People

Ryan Miller, Assistant Vice President of Hardscape at Reading Rock, brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience in the segmental retaining wall industry, with a career dedicated to helping teams design and build walls the right way. A Purdue University Krannert School of Management graduate, Ryan pairs practical field insight with clear, engaging instruction that turns complex requirements into actionable best practices. He earned his LEED AP credential in 2009 and is a registered IACET approved presenter, trusted to deliver training that is credible, compliant, and immediately useful on the job site.

Anthony Bango is the President and Founder of Homebridge Precast, a company dedicated to solving the landscaping industry’s labor crisis through innovative prefabricated GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) products.

With 40 years of experience in commercial and institutional construction, Anthony specialized in using GFRC and ultra-high-performance concrete to reduce project costs and timelines. He worked extensively with lightweight veneer panels that reduced enclosure time, minimized structural requirements, and delivered value for clients on complex building projects.

In 2019, recognizing that the landscaping industry faced the same labor challenges he had solved in commercial construction, Anthony founded Homebridge Precast. After three years of rigorous testing and product development (2019-2022), the company launched with a mission: make premium hardscape features accessible through prefabrication and advanced materials.

Anthony’s approach combines proven commercial construction technology with a deep understanding of the residential landscape market. His products — including culvert walls, raised garden beds, and outdoor living features — install in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods, delivering contractor profit margins of 30-50% while eliminating the need for foundation crews, skilled masons, and heavy equipment. He is passionate about helping contractors grow profitable businesses through technology adoption and market differentiation. Anthony believes GFRC represents the natural evolution of hardscape materials: wood served in the 19th century, metal the 20th, and GFRC is the 21st century solution.

Joe Raboine is Vice President of Design at Oldcastle APG and a former contractor with decades of hands-on experience in outdoor living. Having spent years in the field building projects himself, Joe brings a deep respect for the craft, challenges, and realities contractors face every day.

Today, he leads design strategy focused on creating inspiring, wellness-centered outdoor environments—places that connect people to nature while remaining practical, buildable, and profitable. Joe is passionate about design innovation, modular product systems, and elevating the role of contractors as trusted advisors who shape how people live well outside.

John Linder founded, and has led, Rolling Hills Landscapes in South Fayette Township, PA for 25 years. He holds SRW Advanced Installer and CPI credentials from Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA). John is committed to inspiring the next generation of industry professionals while delivering exceptional results for his clients. He has a lead from the front mentality, and you will frequently find him still hands-on at a job site while teaching the crew.  His favorite thing about his job is watching new hires develop into hard working individuals who work together as a team.

Renee Redding is the owner of Logan’s Landscaping, a design-build landscape company based in Scarborough, Maine, which she has operated since 2016. She has been active in the landscape industry since 1999 and holds an associate’s degree in landscape design and construction, as well as a bachelor’s degree in education.

Throughout her career, Renee has gained experience across multiple sectors of the industry, including nursery work, landscape design, masonry, hardscape, and landscape installation. She has worked both as a crew member and as a crew leader, experiences that have shaped her path to business ownership.

Renee is deeply committed to the belief that success is built through collaboration rather than individual effort. This perspective has fueled her passion for education, which she sees as essential to developing the next generation of industry leaders. She actively encourages others to engage in a collaborative community where professionals can learn, share, and grow together.

James Motarex is a hardscapes professional with over 25 years of experience and currently serves as Hardscapes Sales Manager for Basalite Concrete Products in Sparks, Nevada. His background includes roles as a ready-mix production manager in Lake Tahoe, national sales manager for a stone import company, and a start-up consultant for hardscape distribution companies across California and Nevada.

An active leader in the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), James has been an authorized instructor for ICP, PICP, and SRW certifications for over a decade. He serves on the Education Committee and is Chair of the Certification Committee. Based in the Reno/Tahoe region since 1987, he enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his wife, two sons, and three dogs.

Sam Gembel is the owner and founder of the award-winning landscape company Atlas Outdoor headquartered in Flint, Michigan. Founded in his driveway in 2011 with just himself and a couple of employees – The company rapidly grew to over $5m in annual sales in just 5 years and Sam says made just about every mistake you can think of applied to the growth! Today, Atlas has grown into one of Michigan’s most successful landscape companies with over 110 Team Members. The Team is rooted in a “People Focused” culture, delivering operational excellence, with an innovative and driven leadership team!

Those who know Sam say he has an extreme passion for personal growth and leadership development and strives to make everyone around him push to be the best version of themselves! Outside of Atlas, Sam is a business coach and mentor to hundreds of landscape companies all across North America. He is also endorsed by John Maxwell as a Coach, Leadership Trainer, and Public Speaker. When Sam isn’t speaking, coaching, or leading his team at Atlas, he’s dedicated to his family and sharing his journey as a podcast host with the Cultureproof Podcast!

Dan began his career in construction in 1986 and went on to purchase Segmental Systems, Inc. in 1998, where he built a reputation for excellence in hardscape installation, including pavers, segmental retaining walls, natural stone, and hydropressed slabs. In 2015, he became an ICPI certified instructor, teaching multiple certification courses and developing hands-on training programs known for improving installation efficiency. His expertise and passion for the industry have made him a respected educator and sought-after industry professional.

Dan and his team have earned national recognition, including a three-year winning streak at the Hardscape North America Paver Installation competition. He has served as an expert witness, competition judge, and active contributor to ICPI (now CMHA), helping revise key certification programs while serving on multiple committees, including as Chair of the Hardscape Construction Committee. With over 3 million square feet of pavers installed and extensive experience in large-scale projects, Dan continues to influence the industry while also enjoying outdoor activities with his family in his spare time.

Andrew Letersky is a contractor business coach with over 15 years of experience building and scaling outdoor living companies. Andrew works with hardscape contractors across North America to help them increase profit, dial-in their numbers, and step out of day-to-day installs so they can run their business instead of being stuck in it. Through his mentorship, Andrew helps contractors build systems around pricing, sales, and operations so they can consistently win higher-value jobs, improve margins, and create a business that doesn’t depend on them being on site. A husband and father of two, Andrew believes the goal isn’t just growth, but building a business that supports a better life outside of it.

Frank Bourque is a business growth strategist, keynote speaker, and Certified LeanScaper Advisor with over 30 years of experience in the landscape, hardscape, and pool industry, including owning and exiting multiple successful landscape businesses. He helps ambitious contractors build scalable systems for strategy, execution, and growth. Frank specializes in leadership development, operating systems, and AI integration, transforming ambitious contractors into disciplined, high-performance companies.