Our People

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A Creative Team Devoted to Client Satisfaction

Through the years, we’ve discovered that quality work begins with quality people. And without question, our people are the best at what they do.

For our clients, that means their projects and maintenance assignments are expertly completed by team members who are well-qualified, well-trained, professional, reliable and friendly—people who are a pleasure to work with.

At Grunder Landscaping, we don’t just hire people to do good work. We hire good people, develop their talents and give them opportunities to do great work. We background check every new hire and Grunder Landscaping Company is a drug-free workplace.

It’s a formula that works for us and more importantly, for our clients.

Marty Grunder President & CEO

Marty Grunder established the company in 1984 as a way to earn money for his tuition at the University of Dayton. By the time Marty earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from UD, his landscaping company’s success had skyrocketed with $300,000 in gross revenues and a feature story about him in The New York Times.

Today, Marty measures Grunder Landscaping’s success in terms of customer satisfaction. In 2003 and again in 2008 the company’s achievements were recognized as GLC won the Better Business Bureau’s prestigious Eclipse Integrity Award. This award highlighted Grunder Landscaping’s fair and honest dealings with clients and vendors as well as outstanding customer service.

Marty’s entrepreneurial talents have been recognized with numerous awards. He is a two-time Ohio Young Entrepreneur of the Year award winner and the Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the entire Midwest, as selected by the Small Business Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. He was also named by Ernst & Young as the Dayton/Miami Valley Entrepreneur of the Year in 2001.

Marty is an acclaimed public speaker and author of the book, The Nine Simple Steps to Entrepreneurial Success, named Book of the Year at the 2003 Independent Publisher Book Awards. He has also received his Ohio Certified Nursery Technician Master Certification. In addition to being President of Grunder Landscaping Co., Marty has a public speaking and consulting business, Marty Grunder, Inc.

A volunteer for numerous community causes, he sits on the boards of the Park National Bank and the Dayton Development Coalition, and is a member of the University of Dayton Business Advisory Council.

When Marty’s not working, he spends time with his wife, Lisa, three daughters Emily, Kathleen and Lillian, and his son, Grant. He enjoys watching his kids in their various sports and activities as well as rooting for the Reds, Bengals and UD Flyers.
Paul Stoll Vice President

Paul Stoll has been an integral part of the company’s success since 1997. His landscaping skills developed at a young age while working for his uncle, who owned a local nursery. He went on to become an apprentice and then a crew foreman. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Marketing Concentration from Wright State University, Paul worked as an analyst and small business lender at a bank for eight years before returning to his “roots” and developing his own successful landscaping company.

Marty recognized Paul’s talents and experience as the valuable qualities he needed to help run Grunder Landscaping operations professionally and smoothly. Marty persuaded Paul to join the team, and the perfect match was made. These days, Paul likes nothing better about his job than watching dull, boring spaces spring to life as beautiful outdoor living environments.

Paul has earned his Ohio Certified Nursery Technician Master Certification and Ohio Department of Agriculture Commercial Applicator License. He is Past President of the James M. Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation and is currently on that organization’s Board of Trustees as Ex-officio Member. He is also a Cox Arboretum Foundation Founders Society Member. While not on the job, Paul enjoys gardening and traveling around the world with his wife, Patti.
Yurg Walt Peter Manager, Production

Since 1993, Walt has been the absolute expert in our production area. He makes sure Grunder crews have everything they need to complete jobs efficiently and safely. He also provides quality control to ensure that finished projects meet GLC’s high standards and the client’s expectations. He says the best part of his job is tackling new challenges every day. Walt holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Horticulture from The Ohio State University, an Ohio Certified Nursery Technician Master Certification and he is certified by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute. In his spare time Walt enjoys working in his yard, cooking and grilling, playing an occasional ice hockey game and spending time with his family.
Joe Spatz Manager, Fleet & Facility Operations

