The Southwest Hardscapes Association is a group of dynamic industry leaders that implement the newest designs and trends and utilize the best installation application practice.
Jon Roberts, President
2022-2024
Jon Roberts is the owner of Re-Create Companies. I have been in the hardscaping industry for 15 years, and this will be my sixth year on Southwest Hardscapes Association Board of Directors. I wanted to become a member of the board so I could bring more awareness to the paver industry through networking and educational opportunities. I am also an active member of the Mason Contractors Association of America, Arizona Masonry Contractors Association, and the Arizona Masonry Guild. I enjoy being a part of the Southwest Hardscapes Association because it allows me to network with my fellow peers and it offers various educational opportunities that will in return help advance my career and business.
Chris Wentland, Treasurer
2022-2024
Chris Wentland is the owner of CYC Landscaping. I have been in the industry for 18 years, and this will be my fifth year on the board. My hope is that we will be able to educate homeowners on the proper way to install pavers and why following ICPI guidelines will provide them with a better and longer-lasting product.
I believe that there is a need to help educate homeowners on the proper ways to install pavers. As we help to educate them on ICPI guidelines, this will in return will help the homeowner understand the installation process, so they can have a beautiful and lasting paver project.fifth
Rex Mann, Director
2022-2024
Rex Mann works for European Pavers Southwest INC, as an Operations Manager. I have been in the Hardscapes industry for 27 years. I have been an active Southwest Hardscapes Association Board Member since 2012. I was also a small contractor owner at one time. It helps me to bring insight and perspective from other small business owners, in order for them to voice their concerns. I enjoy getting to know the other members personally during the meetings and events. I feel that being part of the Southwest Hardscapes Association helps me network while staying abreast of the industry’s trends and issues.
John Traynor, Director
2022-2024
John Traynor is the owner of Stone Creations. I have been in the hardscape industry in Arizona for the last 26 years. I spent five years on the manufacturing side before moving to the installation side of the business. The best part of being involved in the Southwest Hardscapes Association is the great exchange of ideas and experiences from people in all areas of the industry. There are some great people and great companies involved in Southwest Hardscapes Association and it gives us the platform to raise our industry to a more professional level.
Bruce Basehore, Director
2022-2024
Bruce Basehore works for Southwest Paver Restoration and has been on the Southwest Hardscapes Association for four years.
Steve Biernacki, Director
2022-2024
Steve Biernacki is the owner of Urban Earth Landscaping. He has been in this industry for 25 years. This is my sixth year on the Southwest Hardscapes Association Board of Directors. I believe that being a member of the Southwest Hardscapes Association Board provides me with unique access to industry leaders while affording me the ability to network and to work effectively with a team of professionals towards a common goal. It also gives me the opportunity to give back by helping to increase public awareness of the correct way to install pavers.
Cortney Hand, Director
2023-2025
Cortney Hand is a Sales Representative with Monterrey Tile Co. and working in the industry for the past 19 years. As a new member of the Southwest Hardscapes Association Board of Directors I want to be able to take my education and teach others in this industry. It would be nice to increase memberships to this organizations. I look forward to sharing my expertise from what I see in the field to the group. I am also an active member of CTSAA.
David Bell, Director
2023-2025
David Bell is the owner of A&E Advant-Edge Decorative Curbing & Landscaping. He have been in the industry for 16 years, and this will be his fourth year as an Southwest Hardscapes Association Board member. I hope to educate other contractors on following ICPI guidelines, as well a help to educate homeowners as well. Southwest Hardscapes Association is a great way to network within the industry, and I look forward to helping and seeing our industry thrive for the future.
Todd Steward, Director
2023-2025
Todd Steward is a Business Development Rep. for National Pool Tile. This will be my 7th year on the Southwest Hardscapes Association Board of Directors. I have been in the industry for 22 years and have worked in both the manufacturing and distribution sides of the business. I look forward to working with my peers in order to continue to develop and educate on proper construction methods and help satisfy the need for formal training and raise the level of professionalism in our industry.
Mary Jo Mann, Director
2022-2024
Mary Jo Mann works for SEK-Surebond. I have been in the industry for 23 years. This is my third year on the board. I want to help educate more individuals about the best practices for segmental concrete pavement systems. I also volunteer with: JDRF St Vincent and St Paul St Rose Youth Group. What I like best about being a board member is helping promote and be involved in education events, networking events. I want to help businesses be more successful through the knowledge they gain from the Southwest Hardscapes Association.
