our team

the Timberline team

Our commitment to quality landscaping services by our uniformed, trained team members has enabled us to add value, curb appeal, and new outdoor living areas to homes in Ladue, Kirkwood, Des Peres, Town & Country, Frontenac, Clayton, the Central West End, and many other St. Louis neighborhoods.

BRIAN PFOTENHAUER

Founder / Owner

Brian founded Timberline Landscapes, in 2005, and put his Business Management degree from the University of Dayton to work building a company filled with creativity, ingenuity and most of all teamwork. Through Brian’s leadership, the Timberline team incorporates practical and innovative, sustainable elements into beautiful landscape designs & maintenance. Brian and his team are committed to delivering exceptional landscape services to St. Louis and the surrounding areas with professionalism, knowledge and attention to detail. Brian lives in Kirkwood with his wife Katie, their children, Eva and Jack and dog, Olive. In his free time, Brian enjoys traveling, exploring, BBQ and snow skiing.

KATIE PFOTENHAUER

Client Appreciation & Marketing

Katie is a graduate of Missouri State University and joined the Timberline Landscapes team in 2018. Katie brings 20 years of invaluable experience in both Business Development and Marketing to the Timberline Landscapes team. She, along with her husband, Brian, are both committed to delivering exceptional service to their Timberline Landscapes customers. Katie enjoys spending time with her family cooking, traveling, hiking and all sorts of other outdoor activities.

DOMINIC FURFARO

Director of Business Systems

Dominic was introduced to the industry at the age of 16 by his father who owned a landscaping business. Dominic joined Timberline Landscapes in 2020 as a crew member and quickly rose through the ranks, taking on increasingly important roles and responsibilities. Today, he helps guide business decisions, implements new systems, and optimizes processes as a key member of the Timberline Landscapes team.  When he’s not working or studying, Dominic enjoys spending time outdoors, playing sports of all kinds, and exploring new technology-related hobbies. His passion for the industry and drive for success make him a valuable asset, and he is sure to continue making a significant impact in the years to come.

WALT SCHWARZENBACH

Director of Talent & Marketing Coordinator

Walt Schwarzenbach serves as Timberline’s Director of Talent and Marketing Coordinator, bringing a people-focused approach to recruiting, team development, and company culture. Growing up locally in the St. Louis area, Walt attended Webster Groves High School and now resides in Kirkwood. He works closely with employees and leadership to support hiring, onboarding, retention, and internal communication, while also helping grow the Timberline brand through marketing and community engagement. Passionate about building strong teams and creating a positive workplace environment, Walt is dedicated to helping both employees and the company continue to grow and succeed.

BRAD FURFARO

Director of Design and Business Development

Brad is a licensed landscape architect. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. He has over 27 years of experience and has spent much of his career in landscape construction and design/build. Brad has served as the President of the St. Louis Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects in 2007 and was instrumental in winning a Grand Award for Beautification and Maintenance at St. Louis Union Station. Brad resides in South County with his wife and has 3 children.

MARGO KINSTLER

Design & Sales Consultant

Margo is a landscape designer and plant specialist with a passion for creating meaningful outdoor spaces. She earned her degree in Plant Science with an emphasis in design from the University of Missouri. A native of St. Louis, Margo discovered her love for plants early on, growing up in a family deeply connected to the Missouri Department of Conservation. She believes in the power of landscapes to strengthen communities’ connection with nature. Her design philosophy centers on crafting awe-inspiring, functional spaces that serve as outdoor extensions of the home; serene oases where families can gather, relax, and make memories for years to come. When she’s not designing, Margo enjoys biking with her husband, photographing plants, and spending time at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

BENJAMIN ORTINAU

Landscape Design Assistant

Ben is a landscape designer who has studied plant science and design through the horticulture program at STLCC and is now studying business at UMSL! He has been immersed in the landscaping industry since the age of 18 when he began working for his mothers design firm. Specializing in planting design and hardscape aesthetics, Ben crafts beautiful plant combinations, layered garden palettes, and elegant hardscape features — from flowing patios and walkways to stunning focal points that bring your vision to life. Outside of work, Ben enjoys fishing, cooking, and spending quality time with his friends and family.

