“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
“A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.” -Louis Nizer
We are the coolest bunch of professionals you’ll likely meet. We are diverse. We are dynamic. We get things done and we have fun along the way.
Looking to grow?
Visit our Careers page today for current employment opportunities!
"365ers"
“365ers” are our leaders, administration, support staff, and crew members that live locally and stay on year-round. Despite their present position, most of the men and women you are about to meet have considerable experience in all areas of our services, as well as the “behind-the-scenes” elements that keep us beautifying your property.
Shayne Newman
Founder
Experienced in the trade since 1987, Shayne Newman founded YardScapes, Inc. in 1990 and holds the title of president. He hails from Telluride, Colorado, but has lived in New Milford for the past 29 years. Shayne received a B.S. in Finance from UCONN, is a Landscape Industry Certified Technician, Landscape Industry read more
Greg Kaiser
Director of Operations
Greg has been with YardScapes since 2008. He has been in the green industry in various roles since 2003, including stops in golf course maintenance. Greg’s passion for landscaping began at a young age after going to his first pro baseball game and seeing the precise patterns and varying greens of the field. read more
Becky Mulhare
Office Manager
Our Office Manager hails from Roxbury, but lived in various locations (to include Fort Bragg, NC and Burlington VT). A ten-year veteran of the bookkeeping world, Becky came on with us full-time in February 2016 read more
Dawn Rotella
Public Relations
Dawn is originally from New Fairfield, CT and has over 35 years diverse experience in office administration, marketing, public relations and even an outdoor guide! She has two adult children and two grandchildren. Dawn prefers to spend all her free time outdoors: hiking, camping, kayaking, foraging for wild edibles, visiting our national parks, or simply enjoying time outside in nature and is an eclectic crafter. Her “odd” hobby is picking up litter on her outings and photographing it. Dawn has estimated she has picked up over 50,000 pieces of litter from local roadsides, parks and waterways!
Raechel Rivera
Client Happiness
Originally from Lansing, MI, Raechel has 6 years experience in the banking industry and is also a culinary graduate. She enjoys being outside, hiking, working out, crafting, party planning, cooking, and is a board game master and karaoke enthusiast. She enjoys donating her time by catering or volunteering with her son to teach him the importance of giving to those who are less fortunate. She loves hanging out with her family, friends and pup and describes herself as easy going and friendly.
Kyle Onorato
Operations Manager
Kyle has proudly been a part of the YardScapes family since the spring of 2017. He climbed rapidly up the ranks from a novice field employee to second in command of operations due to his positive attitude, attention to detail, and thirst for knowledge. Kyle is constantly searching for ways to improve himself, as well as the company. He is Landscape Industry Certified in Turf Maintenance and Ornamental Maintenance. In addition, Kyle is also currently working towards a Landscape Design certification through New York Botanical Garden. He is looking forward to many more years of growth with YardScapes. In his free time, Kyle enjoys playing video games with friends, building LEGO, watching movies, and most importantly hanging out in the woods in his hammock.
Tom Marino
Landscape Consultant
Tom joined us in the spring of 2019 and brings with him over 10 years experience in the landscape industry, with the last five as a full-time property manager for high-end estates in Litchfield County. Tom is skilled in designing landscapes and the horticultural management of properties. He enjoys racing motocross and fishing, and lives in Morris, CT.
Jon Zmistowski
Landscape Consultant
Jon has a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Sacred Heart University where he was a pitcher. He also went on to play professional baseball in Europe. He has over 20 years of experience in the green industry on both the maintenance and design ends and has worked with many high-profile clients. Jon is a Certified Landscape Designer, APLD. He resides in Trumbull, CT with his wife and daughter and his hobbies include skiing, golf, and trout fishing. He is also an active volunteer in his church, a past elementary school student mentor, and coach.
Mike Gueli
Landscape Consultant
Mike is a graduate of New Fairfield High School and currently lives in New Milford with his wife, their three children and the family pets. He has 15 years experience in landscaping and turf management. Mike’s hobbies include fishing, hiking, and going to the lake with his family. He is very passionate about sharing his knowledge of plants, teaching his children to garden, and volunteering in their school. Mike is a self-described tinkerer and picker who restores or repurposes trash into treasure. He is also a very active participant in the annual CT Walk4Hearing that raises awareness for hearing loss and Usher Syndrome with Team Silas’ SideKicks.
George Gudauskis
Mechanic/Mad Scientist
“It started with an Erector Set…” George is our Mechanic/Fleet and Facilities Manager, and one of the most detail-oriented folks that our shop has ever seen. A New Milford native, this renaissance man can not only repair and restore just about anything, but is an awesome chef (specializing in gourmet beans) and enjoys fishing, skiing, and hiking.
