LANDSCAPE ALTERNATIVES - Key Persons
Deborah Tooker joined our company in November of 2020. Originally from Arizona, She moved to Georgetown in 2015. Trained as a Human Resources Director, and having worked in that field for 30 years, she is now semi-retired; working part time for Landscape Alternatives. Deby is also active in her church and community as a volunteer, and regularly serves at a local homeless shelter. Her friendly demeanor and professional attitude is an asset to our organization.
Debra Kumar moved to Kentucky from West Virginia in 1981. She joined Landscape Alternatives, Inc. in 2013. Trained as a Master Gardener, she was originally hired as a garden center employee to maintain and sell plants, advise customers, and market other merchandise in our gift shop. After the "Great Flood" in April of 2015, when we ceased retail gift and plant sales, she was promoted to Office Manager. Debra is also active in her church and community as a volunteer, has served on the board of several 501(c)(3) non-profits, and is a performing artist as an actress and storyteller. She brings a wealth of business skill, leadership and organizational experience to our daily operation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Western Kentucky University
Bachelor of Science Landscape Architecture - University of Kentucky
Martin Thomas grew up on a small grain farm in Warren County, Kentucky. After High School, he attended Western Kentucky University and earned a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture. Shortly thereafter, Martin enlisted in the US Army as an infantry trainee. After completing basic training and advanced training at Ft. Benning Georgia, Martin was deployed and served with the 3rd Infantry Division in Wurzburg, West Germany. The beautiful gardens and parks of Wurzburg inspired Martin and he chose to further his education in Landscape Architecture.
Subsequent to Martin's honorable discharge from the Army, he enrolled at the University of Kentucky in the Spring of 1988. The Landscape Architecture Program is a 5 year professional degree and Martin was granted advanced placement because of the B.S. degree he earned at Western. During the course of study, Martin became a teaching assistant, was awarded the Certificate of Merit by the American Society of Landscape Architects and graduated with honors.
In the early winter of 1989, Martin became aware of a landscape maintenance contract that would be up for bid in February of 1990. Martin put together a proposal for this sizable contract and structured it to pay over a 12 month time period. This, he thought, would help with college and living expenses throughout the year. Martin was able to win this contract, borrow money, buy equipment, hire and train employees and execute the contract successfully, while still a full time student.