Since beginning with Grunder Landscaping in 1998, Joe has ensured that transportation problems never keep us from satisfying our clients. Joe has the all-important job of making sure that our 27 vehicles, 21 trailers and 150 individual pieces of equipment run effectively and efficiently, day in and day out. His favorite part of the job is the variety of the work, with no two days ever being the same. Before joining our team at GLC, Joe was a Ford Master Technician with 23 years of experience at a Ford dealership. In his free time Joe likes to farm his 1,000 acres of land and eat sweets.
Kent Sholder Senior Landscape Designer

A member of the Grunder Landscaping team since 2002, Kent Sholder is an important link in our customer relationships from the beginning to the end of a project. Kent works with clients to develop landscape designs that complement customers’ homes and lifestyles. As the job moves forward, he works closely with the production teams to ensure that all dimensions of the project are installed to GLC’s quality specifications. Kent holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from The Ohio State University. Kent also holds an Ohio Certified Nursery Technician Master Certification When not at work, Kent enjoys working on home renovations, weaving and playing with his two dogs.
Brent Ogburn Landscape Designer

As a landscape designer, Brent started with Grunder in 2005. He has a knack for taking clients’ visions and transforming them into reality. Brent earned a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Virginia Tech University and has also received his Ohio Certified Nursery Technician Master Certification. In his spare time, Brent enjoys reading, working in the yard and watching Virginia Tech sports, the Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Braves. He also likes spending time with family and watching his children play sports.
Cindy Stolle Office Manager

Cindy Stolle is a new face at Grunder Landscaping, but has already become an integral part of our team. She manages our team members’ benefits, our payroll and office operations. Cindy will also call to ask how we did when we complete work on your property. Cindy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Ohio University. During her free time, she enjoys reading, golfing and working in her yard.
Eric Helm Group Leader

Eric Helm has been working with Grunder Landscaping since 1997. Eric is devoted to his work. He especially enjoys watching our completed projects mature and grow in beauty. Eric holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton as well as an Ohio Certified Nursery Technician Master Certification. When he’s not working, Eric enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, biking and boating.
Lance Gallaher Group Leader

Lance Gallaher manages our hardscape and landscape projects. His specialty is installing pavers to create sidewalks, driveways and patios. Since becoming a member of the Grunder team in 2001, Lance has been dedicated to transforming properties to reflect the customer’s vision. This commitment has made him invaluable to our team. Lance is an Ohio Certified Nursery Technician – certified in Landscape and Garden Center specialty areas. He also holds a certification from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute. When he’s not at work, Lance enjoys being with his family, especially watching his sons’ sporting events, golfing and taking fishing trips.
Kenny Thomas Group Leader

Since hiring Kenny in 2008, his irrigation expertise has proven invaluable. Kenny’s area of expertise is providing comprehensive irrigation services: design, installation and maintenance. Kenny was born and raised in the irrigation business (his father ran a successful Irrigation Company). He is a Certified Irrigation Contractor and a Water Sense Partner with the EPA. Presently, Kenny and his wife Cortney live in West Alexandria. When not on a project for GLC, Kenny enjoys working on his grandfather’s farm, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling in winter.
Kay Davis Buyer

Kay Davis has been a buyer for Grunder Landscaping since 1997, where she shows off her knack for selecting the best plants and other green goods available. In addition to her Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Sinclair Community College, Kay is an Ohio Certified Nursery Technician with a specialization in Garden Center. During nice weather, Kay spends her spare time gardening at home. When the weather turns cold, she likes to stay indoors and sew.
Nancy Ericson Executive Assistant, Marty Grunder Inc.

Nancy Ericson has been the executive assistant for Marty Grunder Inc. since January 1998. She is a graduate of Miami University with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science. While not working, Nancy enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, reading, doing crafts and traveling—especially to lighthouses.
Jessica King Accounting Manager

Since beginning with us in 2010, Jess has established herself as a vital contributor at Grunder Landscaping. She oversees all our accounting functions. She has an Associate’s degree in Accounting from Sinclair Community College. During her free time, Jessica follows her favorite sports—especially college basketball—and teams including the Cincinnati Bengals and Reds. Jessica loves to travel and meet new people.
Carmen Osenbaugh Marketing Director

