three times a year. There’s something magical about it—it just feeds your soul. 
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Play with my birds.

Stan Jonah: Not the Retiring Kind By James Florence, Senior Writer SANTA ROSA &mdash; Stan Jonah has retired at least three times over the last 20 years, but in each instance, he simply wasn’t able to make it stick. “I’ve found that I’m not the retiring kind,” he laughs. “The first time I attempted it, I had just sold my marketing company, which I ran for many years. About six months later, I received a call from a former client who owned a concrete paver business. Things weren’t going well for his company, so he asked if I could come in and help him with marketing. I got involved and saw very quickly that marketing pavers was unlike marketing anything else, Read more

Stan Jonah is a veteran of the paver stone industry and sales manager at <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/the-legacy-paver-group">The Legacy Paver Group</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2013. He can be reached at (415) 886-2903 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/the-legacy-paver-group">email</a>.

Stan Jonah: Not the Retiring Kind

ORINDA — Irrigation is crucial for established trees, but in order to be effective, it’s important to follow proper procedure. For example, a common mistake people make with tree irrigation is watering the trunk. Since a tree absorbs water through its roots, watering its trunk doesn’t make much sense. Instead, water should be applied at the outside edge of the tree’s drip line, where the shadow of its canopy is cast upon the ground. It’s also important to provide an adequate amount of water—ideally, the water should soak down about a foot into the soil. In addition to proper procedure, a great way to maximize the effectiveness of irrigation is to apply a 4- to 6-inch layer of mulch beneath the tree’s drip line. Read more

<h1>Chris Chapman: Cultivating a Livelihood</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
ORINDA — Chris Chapman spent much of his childhood working outdoors, and even though he didn’t realize it at the time, he was cultivating a future livelihood all the while. “When I was growing up, my dad used to send me off to different places to work during the summers,” he remembers. “I spent one summer putting up hay and chasing cows in Montana, another working with a big game outfitter in Colorado, and yet another working agriculture in California. During college, I got involved in landscaping and ended up starting my own business. After 10 years, I was looking for a career upgrade, so I got certified as an arborist and have specialized in tree service ever since.”
Today, as owner of Horticultural Services, LTD, Chris says his favorite part of his job is seeing the long-term effects of his work. “I like seeing the gradual changes that take place on the properties we work on. It’s very rewarding to service a distressed tree and then come back a couple of years later to see it healthy and flourishing.”
Originally from Southern California, Chris now resides in Concord with his wife, Gael, and their two children, Jack and Marilyn. When asked what he appreciates most about living and working in the Bay Area, Chris cites the ideal outdoor working conditions. “With the great weather we have, the Bay Area is the best place in the country to do this kind of work…probably one of the best places on the planet, for that matter.”
Outside of work, Chris furthers his outdoor enjoyment with hobbies like gardening and cultivating bonsai trees. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, reading about military history and keeping up with his two older children: Jessica, who lives in San Diego, and Trevor, who is currently attending college.
In regard to his professional career, Chris espouses the importance of honesty. “If I look at a job and it’s apparent that it doesn’t require my level of expertise, I’ll let the client know and refer them elsewhere,” he explains. “I’ll tell them, ‘I can do this for you, but so could a gardener, and you’d get a better price.’ I just prefer to be honest rather than stick my hands in people’s pockets or try to sell them services they don’t need.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Chris says he would get to work on expanding his home garden. “The space is kind of limited where we live, so we’re mainly growing things in containers. If I had some more room, I’d triple the square footage of my garden and get ready for the coming season.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person? 
A: A dog person.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Rocco’s Ristorante Pizzeria in Walnut Creek.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Read a book.
Q: What’s your favorite book? 
A: Besides the Bible, one of my favorites is “Guadalcanal: Starvation Island” by Eric Hammel. It’s a military history book about the United States’ first offensive in the Pacific during World War II. It’s an absolutely fascinating account.
Q: How do you like your eggs? 
A: Scrambled.

Chris Chapman: Cultivating a Livelihood By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter ORINDA — Chris Chapman spent much of his childhood working outdoors, and even though he didn’t realize it at the time, he was cultivating a future livelihood all the while. “When I was growing up, my dad used to send me off to different places to work during the summers,” he remembers. “I spent one summer putting up hay and chasing cows in Montana, another working with a big game outfitter in Colorado, and yet another working agriculture in California. During college, I got involved in landscaping and ended up starting my own business. After 10 years, I was looking for a career upgrade, Read more

Chris Chapman is a 22-year veteran of the tree service industry and owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/horticultural-services-ltd">Horticultural Services, LTD</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2005. He can be reached at (925) 388-6963 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/horticultural-services-ltd">email</a>.

