Our People
The story of our success all starts with our people. From our production team to our office staff, our team of professionals is passionate about what they do. We pride ourselves on hiring the best personnel in the industry and that all starts with people who love doing what they do.
The Team
Locations:
Central Office
Cole Weller
President & CEO
(605) 777-1938
cole@wellerbrothers.com
Cole, with his brother Brent, co-founded Weller Brothers in 2001. He attended Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls where he studied landscape design. His passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces has set Weller Brothers apart from the competition in the design, construction, and maintenance of the most stunning backyards and properties in the region. He leads his team with passion and enthusiasm. Cole and his wife Kari have two daughters, Roslyn and Elouise, and a son, Whitaker. His hobbies are golfing, hunting, skiing, and traveling with his wife and kids.
Brent Weller
Vice President & Regional Director of Operations
(507) 218-0490
brent@wellerbrothers.com
Brent is the co-founder of Weller Brothers and operates the Rochester, Minnesota branch. His effort to provide the highest quality service in the industry has been a driving force behind the growth of the Weller Brothers name since the beginning. Brent and his wife Nikki are the proud parents of their daughter, Aria, and sons William and Winston. Aside from spending time with family, he enjoys golfing with friends in the summer and hunting in the fall and winter.
Jill Holt
CFO
(605) 789-2840
jill.holt@wellerbrothers.com
Jill is originally from Miller, South Dakota. After high school, she went to the University of South Dakota where she got her business degree with a major in accounting. Jill is passionate about continuously learning and digging into the numbers to identify ways to improve efficiency and add value to the company. Jill’s no-nonsense but fun-loving attitude keeps everyone in the office in line. Jill and her husband Kory have three kids who are all active in sports. In her downtime, you can find her coaching her kids, spending time with family, and reading.
Sandi Frey
(605) 789-4551
sandi.frey@wellerbrothers.com
Sandi was born and raised in Sioux Falls and received her bachelor's degree in Health and Hospital Administration from Augustana University. She is PHR and SHRM-CP Certified and has been in the HR field for more than 20 years.
An HR job is never boring, and she enjoys that something new always comes up – even after she thinks she has seen everything! Her favorite part of her role is the people she gets to work with.
In her free time, Sandi is cheering on the Twins or the local high school football team with her family. She also enjoys shopping and trying her luck at casinos, especially in Deadwood. Most importantly, she loves her family, including her husband Scott, two grown children, Sidney and Jackson, and her beloved Shiba Inu, Gus.
Ian Libby
(605) 777-1970
ian.libby@wellerbrothers.com
Ian attended Iowa State University where he graduated with a degree in landscape architecture. He has been in the industry for 20 years and is passionate about building beautiful landscapes. His passion for customer service and satisfaction make him a great leader to his team. Ian and his wife Connie have two boys, Owen and Logan. Ian enjoys golfing, fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Ben Kaufmann
(605) 679-6018
ben.kaufmann@wellerbrothers.com
Ben grew up in Sioux Falls, graduated from South Dakota State University, and spent five years in the Marine Corps. Once he moved back to Sioux Falls, he began working in the accounting field and went back to school through the University of South Dakota to earn his business degree with a major in accounting. He is involved in a wide range of day-to-day accounting functions at Weller Brothers.
Ben and his wife, have two kids, and three cats. In his free time, Ben enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors.
Jaden Miller
Jaden is originally from Freeman, South Dakota, and graduated from the University of Sioux Falls with a degree in media studies and journalism. Before joining the Weller Brothers team, she gained a variety of creative and marketing experience through operating a videography business, doing creative marketing for a non-profit in Uganda, and spending several years in the automotive marketing industry.
In her work, she thrives within the intersection of creativity and data. At Weller Brothers, she enjoys the positive team culture and high standards for exceptionalism.
Outside of work, you can find Jaden at the gym, planning her next international adventure with her husband, or snuggling with their cat, Georgia.
ReNae Hansen
ReNae grew up in Sioux Falls and received a degree in business management from Nettleton College. Hers is the friendly voice that Weller Brothers customers hear when they call our Sioux Falls offices, and she says her favorite part of the job is helping our customers. Outside of work, she stays active and enjoys walking. She's the proud mom to four daughters, including a set of twins.
