Meet four generations of family ownership
HARRY G. AND JOANNE FAHNESTOCK
PRESIDENT/SECRETARY & TREASURER
In 1981, Harry Fahnestock joined the family driving a delivery truck and assisting in sales and turf management. While Harry’s parents managed invoicing, accounting, and office production, he was out in the field, gaining an advanced understanding of the equipment and care that goes into quality sod. In 1984, Harry took over operations from his father and he and his wife, Joanne, have overseen the company to this day. As stewards of the land, water conservation issues are critical to the sustainability of our business and community, Harry has been actively involved in our local water issues since 1988 and is currently a commissioner on the Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission, and a member of the Commission’s Sub-Committee on Water-Conservation. Harry is a member of the Turf Producers International and serves on their Committee on Conservation. He is a charter member and past-president of the Nevada Landscape Association and is currently chair of the Water Resources Sub-Committee.
JASON PERRY
VICE PRESIDENT
Jason joined his family’s turf business in 1994 as the self-proclaimed “low man on the totem pole.” That didn’t stop him from excelling at his duties on his way to becoming the Western Turf Farm Production Manager. After several years of exceptional growth, he rose to the position of vice president and now manages all aspects of the business.
Jason is a former president and board member of the Nevada Landscape Association. During his tenure with the organization, Jason advocated for and brought more members into the association to enhance the green industry. Additionally, Jason has been actively involved in STEP 1 Recovery serving as president of the board of directors.
LAURA PERRY
GENERAL MANAGER
Laura joined the Western Turf and Hardscapes family in 1997 as an office clerk. After continuing to develop her business skills and becoming more involved in the industry, she earned the position of Office Manager in 1999.
Now the company’s general manager, Laura oversees all aspects of the business in tandem with the VP. Her specialties include delivery operations, human resources, sales analysis and accounting, marketing, and overseeing all office procedures.
SALLY Totten
Sally started with Western Turf and Hardscapes in 2018 as a sales associate. Through hard work and diligence, she quickly rose through our ranks and dipped her toes in various departments. That versatility and work ethic was recognized by ownership and rewarded with a larger role in management, allowing her to assist in day-to-day operations on a wider scale. When she’s not helping with department operations, she leads marketing and sales initiatives for the company.
LAURIE GEHLERT
Laurie Gehlert has provided Western Turf and Hardscapes with more than 20 years of dedication and loyalty. When she began in 2000, she was personally mentored by Harry and Joanne Fahnestock themselves. Laurie’s extensive experience in all facets of the business is what earned her the position of Office Manager, where she manages the accounts payable and receivable, staffing and training, human resources, and driver dispatching.
STEVE MILAN
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Steve joined our family in 2010 as a driver, dispatching huge deliveries of turf, pavers, rock and soil all across the region. As our business shifted its focus onto more rock, soil, and amendments (RSA), Steve showed interest and was signed on to the RSA department. He now manages all RSA department operations in addition to leading our delivery and dispatch procedures.
JIM ROPER
James “Jim” Roper started with us in 2002 as a delivery driver, shipping our award-winning products all over Northern Nevada and the Eastern Sierra. He expressed a deeper interest in our products and eventually underwent training to understand, grow, and manage turf production.
Now with over a decade of experience as Farm Production Manager, Jim oversees and manages all aspects of Western Turf’s 4th generation, family-owned and operated sod farm in beautiful Palomino Valley. He ensures that the Western Turf product meets the highest standards of quality and is suitable for serving our region.
JORDAN RICE
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Jordan Rice joined the team in 2009 as a hardworking hand on our farm before moving to our Depot yard in 2010. With a new knowledge of paver products, he became a Hardscape Sales Associate and earned both ICPI certification for paver installation and NCMA certification for retaining wall installation. After demonstrating his extensive experience in hardscapes, he was promoted to Hardscapes Manager, where he now manages all aspects of hardscapes, pavers, retaining wall, and outdoor fireplace sales.
ELISEO PEREZ
There is nothing Eliseo doesn’t know about farming quality turf grass. He’s been showing up bright and early to the Western Turf farm in Palomino Valley since 1988 – and that consistency is contagious. He’s a huge reason why our turf has been a consistent, quality product for decades. If you’ve ever felt your Western Turf lawn between your toes, you’ve got this man to thank.
BRAD KURTZ
Brad Kurtz joined the Western Turf and Hardscapes team in 2022 as a Sales Representative. Since then, he has been appointed as Lighting Manager due to his dedication and hard work. Brad is especially proud of expanding our lighting sales and onboarding new products. Whether you need assistance selecting the perfect materials, navigating the process, or finding a contractor referral, Brad is the go-to expert. He also works hard to maintain our inventory of lighting products. In his free time, Brad is an automotive hobbyist.
