NEW LEAF LANDSCAPING - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Project Manager & Head Designer
Jeff began his career at Lawrence Technological University with visions of becoming an architect. While there, he spent the summers working in the building trades and found a passion for landscaping. After graduating from LTU, Jeff spent a short period working in an architect's practice only to realize that his true career lie in landscaping. Landscaping combined his knowledge of construction materials/methodologies/design with a more creative outlet than architecture. Jeff spent another 2 years honing his craft with a local Michigan landscape company before forming his own design/build company; Sticks and Stones. After 5 successful years in business he decided to explore other landscape operations and moved to Wisconsin then later to the Northern Virginia/DC area. Following an 8 year stay in VA/DC and forming another landscape design/build company, Misty Falls, LLC, Jeff returned to Michigan. He currently holds certifications from ICPI, NCMA, NALP, Wasthenaw County, SEK, Techni-Seal, CAST Lighting, Unique Lighting, Alliance Lighting, and Techo-Bloc; in addition to several other industry awards and recognitions.
Melissa has been our office manager since our inception. She works part-time managing our office but also managing her children & their busy schedules. On top of that, she works as a Paraprofessional for children with special needs at Manchester Community Schools. With what little free time she has left, she enjoys creating art with Close To My Heart scrapbooking. Originally studying hospitality management and working in her industry, family came first where she spent her time raising her three children, Jillian, Madison, & Andrew.
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Peter Katke has always had an affinity for art & design. He grew up taking art classes and went through school studying drafting, architecture, & art. While starting school at Ohio State in Architecture, he gravitated to Landscape Horticulture because of his affinity for the outdoors. While at school he joined a group that was creating the Disneyland of horticulture at Ameriflora '92 which was a celebration of Columbus' voyage to the new world. Upon graduation with a B.S. in Agriculture/Horticulture he moved back home to Michigan to begin his new life. After gaining experience at several landscape contractors in Columbus & Ann Arbor, he started The New Leaf Landscaping Company in 1994. Peter is married to Melissa and together they have 3 children, Jillian, Madison, & Andrew.