Brooke Harmer
(605) 679-7054
brooke.harmer@wellerbrothers.com
Brooke is a Sioux Falls native and graduated from South Dakota State University with degrees in business economics and entrepreneurial studies. Her favorite thing about working at Weller Brothers is helping out her teammates whenever they need it and keeping the office organized. Outside of work, Brooke spends time with family and friends and enjoys playing tennis in the summer.
Kristen Scheel
(605) 789-2911
kristen.scheel@wellerbrothers.com
Kristen is a Sioux Falls, SD native who enjoyed her homeschool education growing up while participating in church and athletic activities through other school districts.
Her professional background largely includes teaching preschool for ten years. When she was interested in a career-path change, she found the Weller Brothers office – with a variety of daily responsibilities – to be a great fit.
In her free time, Kristen enjoys working out and traveling, along with just spending time with friends and family.
Camron Rol
(605) 679-7048
accounting@wellerbrothers.com
Camron hails from LeMars, IA (aka Ice Cream Land) and obtained his accounting degree from the University of South Dakota. He enjoys the culture at Weller Brothers and always provides a funny comment for any situation.
In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, hunting, and spending time with his wife and family.
Cally Anderson
Recruiting and Marketing Coordinator
(605) 681-9962
cally.anderson@wellerbrothers.com
Cally Anderson is from Huron, South Dakota. In 2022, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Northern State University. Cally's professional background includes extensive travel across the United States, where she worked in public relations for Western endemic sporting events before joining the team at Weller Brothers.
In her free time, Cally enjoys the company of her two mini dachshunds, Bruno and Bentley, and her fiancée Kobe. In October, they are very excited to welcome their first child into their family.Â
Delilah Houston
(605) 777-1939
delilah.houston@wellerbrothers.com
Delilah hails from Dimock, SD and obtained her Accounting degree from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell.
In high school math was her favorite subject, so she knew she wanted to work with numbers, and that eventually led to the Weller Brothers admin team!
In her free time, Delilah watches tv, walks her dog, works out, golfs, and spends time with her husband.Â
Sioux Falls, SD
Ron Peterson
Ron grew up on a family farm in southern Minnesota. It was there that he developed his love for natural environments and the outdoors. He went on to study at South Dakota State University, where he obtained his degree in landscape architecture. His passion for the outdoors, art, and use of native plants shows in his unique designs, as well as at his home where he has cultivated vast patches of wildflowers and prairie grasses. Ron enjoys time with his wife and four children, gardening, traveling, and spending time in the outdoors.
Cole Jenkins
Originally from central Minnesota, Cole moved to South Dakota to obtain his Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana University. Soon after graduating, he attended Southeast Technical Institute to study landscape design, furthering his education.
His background in the industry, install experience, and passion for the outdoors are all recognizable in his work. Cole oversees each of his projects to maintain top-quality standards and enjoys building customer relationships throughout.
In his time outside of work, Cole can be found traveling, hiking, or spending time with his family. He and his wife Jordan have two daughters, and are expecting their third child in April.Â
Gabe Heller
Assistant Landscape Designer
Gabe grew up in Aberdeen, SD and graduated from South Dakota State University's Accredited Landscape Architecture Program. Growing up as a golfer, as well as working for golf course grounds maintenance for a number of years, he knew he wanted to make Landscape Design his career.
Through school, he grew a deeper passion for the profession and used it to propel himself into his professional career. After a few years of working up the landscape design industry out of state, he and his wife desired to return to South Dakota, where he landed at Weller Brothers.
Gabe says there is no sweeter feeling than seeing a client's dream vision come to life – whether that be in the design process, presenting 2D and 3D designs, or in the final walkthrough when everything comes together.
When he's not designing in the office, Gabe enjoys spending time with his wife and their year old black lab, Phoebe. He also enjoys spending time with family now that they are closer to home. Gabe's dad was a golf coach, so golf has remained a favorite sport since he was a child.
