Rochester Landscaping Companies Plan LEM Day of Service

Rochester, MN landscaping companies together at the Law Enforcement Memorial

Rochester Landscaping Companies Plan LEM Day of Service

What do you get when multiple landscaping companies in one community work together for a day of service?

. . . a spiffed-up Law Enforcement Memorial in Rochester, MN!

The Weller Brothers team in Rochester participated in the second annual “LEM Day of Service” on Saturday, October 19.

We planned this event with two other Rochester landscaping companies – Sargents and Decook Landscaping – and enjoyed coffee and breakfast from Pinnacle Catering.

At Weller Brothers, our team enjoys taking time for community involvement, and this is one of our favorite events.

Three Teams Become One for Rochester

“We had a great turnout from Weller Brothers, Sargents, and Decook Landscaping,” says Weller Brothers Landscape Operations Manager Wes Busch.

We spent the day installing sod, planting a variety of shrubs and flowers, and laying fresh mulch to create a welcoming space for visitors. 

The memorial stands as a reminder of those who sacrificed their lives to help keep our community safe. It’s a peaceful area for reflection and remembrance, and we’re honored to help enhance its beauty.

“It was amazing to see our companies willing to come together for a great cause,” Wes says. “With all of the volunteers, the work was quick and efficient. It was also great to see how much appreciation and emotion was shown for families and law enforcement.”

We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important cause, but it’s especially fun to work with people who we might otherwise be tempted to view professionally as “competitors.”

Working and conversing with the other companies opens your eyes to the fact that they are all good people willing to do good things for the community,” Wes says. 

Enjoy a video recap (courtesy of Sargent’s) and photos from our team below.

Landscaping at the Lawn Enforcement Memorial in Rochester, MN
new landscaping at the Law Enforcement Memorial in Rochester, MN

2025 Win the Day Award Nominees Announced

2025 Win the Day Nominees – Weller Brothers

2025 Win the Day Award Nominees Announced

2025 Win the Day Nominees – Weller Brothers

Congratulations to Seven Win the Day Award Nominees

We are excited to announce the 2025 Weller Brothers Win the Day Award nominees!

This award is the Weller Brothers version of an “Employee of the Year” award and was first introduced in 2024.

The Win the Day award is a great achievement for a Weller Brothers team member and is awarded to an individual who exemplifies our Roots daily:

  • Quality
  • Safety
  • Communication
  • “Win the Day”

For the 2025 award, seven outstanding team members were nominated by their peers.

The Weller Brothers executive leadership team will select and announce two winners in early 2025 at our team holiday party.

Congratulations!

Meet the Nominees

Each individual was nominated by a Weller Brothers teammate. Meet them below, along with thoughts from CEO Cole Weller.

Travis Jensen, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Landscape Yard Manager

Travis Jensen

“Watching you work tirelessly to improve our landscape operations – often creating more work for yourself, knowing that your work makes others’ jobs easier – is a demonstration of who we are at Weller Brothers. We couldn’t do it without you!”

Allie Rea, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Account Manager

Allie Rea

“You really are an ass-kicker. Your attention to detail is second-to-none, and your passion for taking care of your clients is the Gold Standard for our whole account management team.”

Phil Nystrom, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Arborist

Phil Nystrom

“You are a master of your craft.  Thank you for joining the Weller Brothers team. You have been an integral part of building our tree removal team.”

Garner Aasen, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Utility Specialist

Garner Aasen

“You lead by example and your willingness to step up and do whatever it takes – inside or outside of your job description – is the Weller Brothers Way.”

Nolan Meier, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Landscape Foreman

Nolan Meier

“Watching you grow in your role and dial in your landscape quality has been awesome to watch.  You are going to continue to do great things!”

Cody Wood, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Lawn Maintenance Foreman

Cody Wood

“I’ve said it before and I will say it again. You’re just a good dude. Leading by example, taking challenges in stride, stepping up when asked, and often without being asked. You’re a great asset to our team and an example to those around you.”