Tom Gambone
Lawn Care Crew Leader
Tom’s one of our locals, New Milford born and raised. He graduated from NMHS in 2008. In his free time, Tom plays basketball and softball. He loves being outdoors (always good considering his line of work). When he’s not watching sports, he likes going to concerts. Tom gives back by regularly participating in our Day of Service.
Manuel Labanda
Estate Management Crew Leader
Manny calls Danbury, CT home but is originally from Ecuador. He has three brothers and five nephews who live in Ecuador and Spain. After coming to the states, Manny worked in construction where he learned to hang siding. He came highly recommended from a friend of YardScapes and we’re happy to have him. read more.
Ramiro Parra
Head Mason
Ramiro, our head mason, is originally from Ecuador. He now lives in New Milford with his wife and two daughters. Ramiro is admired by co-workers and clients alike for his beautiful work. He brings to YardScapes a skill set that translates to incredible hardscapes and waterscapes for our clients to enjoy.
Thomas Elble
Estate Management Technician
Tom joined us a few winters ago on call helping the plow crews with snow-removal. He came back for help during the few significant storms, and worked his tail off. Fueled by energy drinks, his work ethic was noticed and Tom is now full-time. While primarily an Estate Management Technician, he is a useful asset read more
Manuel Parra
Lawn Maintenance Technician
“Manny P” hails from Ecuador, and in case you didn’t see the resemblance, happens to be our Head Mason’s brother (Ramiro Parra). Manny takes amazing care of lawns as a mow crew technician, helping out with commercial property snow removal during Winter, and enjoys music.
Tyler Hansen
Lawn Maintenance Technician
Tyler is no stranger to the outdoors or hard work! A New Milford native with strong local roots, he enjoys playing sports, spending time with friends and family, and makes community service and sharing the “outdoor experience” his priorities. As such, he has volunteered at Pratt Nature Center (a local wildlife preserve read more
Joaquin Sanango
Estate Management Technician
Joaquin joined us in 2019 and has been a great addition to our team. He is well liked by all his coworkers due to his outstanding work ethic and positive personality. Joaquin is always eager to learn and traveled to Washington D.C. to take part in a three-day seminar hosted by the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance. He is a resident of New Milford, CT and enjoys playing soccer and watching sports. He is always lending a helping hand, and volunteers at his church each weekend.
Manny Pascoa
Estate Management Technician
Manny joined us in 2019 and is from Brookfield, CT. He is a skilled and versatile worker who has taken part in many different types of jobs since his arrival. Manny has one son, and describes himself as a quiet, diligent worker who is ambitious to learn and expand his knowledge of the landscape industry.
Aunalise Anderson
Aunalise lives in New Milford and is still enrolled in college with a goal to be a physical education teacher. She loves being outside and finds joy in hiking, fishing, rugby and drawing. She also enjoys meeting new people and spending time with friends and family. Aunalise has volunteered at sports camps with younger children and summer camps.
Tori DeJulia
Javier Idrovo-Parra
Rosendo comes to YardScapes from Ecuador. He is a calm, friendly person and has been a great addition to our team! His hobbies include soccer.
Jacob O’Brien
Jake lives in New Milford and is a Greenwave graduate. He enjoys cycling and cars. He volunteered to help build Sega Meadows park.
Conor Ezra
Devin Sheehan
Devin is from New Milford and has 2 siblings, a niece and nephew. He likes working with his hands and being outside. His hobbies include cooking, guitar and anything outdoors.
Austin Swanson
Austin is from New Milford and is enrolled at Ohio University studying physical education and health. He grew up playing sports and still enjoys being active and spending time outside.
Maria Trocchio
Maria is from New Milford and has two siblings and a dog. She enjoys working out, playing soccer, softball, and painting. Her community service includes working with children. She is currently enrolled at UConn as a political science major setting her sights on law school!
Joseph van Veen
"H2B and Seasonal" Employees
The following men come from places south of the US border (mainly Mexico and Ecuador) and represent the majority of our spring, summer and fall work force. Our H2B Temporary Work Visa employees are some of the finest landscape artisans in the industry and we are lucky to have most of these gentleman return every April. Some (like Isauro “Mr. Miyagi” Perez) have been with us for greater than fifteen years, providing not only continuity and a strong work ethic, but wisdom, laughs, and stories we otherwise wouldn’t have been exposed to. We miss them every winter and greatly look forward to their return each spring.