Gabe also enjoys bringing his work skills into his personal life; his wife is also an SDSU graduate in interior design and now a professional residential home drafter, so they have also picked up a new hobby of creating plans and 3D designs for their home and making it theirs piece by piece.
This year Gabe and his wife will be open a new chapter as they are expecting their first child, in August!Â
Chad Kasten
(605) 679-7061
chad.kasten@wellerbrothers.com
Chad grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and obtained his degree in landscape architecture from South Dakota State University with minors in business and horticulture. He began his landscape career in 2010 as a landscape foreman and has worked his way up to becoming a Senior Landscape Designer at Weller Brothers. He loves to design and manage one-of-a-kind landscapes for his customers to enjoy. When Chad is not dreaming up beautiful landscapes, he enjoys spending time with his family or hitting the golf links.
Luke Wixo
(605) 789-3070
luke.wixo@wellerbrothers.com
Luke’s love for the outdoors and lawn maintenance inspired him to pursue and obtain his associate degree in sports turf management and landscape design from Southeast Technical Institute. He is originally from Moorhead, Minnesota, and moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to start his career. Luke has shown great leadership and enthusiasm from the first day he started with the Weller Brothers team. He brings vast knowledge to our maintenance department from his experience in the golf course industry. Luke enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, as well as playing golf.
Kyle Blake
(605) 800-4178
kyle.blake@wellerbrothers.com
Originally from Sioux Falls, Kyle graduated from Northern State University with a Biology degree. He eventually found his way to working at Weller Brothers because he noticed and appreciated the company's values of sustainability, customer satisfaction, employee development, and collaboration. He enjoys being part of the Weller Brothers team because it is a positive and fulfilling work environment.
His favorite part of his job is the opportunity to build relationships with clients and work on a variety of projects, from residential to commercial properties. The satisfaction of seeing a project come to fruition and the positive impact it has on the environment and community is very rewarding. He loves being part of a team that creates beautiful spaces for families, friends, and teams to enjoy, connect, and create long lasting memories together.
Kyle and his wife Jessica enjoy traveling and spending time at the lake with their Great Dane, Eleanor. His hobbies include golfing, hunting, cooking, and anything sports related.
Cam Meyer
(605) 679-7057
camrin.meyer@wellerbrothers.com
Camrin grew up in northwest Iowa. He moved to Sioux Falls to study at Southeast Technical Institute, where he obtained his associate degree in sports turf management. He went on to work in the golf course industry after his schooling before he came to Weller Brothers. He brings vast knowledge and expertise to our maintenance division. He is passionate about helping customers and meeting new people.
His golden doodle keeps him and his wife, Marissa, plenty busy. Cam enjoys golf, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife Marissa, son Daxson, and daughter Spencer.
Ryan Benda
(605) 789-4430
ryan.benda@wellerbrothers.com
Ryan grew up on a farm and ranch in south-central South Dakota before attending Southeast Tech, where he tripled-majored in sports turf management, landscape design, and horticulture technology.
With so many options for contractors and landscape service providers, Ryan is passionate about being part of a team that provides quality, honest, one-on-one relationships with clients. He enjoys meeting the specific needs of each client and providing the best possible solution.
Outside of work, golf has a special place in Ryan's heart. He also enjoys woodworking, hunting, fishing, and spending time at the lake with his family. He and his "rockstar" wife Andrea have three children who keep them on their toes with activities and sports.
Justin Pudenz
Account Manager
(605) 789-2960
justin.pudenz@wellerbrothers.com
Justin grew up in Lake View, IA, where he, his dad, and brother started mowing lawns in their neighborhood. Before they knew it, they were mowing all over town.
Justin then went a different direction when he pursued his degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa, coming home every summer to continue mowing. While teaching third grade in the Harrisburg School District for several years, he also coached middle school football and basketball. But, he needed something to stay busy during the summer and began working seasonally for Weller Brothers in 2014.
Since then, he's held several positions at Weller Brothers, including his now full-time position as a maintenance account manager. He enjoys the collaborative teamwork.
Justin loves working in the lawn care industry and improving curb appeal. Who wouldn't want to have the best looking yard in the neighborhood?