Chris Chapman: Cultivating a Livelihood

SANTA ROSA — In addition to watering, one of the most important aspects of maintaining a garden is protecting it from the local wildlife. While this can be a challenging endeavor, there are several simple ways to deter harmful animals and keep your garden beautiful. Some people put up bird netting to protect their plants from wildlife, but there’s a simpler home remedy that offers a natural, nontoxic way to deter animals without diminishing your garden’s aesthetic value. Just follow these simple steps: 1. Combine raw garlic cloves, habanero peppers and jalapeno peppers in a blender and mash them up. 2. Put this mixture into an empty plastic container, add some water and let it steep for three to four days. Read more

<h1>Alan Kostelnik: Wine Country Landscape Professional</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SANTA ROSA – Alan Kostelnik hasn’t always worked in the landscaping industry—in fact, he started his career as an educator, but it wasn’t long until he found himself at an impasse. “I had been working as a high school teacher for a few years when I realized it wasn’t for me,” he explains. In what was initially to be a temporary transition, Alan traded his ruler for a shovel, his blackboard for topsoil and the inside of the classroom for the fresh air of residential landscapes. As it turned out, this provisional detour eventually became a permanent direction. “I had some previous experience in landscape work during my college years, so I decided to put together a small gardening business as a temporary means of making a living until I figured out what to do next. In time, I found I had an aptitude for the landscaping business, and I really enjoyed it.” After he decided to make landscaping a career, Alan returned to school to receive a more formal education in important industry aspects like horticulture and landscape design and installation.
Prior to his watershed transition, Alan lived in Detroit, Michigan, where he was born and raised. A frequent visitor to the Bay Area during his college years, his growing affinity for the local weather and culture prompted him to relocate permanently. “The company I worked for in Michigan had an office in San Francisco, so I applied for a transfer,” he remembers. “Six months later, they called and offered me a job.” Later, when Alan’s teaching career dried up, he discovered that the Bay Area offered an ideal setting for landscape work. “The weather in Michigan simply didn’t compare to that of the Bay Area. Also, Sonoma County was in development stages at the time, so there was a lot of business to be had.” Nearly 40 years later, Gardens of the Wine Country’s business continues to thrive in its picturesque environment. “I still love the Bay Area vibe,” says Alan. “It’s a beautiful place and I feel blessed to live and work here.”
When describing one of the major aspects of his profession, Alan invokes the old adage of “you get what you pay for.” “Professional design and installation are crucial to landscaping, so if you’re only paying attention to saving money, you’ll be sorry down the road,” he says. “In my 40 years in business, I’ve seen customers make the same mistake over and over again: shopping for price rather than expertise and quality. The invariable result is a job that has to be redone in a few years because it wasn’t done right the first time.”
Outside of work, Alan enjoys golfing, hiking, wine tasting and photography. He also follows professional sports like basketball, baseball and football, rooting for both the local Bay Area teams and those in his hometown of Detroit. When asked about the first thing he would do if he could retire tomorrow, Alan has everything planned out. &#8220;I would take a long trip through Tibet, Burma, Bhutan and India. Then I would come home for a few weeks, visit Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, come home for a few more weeks, and take a trip to South Africa. After that, I&#8217;d take a few river cruises through Central America and Europe. And after thatI guess we&#8217;ll see!&#8221;
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What are your favorite sports teams? 
A: The Giants, the 49ers and the Warriors, as well as my hometown teams, the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Lions.
Q: What websites do you visit every day? 
A: The Huffington Post, the New York Times and Facebook.
Q: Do you have a favorite tree? 
A: I like the Burgundy-leafed Japanese Maple, the Mayten tree, the Oak and the olive tree.
Q: What’s your favorite local winery? 
A: Kunde.
Q: What’s your favorite movie genre? 
A: I like dramas that have twisted, complicated plotlines, but I also like comedies and films based on reality.

Alan Kostelnik of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/gardens-of-the-wine-country" target="_self">Gardens of the Wine Country</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2003. He can be reached at (707) 925-2964 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/gardens-of-the-wine-country" target="_self">email</a>.

