Thriving
Relationships

Justin Birchmeier

Justin grew up on a farm, where he developed an early passion for turf, plants, and hardscapes. He began taking on small landscape construction projects in high school, and after graduating from college, steadily advanced from estimator to VP of Operations at a Top 100 landscape firm.

As our DFW-based Operations Manager, Justin brings a sharp eye for identifying inefficiencies and improving processes, workflows, and overall operational performance. He oversees the day-to-day execution of our landscape construction work across the metroplex, ensuring projects run smoothly, efficiently, and profitably.

Justin credits clear, consistent communication as the foundation of his success. He is committed to being truthful and timely with clients, advocating for their best interests, and fostering the same standard of transparency and accountability within his team.

Austin Brubaker

Austin brings over 15 years of financial leadership to Clean Scapes, with a background spanning public accounting, energy commodities, and multi-national corporate finance. He began his career at Ernst & Young, where he earned his CPA, and gained firsthand exposure to the financial operations of the world’s most successful corporations. He applies that breadth to building lean, effective finance functions suited to early-stage and growth-stage businesses.

Prior to joining Clean Scapes, Austin served as Corporate Controller at a large national construction services business, where he managed financial reporting, controls, payroll, and operational finance. That experience sharpened his ability to build scalable finance infrastructure in dynamic, growth-oriented environments.

At Clean Scapes, Austin oversees all financial operations with a focus on building the systems and processes that support long-term growth. He is passionate about the brand’s mission and brings a rigorous, strategic approach to the business side. Outside of the numbers, Austin is committed to what Clean Scapes represents: a high standard of service defined by quality craftsmanship and lasting client relationships.

Michael Cook

Michael Cook is a Business Development Manager for Clean Scapes in North Texas, specializing in landscape construction. His path into the industry began in his family’s hydroseeding business, where he gained early, hands-on experience in field operations and developed a practical understanding of landscape systems.

He is a licensed and highly skilled irrigator, bringing strong technical knowledge to every project and client relationship. Prior to transitioning into business development, Michael spent several years as a Senior Project Manager, overseeing landscape construction projects from planning through completion.

His background blends field experience, technical expertise, and leadership in the industry, giving him a grounded and solutions-oriented approach to his work. A former member of the Board of Directors for the Lone Star Irrigation Association, Michael is also a recipient of the Hunter Industries Trailblazer Award.

Kyle Embry

Kyle serves as a Business Development Manager in our Fort Worth market, responsible for selling commercial landscape maintenance services and developing long-term client relationships across various property types. He focuses on driving new business while delivering sustainable landscape solutions that enhance property value, improve site performance, and support long-term success.

With a background in commercial landscape management, Kyle understands maintenance operations, irrigation systems, and the needs of large-scale commercial sites. He partners with clients, operations teams, and internal stakeholders to develop service solutions that align with budget and long-term goals.

Kyle is skilled in client relations and contract negotiation, known for building trust, identifying opportunities, and delivering responsive, solutions-oriented service.

Ivan Giraldo

With more than 30 years in the industry, Ivan Giraldo started his commercial experience from the ground up at Clean Cut in Austin, Texas. He continued developing in the industry, and when Clean Cut merged with TruGreen, he became Branch Manager of one of the most successful branches of TruGreen nationwide.

In 2005, Ivan partnered with Rex Gore to co-found Clean Scapes. By 2008, Clean Scapes was named the fastest growing company in central Texas, and today the company is ranked number 21 on the Lawn and Landscapes Top 100 list.

Ivan is a graduate of the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative: Scaling, EY Entrepreneur of the Year Recipient in 2017 for Central Texas, Board member of the Round Rock Area Serving Center, a member of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

Rex Gore

Rex Gore is a social and business entrepreneur. In 1985 he co-founded CleanCut Landscaping and grew it into one of the ten largest landscaping companies in the United States. CleanCut maintained more than 30% annualized growth over 13 years and won over 70 national and state awards. He sold the company to TruGreen Landcare in 1998.

Rex returned to the landscaping industry in 2005 to start Clean Scapes with Ivan Giraldo, which was named the fastest growing company in central Texas in 2008 and is now one of the largest commercial landscaping companies in the United States.