Tyler Nelson, Weller Brothers Landscaping

Landscape Operations Manager

Tyler Nelson

“You are a great leader! You pour yourself into those on your team for the betterment of them, the landscape division, and the whole organization, and it is awesome to watch.”

Stay tuned to find out who wins! We’ll announce the two winners in January 2025.

Jill Holt Wins EMBEs 2024 Business Achievement Award

Jill Holt wins the 2024 EMBEs Business Achievement Award

Jill Holt Wins EMBEs 2024 Business Achievement Award

Jill Holt wins the 2024 EMBEs Business Achievement Award

Chief Operating Officer

Jill Holt

About the EMBE Awards

We are proud to announce that Weller Brothers Chief Operating Officer, Jill Holt, has been awarded the Business Achievement Award at the 2024 EMBEs Tribute to Women in Sioux Falls.

For more than 50 years, the annual EMBEs has honored individuals who exemplify EmBe’s mission and have made outstanding contributions to the Sioux Falls community. This is such an inspiring event that celebrates the leadership and success of women in Sioux Falls. 

This impressive recognition highlights Jill’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and success throughout her entire career and during her time at Weller Brothers.

Weller Brothers team at the 2024 EMBE awards

Celebrating Jill's Contributions to Weller Brothers

Jill began at Weller Brothers as Controller and then became CFO. Her primary focus was in finance, but her fingerprints are on almost all workflow processes, from admin to operations. The infrastructure she built as CFO provided Weller Brothers data to make better decisions and ultimately grow revenue nearly 10x since she started in 2017.

Beyond her financial expertise, Jill is a true champion of company culture. She fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging open communication and collaboration among team members. Her genuine care for the well-being of her colleagues is evident in her willingness to go the extra mile, whether it’s offering advice or simply lending an ear.

Jill’s commitment to empowering women in a male-dominated industry is equally inspiring. She has actively worked to create opportunities for female leaders within Weller Brothers, establishing the “Women of Weller” group to foster connections, support, and professional development. Her efforts have contributed to a significant increase in the number of women in leadership roles at the company.

Jill’s achievements are a testament to her exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication. We are honored to have her on our team and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.

Sioux Falls Residential Landscape Wins National Gold Award

NALP Gold Award - landscape design in Sioux Falls, SD
NALP Gold Award - landscape design in Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls Landscape Team Wins National Award

We are proud to announce we have been awarded an Award of Excellence – Gold by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

“It’s an honor to receive the Gold Award from NALP,” says Cole Weller, Weller Brothers CEO and President. “This project exemplifies our purpose in action – creating outdoor spaces for life’s best moments.  

Chad Kasten, Senior Landscape Designer, did an excellent job meeting the clients’ needs and giving them a beautiful backyard to make memories with family and friends.  

Our operations team, including Landscape Operations Manager Tyler Nelson and Foreman Nolan Meier, executed the job wonderfully. They are just a few of the many team members it takes to bring a project like this to life. It’s a proud moment for the whole Weller Brothers team!

Before and After

This once-empty, sloped area was transformed into a multi-level oasis featuring large natural stone retaining walls, a custom-lit pool, artificial turf areas, an outdoor kitchen, extensive softscapes, and more.

Our team completed the project in two phases over two years.

residential backyard before landscaping a sioux falls residential backyard with multi-level retaining walls, a pool, patio, and more
residential backyard before landscaping
"We had a moment, right before the Fourth of July, when we were relaxing and all five kids were in the pool playing and throwing each other around. And it was really kind of an emotional moment; we knew it was worth it. This is it. This is why we did it."
– Homeowner
front yard of a sioux falls home before landscaping an award-winning front-yard landscape design in sioux falls
front yard of a sioux falls home before landscaping

About the NALP Excellence Awards

Each year, the National Association Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence recognizes exceptional commercial and residential lawn care and landscape installation, maintenance, and design projects from around the nation.

This year, 246 awards were bestowed to companies for their outstanding work.

This is the second time Weller Brothers has won a national Award of Excellence; the Rochester, MN, team won a Bronze award in 2023.