In his free time, he spends time with his wife Arielle and son Cohen. He loves hunting and watching their dog Charlie work birds. He also tries to get out a couple times of year to fish and golf.
Maxwell Tolk
Account Manager
(605) 518-2384
maxwell.tolk@wellerbrothers.com
Maxwell is from Lake Park, Iowa, and went to Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, SD for Horticulture and Landscape Design. After graduating, he worked for a landscaping company in Vancouver, British Columbia for two years before returning to Sioux Falls and joining the Weller Brothers team, first as a horticulture foreman.
Maxwell says that his favorite part about working at Weller Brothers is the culture; every employee is happy and willing to help each other, no matter what the task may be.
When he's not at work, Maxwell spends time fishing, golfing, and watching or attending sports events, specifically hockey and basketball.
Kyle Warwick
(507) 218-0542
kyle.warwick@wellerbrothers.com
Kyle is from Sioux Falls and graduated in 2015 with an associate degree in general studies from South Dakota State University.
As Maintenance Training Coordinator, his favorite thing about the work he does at Weller Brothers is lending a helping hand to his coworkers. He loves to see them excited about the work they do and to help them become confident in creating the healthiest lawns in Sioux Falls.
Outside of work, Kyle enjoys golfing, fishing, and hiking — any outdoor activities pique his interest!
Dallas Moore
605-789-2910
dallas.moore@wellerbrothers.com
Allie Rea
Allie is a Tea, South Dakota native who attended South Dakota State University after high school.
She enjoys the landscaping industry because humans can significantly impact the environment, and she enjoys contributing towards making our impact positive.
Allie's favorite part about working at Weller Brothers is the variety of tasks and the people she works with.
Outside of work, you'll find her outside with animals, chilling in her hammock, trying new foods, or exploring new places and cultures.
Kirsten Goihl
(605) 800-5338
kirsten.goihl@wellerbrothers.com
Kirsten, originally from Luverne, Minnesota, brings a background in education to her current role as an Account Manager at Weller Brothers Landscaping. Prior to joining the company, she spent six years teaching in the Sioux Falls School District and transitioned to the landscaping industry, working for MC&R Pools for two years.
Kirsten finds her co-workers at Weller Brothers to be a highlight of her work experience, appreciating their supportive and collaborative nature. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Jack, and their sheepadoodle, Gabby.
Tanner Schoenhard
Maintenance Operations Manager
Tanner is originally from Sioux Falls and grew up around the family lawn maintenance business. He joined the Weller Brothers team in 2015 and has a passion for making lawns look great. Tanner enjoys spending time with his daughters Elliot and Porter in his free time.
Tyler Nelson
Landscape Operations Manager
Tyler began his career in the green industry mowing lawns when he was in a pinch for a job during high school. He ended up falling in love with the industry and has worked his way up from a landscape technician to a successful landscape foreman to the Landscape Production Manager at our Sioux Falls location.
Today, he oversees the construction of many of the large-scale beautiful landscape projects that Weller Brothers is known for. He loves to spend time with his wife, Katilin, and their daughter, Aubrey. He also enjoys fishing and hunting.
Ryan Myott
Arborist Sales Representative
Marie Kimlicka
Kent Muller
Kent hails from Tyndall, SD, and went to South Dakota State University for Landscape Design. Throughout his time working at Weller Brothers, he's advanced from Landscape Lead Hand to Foreman to his current role as Enhancements Coordinator.
As Enhancements Coordinator, Kent oversees smaller landscape enhancement projects, acting as the liaison between account managers and install crews.
His favorite part about his job is working with the team; everyone is happy to see each other each day. He also appreciates the growth opportunities that are available.
Outside of work, Kent spends time traveling and golfing with his wife Darcy, and son Landon. Each winter, they travel to Mexico to build homes with Families Helping Families.
Bryce Bills
Bryce’s love for the outdoors led him to graduate from South Dakota State University with a degree in landscape architecture in 2012. He is also certified as a South Dakota Nurseryman and ICPI installation. He started in the industry in 2007 as a production technician, then became a landscape foreman/designer for eight years. His on-site and production experience led him into the Landscape Training Manager role. Bryce oversees projects from start to finish and helps foreman/production crew evolve projects into the master plans they’re intended to be. Outside of work, you can expect Bryce to be fishing, boating, playing sports, traveling with his wife Lily or hanging out with family and friends.