Rex is involved in a broad cross section of activities with a focus on the business environment in Texas, Austin area real estate, youth support, and education. He has served or is currently serving on the following boards: Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA) Executive Counsel, Capitol Area Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, PelotonU, Texas Charter School Association (TCSA) and Charter School Network (CSN). Has been an active member in/chaired major initiatives/commissions for: Opportunity Austin, the Texas Business Leadership Council (TBLC), Education Equals Economics (E3), Communities in Schools (CiS), and Austin 2030 (focused on the post-secondary success of Austin ISD students). Additionally, Rex is currently serving as the chair of the Governor appointed Texas Commission on Virtual Education, and on the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC).

Rex was recognized as Austin Philanthropist of the Year in 2021. 

Jay Grona

With over 25 years of industry experience, Jay Grona oversees Construction Operations for all Clean Scapes branches, bringing unparalleled expertise and leadership to the company’s commercial landscape construction projects. Under his guidance, Clean Scapes has successfully completed thousands of high-quality projects, earning a reputation for excellence and reliability in the industry.

Jay oversees every stage of construction operations, from submittals to closeout documents, ensuring seamless project execution. His responsibilities include job costing and financial forecasting, resource planning and management, scheduling, safety oversight, and employee hiring and development. His strategic approach and attention to detail have been instrumental in driving efficiency and profitability across the organization.

A passionate advocate for team development, Jay implements real-time training initiatives to enhance employee skills while nurturing a high-performing, collaborative culture. His commitment to employee retention and fostering professional growth has solidified Clean Scapes as an employer of choice in the industry.

Jay continues to lead Clean Scapes in delivering exceptional results and exceeding client expectations.

Jase Johnston

Jase is a professional horticulturist with over 17 years of experience in the landscape industry, specializing in landscape maintenance. His deep knowledge of plant care and passion for the care of exceptional outdoor spaces have been key to his success.

As the leader of Clean Scapes’ Fort Worth office, Jase is dedicated to fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration, firmly believing that anything is achievable when people work together. Under his leadership, the Fort Worth team continues to deliver outstanding results, maintaining the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction. Jase’s commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire others make him an invaluable asset to both the team and Clean Scapes as a whole.

Alex Lee

Alex Lee serves as Branch Manager for Clean Scapes Houston Maintenance, where he leads operations, sales, and marketing for the company’s rapidly growing Houston presence. Over the last few years, he has successfully built and structured a high-performing management team while driving operational excellence and client growth.

With over a decade of experience at Clean Scapes, Alex has held progressive leadership roles spanning account management, business development, and key accounts. He has consistently demonstrated an ability to grow client portfolios, strengthen long-term partnerships, and lead large teams across Class A office, retail, and HOA environments.

Alex holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Concordia University Texas and brings a strong foundation in environmental compliance, project management, and strategic communication. He is an active leader in the industry and community, serving as a mentor in Leadership Academy and as Vice President of Serenity Gardens, a veteran-focused nonprofit. His work has contributed to numerous state and national landscaping awards, reflecting his commitment to quality, innovation, and service excellence.

George Lindenberg

As the Managing Principal of Construction at Clean Scapes, George oversees all aspects of our commercial landscape, irrigation, and hardscape installation services, encompassing pre-construction estimation, sales, project implementation, and high-level on-site management. Over the years, his role has expanded beyond construction management to include strategic decision-making that drives Clean Scapes’ continued growth and operational excellence.

George has developed an industry-leading estimation system that sets the benchmark for competitors, while also creating SOPs and real-time job costing systems to monitor project performance against budgets. His initiatives include KPI-based bonus programs and strategies for transitioning construction projects into long-term maintenance accounts. He has also designed sophisticated forecasting tools to enhance revenue and profitability planning, enabling more effective hiring and capital expenditure strategies. A strong advocate for team development, George prioritizes real-time training and fosters a high-performance culture across the organization.

In addition to his operational expertise, George has led Clean Scapes’ strategic expansion into new markets and service areas by cultivating partnerships, identifying growth opportunities, and diversifying the company’s portfolio. His contributions to branding and marketing continue to further solidified Clean Scapes’ reputation for quality and reliability.