Chris Hamel, Director
2022-2024
Chris Hamel works for Telluride Natural Stone & Reclaimed Wood. I have 30 years in the landscape/hardscape industry.
I love the hardscape industry. All of us here on the board are industry veterans with vast knowledge and expertise. We make a great team for our members to rely on. Giving back to the members and contractors makes our industry smarter and stronger.
Bill Schlis, Director
2022-2024
Bill Schlis is the Director of In-House Labor Division at California Pools and Landscape. I have been in the industry for 17 years. I have done commercial, residential, remodel, and model home projects throughout the state. This will be my first year on the board. I wanted to become a board member to promote proper installation techniques and to help in the progression of our industry. I am excited to work with my peers on training, growth, and networking in the hardscape industry. I also look forward to educating homeowners and contractors on proper methods for installation and care of pavers and hardscape. Southwest Hardscapes Association sets the standards for the industry and is a great resource for contractors and homeowners alike. I am glad to be a part of such a great organization.
James Stevens, Director
2023-2025
James Stevens works for Artistic Pavers. I have been in the industry for 18 years in various positions of manufacturing and sales. This will be my first year on the board. I wanted to become a board member to positively affect change and support initiatives in our industry along with helping to support and shape the future of the organization.
I am looking forward to working with industry professionals on this board to help broaden my industry exposure, further my knowledge base and grow my professional network by surrounding myself with influential people with different backgrounds and insights. I am confident my abilities and experience are a perfect match to support my colleagues in the hardscape industry.
I am glad to be a part of such a great organization.
Megan Pratt, Director
2022-2024
Megan Pratt works for Belgard/Superlite and has been in the industry for 4 years. I am a new member of the board and looking forward to supporting the industry as we navigate transitions in the market through training and education. The best part about being a member of the Southwest Hardscapes Association is networking with individuals working in all aspects of the business. Understanding the needs and challenges facing Distributers and Installers.
Jeffrey Sherman, Director
2022-2024
Jeffrey Sherman serves as a Landscape Architect Specialist with Keystone Hardscapes/Pavestone providing support to project specifiers as well as distributors and dealers. Jeffreys expertise includes 40 years in the practice of Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Planning. He is a registered Landscape Architect and received his degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Arizona and continued studies in Urban Design at the University of LaSalle in Mexico City. He was awarded Ronald Regan Presential Energy Innovation Award from the United States Department of Energy for his works in Oasis Pattern Technology. Jeffrey is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Andy Avots, Director
2023-2025
Andy Avots is Co-Owner of Agave Landscape, LLC; having over 17 years in the Hardscape Industry. I am excited to be a first year Board Member of SHA, and look forward in helping promote “Best Practices” of Paver Installation, through Education and Certification. Also working with suppliers and manufactures, as well as educating consumers and homeowners, of the standards they should expect. Absolutely proud to be part of the Southwest Hardscape Association, fellow Board of Directors and Members!
Theresa “T” Ruscetti, Director
2023-2025
Theresa is the Territory Manager for Hardscapes for SRS Distribution in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. She has been working for over 25+ years in the hardscape industry in Arizona. I have covered several roles over the years from being a licensed contractor to that of a sales manager for manufacturing and distribution.
I have been involved with SHA for the last 15 years and previously served as a board member. I have always believed in the value of the organization. I am now in a position which allowed me to take on a more active role as a board member. I feel it is our responsibility to help educate others on the proper ICPI installation guidelines and maintenance along with introducing new product lines or techniques as they become available. All while helping promote licensed contractors and teach nonmembers the true value that Southwest Hardscape Association brings to our industry.
I love having the ability to network and work collective as a team on ways to better and grow our industry. I am hoping with my experience I can educate nonmembers to see the value that Southwest Hardscapes Association brings to our industry and what a positive impact it can have on their business.
Karen Richard, Director
2023-2025
Karen Richard is an Account Manager for Marvel Masonry.
Hannah Nichols, Director
2023-2025
Hannah Nichols is a Sales Representative for Acker-Stone.