Tim Hawks
Tim grew up in Hendricks, MN on a farm and went to South Dakota State University for horticulture, business, and agronomy. He landed at Weller Brothers after working in landscaping in San Diego for more than five years. His favorite part of his job is working with customers to solve their landscaping problems and creating beautiful Christmas decor. Outside of work, he enjoys a good conversation over a fantastic cocktail.
Dillan Sando
Dillan is from Marshall, MN, and attended Lake Area Tech for Heavy Equipment Operations and Light Diesel Mechanics. Prior to stepping into the fleet mechanic role, he was a fertilizer specialist on the maintenance team.
His favorite part of his job is making his coworkers happy by fixing their equipment and trucks. He loves playing an important role in keeping our operations running smoothly.
In his free time, Dillan enjoys hunting and fishing with his wife Chantel and dog Grizz. He also spends a lot of time snuggling with his cute little daughter, Jordyn. On the weekends, you'll find him competing in flat-track quad racing.
Travis Jensen
Shop Manager
(605) 800-1748
travis.jensen@wellerbrothers.com
Travis is a Sioux Falls, SD, native who graduated from Washington High School in 1993. After high school, Travis entered the construction work force, where he gained on-the-job training and knowledge.Â
Travis credits his past job experience to be able to apply managerial skills as he manages the shop yard. Â
In his free time, Travis enjoys traveling, while most of the time he can be found spending time outdoors golfing and kayaking.Â
Rochester, MN
Kirk Olson
Minnesota Branch Manager
(507) 218-0533
kirk.olson@wellerbrothers.com
Kirk grew up near LeRoy in southeast Minnesota and developed an interest in the outdoors early on – from working on a dairy farm to building and maintaining landscapes.
In 2008, he graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s in criminology but soon felt the itch to be back working outdoors. Within a year, he dove into the landscaping industry full-time.
In his career, he gained experience with a small landscape company in Colorado and did grounds maintenance for Mayo Clinic’s historic properties for several years before joining the Weller Brothers team. In 2020, he earned a graduate certificate in project management, which he has put to good use as an account manager and now as the branch manager.
Kirk says he is grateful for the opportunity to learn every day while working with the Weller Brothers team and the culture that has been built here in Rochester.Â
In his free time, he spends time with his wife, Janelle, coaching sports teams for his kids (Brandt, Henleigh, and Ellis), and hunting.
Michael Blazing, PLA
Landscape Architect
Michael graduated from Iowa State University with degrees in landscape architecture and environmental studies.
He was drawn to this profession after spending much of his time outdoors while growing up on a small farm outside Rochester, MN. Initially working in civil engineering, he switched to residential landscape design in 2010 and hasn’t looked back. Utilizing his architectural, engineering, and environmental backgrounds, he enjoys working with homeowners to create unique solutions for their projects.
Michael and his wife Maggie have two children, Remy and Neva. He spends his free time reading, curling, and kayaking with family and friends.
Matt Anderson
Maintenance Operations Manager / Lead Horticulturist
Originally from Ostrander, MN, Matt has lived in Rochester since 1993 and obtained an associate's degree in horticulture from Rochester Community and Technical College.
As Lead Horticulturist and Maintenance Production Manager of the Minnesota branch, Matt enjoys working with his coworkers and improving customers' outdoor spaces.
He and his wife of nearly 20 years, Betsy, have two sons. They enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. You can catch Matt tearing up the pool and billiards table during Thursday night league.
Ben Wolter
Account Manager
(507) 218-0125
ben.wolter@wellerbrothers.com
Wes Busch
Landscape Operations Manager
(507) 218-0542
wesley.busch@wellerbrothers.com
Wes joined the Weller Brothers team in 2022 after spending 17 years as a landscape foreman elsewhere.Â
Within months, Wes proved his leadership skills and was promoted to Landscape Production Manager for our Rochester location. In his role, he enjoys training and teaching people processes and then watching them succeed.Â
When he isn't in the office or on the job site, you'll find Wes enjoying the outdoors with his family or cheering on his kids at their sporting events.