Take a Tour of the Winning Project in Sioux Falls, SD

While you may not be able to relax in this backyard yourself, you can certainly take a virtual tour of this award-winning backyard in Sioux Falls!

Then, once you’re feeling inspired, reach out to us to begin creating your outdoor living space in Rochester, Sioux Falls, or Des Moines. Who knows – maybe it will win our next award!

Weller Brothers Celebrates National Registered Youth Apprenticeship Week

2024 Harrisburg High School Apprentices

Weller Brothers Celebrates National Registered Youth Apprenticeship Week

National Youth Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration that highlights the benefits and value of the Registered Apprenticeship program opportunities for youth, ages 16-24.

Harrisburg Receives Two Grants

In the Fall of 2022, the Harrisburg School District launched a Registered Youth Apprenticeship Program through a grant funded by StartTodaySD, by offering students a hands-on landscape apprenticeship program for students. 

We are honored to be an industry supporter alongside Southeast Technical College, the Harrisburg Economic Development Corporation, and many others.

On May 9, during National Youth Apprenticeship Week, Weller Brothers welcomed our first three apprentices to the team to begin completing their apprenticeship, which will take place over the summer of their high school careers. 

After the apprenticeship program is completed they will earn a National Occupation Credential – Landscape Management and Horticulture Technician. This credential is recognized by all 50 states and seen as similar to the work/experience as that of an associate’s degree program.

Each apprentice will dedicate their time to Weller Brothers and jumpstart their education, as well as open doors to career opportunities within the landscaping industry. Our main goal through this program is to educate youth through hands-on and real-world learning to build a pipeline of qualified industry team members.

What Are the Different Types of Jobs in the Landscaping Industry?

Sioux Falls Weller Brothers Team 2023

What Are the Different Types of Jobs in the Landscaping Industry?

When it comes to landscape industry careers in the Midwest, there are many different options. This is a region where people truly value the outdoors and want their outdoor spaces to serve them aesthetically and functionally.  

While many different jobs in landscaping are available, choosing one that fits your skill set, experience, and interests is an important task. 

Weller Brothers is always hiring great people to work with, and we believe everyone can be someone at Weller Brothers.

Career Pathways

We have two primary landscaping career pathways: landscaping and lawn/tree maintenance services. Each position has a career pathway map that will outline the possibilities for promotion throughout your career. No one wants to stay stagnant at their job, which is why we almost always promote from within at Weller Brothers.

Landscape Designer

Landscape designers sell, design, and oversee the execution of landscaping projects. Landscape design could be an excellent career choice for individuals with artistic skills and a strong attention to detail. Each of our designers possesses a passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy life’s best moments.

Ron Peterson, Weller Brothers Landscaping
Ron Peterson; Landscape Designer

“As a landscape designer, my advice to anyone that is wanting to become a landscape designer is to spend as much time in nature as possible and do not be afraid to get your hands dirty. Find a part-time job or a mentor that is involved in gardening, landscaping, horticulture, construction, or an engineering discipline.” 

Education / Training

For this role, candidates must have a degree in landscape design or landscape architecture. A significant understanding of local horticulture is crucial for integrating plants that thrive within the designated area. All Weller Brothers, landscape designers uphold our commitment to excellence by proactively completing projects promptly and within specified budgets.

Landscape Foreman

Landscape foremen execute the construction of designs created by landscape designers. They manage their crew members, oversee day-to-day job site operations, manage and train crew members, and communicate professionally with customers.

Nolan Meier, Landscape Foreman
Landscape Foreman; Nolan Meier

“Before being at Weller Brothers, I attended South East Technical College in their landscaping program, and I learned even more when I was on a job site with my mentors. I would recommend finding someone who can teach you and help you learn everything you can from them if you are looking for a position in landscaping.”

Education / Training

We prefer to hire those with a degree in horticulture or with construction experience, however, we have opportunities for entry-level positions to gain the necessary experience needed to become a landscape foreman. Through our Fast Track Foreman program, you will receive on-the-job experience as you advance through the program. This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking to change their career path and enter the landscape industry with minimal experience.