Isauro Perez
Lawn Maintenance Crew Leader
Isauro is one of our crew leaders and has been with YardScapes for 13 years. He calls Actopan, Hidalgo, Mexico his home and is married with four children. Isauro is part of the H-2B non-immigrant work visa program which allows non-agricultural seasonal employment. Known to all as “El Abuelo” read more
Jesus Aviles
Estate Management Crew Leader
2016 Ape of the Year! Jesus is one of our Estate Management and Construction Crew Leaders and has been with us since Spring 2014. In short time he has made an incredible impact, not only in the quality of the work he performs and manages at client properties, but with his coworkers and management. read more
Alfredo Hernandez
Estate Management Crew Leader
Our own “Most Interesting Man in the World” Alfredo also hails from Actopan Hildalgo, Mexico and works for YardScapes through the H2B temporary work visa program. He has a wife and two daughters back home and…wait for it—he likes to watch soccer. No matter the task, Alfredo accepts the challenge, and is extremely skilled with read more
Ricardo Hernandez
Estate Management Crew Leader
Ricardo is a major asset to YardScapes, and 2020 will mark his eighth season with us. Not only an amazing Estate Management Technician, Ricardo is bi-lingual, fluent in both Spanish and English. As such, he helps us communicate and often serves as translator when needed. Ricardo is part of the H-2B non-immigrant work read more
Ruben Meza-Villeda
Lawn Maintenance Technician
Ruben has been with us since 2015 and has shown himself to be a dedicated team member, quickly working his way up to a Crew Leader as a result of his hard work and attention to detail. In 2018 he earned his Landscape Industry Certified Technician certificate in Turf Maintenance. He enjoys spending time with his daughter and teaching her different sports. He is a regular participant in YardScapes spring and fall Days of Service. He describes himself as someone who is kind, honest, and treats everyone with respect. He loves nature and animals, and spends his offseason in his hometown of Actopan, Hidalgo, Mexico.
Juan Perez-Mendoza
Lawn Maintenance Crew Leader
Juan is a long time YardApe, joining our team in 2012. He is well respected amongst his coworkers for his exceptionally straight mowing lines and attention to detail. These qualities have earned him the Golden Mower Award and the 2019 Ape of the Year award. Juan is a Landscape Industry Certified Landscape Technician in Turf Maintenance. In his spare time, he enjoys watching soccer and hanging out with friends.
Florentino Hernandez
Lawn Maintenance Crew Leader
Florentino calls Actopan Hidalgo, Mexico home when he is not stateside as part of the H2B temporary work visa program. He has a wife, two sons and two daughters back home. Whether here, or in Mexico, Florentino loves to watch soccer.
Ramiro Yanez
Lawn Maintenance Technician
Ramiro returned to us in 2017 after a seven-year absence, and we are thrilled to have him back each year since. He has always been a favorite of our clients due to his extremely friendly personality and his passion for doing high quality work. He lives in Ecuador when he’s not here in the states and loves to travel. He’s a consistent hard worker!
Roman Galarza
Lawn Maintenance Crew Leader
Roman is from Tabasco, Mexico. He has been a member of our team since 2015. He loves mowing and takes great pride in the quality of his work. He consistently volunteers his time and skills as part of the YardScapes spring Day of Service and fall Rake and Bake. Outside of work, he enjoys playing video games and hanging out with friends.
Mauricio Hernandez
Estate Management Crew Leader
Mauricio has been a member of our team since 2013 and is talented in a variety of different roles including mowing, mulching, planting, trimming, and pretty much anything else you can think of. He is a perennial participant in our Days of Service, saying, “It feels great giving back to the community”. He hails from Actopan, Hidalgo, Mexico, and enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and the occasional Modelo.
Rene Monzon-Angeles
Estate Management Crew Leader
Rene joined our team in 2016 and works on the estate management side. He is well liked by all his coworkers due to his friendly and funny personality. He has a wife, Dora and three children, Octavio, Evelyn and Milton. He enjoys listening to music.
Max Juarez-Tolentino
Estate Management Crew Leader
Max has been with us since 2016 and has rapidly grown into his role as a Crew Leader. He is Landscape Industry Certified in both Turf Maintenance and Ornamentals. Max is known for his positive attitude and ability to work with anyone, as well as his extremely strong work ethic. He volunteers his time during our spring Day of Service and fall Rake and Bake beautifying and cleaning leaves for local nonprofits. He enjoys soccer and spends his off seasons in his hometown of Actopan, Hidalgo, Mexico.
Filemon Galarza
Lawn Maintenance Crew Leader
Filemon has been with us since 2016 and was recommended to us by his Uncle, legendary YardApe Isauro Perez. Just like Isauro, he has a keen eye for quality work and quickly moved his way up to Lawn Maintenance Crew Leader. He is a Landscape Industry Certified Technician in Turf Maintenance. Filemon has a wife, Marisol and two children, Jade and Tomas. He enjoys playing soccer.
Hall of Fame
Something that differentiates our team from many others is a sense of pride and the desire to remain on board. We do occasionally have to say goodbye (or adios) to members as they move on. The YardScapes Hall of Fame is meant to spotlight the team members that stayed with us for numerous years and have left a lasting legacy on us and our unique company culture.
Roberto Angulo
Roberto was raised in Narajito, Ecuador but now calls New Milford home, along with his wife, Kerly and three children; sons David and Derrick, and daughter, Dahlia. As an Estate Management Crew Leader, Roberto worked on our largest landscaping jobs.
