People

 
Mike has always possessed a passion for landscaping and superior service. Attention to detail was ingrained in Mike by his father, with whom he worked, prior to establishing Hoffman Landscapes in 1987. Mike soon expanded Hoffman Landscapes from landscape maintenance to include design/build services to completely fulfill his clients' landscape needs. Since its launch, Hoffman Landscapes has consistently grown and now provides its full range of services to clients in Fairfield, Litchfield and Westchester counties.

Hoffman Landscapes is built on a corporate culture that values positive attitude, teamwork and dedication. All employees are hired for their specialized expertise and supported in their professional development. As a result, Hoffman Landscapes enjoys exceedingly low turnover in employees and the finest level of service and commitment to customers.

Mike attended Clemson University where he studied civil engineering and finance. He has been a Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) since 2000, having demonstrated expert knowledge in all phases of horticulture and landscape management. Mike is a member of PLANET (the Professional Landcare Network), as well as an active supporter of local community projects.

David Schrang
General Manager, Property Maintenance

David brings more than 28 years of tree and turf experience to his role of General Manager of Property Maintenance. He is a licensed Ornamental and Turf Supervisor and is on the Board of the Housatonic River Commission. Having been with Hoffman Landscapes since 1997, David has unparalleled knowledge about the specific maintenance needs of Connecticut properties from establishing lawns, disease prevention and treatment, pruning and replanting. David graduated from SUNY/Alfred in 1979 with an associate degree in Horticulture.

Brian S. Cossari, ASLA
Landscape Architect

Brian has been serving Hoffman clients for more than 10 years. His talents as a designer and problem solver have been recognized with both local and national awards. Brian is a licensed Landscape Architect in New York and Connecticut. He is also an Executive Committee member of the Connecticut Chapter of Landscape Architects. Brian earned a Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts.

Jeff Kuffel, ASLA
Landscape Architect

In becoming a member of the Hoffman Landscapes team, Jeff maintains his history of working for award-winning landscape architecture and contracting firms. Jeff has over 16 years of experience in the landscape industry, and continues his professional development with classes in sustainable landscapes and green roof design. He earned a LEED accredited professional designation from the United States Green Building Council, signifying him as a leader in sustainable building and development practices. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree in landscape architecture from Temple University.

Scott Fawcett
Project Director, Property Maintenance

Scott joined Hoffman 2002 bringing with him over 19 years of landscaping and property management experience. As the former head of his own lawn care maintenance and design/build company in Greenwich, Scott offers outstanding customer service and attention to detail. Scott is a Licensed Arborist and Licensed Ornamental and Turf Supervisor. He is also a Certified Snow Removal Professional.

Jonathan Trottier
Project Director, Property Maintenance

Jonathan (Jay) is a recent addition to Hoffman Landscapes' expanding services. Upon finishing his professional studies on the care of garden plants and trees, Jay worked in commercial landscaping around Fairfield County. He brings this same level of expertise to Hoffman's residential properties. Jay holds a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Auburn University in Alabama.

  Matt Gardner
Supervisor, Property Maintenance

Matt has more than thirty years experience in the horticultural field. Trained by his father, Martin Graf, a national award-winning landscape architect, Matt has accomplished himself in landscape masonry and construction, as well as residential and commercial maintenance. In addition to maintaining memberships in the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association ( CGKA ) and the Connecticut Irrigation Contractors Association ( CICA ), Matt holds a CT J4 Irrigation license and a CT Pesticide Applicators license.

Bill San Giacomo
Supervisor, Property Maintenance

Bill began as an assistant gardener at a local farm and then spent ten years with a lawn care company. When he joined Hoffman Landscapes in 2001 as the Landscape Construction Foreman, he brought a comprehensive knowledge of maintenance and construction with him. Bill currently serves as Property Maintenance Supervisor. He continues his landscaping education at Rutgers University and the University of Connecticut.

Peter Lawrenia
Supervisor, Property Maintenance

A love of landscaping and the outdoors goes all the way back to Pete's childhood. He began his career while in high school with tree removal and ornamental tree pruning. From there he broadened his landscaping experience working on drainage and septic system installations. He joined Hoffman in 2007 as a crew leader and in 2008, he was promoted to Property Maintenance Supervisor. Pete has an Associates degree in Landscapes Architecture from Keystone College.

Kevin Begnal
Operations Manager, Design & Build

Kevin brings 12 years of industry experience to Hoffman Landscapes, including overseeing construction on several award-winning projects. He possesses a strong background in installation and masonry. Kevin holds a degree in English and Psychology from Hobart William Smith College, and has taken professional development classes at Colorado State University and the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA.

 

Matthew Rostafin
Supervisor, Design/Build

Matt possesses a varied background in the green industry. Starting as a propagator at a wholesale nursery, he went onto work on installations for several Fairfield County landscape contractors. Matt was recently promoted from Construction Foreman to Supervisor, where he is applying his specialized plant care knowledge. Matt is also a Licensed Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicator.