Our personnel includes certified landscape designers, licensed landscape contractors, landscape technicians and irrigation specialists. We have over 50 combined years of landscaping experience and we are constantly updating our knowledge by attending schools and seminars about landscaping.

Steve Nielsen ~ President

I have been in the landscape industry for over 24 years. I am a certified Landscape Contractor and certified Landscape Designer. Award winning designs from Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) and Sarasota Home Builder's Association (SHBA). My expertise are in business management and CAD design.

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James Coe

I am a Florida native and have over 23 years of experience in the landscaping industry. I have enjoyed working with Critter Ridge for more than 7 years. My certifications include: State of Florida (Department of Agriculture) Commercial Landscape Maintenance Holder LC113541, 2002. Florida Vo-Tech Horticulture Certificate (1981), Sarasota Vo-Tech Residential Landscape Design (1990), Sarasota Landscape Contractor (1990), Florida Certified Horticulture Professor HC43105 (1995) and Florida Certified Landscape Contractor CC4136 (1997).

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Rhonda Templeton ~ Quality Control Manager

I am the Quality Control Manager at Critter Ridge. I have 14 Years horticulture experience and am a licensed landscape contractor in Sarasota County. I am also certified as a limited use pesticide applicator for the State of Florida. My duties include quality control, customer service, trouble shooting landscape problems, maintenance and small landscape bids. I also instruct home owners on proper maintenance procedures and supervise a crew that assists home owners in maintaining and beautifying their homes.

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Dean Thompson ~ Landscape Designer

A transplant from Lansing, Michigan. I've worked in Florida landscape for over 15 years. Most of my experience in all phases of landscaping comes on the job or in the field! Classes include: Residential Landscape Design and Plants / Problems Troubleshooting at Vo-Tech. Recently self-taught on computer (CAD) Landscape Design. I enjoy watching a bare homesite come to life with the use of trees, plants and greenery by implementing a well planned landscape design. It truly is the fun part of home construction.

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Miguel Villa ~ Crew Supervisor

I am the Crew Supervisor at Critter Ridge. I have been with this company for over 7 years. I oversee the installation of landscape materials per our custom landscape designs.  The crew at Critter Ridge enjoys transforming a yard into something you can enjoy for years to come.

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