Don Meier

Don Meier is the Chief Operating Officer of Clean Scapes, responsible for leading the company’s operational strategy and ensuring consistent, high-quality performance across all markets. He strengthens the organization by building scalable systems, elevating operating standards, and aligning teams around a shared vision of service excellence. In 2025, Don played a key role in guiding Clean Scapes through a successful recapitalization, positioning the company for accelerated growth and long-term value creation.

Prior to joining Clean Scapes, Don built a track record of advising businesses from startup to the Fortune 500, optimizing workflows, and delivering high-impact initiatives that improve efficiency and customer outcomes. He brings a customer-driven, relationship-focused approach to operations, turning client insights into practical strategies that advance performance and competitiveness.

Don holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech. Outside of work, you can find him on the golf course, in his workshop making furniture, or trying new tacos with his wife and two children.

Blake Millican

Blake serves as Clean Scapes’ Director of Operations for Maintenance, leading maintenance ancillary services across the company, including irrigation, enhancements, arbor, and chemical operations. He focuses on developing the systems, KPIs, and strategic investments that drive operational performance, while partnering closely with Branch Managers to maximize portfolio potential, maintain quality, control costs, and deliver exceptional customer service.

A Marine veteran who served in Afghanistan, Blake was twice awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his leadership and service. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University and an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business. Prior to joining Clean Scapes, Blake held leadership and analytics roles at Citi Bank and worked as a Drilling Engineer and Wellsite Supervisor for Apache Corporation, where he managed complex, large-scale drilling and construction operations totaling nearly half a billion dollars in value.

Josh Mills

Offering a background in project management, estimating, and supervision, Josh is responsible for Construction Operations and Business Development in the San Antonio market. With 14 years in the Landscape Industry and 12 years in prior leadership positions, he is focused on overseeing and expanding our footprint in the local market.

Joe Moore

Joe Moore has served as Branch Manager for Clean Scapes’ Dallas maintenance operations for roughly a decade, overseeing branch operations, sales, and staff across the region. During his tenure, he has played a key role in the growth and continued success of the Dallas branch, providing leadership across irrigation, enhancements, operations, and account management teams while fostering operational consistency and team development.

Joe also oversees the branch’s financial performance, including contracting, billing, accounts receivable, expenditures, budgeting, and forecasting. Known for his strong focus on accountability and execution, he helps ensure operations are delivered efficiently while maintaining high standards of service and client satisfaction.

Laurie Mullane

With roughly a decade at Clean Scapes, Laurie is a seasoned professional in sales, client relations, and operational strategy. Her ability to foster strong customer relationships, coordinate impactful events, and drive business growth has made her an integral part of our team, ensuring Clean Scapes maintains a competitive edge in the landscaping industry. Her active involvement in industry organizations, including BOMA, IFMA, and CREW San Antonio, reflects her dedication to professional development and community engagement. With a hands-on approach and a passion for connecting people and opportunities, Laurie continues to make a lasting impact in the commercial landscape industry.

Brett Nichols

Bubba Nickel

As CEO of Clean Scapes, Bubba leverages his experience and expertise in driving transformative growth and change within companies, both domestically and internationally throughout his career.

Prior to joining Clean Scapes, Bubba held key roles, including CFO, Chief Investment Officer, and Board Member at American Campus Communities. He played a pivotal role in steering the company’s growth from startup to a $2.5 billion enterprise. Subsequently, as CEO of Urbanest Australia, Bubba orchestrated a successful turnaround, leading the company to unprecedented growth and outperforming competitors in customer satisfaction and net margin performance.

Following his tenure at Urbanest, a major US pension fund entrusted Bubba to lead a similar transformation at Essential Living in London. Throughout his career, Bubba’s focus on innovative property development and top management practices has been instrumental in driving organizational success.

Bubba began his career in investment banking and real estate after graduating as a Division I swimmer from Northwestern University, where he earned his degree.

Steve Pilar

Steve Pilar plays a key role in supporting Clean Scapes’ client relations and project coordination efforts, helping drive alignment between client goals and operational execution. As part of the Business Development team, he manages contract coordination, facilitates clear and consistent client communication, and supports long-term planning for large-scale landscape maintenance programs. Steve works closely with operations leadership to ensure that service expectations, project requirements, and performance standards are well-defined and consistently delivered.