Alan Kostelnik: Wine Country Landscape Professional

CAMPBELL — When it comes to landscape irrigation, Californians have a tendency to overwater plants to the point of twice and even three times the amount of water they actually need. However, under the current drought conditions, this is no longer a luxury we can afford. On the contrary, all landscape irrigation today should be regarded from a “need-based” approach. This approach involves a complete change in strategy. Rather than watering at the usual tri-weekly intervals, try turning off your automated irrigation controller and waiting for your plants to “speak to you.” Over the ensuing few days, observe them—once they start to wilt, turn on the water. Repeat this process a few more times, Read more

<h1>Jeff Sheehan: Growing Confidence</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter</h6>
CAMPBELL — Jeff Sheehan started doing landscape work in his childhood, but it wasn’t until much later that he realized he’d been preparing for a lifelong career. “As a kid, I used to go around and mow all the neighborhood lawns,” he recounts. “I can remember pruning my mom’s roses and being extremely meticulous. The funny thing is, I had no idea there was a whole industry for the kind of work I was doing.”
Jeff originally wanted to pursue a career in athletics, so he attended UC Davis as a Physical Education major with aspirations of getting into coaching. However, the further he progressed, the more he felt he was in the wrong place. “About three-quarters of the way through, I realized I didn’t want to coach,” he says. “I left school and started looking around for work, and I was offered a position with the local Parks and Rec Department.” Jeff says it was at this point that a whole new world opened up to him. “It was like, ‘This is where I should have been all along!’ It just felt right.”
Later, Jeff got a job doing landscape maintenance for commercial properties, but he soon sensed there was more out there for him. “I got tired of working on large complexes where everything looked the same—500 oleanders all in a row and no room for creativity. So, I started doing residential design and installation on the side, which is where I really found my niche.” After a short-lived independent venture, Jeff started Confidence Landscaping, Inc., which is still going strong more than 35 years later.
A resident of Los Gatos, Jeff regards the Bay Area as an ideal environment for a landscape professional. “The incredible resources we have here afford us the ability to be incredibly creative, whether on a large or small scale,” he says. “Plus, the climate allows us to grow virtually anything, so it’s a lot of fun.”
Outside of work, Jeff engages in a variety of active pastimes. “You name it, I enjoy doing it, from bike riding and playing tennis to windsurfing and just going on drives around the Bay Area,” he says. “I also like to travel and explore new places when I can.” Jeff also enjoys spending time with his son, Max, who works for Confidence Landscaping, and his daughter, Kallan, who is currently attending college.
In regard to a professional philosophy, Jeff says it’s important to pay attention to the little things. “Any landscaper can install a bunch of big shrubs, but it takes a certain amount of skill and vision to address the finer details. Likewise, in terms of service, it’s the little things that often make the biggest differences, like remembering a detail that, while seemingly minor, is meaningful to the client. By paying attention to the little things, both with customer service and the work itself, we’re able to create something really special for each client.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Jeff says he’d catch up on sleep. “We work a lot of long hours, especially during the summer, so I’d definitely take a few days to rest up and recharge. Then, I guess I’d assess my next move. I’d probably do a lot more traveling, as well as spend more time relaxing and working in my garden.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Music or talk radio? 
A: I listen to a lot of talk radio just to stay up-to-date with the news, but when the weather is nice, I like to roll down the windows in my car and turn up the tunes.
Q: What’s your favorite style of music? 
A: Blues.
Q: Did you play any sports in high school? 
A: I played baseball.
Q: How do you like your eggs? 
A: Over medium.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: Italy. I was actually there not too long ago, but I enjoyed it so much that I want to go back!

Jeff Sheehan: Growing Confidence By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter CAMPBELL — Jeff Sheehan started doing landscape work in his childhood, but it wasn’t until much later that he realized he’d been preparing for a lifelong career. “As a kid, I used to go around and mow all the neighborhood lawns,” he recounts. “I can remember pruning my mom’s roses and being extremely meticulous. The funny thing is, I had no idea there was a whole industry for the kind of work I was doing.” Jeff originally wanted to pursue a career in athletics, so he attended UC Davis as a Physical Education major with aspirations of getting into coaching. Read more

Jeff Sheehan is a lifetime veteran of the landscaping industry and owner of Confidence Landscaping, Inc., a Diamond Certified company since 2009. He can be reached at (408) 559-1800 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/confidence-landscaping-inc">email</a>.

