Our Team
Mitchell Knapp
President/Owner
Mitchell Knapp has owned Scenic Landscaping LLC since 1975. He began the company by cutting lawns with a mower and a pick-up truck. Throughout the years he has developed Scenic Landscaping into what it is today. An expert of plant knowledge, Mitch is well versed in all aspects of horticulture including species, disease, location, Dwarf Conifers, perennials, and conceptual design. Aside from running Scenic Landscaping, in 1980-1986 he worked with Merrill Lynch Hubbard Corporation and traveled the United States giving advice on both residential and commercial design. In 1997 he started a sister company, Tapestry Landscape Architecture LLC, which is the design arm of many of the projects Scenic builds today. During his professional career Mitch has received numerous awards for his work.
Even to this very day, Mitch is involved with the day to day operations and sales of the company. Through his creative energy and design ideas, he has developed a culture at Scenic Landscaping that many companies may strive for, but only few achieve. He has also been a mentor to many other people in the industry whom today own successful businesses. His deep passion and drive for the business is what makes Scenic Landscaping one of the top landscape design/build companies in the Tri-State area.
“I value each and every customer. I want to be sure that at the end of your project, you are fully satisfied and that I have exceeded all of your expectations”, says Mitchell Knapp.
Rick Zimmer
Partner/Principal Landscape Architect
For over 23 years, Rick has led a growing team of landscape architects to be one of the most creative and respected landscape design firms in the tri state area. He is a graduate of the landscape architecture program at Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He is a licensed landscape architect in New Jersey and New York. His creativity, great attention to detail, and ability to listen and understand his client’s needs has made for many successful and beautiful outdoor spaces. Over the years, he has spearheaded many award-winning projects and continues to be inspired by nature and outdoor design. Personally, Rick enjoys many outdoor activities including camping, mountain biking, and snowboarding with his two sons and his wife, Jennifer.
Drew Appel
Nursery Manager
Drew Appell is Scenic’s Nursery Manager and buyer. He brings over 30 years of horticultural experience to Scenic Landscaping. Drew has an extensive knowledge of all horticultural distributors, and has a great sense of customer service and operations management. His understanding of the United States and Canadian growers allows Scenic Landscaping to provide top quality nursery material to our customers. This specially selected material contributes to Scenic’s beautiful designs, making the customer’s outdoor space more rewarding.
Adam Swierkowski
Vice President of Finance
Adam holds a Master’s in Accounting and brings over 23 years’ experience to our team. He oversees the billing to all our clientele, manages the daily finances and supervises our accounting department.
Brian Parks
Sales/Design
Brian has built his career over the years through many avenues of the landscape industry. On a daily basis, he is meeting with potential clients, facilitating relationships with commercial developers, and managing the ongoing design and production for his projects. From designing to selling to marketing, Brian is hands on in many facets of our companies today.
John Jacobs
Sales/Maintenance, Enhancements & CGS
John has always loved to build and construct projects, while paying close attention to details. This passion led him to graduate from Rutgers in 2015 with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Having worked for Tapestry Landscape Architecture and in sales and project management, it has allowed him to see all aspects of the process of designing, installing and managing a garden. Scenic Landscaping has the unparalleled ability to install the most beautiful landscapes for our clientele; however, one of the most crucial aspects is the care and maintenance of the gardens after the initial construction, which is where this division excels. Specializing in seasonal displays, consisting of spring, summer, fall and winter holiday displays, allows our clients to add interest and unique accents throughout all four seasons.
Dave Knapp
Accounting / Manager, Custom Garden Services, Enhancements, & Maintenance Division
Dave graduated from Muhlenberg College and has over 7 years’ experience spanning many aspects of the landscape industry. Today, he manages our CGS, Enhancement, and Maintenance Division. Dave manages the accounting and billing, estimating, proposals and contracts creation, as well as overall inventory control of our material. He also specializes in drone photography and assists our marketing team with his photography and video projects.
Miguel Dominguez
Project Manager
Miguel bring over 25 years’ experience on the field to our team. He is an integral part of our company with managing multiple jobs, as well as communicating with the customers while attending to their concerns and problem solving. He is responsible for overseeing the quality of the job, and managing both our crews and subcontractors. He facilitates between the towns for inspections as well as ordering materials and ensuring communication and satisfaction with each client. Miguel also assists in the winter with the snow plowing, is CLT certified, ICPI certified and is bilingual, assisting with our Hispanic workers when needed.
Matt Scheilke
Project Manager
Matt joins our team with over 18 years’ experience in the landscape and construction industry. Today, Matt oversees his clients, construction crews and subcontractors on a daily basis, facilitating ongoing projects and assisting in production. Matt has a bachelors degree from William Paterson University.
Stephen Sedlak
Project Manager
Stephen joins our team with over 30 years’ experience in the landscape construction and snow management industries. Today, Stephen manages and coordinates multiple landscape construction projects. From project scheduling, site layout/take offs, material purchasing, subcontractor management, client relations, cost/profit analysis and client payment scheduling.
I also have certs from Rutgers landscape management/construction training programs that I’ve attended over the years including construction management, pond management, advanced pruning, lawn care, etc.
Mike Votor
Mike was a beloved employee of our Scenic family for over 30 years. He started as a laborer here at age 17, and grew with us as our company expanded over the decades. Mike was the original hard worker, he brought his passion to every project, eager to learn and always going above and beyond for clients and team members alike. He was an integral part of making Scenic who we are today, sharing his knowledge and experience with new employees, and ensuring that every project was delivered with the highest customer satisfaction standards. Sadly, Mike lost his battle with cancer in 2020, and we lost one of the foundation blocks to our Scenic family. Our team strives to always give 110% in every aspect of our work, in Mike’s honor.