With experience supporting partnerships across municipalities, commercial campuses, and public-private organizations, Steve brings a strong understanding of the complexities involved in managing large outdoor environments. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Architecture from Clemson University, which complements his practical, client-focused approach with a solid foundation in design and site planning principles.

Brandon Rivera

Brandon began his Clean Scapes career as an Account Manager, where he quickly distinguished himself through strong client relationships, reliable execution, and a commitment to service excellence. He now serves as Branch Manager for landscape maintenance in the Dallas market, overseeing day-to-day operations, client relationships, and field team performance to ensure consistent service quality and long-term account success. In this role, he coordinates maintenance programs, supports account teams, and drives operational efficiency across a diverse portfolio of commercial properties, while continuing to build on his foundation by fostering team cohesion and ensuring client expectations are consistently met or exceeded.

He is a skilled bilingual communicator with the ability to build rapport across diverse groups. Highly organized and effective in fast-paced environments, Brandon excels at coordinating multiple priorities with efficiency and attention to detail. He is known for building customer loyalty, taking initiative to resolve issues proactively, and promoting long-term client relationships.

Brandon brings a strong “above and beyond” mindset to both client service and team leadership, with a consistent focus on accountability, responsiveness, and delivering quality results across every property.

John Schlesselman

John Schlesselman has spent his career in the landscape construction industry, building relationships and helping bring complex commercial projects to life across Texas. With experience ranging from project engineer and procurement to project management and business development, he understands projects from both the operational and client side.

Today, John focuses on partnering with owners, developers, architects, and contractors to provide landscape and irrigation solutions that balance quality, constructability, and budget. Known for being responsive, collaborative, and easy to work with, he enjoys being involved early in the process to help teams solve problems before they become costly issues in the field.

Outside of work, John is an avid golf enthusiast, award-winning bbq nerd, and proud Oklahoma State fan.

Daniel Simpson

Daniel is a dedicated and results-driven Operations Manager. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for excellence, Daniel excels in delivering high-quality projects while streamlining job site operations to eliminate inefficiencies. His expertise, coupled with his strategic problem-solving skills, makes him an invaluable asset in turning visionary designs into thriving, functional landscapes.

Known for his leadership and commitment to success, Daniel is entrusted with overseeing the delivery of the company’s most high-profile projects. His ability to manage complex operations, coordinate teams, and uphold stringent quality standards ensures that every project exceeds client expectations.

Heidi Veselka

Heidi Veselka serves as Director of Human Resources for Clean Scapes, where she leads the company’s people strategy and plays a critical role in shaping and sustaining a strong, performance-driven culture across the organization. She oversees payroll and all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, and benefits, ensuring teams are aligned, supported, and positioned for long-term success.

In her leadership role at Clean Scapes, Heidi is instrumental in strengthening organizational effectiveness and building scalable HR systems to support the company’s continued growth. She partners closely with executive and market leadership to drive alignment around key priorities, support workforce planning, and enhance the employee experience across all regions.

With more than two decades of experience in corporate human resources leadership across construction, manufacturing, distribution and energy environments, Heidi brings a strategic and practical approach to workforce management. She is an innovative HR leader with strong business acumen and broad-based expertise in HR and business operations, including restructuring, rapid growth, and significant organizational change. Known for taking a hands-on approach to creating order from chaos, she excels at identifying simple solutions to complex business challenges and building enterprise-wide alignment around critical priorities and strategic objectives.

Trey Webb

Trey Webb serves as Managing Director of Maintenance, leading the company’s landscape maintenance operations with a focus on service excellence, strategic growth, and long-term client success.

A lifelong passion for the outdoors and landscape stewardship informs his leadership style, which centers on strong client partnerships, high-performing teams, and meaningful community engagement.

With extensive experience in landscape maintenance, strategic planning, and client relations, Trey oversees operations, team development, and client engagement to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality maintenance services. He works closely with the executive team to strengthen performance, support organizational growth, and drive lasting success across the company’s maintenance division.