Lawn Maintenance Foreman

Lawn maintenance foremen are responsible for the lawn care and maintenance of our clients’ properties. They manage their crew members, oversee day-to-day job site operations, and communicate professionally with clients. 

Foreman Fast Track, Kobe Lien
Lead Lawn Maintenace Foreman; Kobe Lien

“I never expected the opportunities that the Foreman Fast Track program would give me to advance professionally while on the job. I gained confidence in overseeing projects and leading a team. Three years ago, I joined Weller Brothers as a Lawn Maintenance Technician and am now a Lead Lawn Maintenance Foreman.

Education / Training

We prefer to hire those with a degree in turf managment or with construction experience, however, we have opportunities for entry-level positions to gain the necessary experience needed to become a lawn maintenace foreman. Through our Fast Track Foreman program, you will receive on-the-job experience as you advance through the program. This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking to change their career path and enter the landscape industry with minimal experience.

Lawn Maintenance Account Manager / Sales

Lawn Maintenance Account Managers retain and sell maintenance contracts, which can involve upselling plant and tree health care, landscape enhancements, or snow removal services. Additionally, each account manager ensures that the property meets or exceeds the client’s expectations of quality and appearance.

Ryan Benda, Weller Brothers Landscaping
Ryan Benda; Senior Account Manager

Although the role of an account manager is sales-oriented, it is just as much or more about building a strong relationship with the client through professionalism, trust, and ongoing communication. People do business with people that they know, like, and trust.” 

Education / Training

Each lawn maintenance account manager must independently work with little direction while effectively and efficiently communicating with their clients. Preferably, candidates should have one year of experience in the landscaping industry or equivalent education. Proficient skills in computer applications such as LMN, GIS, or other relevant applications are required to create, track, and pursue proposals.

Irrigation Specialist

Irrigation specialists install, test, and troubleshoot new underground sprinkler systems. They also have the main responsibility of adapting and performing other irrigation-related duties as needed, such as system startups, checks, and winterizations.

weller brothers lawn technician adjusting a sprinkler head

“As an irrigation specialist, my biggest advice would be to always be willing to learn and work hard. This type of job requires on-the-job training and experience, so be patient as you move up the ladder to this position.” 

Education / Training

It takes special training and experience to become an irrigation specialist. At Weller Brothers, we prefer to hire those with experience, but are happy to train motivated individuals who’d like to become specialized.

Fertilizer Specialist

Fertilizer specialists maintain and apply fertilizers and chemicals to lawns, landscape plants, and trees. They identify and diagnose turf and landscape plant issues and diseases, recommending treatments and repairs as needed to customers. This position demands the ability to manage a crew by tracking a daily route, holding teammates accountable, and communicating professionally with customers.

Fertilizer application, with PPE
Mitch Kasten; Fertilizer Specialist

“I enjoy my job as a fertilizer specialist because it continues to challenge me. I think that my turf management degree from Southeast Technical College was vital to the success I have found at Weller Brothers. Anyone interested in a career in fertilizer application should consider whether they are a self-motivated person who is always willing to learn.”

Education / Training

A fertilizer specialist must possess their applicator license for the respective state they work in, along with experience in fertilizer and chemical applications in the field. They need significant experience operating common irrigation equipment, a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and the ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card.

Horticulture Specialist

The horticulture specialist actively grows, maintains, and takes care of all types of plants and landscapes in a variety of settings. A large part of this role involves actively providing excellent customer service by promptly and courteously assisting customers, answering questions, and providing information as needed.

horticulturist creating a floral arrangement
Cassidy Phen; Horticulture Specialist

“As someone who does not have a formal educational background in horticulture, I would highly recommend taking every opportunity to learn. Weller Brothers has been a great place for me to grow my plant knowledge as well as my professional experience. I joined the team as a horticulture specialist and am now the lead horticulture specialist, leading a team of six people. Take every opportunity you are given.”

