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Unique Environments from an
Award-Winning Team

A Culture of Quality, Creativity, and Respect

The Scott Byron & Co. culture is defined by a reverence for quality, innovation, creativity, and mutual respect among our team members and clients. Our team brings you the best experience in the business at every level: design, construction, maintenance, and client service. Our artists, ornamental horticulturists, hardscape artisans, and field staff are best-in-class. And we back up our promise of quality with a lifetime warranty on material. In short, you can relax and enjoy yourself as we transform your dreams into reality.

Award-Winning Environments

Scott Byron & Co. has won awards every year since 2012 from the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) and Midwest Awards for Outdoor Living. The latest two gold awards were received at the 2021 annual ILCA Awards Gala, with one of the projects earning the coveted Judges’ Award.

Concierge Service

Quality of service can make the difference between an exhilarating experience and one that pushes the limits of patience. Our highly intuitive team of client engagement specialists anticipates your needs and deftly pulls together your vision, keeping the process exciting and fresh throughout. Our white-glove approach guides you with the finesse you’d expect from Scott Byron & Co.

Fearless Design

Dreams are curious things, easy to envision and sometimes impossible to realize—for most. Scott Byron & Co. believes that anything is possible, and we have decades of successful case stories to prove it. So dream without fear, and settle for nothing but the best.

Our History

1983

Scott L. Byron with Andrew Otting found Scott Byron & Co. Creating unique environments and “making sure the land is properly preserved and the design is complementary to the architecture and setting.”

Three weeks later, Andrew Otting creates a high-end, landscape maintenance service that preserves the integrity of clients’ original designs.

1985

Seasonal color expertise was added to enhance the boundaries of design and seasonal color.

1987

Scott Byron & Co. was selected as the premier design/build firm for Chicago Botanic Garden. This relationship culminated in the creation of multiple gardens: Krasberg Rose Garden, English Walled Garden, English Oak Meadow, Sensory Garden, Dixon Prairie, Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden, Visitors Center, and Naturalistic Garden (now part of the Sensory Garden).

1989

Andy Otting named partner of Scott Byron & Co.

1990

The company grows to 100+ associates

1992

Under Scott Byron and Dick Brickman’s leadership, a practitioner endowment fund to provide resources for visiting instructors was initiated at the University of Illinois’ Department of Landscape Architecture.

1993-94

Scott Byron named President of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association

1994

Began design on 700-acre Musha Cay, private island project

1995

Scott Byron named ILCA’s “Man of the Year”

2000

Andrew Otting joins the Openlands board chairing the Policy & Community Engagement Committee. Today, Mr. Otting continues to serve on the Executive Committee.

2000

Andrew Otting becomes president of Scott Byron & Co. Scott Byron & Co. Designs Chicago’s Water Tower Park and Pumping Station Garden

2000

AutoCAD introduced

2001

The company grows to 250+ associates

2009

New Office opens/renovations

2014

3D Rendering introduced

2019

Chicago Branch opens

2020

Culture Committee formed to strengthen our commitment to our clients and strive to make Scott Byron & Co. one of the best places to work.

2021

Wisconsin Branch office opens

Ownership

Click on images for bios

Gordon Held

Gordon Held

Co-President / Owner

Gordon’s passion is rooted in building teams—aligning their goals in a way that fulfills our company’s values and culture. He’s energized by helping our people identify and develop strengths they may not have recognized or had the confidence to pursue. He believes that by focusing on team development and company culture in a meaningful way, our clientele receives an unparalleled customer experience.

At every stage of his career, and at every employer and post, Gordon has ensured that employees’ core beliefs and way of doing things align with his philosophies. In Gordon’s perspective, culture and values are the building blocks of a united team of professionals.

“At Scott Byron & Co., I’m afforded the autonomy to bring together a group of master artisans, seasoned professionals, and incomparable talent. And I’m honored to lead them. Together, we’re making a significant difference inside and outside the company and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Kenneth Williams

Kenneth Williams

Co-President / Owner

Ken Williams leads Scott Byron’s accounting and finance team, where he works closely with the other members of the executive team to support the company’s strategic direction. With a focus on creating lasting value for the organization’s stakeholders, Ken is an experienced leader with a proven track record of driving bottom-line growth.

His enthusiasm for developing corporate strategy to drive long-term value stems from his extensive finance leadership experiences in varied industries. Ken has successfully supported carve-outs, acquisitions, and played key roles in the development of liquidity and capital structure strategies.

Ken holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Monmouth College, and an MBA from Elmhurst University.

Our Concierges

Scott Byron

Scott Byron

Chief Executive Officer

Since founding his namesake organization in 1983, Scott Byron has sought to create the most positive outcome for clients while “making sure the land is properly preserved and the design is complementary to the architecture and setting.” Scott’s code of ethics and respect for employees, clients, the environment, and the symbiosis of art and nature continues to drive the culture of the organization’s 200+ associates.

Andy Otting

Andy Otting

Vice President

As co-founder, Andy Otting has done more to shape the service aspects of the organization than anyone. His effectiveness in maintaining operational efficiencies is driven not only by business best practices but also by prioritizing the brand experience of every stakeholder. Understanding that “clients” include not only our valued external clients but also our employees and partners, he prioritizes a culture of equality, decency, respect, and quality. He has always guided the organization toward the goal of meeting the client’s vision as the key to success.

Rhonda Benn, SPHR

Rhonda Benn, SPHR

Human Resources Director

As the Director of Human Resources, Rhonda Benn is part of Scott Byron & Co.’s leadership team. Rhonda has over 20 years of Human Resource experience in the manufacturing and non-profit sectors and holds an SPHR certification. Rhonda is well-known for her positivity and ability to combine organizational best practices with employee advocacy to generate top workplace recognition. Developing a people-first culture is her passion, and she is honored to be part of such an exemplary company.