Jeff Sheehan: Growing Confidence

RODEO — With the high amount of soil movement and seismic activity that occurs in California, it’s crucial for paver features like driveways and patios to have a solid base. Proper base preparation consists of several steps, including excavation, laying down geotextile fabric and base rock compaction. Let’s look at these steps in more detail: Excavation The surface beneath an incoming paver installation must be excavated to make room for the base rock. The recommended excavation depth can vary depending on the type of paver feature. For a backyard patio, 7 to 8 inches will suffice, whereas the recommended depth for a driveway is 9 to 10 inches. Since a driveway has more weight to support than a patio, Read more

<h1>Glayston Soares: From Parcels to Pavers</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
RODEO — After years working in the shipping industry, when Glayston Soares saw an opportunity to get into the paver business, he was confident he could deliver. “I used to be a contractor for FedEx—I had eight trucks and covered a couple of routes for them,” he recounts. “I actually got into pavers through my brother, who at the time was a paver contractor in Florida. He was having some difficulties with his business, so I told him he should move to California and start a company with me. With his industry knowledge and my administrative skills, I knew we’d make a good team. We started as subcontractors for System Pavers, and a couple of years later, we started our own business.”
Today, as owner of Mr. Pavers Contractor Services, Inc., Glayston says his favorite part of his job is wowing his customers. “With the work we do, we’re able to totally transform the look of a home in a matter of days. I love seeing our customers excited and happy with the final products.”
Originally from Brazil, Glayston resides today in Rodeo with his wife, Rosanna, and their children. Outside of work, he likes spending his free time on outdoor activities. “I enjoy going camping and RVing with my family whenever I get the chance,” he details. “I also like barbecuing and hanging out with friends on the weekends.”
When asked about a professional philosophy, Glayston says he’s all about building trust. “I try to put our customers at ease by setting firm expectations and communicating with them throughout the process. I always follow up with them, and if a problem arises, I try to resolve it as quickly as I can. By building trust in these ways, I give my customers confidence that we’ll deliver on what we’ve promised.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Glayston says he’d simply relax. “I would probably buy a lakeside property and enjoy a peaceful, relaxing life watching my kids grow up. I’d probably do a little bit of traveling as well.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: A night owl.
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant?
A: Va de Vi in Walnut Creek.
Q: What was your first job?
A: I was a pizza maker.
Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Coffee.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Italy.

A glimpse into the life and career of Glayston Soares, owner of Mr. Pavers Contractor Services, Inc. in Rodeo, California.

Glayston Soares is owner of Mr. Pavers Contractor Services, Inc., a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (415) 523-6065 or by email.

Glayston Soares: From Parcels to Pavers

SANTA ROSA — Maintaining your trees once a year will ensure their long-term health, make your property safer and save you money. Almost all trees require a similar annual maintenance regimen. This includes: •  Trimming back excess growth •  Removing dead and crisscrossing branches   •  Performing reductions on elongated, heavy branches to prevent limb failure •  Identifying poor attachments and wood decay  •  Thinning the crown to allow the canopy to breathe, reduce the windsail effect and prevent storm damage Whether you choose to perform these tasks yourself or hire a tree service contractor, it’s important to make sure the work is being performed to the standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Read more

<h1>Forest Kirk: Professional Growth</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SANTA ROSA — Thanks to an early introduction to the tree service industry, Forest Kirk was able to achieve uncommonly rapid professional growth. “When I was growing up, my mom’s boyfriend owned a tree service business,” he explains. “When I was 11 years old, I started working with him after school and during the summer. I’d also go with him to Fort Ross, where we’d clear out forested areas and process the timber into firewood. Following high school, I started working for another tree service company and trained with a certified arborist. A couple of years later, I decided to start my own tree service business. I got my contractor’s license when I was 22 and earned my arborist certification a year later.”
Today, as owner of Forest Tree Services Inc., Forest says his favorite part of his job is watching his business grow. “Success drives me, so it’s very rewarding to see how much the business has grown since I first started it. I’ve invested a lot into getting the best equipment and providing excellent service, and I’m happy to see that it has paid off.”
A resident of Santa Rosa, Kirk spends most of his time outside of work with his daughter. “I homeschool my daughter, so between her school and my career, I stay very busy,” he says. “I also like extreme sports like snowboarding and motocross. I love to ride my motorcycle and I’m also partway through getting my pilot’s license, although that’s on hold for the time being.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Forest says it’s all about the basics. “In order to run a successful business, you need to make sure your customers are getting what they want at a price they’re willing to pay, and that they’re happy with the end result. Of course, when it comes to tree service, the other important thing is safety. As long as you can keep your customers happy and perform the work safely, that’s a recipe for success.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Forest says he’d take to the skies. “I’d finish earning my pilot’s license, buy a Cessna and fly around the world.”
Ask Me Anything!
 Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Thailand. 
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: A night owl, although I also get up early. I just don’t sleep very much in general.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Stay inside and watch a movie.
Q: What’s your favorite kind of food?
A: Mexican food.