Colton Mason
Shop Manager
colton.mason@wellerbrothers.com
Colton, the only Weller Brothers employee who commutes seven miles daily on his Onewheel, brings a unique perspective to the team.
After serving in the Air Force and traveling the world, Colton found his way to Weller Brothers through a mutual connection with Kirk. Despite not having prior experience in landscaping, he took on the CDL driver role and quickly grew to love both the company and the industry.
Now, as the shop manager, Colton oversees inventory management and dispatches the drivers and crews. He thrives working outdoors and values the camaraderie with his colleagues.
In his free time, Colton enjoys exploring Rochester on his Onewheel, often accompanied by his two dogs, a black lab and a black husky.
Ryan Derleth
Account Manager
(507) 218-2985
ryan.derleth@wellerbrothers.com
Ryan Derleth, a seasoned professional in the industry, is originally from Red Wing, MN. His journey in horticulture began in River Falls, where he pursued his education in horticulture.
Ryan's start in the landscape industry began right after high school. He took a detour to the retail world before coming to Weller Brothers, a move driven by the need for change within the industry.Â
With a remarkable 18+ year career, Ryan's expertise and passion for horticulture shine through. He enjoys interacting with clients and his team members at Weller Brothers.
Outside of work, Ryan can be found spending time with his family and staying busy outside!
Nino Medar
Account Manager
(507) 218-2945
nino.medar@wellerbrothers.com
Nino, born in Stolac, Bosnia & Herzegovina, moved to Rochester, MN, in 1998 and has called it home ever since! With a background in business from Rochester Community Technical College, Nino has experienced many different roles throughout his career.Â
Despite all of the different roles he has been in, fate always brings him back to his true passion — landscaping. With a true appreciation for craftsmanship, no matter the design size, Nino enjoys the teamwork and culture at Weller Brothers the most.Â
He and his wife have four children. Outside of work, you can find him either on a basketball court or the sidelines of his children's sporting events.Â
Becky Botten
Office Administrator
(507) 218-1695
rebecca.botten@wellerbrothers.com
Becky is from Litchfield, MN, and is a retired veterinarian technician.
Becky's favorite part of her office administrator position is the variety of responsibilities that keep each day interesting and the entire team she works with in all Weller Brothers locations.Â
She loves spending time with her family — especially her young grandson — and joining friends for dinner and beers. During the summertime, she loves gardening, flowers, going for walks, and motorcycling.
Des Moines, IA
Matt Stadel
Operations Manager
(515) 612-8083
matt.stadel@wellerbrothers.com
Matt grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and obtained an associate degree in landscape design and horticulture from Southeast Technical College.
Matt is a dedicated employee with strong attention to detail. He may have a quiet demeanor, but the quality of his work speaks for itself. After helping launch our Rochester location in 2019, Matt moved to Des Moines to open our third branch.
In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors – particularly fishing and snowboarding – and spending time with his wife (and coworker), Anna.
Anna Stadel
Senior Landscape Designer
(515) 512-8661
anna.stadel@wellerbrothers.com
Originally from a farm near Atlantic, Iowa, Anna earned a Bachelors of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University in 2017, with a minor in horticulture. She is currently working toward her licensure to become a Professional Landscape Architect.
After college, she began her career at Weller Brothers Landscaping in Sioux Falls to gain some installation, sales, and design experience. A four-year stint at a civil engineering firm helped her further her knowledge and professional experience before returning to our Rochester, MN, location in 2023. She has also served on the Iowa Association of Landscape Architects Executive Board.
Anna enjoys building relationships with our clients and creating outdoor spaces for them to really enjoy and be proud of. She has fun keeping up with current trends and is always on the lookout for unique or timeless inspiration to implement into her projects.
When she's not designing your outdoor living space, she's spending time with family and friends, traveling, being outdoors, and cooking. She and her husband (and co-worker) Matt have a dog, Buddy.