Education / Training

We prefer candidates with a degree in horticulture, along with one year of experience in the related field. Proficient skills in computer applications such as LMN or other relevant applications are necessary to effectively track job times and process accounts.

Tree Care Specialist / Arborist

A tree care specialist or arborist plants, treats, and removes trees. They also help determine the viability of trees in a landscape design for a particular area. Arborists understand their obligation to preserve the significant value that trees may contribute to life and property.

Phil Nystrom, a Weller Brothers Certified Arborist Removing a Tree
Phil Nystrom; Tree Care Specialist

“Tree removal can be a very dangerous job, which is why I always recommend furthering your education to know how to properly use all of the tools. There are different types of certifications to become an arborist, which are also very important to get depending on the jobs that you will be doing.”

Education / Training

We prefer one year of experience, and tree and plant ID. Our tree team also takes additional training and education, such as Electrical Hazard Awareness Training or Qualified Line Clearance Arborists. Maintaining and obtaining a state-specific applicator license is required to perform applicable tree health treatments.

Educational Opportunities

In addition to many different career pathways, we offer a variety of different educational experiences to gain comprehensive real-world experience in the landscaping industry. In each of our three locations, there are seasonal internship opportunities available for college students who are pursuing a degree in a respective industry. 

By the end of the experience, you’ll understand the inner workings of a large design/build/maintain landscaping company and have clarity on your career path.

Contact us to Work for Weller Brothers

The landscape, lawn, and tree care professionals at Weller Brothers in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN and Des Moines, IA are always looking to hire great people to work with. If you are looking to join a team that will help you grow professionally, in a team culture with competitive wages, look no further. 

Five Sioux Falls Tree Specialists Pass Arborist Certifications

Weller Brothers Class 2 and 3 Certified Arborists

Five Sioux Falls Tree Specialists Pass Arborist Certifications

Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals does more than just lawn care. 

Recently, five tree care professionals have taken the next step in their careers to become certified arborists in Sioux Falls!

We are proud to congratulate Jamie Boock, Jeremy Ringgenberg, and Ashley Souphimdara for completing Electrical Hazard Awareness Training in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 and ANSI Z133-2017 standards 4.2 to be categorized as an Incidental Line Clearance Arborist (commonly known as level 2 arborist).

Jordan Ringgenberg and Phil Nystrom have completed Level 3 as Qualified Line Clearance Arborists and will maintain MAD (Minimum Approach Distance) from energized electrical conductors per Table 3 in the Z133.

Why are these certifications such a big deal for arborists? There are many benefits to hiring a professional certified arborist; check out the reasons below!

Why Choose a Certified Arborist?

As you consider your tree care or tree removal needs, you may wonder why you should leave the work to the professionals. A certified arborist earns this designation from the International Society of Arboriculture through work experience and education. 

To obtain certification, potential tree care professionals must go through an exam as well as an application process that includes reference letters and verifications. The whole process is what makes us, at Weller Brothers, proud of our entire team of tree care professionals! 

“Certification and furthering my education in tree removal is important to me because it continues to keep everyone at the job site safe, as well as our clients,” says Weller Brothers certified arborist Phil Nystrom. “Tree removal can be very dangerous if you do not do it properly. That is why our clients choose Weller Brothers Certified Arborists for their tree removal needs.”

What Can Certified Arborists Do for You? 

  • They have the knowledge and skills necessary to properly identify, maintain, troubleshoot, and care for your trees. 
  • They remain updated on tree care best practices through continued education to serve you better. 
  • They commit to tree care as well as working safely and effectively.

Contact Us for Sioux Falls Tree Removal

Our certified arborists will evaluate and access the best treatment or removal options for your trees. Contact us here if you need tree removal in the Sioux Falls, SD, area.

Three Big Promotions in the Rochester, MN, Lawn Care World

Rochester, MN, Lawn Care Professionals

Three Promotions on Rochester Lawn Care Team

Another day at Weller Brothers, another big promotion.

Scratch that – three promotions in Rochester, Minnesota!