FRANCISCO GONZALEZ
Francisco joined the Western Turf and Hardscapes team in 2022 after five years in the landscaping business. In just one year, he moved from Head of Synthetic to Sales Associate and Closing Manager thanks to his commitment to providing exceptional customer service. Francisco goes above and beyond for both contractors and retail customers, offering support in both English and Spanish. When he’s not at work, he enjoys biking through the city.
HALEY LEWIS
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Haley joined the Western Turf and Hardscapes team in 2023 as a Sales Associate and has quickly taken on the role of RSA Assistant. She plays a key part in supporting our team with sales, bagged goods, and RSA management tasks, all while specializing in inventory. Haley shines in her ability to bring clients’ visions to life. Outside of work, she enjoys working on cars and trucks, crocheting, and tackling small woodworking projects.
SHARON SEIRER
Every business needs someone to handle the books and Sharon’s our gal. She began at Western Turf & Hardscapes in 2018 and handles all accounts payable and receivable. She tackles our financial duties head on, something she picked up from playing on the Nevada Storm, Reno’s women’s football team.
SCOTT THOMPSON
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Scott Thompson joined the Western Turf and Hardscapes team in 2024, starting in inside sales and customer service. He has since expanded his role to include sales, marketing, and tech, where he excels at assisting customers, generating sales, and driving marketing efforts. Within just nine months, Scott became fully cross-trained in both inside and outside roles—a milestone he is especially proud of. Outside of work, Scott has a passion for photography, specializing in nature, landscapes, and high-altitude drone photography.
JARED ENGDAHL
Jared has been a valued member of the Western Turf and Hardscapes team since 2020. With experience as a Yard Associate, two years in turf services, and a year as a mechanic, Jared brings a well-rounded skill set to his current role. Whether he’s providing exceptional customer service, building orders, or lending his expertise where it’s needed, Jared enjoys being part of a team that helps transform landscapes into something truly remarkable. Outside of work, you’ll find him at concerts, spending time at the lake with his dog, or discovering new places whenever he can.
RANDY WOLDBERG
Randy has been a dedicated member of the Western Turf and Hardscapes team since 2019. As an Outside Sales Representative, he travels to meet with customers, provide samples, and explore project opportunities to help create new leads. Randy takes pride in building strong relationships and supporting clients in bringing their landscaping visions to life. When he’s not on the road or visiting customers, you’ll likely find him out on the green enjoying a round of golf.
BOBBY RICHHART
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Bobby joined the Western Turf and Hardscapes team in 2024 as a Front Desk Sales Associate and has been a friendly, helpful presence ever since. From answering phones and managing email orders to assisting with sales and ensuring customers have the best experience, Bobby does it all with a smile. He’s proud to contribute to the company’s growth and loves being part of the Western Turf family.
YESENIA JOVEL
Yesenia joined us in 2022 as a Front Desk Associate. It didn’t take long for her to rise to Sales and Accounts Receivable thanks to her incredible knack for learning new things and building genuine connections with our clients. Her love for her own family really shines through in the care she brings to ours. When she’s not here, you’ll find her diving into a good book or enjoying a swim.
TYLER WILKINSON
Tyler Wilkinson joined Western Turf this year, and he’s already transformed our property with his meticulous attention to detail. His commitment to maintaining a pristine, safe environment reflects his dedication to excellence in everything he does. When Tyler isn’t ensuring our grounds look their best, you can find him indulging in his love for cats or expanding his impressive collection of records. His passion for both cleanliness and safety truly sets him apart as an invaluable member of our team.
JULIAN OMAR AQUINO
Julian Omar Aquino has been a valued member of the Western Turf and Hardscapes team since 2021. He started as a Yard Associate and worked his way up to Yard Foreman, where he plays a key role in overseeing sod, pavers, customer service, RSA, and synthetic turf products. Julian takes pride in ensuring customer satisfaction, which he considers his top priority. When he’s not at work, you can find him hiking, fishing, assembling Lego models, or gaming.
ALAN RAMIREZ
Alan joined Western Turf in 2022 as a Yard Associate and quickly proved his dedication, earning his way up to Yard Assistant Foreman. He takes the most pride in making sure customers leave satisfied, knowing they have exactly what they need. When he’s not keeping operations running smoothly, Alan enjoys fishing, range shooting, collecting, assembling Lego kits, and gaming.