Carmen served our clients as a Landscape Designer and Marketing Director from 1997 to 2002. She now uses that experience as well her other talents to oversee our marketing and public relations efforts. Carmen has a Bachelor’s degree in English from Wright State University and studied Horticulture and Landscape Design at the University of Cincinnati. Carmen enjoys entertaining, reading, music, independent films, crafting and spending time with her husband Cory and her children, Ginger and Nash.
Amy Lewis Sales & Design Assistant

Amy Lewis has worked with Grunder Landscaping since 2010 as the Sales and Design Assistant. Amy’s creativity helps our sales team with drawings, proposals and other presentation materials. With her analytical skills, she also assists us with administrative work. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Ball State University (where she also earned a History degree). Amy loves the great outdoors and spends her free time gardening, hiking, reading and traveling to visit friends.
Melissa Horn Director of First Impressions

Melissa Horn has been the friendly face at the front desk of Grunder Landscaping since 2009. Her daily tasks include answering the phone and greeting clients and vendors, and directing them to the right team members. She holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Sinclair Community College. During her free time, Melissa enjoys a good book, a good documentary or a good time with family and friends.
Vincent Torchia Marketing & Social Media Intern, Marty Grunder, Inc.

Set to graduate from University of Dayton in 2014, Vincent will receive a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In addition to interning at Marty Grunder, Inc. and being a full-time student, he also writes for UD’s Flyer News. Aside from all of that, Vincent enjoys his family, playing golf, going to movies, and rooting for the Cincinnati Reds.
Ben Team Leader

Ben has led his Grunder Landscaping team since June 2004. He is an Ohio Certified Nursery Technician with a specialization in landscape. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ohio University. Ben loves the outdoors and spends his free time camping, hiking, fishing and hunting.
Ryan Team Leader

Ryan has been a valued team leader at Grunder Landscaping since 2008. Ryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Bowling Green University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Findlay. In his free time he enjoys relaxing, watching sports (especially the Cincinnati Reds), and being in the great outdoors.
Brent Team Leader

Brent has been a valuable part of the Grunder team since 2008. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bryant College and holds an Ohio Certified Nursery Technician Master Certification and a Ohio Department of Agriculture Commercial Applicator License. A father of three, Brent spends his free time playing with his children or working in his own garden.
Tristan Team Leader

Since 2010 Tristan has been a dedicated Team Leader at GLC. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the University of Georgia as well as an Ohio Certified Nursery Technician Master Certification. Tristan spends his free time traveling and rooting on his favorite sports team, the Georgia Bulldogs.
Dan Team Leader

Dan became an asset to GLC in 2007 and is an Ohio Certified Nursery Technician with Landscape & Garden Center specializations. When not on the job, Dan enjoys landscaping at home, maintaining his rental properties, traveling, and studying science, history and baseball.
Steven Team Leader

Steven began working for Grunder Landscaping as a valued mow crew team member in 2008. When he’s not working, Steven enjoys spending time with his family, traveling to warm places, cooking—and eating—and playing video games.
Eddie Production Support

Since 2004, Eddie has been a dedicated member of Grunder Landscaping. He supports team leaders as the all-important go-to guy who delivers materials to worksites and then hauls away debris. In addition to landscaping work, Eddie is a dedicated firefighter EMT for the City of Union Fire Department and a proud father.
Jeremy Team Leader

Jeremy joined Grunder Landscaping in 2011 as a valuable Team Leader. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s Horticulture Science program. During his free time, Jeremy enjoys exercise, hiking, cooking and playing air hockey.
Mark Team Leader

Mark added his skills to our team in 2007. When not at work, Mark likes spending time with his family and friends, watching sports, vacationing at the beach and simply enjoying the great outdoors.
Michael Team Leader

Michael began working with Grunder Landscaping in 1997 and has received his Ohio Certified Nursery Technician Master Certification and his Ohio Department of Agriculture Commercial Applicator License. He also has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from The Ohio State University. Outside of work, Michael enjoys exploring his artistic side through drawing and painting. He is a collector of aviation and military artifacts and, together with his father, repairs historic Lionel toy trains.