Our Staff
Our staff is comprised of well trained, well rounded, long-term employees who share our company goals and philosophy. With degrees in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Fine Arts-Sculpture, Biology, Grounds Management, and Architecture our team approach to projects allows us to draw from the strengths of diverse backgrounds to deliver innovative solutions.
We strive to empower and uplift those who work on our team through ongoing training and education.
Jay Gehler, ASLA, CLP
Jay is a Registered Landscape Architect in the state of Wisconsin and Illinois. As a Certified Landscape Professional with over 25 years of experience, Jay is our in house AutoCAD specialist. . He graduated from UW Madison and currently serves as the Wisconsin Chapter Treasurer of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Carrie Portz - Nursery/Office Manager
Carrie graduated from University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in German. She interned at Olbrich gardens and gained excellent hands on experience with plants of all kinds. Portz (as we call her) began her career at Avant as the Nursery Assistant, became the Nursery Manager and is currently also managing the Office.
Tyler Applegate – Maintenance Manager
Tyler has a degree from Southern Illinois University in Plant and Soil Science with a focus on Horticulture. For the past 7 years, Tyler has brought a variety of experience to Avant. Tyler managed landscape grounds and golf courses owned by the PGA Tour. With a passion for plants beyond turf, Tyler’s background also includes sustainable/organic gardening and greenhouse practices. He is also Green Roof Certified.
Carrie Latham – Maintenance Foreman
Carrie graduated from UW-Madison with a major in Horticulture specializing in ornamentals and floriculture. She is dedicated to maintaining clients’ gardens as if they were her own.
Carlos Camacho - Lead Foreman
With a background in engineering, Carlos Camacho is our lead foreman. With many years of experience Carlos is our resident craftsman. Currently completing the Certified Landscape Technician program, he is also Green Roof Certified and a certified Sure Bond Applicator.