We are excited to share that Nino Medar and Ryan Derleth have been promoted to Maintenance Account Managers, while Kirk Olson is now our Minnesota Branch Manager.

At Weller Brothers, our employees’ ambition for individual growth and opportunity is the driving force behind our overall company growth. These three employees making moves in Rochester are the perfect example.

Read on to get to know each employee and how they contribute to creating the healthiest lawns for our Rochester clients.

Kirk Olson – Rochester Branch Manager

Kirk Olson laughs during a team meeting at a Rochester, MN, landscaping company

Like many people, Kirk went to college for an entirely different industry than what he’s doing now. After graduating from Northern Iowa with a degree in criminology, he spent a year working inside a detention center in Colorado.

“I hated it,” Kirk says.

Discovering a Love For Lawns

For a change of pace, he found a job with a local landscaping company as a laborer and quickly found a new love for working outdoors. He quickly moved up into a foreman position, and eventually into a project manager role before moving back to the midwest and taking a position doing grounds maintenance at the Mayo Clinic historic properties.

“I loved working with annuals, perennials, and different types of trees,” Kirk says. “During my ten years at Mayo, I gained a lot of knowledge about turf and plant health.”

Eventually, Kirk was ready for a new challenge in the Rochester landscaping industry. He came across Weller Brothers online and reached out to the team.

“I was impressed by the work I saw on the website and thought, ‘Yeah, that’s who I want to work for.’”

Within a few months of being in touch with Brent Weller, Kirk came on board in a dual role as a maintenance and fertilizer technician, while also doing sales. By the summer of 2022, he had worked fully into an account management role.

Becoming the Rochester, MN Branch Manager

The thought of becoming the branch manager for the Weller Brothers Rochester, MN location hadn’t crossed Kirk’s mind until Brent and Cole Weller approached him about the opportunity. 

With Brent moving his family back to Sioux Falls in January 2024 and stepping into a regional management role (overseeing the Rochester and Des Moines locations) there was a need for someone to handle the day-to-day operations locally in Rochester.

“This is something I wasn’t expecting,” Kirk says. “They [Brent and Cole] said they have confidence in my leadership skills and thought I would be a good fit for the position.”

Brent points to Kirk’s natural leadership abilities as key to having earned respect from both his clients and colleagues alike. 

“Something that has stood out to me the past three years is Kirk’s ability to remain humble, while also inspiring and empowering his teammates,” Brent says. “He brings out the best in those around him, which was one of the primary characteristics we were looking for in a candidate for this position.”

Brent adds that Weller Brothers clients enjoy Kirk as much as the team does.

“Clients who have experienced Kirk’s professionalism firsthand often joke with me that they are going to hire him away from Weller Brothers.”

Despite these positive sentiments toward Kirk, he says that he still didn’t feel 100% confident in taking this new role, but both the Weller Brothers leadership team and his wife encouraged him to jump at the opportunity

“My wife was my biggest cheerleader and pushed me into this,” Kirk explains. “A few years ago, I went back to school for project management. She asked me, ‘Why did you go back to school if not to jump into something like this?’ She was right.”

Kirk Olson, Weller Brothers Landscaping

Looking Forward to Team Management

While Kirk’s new role as branch manager will have some overlap with his previous account management position – such as networking and business development – he will now be more involved in production and financials.

“I’ll be working on the business more instead of on the business; seeing what I can do from a high level,” Kirk says. “I’ll shift my focus to the profit margins for the entire branch vs. for a certain department, like I did before.”

Kirk says he is most excited about managing personnel in Rochester.

“I hope to have more time to be in touch with our team every day,” he says. “As a full-time account manager, I was busy most days meeting with clients and working on proposals. Now, I think I’ll be able to touch base with the team and make sure things are going well for them.”

Kirk adds that his goal is to keep building the culture that is already in place so that they can keep it alive as the team continues to grow.

When Kirk isn’t on the job, you can likely catch him around town coaching his kids’ sports or enjoying weekends outdoors with his family.

Congratulations, Kirk!