Forest Kirk: Professional Growth By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SANTA ROSA — Thanks to an early introduction to the tree service industry, Forest Kirk was able to achieve uncommonly rapid professional growth. “When I was growing up, my mom’s boyfriend owned a tree service business,” he explains. “When I was 11 years old, I started working with him after school and during the summer. I’d also go with him to Fort Ross, where we’d clear out forested areas and process the timber into firewood. Following high school, I started working for another tree service company and trained with a certified arborist. A couple of years later, I decided to start my own tree service business. Read more

Forest Kirk is president of Forest Tree Services Inc., a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (707) 927-1019 or by email.

Forest Kirk: Professional Growth

CONCORD — If you notice little black dots or other instances of discoloration on your plants, you may assume they need more water, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, these symptoms are often a sign of over-watering. As the weather gets warmer in summer, property owners have a tendency to overcompensate for the heat by giving their plants extra water. However, this can actually have a detrimental effect—since the plants are used to a certain type of watering, when their water intake suddenly jumps, it can put them in a state of stress. For this reason, it’s important to exercise caution when making adjustments to your plants’ irrigation regimen. The challenge is figuring out how much water your plants actually need. Read more

<h1>Mike Petrovich: Tree Service Roots</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
CONCORD — When asked to recount the origin of his tree service career, Mike Petrovich says it’s rooted in family. “My dad had a tree service and landscaping business, so I grew up learning the trade from him and my uncles. After high school, I decided to continue on that professional path. I worked for a handful of companies before starting my own business, Mike’s Tree Service. In 2003, I started my current business, Absolute Best Care. In addition to my 40-plus years of experience, both of my sons have been involved with the company, so it has been neat to pass my knowledge to the next generation.”
Mike says his favorite part of tree work is helping customers in their hour of need. “It’s nice to be the hero. When you get a call from a property owner who’s in a stressful situation, it’s very rewarding to ‘save the day’ and take care of things for them.”
A resident of Contra Costa County (where he lives with his partner, Diana), Mike spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “My favorite hobby is fishing,” he details. “I usually go to areas like Coyote Creek or the San Pablo Reservoir. There’s someone about being on the water and the peace and quiet of nature…I’m a very energetic person, so being in that environment gives me a chance to recharge my batteries.” Mike also enjoys bowling and volunteering his time to coach youth sports. “I used to coach a lot of tournament baseball, and I’ve being doing that on and off for the past 17 years.”
When asked about a professional philosophy, Mike espouses the importance of clear communication. “When you’re servicing trees, you often have to explain things to your customers—what you’re doing, why you’re doing it and so on. But if you can’t explain it in a way they can understand, they aren’t going to be satisfied. That’s why being a good communicator is an important part of running a business. Of course, it’s also important to be a good listener. That way, you can be sure everyone is on the same page in regard to expectations.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Greece, because of my Greek heritage.
Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music. I love it. I’m actually a jazz trumpet player, as are both of my sons.
Q: What’s your favorite snack? 
A: Anything chocolate.
Q: What were you most known for in high school? 
A: Sports and music. I was in the school jazz band and played on the baseball team.

Mike Petrovich: Tree Service Roots By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter CONCORD — When asked to recount the origin of his tree service career, Mike Petrovich says it’s rooted in family. “My dad had a tree service and landscaping business, so I grew up learning the trade from him and my uncles. After high school, I decided to continue on that professional path. I worked for a handful of companies before starting my own business, Mike’s Tree Service. In 2003, I started my current business, Absolute Best Care. In addition to my 40-plus years of experience, both of my sons have been involved with the company, so it has been neat to pass my knowledge to the next generation.” Mike says his favorite part of tree work is helping customers in their hour of need. Read more

Mike Petrovich is owner of Absolute Best Care, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (510) 854-6943 or by email.

