PTS Landscaping, Inc. (dba Prairie Tree Landscape Center) is proud of our success and growth. The company was built on a foundation of hard work and dedication, and relies on these principles as we look toward the future.
Let’s Start at the Beginning
In 1984, Richard Braun created a small landscaping company called Prairie Tree Service, Inc. in East Troy, Wisconsin. His company serviced a handful of key clients, providing them with basic landscaping services. Richard had a few employees to help him out, including his son Jim Braun, who worked with his dad throughout high school. Prairie Tree Service expanded to meet the needs of its clients by adding trucking to the services they offered.
All in the Family
With the success of Prairie Tree Service, Richard looked to his family to help him in the day-to-day operations of the company. In 1992, Steve Stilling (Richard’s son-in-law) joined the company to help Jim manage the landscape division. Jamie Stilling (Richard’s daughter) was soon to follow in 1993, overseeing the financial operations of the company. Prairie Tree Service offered landscape maintenance, as well as installation of some small landscape projects.
Expanding our Services – The Creation of PTS Landscaping, Inc.
Prairie Tree Service experienced impressive growth in their landscaping services over the next year. In 1994, the family decided to create a new company to handle their landscaping services - PTS Landscaping, Inc. (dba Prairie Tree Landscape Center). Steve, Jamie and Jim took the new operation and established the company on our current location on Highway 12, just north of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. The move also resulted in the addition of a garden center, adding retail sales to the services we offered.
As Prairie Tree Landscape continued to grow, we geared more towards design and installation and discontinued our maintenance program. Over the following years, we continued to add more services to accommodate our client’s needs, including excavation services in 1999, and concrete services in 2000.
Growing Our Company –
Nursery Production
Always looking for a new challenge, Steve and Jamie Stilling decided to expand their company in a new direction. A plant nursery was started in Richmond, Illinois on the Stilling farm where Steve grew up. Trees and shrubs were planted in the rich farm soil, and another chapter in the company’s history was written.
In 2003, Steve and Jamie purchased a new home and farmland close to our office, creating the opportunity to move farm production to Wisconsin. Our sister company Son Scapes, Inc. was created to house the nursery operation, as well as provide better landscape services to our Illinois clients.
Adding a Recycling Program
Jumping at the opportunity to make a difference in our industry, PTS Landscaping, Inc. agreed to be a part of a new recycling program in 2004. The program was created in cooperation with WasteCap, WI and Bielinski Homes to reduce the amount of construction waste that enters our landfills. Much of the waste produced during home construction can be used on site as erosion control or in landscaping. Prairie Tree was responsible for utilizing the material on site and monitoring the programs success.
An Unfortunate Loss
Also in 2004, PTS Landscaping, Inc. suffered the loss of President Steve Stilling in a motorcycle accident. Steve was instrumental to the past success of the company, and is greatly missed.
Today...
The success of Prairie Tree continues with hard work and dedication as the foundation of our company. As the company president, Jamie Stilling sets the example for all of her employees, understanding that the company’s success is a reflection of the success and happiness of each individual on her team. Jamie oversees the workings of the entire company and handles client relationships.
The Office Staff
The office operations at Prairie Tree are critical to the success and operation of the company. Sarah Kirkham (Office Manager and Landscape Estimator) and Chrissy Rygula keep things running smoothly and handle the company’s accounting.
Landscaping Division
The landscape division at Prairie Tree is going strong, and continues to pursue new projects and opportunities. Currently, Prairie Tree Landscape operates ten landscape crews under the management of Tim Baker. Tim has key foremen that have been with the company over the years to help him run things, including Pat Abbe, Gerardo Aquilar, Ken Babcock, Roberto Martinez, and Javier Roman. Many of the crew members have also been with Prairie Tree for years, putting in countless hours to ensure the success of the company.
Also part of this division, the landscape designers are responsible for client relations and creating high-quality designs. Laura Vos manages this team, and is accompanied by Bobbie Kasper and Mark Thomas. Bobbie and Luis Diaz are also in charge of nursery production with the assistance of Jamie.
Concrete and Excavation Division
Prairie Tree continues to offer concrete and excavation services. Chad Passler manages the concrete work and Jim Braun handles excavation work. Key foremen for this division include Chris Peterson and Eric Leibsle. Richard Braun, the founder of Prairie Tree Service, continues to help out by handling the large equipment.
Garden Center
Our garden center continues to change and grow. Sandi Demos continues to be an asset to our sales center, as well as Luis Diaz and Laura Vos who have taken over purchasing and marketing for the company.
Prairie Tree Landscaping is very proud of the family we have today, and hope to continue to service our clients with as much success as we’ve had in the past.
