After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Design from South Dakota State University in 1972, Mark put his education to work as a Landscape Architect and planner for several firms before creating Lan-De-Con Inc. with Rod Johnson in 1975. Mark’s creativity in landscape design and his knowledge of solid construction techniques have been the backbone of Lan-De-Con since its inception. Mark continues to play an active role in the growth of Lan-De-Con and is committed to providing quality landscape design and installation service for all of Lan-De-Con’s clientele.

Mark and his wife Kathy reside in Waconia, where they look forward to visits from their two sons, their wives and two granddaughters. Mark’s love of the outdoors was cultivated at an early age while he was growing up on the family farm near Watertown, South Dakota. Today, when Mark is away from the office, he is usually found in the field hunting or on the lake fishing.

Rod Johnson is co-owner of Lan-De-Con Inc. and Vice President of the company. He heads the financial end of the company as well as distribution of products to and from job sites. Prior to the formation of Lan-De-Con, he served in the Air Force and went to Business College.

Rod is married and has two teenage children, which keep him busy attending their various sports and church activities. His hobbies involve sports and cars related interests. One of the highlights of his life is to vacation with his family.

Mark Laberee and Rod started Lan-De-Con 30 years ago and have enjoyed seeing the company grow. The character of the people hired and the quality of their workmanship has helped to make Lan-De-Con the company he is so proud to call his own.

Jim Keller joined Lan-De-Con Inc. in 1981 after graduating from the Landscape Technology program at Hennepin County Vocational College. He started his career at Lan-De-Con as a Field Superintendent and has served as project manager for the past 17 years. Jim’s 24 years of experience has afforded him the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the landscape industry from design to implementation. His experience in full on-site landscape construction management provides his clients with the peace of mind that their project will exceed all expectations.

Jim is an avid collector of vintage fishing tackle and enjoys cooking, fine wine and gardening in his free time.

Sherry graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Horticulture with an emphasis in landscape design. Before joining Lan-De-Con in the summer of 2001, Sherry worked at various garden centers and also at the University of Minnesota Trial and Display Garden. At Lan-De-Con, Sherry's main roles are project manager and landscape designer. Sherry is involved with all stages of commercial landscaping from estimating plans to final project implementation and completion. Sherry also enjoys the creativity of designing residential home landscapes where she can utilize her extensive knowledge and love of perennials and flowers. Her design versatility ranges from creating colorful formal gardens to naturalistic plantings. Sherry strives to meet all of her clients and her own expectations of creating beautiful, functional, and manageable landscapes.

Sherry enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, traveling, and visiting with her friends and family.

Chuck wears many hats at Lan-De-Con Inc . His main responsibilities are sales manager and senior project manager. He graduated from college in 1970 with a degree in Landscape Design and Technology. After graduation Chuck served in the U.S. Army for three years based mostly in West Germany. Having been in the industry for 33 years, he has seen a lot of changes, like the introduction of skid-steer loaders, tree spades, computers, electronic calculators, and AutoCAD design software. Chuck and his family enjoy the weekends at his cabin in northern Minnesota and when fall arrives he enjoys hunting upland birds in North and South Dakota. Winter allows for a couple of trips to Lake of the Woods for relaxation and walleye fishing. Chuck’s unlimited knowledge and experience have gained him respect in the landscape industry.

Loren started his career with Lan-De-Con Inc. in 2003 after working for several other landscape companies. He graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree from the Landscape Installation program at Waseca Technical College in 1978. He is a field superintendent at Lan-De-Con and is known for excellent and thorough installations. Loren’s many years of landscape installation experience and his ability to efficiently manage a large crew of laborers allow Lan-De-Con to continually deliver a quality project on time and within budget.

Loren lives in Elk River with his beautiful red haired daughter and wife, much to his surprise after remaining single for many years. His wife, Patty, owns Nelson Arts, which designed this fabulous web site. He enjoys spending time laughing with his daughter, working on his acreage outdoors, training his dogs, and hunting and fishing.

Larry started his career with Lan-De-Con Inc. in April of 1985. He is currently the supervisor in charge of field operations. Larry’s 20 years of landscape installation experience have led to more efficient methods of installation that allow Lan-De-Con to continually deliver a quality project on time and within budget.

Aside from landscaping Larry enjoys spending time outdoors, golfing and fishing.

Mark joined Lan-De-Con Inc. in 1992 and completed the two year Landscape Technology course at Hennepin Technical College while working as a landscape laborer for the company. Mark has over 13 years of landscape construction experience and has been a vital part of Lan-De-Con’s success. Mark’s knowledge of landscape construction and his ability to manage the on-site installation of a landscape design helps to ensure that the final product is going to exceed all expectations.

Mark lives with his wife and two boys in Carver, Minnesota where he enjoys spending his free time camping, hunting and fishing.

Tom joined the Lan-De-Con Inc. staff in the spring of 2000 after seven years of previous landscape experience. Tom comes from a farming background, which has served him well in the landscape construction industry. Tom’s natural ability to lead has been a vital asset for Lan-De-Con over the last five years, and his strong ability to provide field management ensure timely job completion in a professional manner.

Tom spends his time away from work on his hobby farm in New Germany with his wife Elaine and their two sons Andrew and Alex. Tom is also an avid ice fisherman and enjoys bowling.

Dan Schwichtenberg ~ Waconia Tree Farm, Field and Operations Manager

Dan started working at our Waconia Tree Farm in the spring of 1978. Dan’s 27 years of nursery experience provides the tree farm with a wealth of tree cultivation expertise. Dan oversees all planting, pruning, and digging operations for Waconia Tree Farm and his meticulous culturing, grooming and pruning ensures that Waconia Tree Farm provides the highest quality plant material available.

Dan resides in Victoria with his wife Deb, his stepson Tom and stepdaughter Jackie.In his free time, Dan enjoys hunting, fishing and bowling.

Paul Schwichtenberg ~ Waconia Tree Farm, Yard and Inventory Manager

Paul began his nursery career in the spring of 1986 and has gained an immeasurable amount of tree care knowledge in his 19 years in the industry. Paul oversees the nursery yard at Waconia Tree Farm and also monitors all incoming and outgoing inventory for the operation. His knowledge of current nursery industry practices as well as his attention to detail ensure that Waconia Tree Farm provides its clientele with high quality, locally grown trees.
Paul resides in Norwood with his wife Jill and his daughter Ashley. Paul’s hobbies include hunting, woodworking and bowling.