4 Leadership Changes in Ruppert Landscape
The family and employee-owned business, Ruppert Landscape announced the promotion and hiring of 4 changes within the company's leadership roles. Dennis Hensley was promoted to regional vice president; Rusty Ritchie was brought on as branch manager for the Durham, North Carolina location; Sean Davitt was promoted to regional manager; and Casey Cook was promoted to branch manager for the Maryland location.
Hensley will provide leadership and strategic oversight for all landscape maintenance and installation operations in South Carolina. His responsibilities include mentoring and supporting Branch Managers, driving operational excellence, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and helping grow and develop the next generation of leadership within the company.
Ritchie will be responsible for the overall management of branch operations, including employee development, customer service, budgeting, and strategic planning. He will focus on cultivating strong client relationships, growing the branch’s market presence, and mentoring team members to ensure high-quality service and long-term success.
As Region Manager, Davitt will oversee the company’s Maryland Landscape Installation, Pennsylvania Landscape Installation, and State College Maintenance branches. He joined Ruppert 15 years ago and has held positions including Estimator, Project Manager, Production Manager, Operations Manager, and most recently Branch Manager.
As Branch Manager, Cook will oversee all project management, customer service, employee development, and business development initiatives in the company’s Maryland landscape installation branch. He joined the company in 2016 as a Field Manager and advanced through the roles of Production Manager, Operations Manager, and Assistant Branch Manager.
Turf's Up Radio Expands
Founder Darren Gruner confirmed the addition of new equity partners, expanded programming, and key sponsorships for Turf's Up Radio. Effective October 1, 2025, Turf’s Up Radio will be guided by a newly formed ownership and leadership team that includes some of the most recognized names in landscaping and business consulting:
- Steven Cohen, Industry Veteran and Principal of GreenMark Consulting Group
- Luke Truetken, Principal of Landscape SEO
- Eric and Jennifer Jones, Principals of Turf Teacher, Inc. and Elite Landscape Contractors, Inc.
This new ownership group, alongside founder Darren Gruner, will also serve as the Board of Directors, providing strategic direction and guidance for Turf’s Up Radio’s next phase of growth. Show Host, Wayne Voltz will join the Board of Directors in an advisory role.
As part of the expansion, Turf’s Up Radio will introduce new shows, thought-leadership segments, and sponsor partnerships that will highlight the latest innovations, challenges, and success stories in the landscape and lawn care sectors. The network’s growing lineup will continue to feature industry voices, business insights, and real-time conversations designed to inform, inspire, and elevate professionals at every level.
Landscape Workshop Acquisition, Appoints CCO + Marketing Officer
Landscape Workshop acquired Daley Lawn Care, Inc., marking the Company’s expansion into southwest Florida within the Naples Market. Daley Founder and CEO Jeff Daley has joined the LW team in an ambassador role, and all Daley employees are joining the LW team.
The company also announced the appointment of Birte von Schwarzenfeld as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In this role, von Schwarzenfeld will oversee all sales and marketing functions company-wide and will report to CEO J.T. Price. Von Schwarzenfeld brings more than two decades of commercial leadership spanning industrials, building materials, and services. Her background includes revenue and gross margin growth, brand and digital strategy, and customer-experience-led go-to-market optimization. Most recently, as SVP, Commercial Solutions for a $2.6B commercial roofing business, she led GTM, marketing, and product strategy, and launched services and private-label products that outperformed sales expectations and delivered significantly higher gross margins. Von Schwarzenfeld holds an MBA with High Distinction (Baker Scholar) from Harvard Business School and an M.S. in Physics from Technical University Berlin.
Jennifer Harris joined Landscape Workshop as Marketing Manager. In this role, Harris will oversee integrated marketing campaigns, drive brand strategy and messaging, and manage the company’s digital presence across social media, web, and email platforms. She will also support sales growth, while ensuring consistent branding and communications across all channels. In addition, Harris will coordinate trade shows, industry partnerships, and vendor relationships to maximize marketing effectiveness. Harris brings over 15 years of experience leading innovative marketing strategies across healthcare, financial services, home services, and media. She has managed multimillion-dollar campaigns, overseen rebrands, launched multi-state marketing initiatives, and partnered with media and community organizations to expand brand presence. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s in Communications and Public Relations and was a member of the track team. She is also a recent alum of the Chief Marketing Officer Institute. Harris is active in several professional organizations, including the American Marketing Association, Women in Business, and local chambers of commerce.
