Shea Hughes, the Next Generation's 2nd Foundation of American Landscape

Serving as a controller for a manufacturing company in Tennessee, Shea began to have the desire to run his own company. So Shea and his father, Tyrrell began having long distance discussions about the operations of American Landscape. In 2002 the talk became reality: His experience elsewhere earned him the position of managing the company and helping directly shape the next phase of American Landscape's future.

Since then it has been quite a ride: First to take American Landscape to the next level; ultimately to take over the family business. We are now 9 years into that project. First he was made General Manger - and then President. And we have seen significant growth in all key company landscape service ventures, particularly in design and development, a stronger supervisory staff, an advanced sales team, and implementation of fresh ideas for productivity, customer service, and overall viability.

American Snow Professionals:  In 2004, Shea created American Snow Professionals, a division of American Landscape to focus exclusively on commercial snow and ice management to give this growing venture an identity separate from all things Landscaping.

Professional Certifications:  In 1994, Shea sat for and passed the CPA exam on his first attempt. Moving on from his background in accounting in 2002 to American Landscape, he earned national recognition by sitting for the rigorous "Certified Snow Professional" instituted by the Snow and Ice Management Association, becoming only the second individual in the state of Wisconsin to receive the designation. Other staff followed suit and by 2008, American Landscape became the only company in the state of Wisconsin with 3 "Certified Snow Professional" staff members (there are currently only 4 in the entire state). Correspondingly, professional credentials and certifications have risen up among all the staff (see Unique Expertise and Team Bios).

New Snow and Ice-Control Building:  By 2009 American Snow Professionals was in need of its own facility so that we would eliminate the high likelihood of being at the whims of salt companies that cut-off supplying contracted salt without warning even in an average snow year, sending it instead to the municipalities (see the new snow & ice-control storage building). The facility, completed in early 2010, houses more than 5,000 tons of salt, allowing us the capacity standing alone against any other local competitor to literally guarantee more than an entire season's supply of salt prior to the first snow flake falling.

Building Company Family:  The accomplishment Shea feels strongest about in these 9 years, however, has been to build an ever stronger sense of company family, recognition, and reward for achievement. Signature to this end, he developed an annual awards presentation to recognize countless team members for their contributions. Shea believes strongly in developing the next generation of leaders in the company and sees appreciation, loyalty and recognition as ways to show that no contribution is small. Shea aspires for American Landscape to be the kind of place where every person is treated with human dignity and immense respect. "We are great because we aspire to be so and never stop trying." Shea often says at company meetings.

Every year there is now a Summer Company Picnic, replete with kids' games, face-painting, rides, swiming and lots of food, treats, prizes and conversation. You might even find Shea in the dunk tank, cold and wet, but just happy to be there!

Personal Background:  A numbers person from his youth, Shea was drawn toward Accounting, earned his degree from Franciscan University in Ohio, and began a career as a CPA in public accounting in North Carolina. After 4 years of public accounting and another 4 years as a controller for a manfacturing company in Tennessee, Shea returned to his roots in Wisconsin with his family to join the family business in 2002.

Shea is married to his wife Mindy of 17 years, who is originally from North Carolina. They are very proud parents of three girls and three boys, ranging in age from 2 to 15. Shea is a member of Saint Dominic Catholic Church in Brookfield, where he serves on the Stewardship Committee. American Landscape proudly donates the horticulture maintenance services for the 20 acre parish campus. Shea is particularly proud of the company's work in the beautiful new Prayer Gardens on the parish grounds.