Seth Boswell

Seth Boswell

Procurement Manager

With over 25 years of experience in garden center management along Chicago’s North Shore, Seth Boswell brings both industry insight and a passion for excellence to his role as Procurement Manager. Since joining Scott Byron & Co. in 2015 as the Annuals Buyer, he has grown his career by championing quality, building strong relationships, and leading with authenticity. Today, he oversees the companywide sourcing and logistics team, ensuring only the highest-quality materials are selected to deliver the luxury experience our clients have come to expect — a key part of what makes our clients RAVE.

Seth’s leadership philosophy is rooted in trust, empowerment, and open communication. He believes great results come from teams who feel supported and take ownership of their work. Outside of SBC, Seth is a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Cubs fan and a former travel little league baseball coach — passions that reflect his team-first mindset on and off the field.

Hasnija Hadzic

Hasnija Hadzic

Property Improvement Division Manager

With over 26 years of experience in customer service, I’ve dedicated my career to delivering exceptional service and building meaningful relationships in the landscaping industry. I began my journey in interior landscaping as a technician, gradually working my way up to Operations Manager, where I led and developed a talented team committed to upholding the highest standards of service.

In 2021, I joined Scott Byron as Customer Relations Manager, focusing on cultivating strong relationships and delivering superior service to our Chicago city clients. My passion lies in exceeding customer expectations and providing tailored solutions that bring visions to life. I believe in the power of teamwork and strive to create an environment where both clients and team members can thrive.

Jake Johnson

Jake Johnson

Director of Construction Operations

Jake has demonstrated a remarkable journey of growth and leadership. His career at Scott Byron & Co. began in 2012 in the water department, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to the company’s diverse needs. Jake’s ability to excel in various roles is evident from his progression through key positions. He transitioned from a technician in the specialty services department to a construction superintendent, a role in which he spent several successful seasons. His journey didn’t stop there; he further evolved into the role of a project manager, where he effectively utilized his comprehensive construction knowledge and skill set.

Jake’s educational background lays a strong foundation for his professional accomplishments. He graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, where he majored in Business Administration and Management. This academic grounding, combined with his extensive on-the-job experience, has equipped him with a well-rounded understanding of the construction industry. His expertise is not just in the technical aspects of construction but also in effectively managing and leading complex projects. Now, as the Director of Construction Operations, Jake brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. His journey from a technician to a director is a testament to his dedication, skill, and the high regard in which he is held.

Jim Kemp

Jim Kemp

Executive VP of Sales

Jim joined Scott Byron & Co. in early 2020 and brings with him more than 25 years’ experience in the landscape industry. Introduced to landscaping at an early age, he has amassed a wealth of practical knowledge in a wide range of landscape best practices including maintenance, design and construction. Jim’s experience in residential landscape design has engendered his appreciation for the diverse universe of architectural elements, channeling his inspiration for designing well-themed landscapes. He believes that listening, learning, and communication are the keys that align the needs of his co-workers and clients to create the most satisfying unique outdoor environments.

Zach Lieven

Zach Lieven

Landscape Design Consultant

Zach Lieven, hailing from the lush landscapes of Mequon, Wisconsin, developed a profound appreciation for scenic beauty from his formative years. Pursuing his passion, he obtained a BA in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Co-founding a lawn and maintenance service with his brother, Zach’s early experiences instilled in him a deep-seated commitment to elevating outdoor spaces, igniting his ambition to excel in the design and construction of bespoke landscapes.
 
With over two decades of expertise, Zach has forged a distinguished career, collaborating with renowned firms in Milwaukee and refining his craft alongside skilled artisans and horticultural experts. Guided by an unwavering dedication to superior customer service, creativity, and communication, his mission is to craft serene havens amidst life’s whirlwind. From tranquil lakeside retreats to snow-capped alpine escapes, Zach endeavors to curate environments that resonate with the soul, cultivating enduring relationships with discerning clientele who entrust their visions to the expert hands of Scott Byron & Company.

Sean Mallory

Sean Mallory

Director of Property Improvement

As the Property Improvement Division Manager, Sean is passionate about people first and foremost. His philosophy is to cultivate every relationship through trust and approachability. He believes leading a team is about listening, empathizing, and problem-solving together to provide the best possible environment to nurture interdependency. He has a client-focused approach to growth and measures success through the development of his team.

David Pilkington

David Pilkington

Landscape Design Consultant

David Pilkington is a seasoned professional in the green industry with over 35 years of experience in all aspects of design, maintenance and operations.  David has spent the last 10 years in Chicago and the North Shore delivering award-winning work for an exclusive clientele. David is a Certified Horticulturist and Certified ISA Arborist who has trained under prominent horticulturists and designers across the country.  He lives on the North Shore with his wife, Tara, and their dog, Kuma.  He enjoys traveling around the globe, gardening at home and going to the beach.

Nick Woboril

Nick Woboril

Landscape Design Consultant

The intersection between plants and humans has interested Nick from an early age, starting with his exploration of the wild places around him. He began questioning and examining how human-created elements interacted with the natural surroundings and soon after discovered landscape architecture. He was fascinated by the practice of influencing the relationships between architecture, design, and ecology, which led him to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied Landscape Architecture and Environmental Studies through the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Since graduation in 2014, Nick has spent most of his time working within the design-build realm of the landscape industry, working with clients to create beautiful, functional spaces.