SHANNON WHITTEMORE

Director of Landcare Sales

Shannon has been with Timberline for 8 seasons. From selling large-scale maintenance packages to scheduling and designing small spaces, Shannon does it all with passion and expertise. Her dedication has led to a staggering 250% growth in our LandCare division over the past 5 years! When she’s not transforming landscapes, Shannon enjoys spending time with family, enjoys hiking adventures, and sharing her culinary creations.

ELLEN MARTIN

LandCare Account Assistant

Ellen joined Timberline in 2022, starting in maintenance to gain hands-on insight into long-term landscape performance, which now informs her recommendations for enhancements that are beautiful, efficient, and enduring. As part of the Landcare Enhancements team, she specializes in elevating properties by boosting curb appeal, plant health, and sustainability, earning clients’ trust for her detail-oriented approach and ability to transform underperforming landscapes into polished, high-impact outdoor spaces. Originally from Tennessee, Ellen studied biology and plant biology at Caltech and UC Davis, focusing on plant-environment interactions, giving her a unique edge in selecting resilient, low-maintenance plants. Outside work, she enjoys swimming, craftsmanship, and baking, hobbies that mirror the patience, precision, and creativity she brings to every project.

BRENT HANCE

Director of Install Operations

Brent is a St. Louis native and brings over 40 years of experience to the Timberline Landscapes team. He attended the College of Architecture and Design at Kansas State University and oversees the day-to-day operations of the company with an emphasis on installation projects. Brent’s eye for detail and extensive background in landscape construction are among his greatest attributes. He also believes that “everything works best in the middle,” a philosophy that guides both his work and leadership style. Brent and his wife, Rochelle, live in Wildwood, and their daughter resides in the Milwaukee area.

BENJAMIN BAUTISTA

Install Operations Manager

Benjamin Bautista serves as Timberline’s Install Operations Manager and brings more than 20 years of landscape industry experience to the team. His extensive background includes retaining walls, paver patios, irrigation systems, drainage solutions, landscape lighting, sod installation, and heavy equipment operation. Benjamin’s hands-on leadership, industry knowledge, and commitment to quality help ensure our crews are prepared, efficient, and successful every day. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and takes pride in helping his team grow and succeed.

BRIAN HAMMERSTONE

Director of LandCare Operations

Brian began his first job in 2005, working for a lawn care company mowing lawns while still in high school. His passion for working outdoors, along with the sense of gratification the work provided, kept him returning each summer. After college, he decided to pursue lawn care and landscaping as a career. He joined Timberline in 2020 and has since worked on a wide range of properties, including large retail stores, college campuses, hospitals, and residential accounts. Beyond the work itself, his favorite part of the industry is teaching and training new coworkers and watching their growth over time.

BON SCOTT

Bed Maintenance Operations Manager

Originally from Lafayette and Indianapolis, Indiana, Bon began his landscaping career in 2009 working on high-end residential properties, where he developed a strong attention to detail and craftsmanship. Over the years, he gained experience in turf management, lawn care, and hardscape installation, including paver patios and retaining walls.

After moving to St. Louis in 2018, he continued building his career in the green industry, including five years as a Landscape Foreman with Frisella Nursery. In 2025, he joined Timberline Landscapes as an Enhancement Crew Leader before transitioning into his current role as Bed Maintenance Operations Manager. He takes pride in creating and maintaining landscapes that are beautiful, durable, and professionally cared for.

drew nathan

LandCare Operations Manager
Drew is a Saint Louis native and SEMO graduate with an affinity for LandCare. With seven years’ experience in the industry, he works behind the scenes and alongside field crews to assist in the day-to-day successes of Timberline’s LandCare division. Working outside and with landscapes lends itself a synergy with nature that he can’t see himself ever being without.