Nino Medar – Rochester Account Manager

Nino Medar, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Despite having an experienced and professional team in Rochester, one thing that has been lacking in the office is someone who could “be a bit loud” and “get people fired up.”

Enter Nino.

Nino initially joined the team as a landscape technician and was on track to complete our proprietary Foreman Fast Track program. However, his experience in sales – paired with his energy – made him a great fit to move into a Maintenance Account Management position instead.

“I have worked in the construction industry since my early 20’s,” Nino says. “I’ve transitioned into different roles in other companies throughout the years, but fate always brings me back to my true passion – landscaping.”

A Love For the Job

Nino came to Weller Brothers through the encouragement of a coworker James, who he met through his son’s school. He says that having a simple conversation and seeing his excitement about work was enough for him to seek employment at Weller Brothers.

He says he can’t pinpoint just one “favorite part of his job.” He names the quality of craftsmanship, the teamwork he experiences at work, and the feeling of accomplishment in seeing a satisfied client.

When Nino isn’t on the job, he’s on the basketball court or cheering on his four children in sports.

Great work, Nino!

Ryan Derleth – Rochester Account Manager

Ryan Derleth, Weller Brothers Landscaping

“He has experience in pretty much anything landscape maintenance-related.”

That’s what Kirk has to say about Ryan, who started with Weller Brothers as a Turf Specialist in November 2022.

Ryan brings nearly 20 years of experience in the landscape industry, having started right out of high school and gaining a horticulture degree. He took a short break to explore the retail world, but quickly found himself back in the green industry. 

“I started working for Weller Brothers because I was looking for a change within the industry,” Ryan says. After sitting down with Brent Weller to learn about the company, I knew this would be the place for me.”

“An Easy Decision”

Nino certainly fits right in here, and we are grateful for his well-rounded skillset. Ryan is both a licensed fertilizer application and an experienced irrigation technician. He has experience in mowing and horticulture, as well as in production management and sales.

“This was an easy decision [to move Ryan into the account management role] due to his experience, knowledge, and sales record,” Kirk says. “He has in-depth knowledge of our lawn care services and how they can help our clients.”

He will certainly be an asset to our Rochester clients, as he says that his favorite thing about his job is interacting with clients and coworkers.

When Ryan isn’t outside on your lawn, he’s likely outside somewhere enjoying time with his family.

Welcome to the sales team, Ryan!

Learn More About Careers at Weller Brothers

Our team is constantly growing. As we create positions and promote employees from within, we are always looking to fill roles with talented, team-oriented people.

If you’re interested in a lawn or landscape job in Rochester, MN, Des Moines, IA, or Sioux Falls, SD, you’re in the right place!

Maxwell Tolk Promoted To Account Manager in Sioux Falls

Maxwell Tolk, Account Manager at Weller Brothers Landscaping

Maxwell Tolk Promoted To Account Manager in Sioux Falls

Maxwell Tolk, Account Manager at Weller Brothers Landscaping

Weller Brothers is well known for promoting from within, giving each and every individual the opportunity to advance their career as they gain on the job experience and confidence. 

We are thrilled to share that Maxwell Tolk has taken a leap forward in his career at Weller Brothers Landscaping in Sioux Falls, SD and has been promoted from Horticulture Foreman to Account Manager.

A Strong Foundation

Originally from Lake Park, Iowa, Maxwell attended Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, SD, graduating in 2020 with a degree in Horticulture and Landscape Design. After graduating, Tolk pursued an opportunity working in Vancouver, British Columbia for two years. 

During Maxwell’s time in Vancouver, he gained an all-encompassing hands on experience which utilized his degree knowledge while learning customer services and problem solving skills. Maxwell was the on-site point of contact for many of the HOA properties in Vancouver, which led him to branching out to find new growth opportunities.

Horticulture team at Weller Brothers Landscaping

Maximizing Potential

Upon his return to Sioux Falls, SD, he joined the Weller Brothers team as a Horticulture Foreman and continued to grow as a leader on the Weller Brothers Team. 