Mike Petrovich: Tree Service Roots

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<img src=https://diamondcertified.org/wp_contents/uploads/2016/08/Riptide-Construction-1-1024x703-1.jpg alt=undefined style=height: auto;width: auto/>
If you enjoy dining alfresco, an outdoor kitchen can double your pleasure by allowing you to cook outside as well. Photo: Riptide Construction, Inc. (2016)
With the beautiful weather in the Bay Area, it’s no wonder that one of the biggest local home improvement trends is to extend one’s living space to the outside with add-ons like decks and covered patios. However, even though these exterior additions are great, you can take your alfresco experience to a whole new level by building an outdoor kitchen, which will allow you to prepare meals and dine under the sun or stars. To learn about the process of outdoor kitchen construction, we’re joined by North Bay Area landscaping contractor Alain Joske.
Plan way in advance. An outdoor kitchen isn’t built overnight—it’s a lengthy process, and the actual construction is often the shortest part. As Mr. Joske explains, the most time-intensive portion tends to be the planning stage, during which the design is drawn and approved. “The length of the planning phase depends on a few factors, such as how busy your architect is and the legal restrictions of the area you live in,” he says. “For example, in Marin, your project might have to go through a design review, which could take several months or even a year.” For this reason, if you want your outdoor kitchen to be ready by summer, Mr. Joske suggests getting started the preceding fall, with the goal of beginning construction in January.
Design smart. While it may not be as exciting as the actual construction, Mr. Joske says the design phase is the most critical stage of building an outdoor kitchen, which is why it should be taken slowly. “It’s important to take your time when planning your outdoor kitchen, because if you try to rush through it, you’re likely to miss something. Once it’s built, it’s a lot harder to change things than when it’s still on paper.”
One practical design consideration Mr. Joske recommends is building your outdoor kitchen in close proximity to your indoor kitchen. “An outdoor kitchen is a lot like a hot tub: if it’s situated near your home, you’re more likely to use it than if it’s 100 feet away. You want it relatively close to your indoor kitchen so you can carry your food and dishes back and forth with minimal inconvenience.”
Consider your options. When it comes to choosing cooking features for your outdoor kitchen, the grill is just the beginning. As Mr. Joske affirms, there’s an almost limitless range of options to maximize your culinary possibilities. “Last year, I did an outdoor kitchen that had a grill, a pizza oven, a paella burner and a smoker—not to mention a refrigerator and an ice maker. Needless to say, there are a lot of options.”
In addition to thinking about the features you want, it’s important to consider the specifications of each. For example, when choosing a barbeque grill, you can go with either a conventional gas-powered model or a more modern innovation like an infrared cooker. “There are high-end grills now that use infrared lamps to cook food,” explains Mr. Joske. “I’ve never used one, but a lot of people love them.”
Mr. Joske also suggests thinking about features that aren’t food-related, such as built-in stereo speakers and LED lighting. “Lighting is a big deal when it comes to outdoor kitchens, because if it’s dark out, you need to be able to see what you’re doing.”
Build it to last. Since you’re building outside, you’ll want to use materials that will stand up to the elements. Mr. Joske describes some typical options: “On the construction end, the most common material choice for an outdoor kitchen is something cementitious, like poured-in-place or block concrete. Alternately, you can build a wood framing and apply stucco or a veneer stone facing over it. For countertops, you have the choice of poured-in-place concrete, stone or tile. It really just depends on your budget and what you’re looking for.”
In addition to hardy structural elements, you’ll want to choose durable appliances, especially since replacing them can be a hassle. “Depending on the design, replacing appliances in an outdoor kitchen can be pretty involved,” says Mr. Joske. “For instance, if you have a stone facing that’s clad over the mounting edge, you won’t be able to just pull out the old grill and drop in a new one—you’ll have to tweak things a bit. So, your best bet is to avoid this by choosing quality appliances that will go the distance.”
Maximize your budget. According to Mr. Joske, the average cost of an outdoor kitchen project is between $60,000 and $80,000, although it can be higher depending on the materials and appliances you choose. He offers a couple of tips for minimizing costs: “One simple way to save money is to buy the appliances and equipment yourself so you don’t have to pay the contractor’s markup. Another is to choose economically priced materials. Stucco facing is a lot cheaper than veneer stone, and tile countertops are cheaper than poured-in-place concrete, so these material choices can make a big difference in the cost.”
Don’t forget ongoing maintenance. Outdoor kitchens are designed to be low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean they’re “no-maintenance.” Mr. Joske says that in order to keep your outdoor kitchen in good shape, you need to do yearly maintenance. “Take your countertops: concrete tops need to be oiled annually and stone or tile tops need to be resealed regularly to prevent staining.” He also recommends periodically pulling out and cleaning behind appliances like your refrigerator, which will help keep them running efficiently.
By planning ahead, choosing the right features and materials, and keeping up with ongoing maintenance, you can have an outdoor kitchen that you’ll enjoy for many years.
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James Florence

Take outdoor living to the next level with an outdoor kitchen. Discover how to design, plan, construct and maintain outdoor kitchens.

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