OUR FAMILY
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
ASSISTANT MANAGER / MARKETING & SALES
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
OFFICE MANAGER
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
RSA & TRUCKING MANAGER
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
FARM MANAGER
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 in his tenth year 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
HARDSCAPES MANAGER
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
ASSISTANT FARM MANAGER
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.
SHARON SEIRER
ACCOUNTING
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.
RANDY WOLDBERG
OUTSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE
JARED ENGDAHL
SALES ASSOCIATE
JULIAN AQUINO
YARD ASSOCIATE