“I am very excited to have Maxwell on our team,” says Camrin Meyer, Weller Brothers Lead Account Manager. “His personality meshes perfectly in the office, and I know that his hard work and dedication to our customers is something that they are also going to love.”

Maxwell is very eager to be at the forefront of client interactions, ensuring that their landscaping and maintenance goals are not only met but exceeded. His understanding of landscaping services combined with his proven leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of Weller Brothers Landscaping in Sioux Falls, SD

I am always looking for growth opportunities in my career to learn new things and overcome challenges, while providing the best customer service possible,” Maxwell says. 

“One person that influenced and mentored me to take the opportunity of an Account Manager was Ryan Benda; he has a wealth of experience and knowledge that I learn from.” 

As Maxwell steps into his new role as an Account Manager at Weller Brothers Landscaping, we celebrate not just an individual accomplishment but also his commitment to excellence. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of his career! 

Learn More About Careers at Weller Brothers

Our team in constantly growing. As we create positions and promote employees within, we are always looking to fill roles with talented individuals. 

If you’re interested in a lawn or landscape job in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, or Des Moines, IA, – Contact Us Today!

Weller Brothers Announces 2024 Employee “Win the Day” Award Recipients

Win the Day award winners Chad Kasten and Tanner Schoenhard

Weller Brothers Announces 2024 Employee “Win the Day” Award Recipients

Congratulations to Senior Landscape Designer Chad Kasten and Maintenance Production Manager Tanner Schoenhard, the first recipients of our brand-new, annual Weller Brothers “Win the Day” Award!

For the first time since 2001, we are introducing an “employee of the year” type of award to the Weller Brothers team.

The “Win the Day” award is a great achievement for a Weller Brothers employee and is awarded to an individual who exemplifies our Roots daily:

  • Quality
  • Safety
  • Communication
  • “Win the Day”

In the inaugural year of this award, the Weller Brothers leadership team selected Tanner and Chad as the recipients due to their outstanding contributions to team management and sales (respectively) in 2023. 

In future years, “Win the Day” winners will be selected through a thoughtful employee nomination process. 

We are so excited to introduce this award to our team and are thrilled to celebrate the winners each year! Read on and watch the videos below to learn more about why Chad and Tanner were selected for the 2024 “Win the Day” Award.

Congratulations!

Chad Kasten – Win the Day Award Recipient for 2024

Chad Kasten and Cole Weller, Chad the 2024 Win the Day Award Recipient

“When thinking about this award, Chad’s name came to mind almost immediately. He’s just growing into the role and knows the value that he can bring to the company but also the influence that he can have on helping others.”

– Jill Holt, Weller Brothers CFO

 

“Chad is a major asset to our business here, and we look at that a lot in anyone who works with us. We pride ourselves on working with assets and that helps us build a better home. Chad, you’re doing a great job.” 

– Jesse Deffenbaugh, Deffenbaugh Homes

 

“Chad sets excessive goals for himself and he exceeds them constantly.”

– Ian Libby, Weller Brothers General Manager

Tanner Schoenhard – Win the Day Award Recipient for 2024

Tanner Schoenhard, 2024 recipient of the Weller Brothers Win the Day award

“The team at Weller Brothers is very wonderful, and one of the most important persons here that makes things wonderful is Tanner Schoenhard.” 

– Carlos Ruiz, Weller Brothers Lawn Foreman

 

“Why do I think Tanner deserves this award? It was a no-brainer for me. The first thing that comes to mind is that Tanner was put into his role abruptly and didn’t have a ton of time to learn as we integrated a brand new company into our own…coupled with unmatched snowfall totals, and he just came in and owned it.”

– Jill Holt, Weller Brothers CFO

 

“He’s like family. He and Sarah bring their daughters over at Halloween and Christmas, and they show us their costumes…It’s so hard to find someone that cares for your stuff like it’s their own.”

– Doug and Julie Lindner, Weller Brothers Clients

Learn More About Working At Weller Brothers

We have the best team in the Midwest; we believe that you can be somebody here. These award winners are just two examples of that.

Learn more about joining the Weller Brothers team and growing your career with us.