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.
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 Garden and gained excellent hands on experience with plants of all kinds. Portz rooted in at Avant as the Nursery Assistant, eventually becoming the Nursery and Office Manager.
Matt Hanna- Design Assistant
Matt graduated from UW Madison with a degree in Landscape Architecture. He has recently joined the Avant staff and brings various landscape experience from all over the state. He has worked landscape maintenance in the Madison area, nursery and plant care in the Fox Valley, and landscape design/implementation in the Northern Milwaukee area.
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.
