Mentors
Pam Cook
I am a seasoned horticulture professional and educator with over twenty years of industry experience, currently a full-time faculty member in Fanshawe College’s Horticulture Technician program. Throughout my career, I've concentrated on professional development, expanding my industry network, and strengthening my relationship-building skills across various leadership roles.
I’m the Co-Founder of Women in Landscaping and currently the Treasurer of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association. I’m passionate about mentorship and committed to guiding my mentees to gain confidence and insight by leveraging my experiences in the field and in leadership roles. Through an intent-based leadership approach, I strive to help those I mentor build their decision-making skills and industry knowledge, enabling them to navigate the green industry with purpose and expertise.
Liana Desmarais
About Me and My Business: My name is Liana Desmarais, and I’m the second-generation owner of Plantscape Windsor. Although this wasn’t the career path I originally chose, I stepped into this role out of a sense of duty and have since found my place in it. My aim is to build a thriving business that can be successfully sold within the next 10-15 years, ensuring its continued growth and impact.
My Succession Story: Taking over the family business was a decision driven by responsibility rather than passion at first. However, through this journey, I’ve discovered a deep commitment to not only sustaining but also growing Plantscape Windsor. As a volunteer with Landscape Ontario, I’ve found purpose in making a difference beyond my business. I’m passionate about training and development, particularly in showing young people that landscaping can be more than just a summer job—it can be a fulfilling and rewarding career if they choose it.
The Main Message: One thing I’ve realized is that you don’t need to have all the answers to succeed. Most days, I’m figuring things out as I go, but I’m enjoying the process and building something meaningful along the way. My story is about embracing the journey, finding joy in the challenges, and creating a lasting impact, even when the path is unclear.
Peter Guinane
Oriole started in 1986 with a couple of neighbours needing a short term solution for summer employment to pay for university.
George Urvari and I had few skills, no equipment and no idea what was involved in running a business. What we did have was curiosity and a good work ethic.
As the end of university neared, we were riding the wave of the late 80's building boom and had created a business with equipment and staff. We were having fun and making money. We chose to make a go of a year round venture right as the 1990 recession started. It was hard work for about 4 years, and not what we thought it would be. We were stuck as job owners, not so much business owners.
The only plan we had from there was - sink or swim. We started taking the business more seriously and joined Landscape Ontario. Networking and learning was our M/O and growth and profit were the result.
In 2005, after 19 years, we felt we had something of value, and needed to secure that value and create a path for us to get it out of the company when we wanted to retire. George and I were still both just under 40, and knew we had many years in us, but with some risk.
Our plan at that time;
1) focus on creating repeatable systems that would make us the least needed people in our business.
2) create a holding company to protect the assets accumulated and reduce the cost of the operating company for possible employee ownership.
3) build a less volatile revenue stream ensuring year round recurring work.
This process was not urgent, and the 2008 recession slowed our progress, and it took 10 years for Oriole to be properly systemized for us to be fully ready to sell. Because we have achieved a profitable repeatable system, George has ceased participating in the landscape company and is leading our spin off consulting business full time. I am spending 1/3 of my time at Oriole, 1/3 at KTC and 1/3 is available to give back through volunteering at LO, CNLA, CLS, GCF and Skills Ontario. George and I are no longer 'job owners' and are barely even 'business owners'. We are now more correctly described as investors.
Lindsey Ross
As a landscape professional, I've spent my career to creating and sustaining outdoor spaces. I've spent the last decade studying and putting into practice modern leadership ideas. Within Landscape Ontario, I've spent 8 years on the Provincial Board of Directors, currently sitting as the First Vice President.
I'm passionate about mentoring and helping others grow. Seeing people develop their skills and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding and I love that I always get to learn from them in equal measure. I'm always eager to share my knowledge and experience.
Beyond professional achievements, I prioritize personal growth and fulfillment. I value strong relationships, work-life balance, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. By delegating effectively and focusing on what truly matters, I've been able to create a fulfilling career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
I'm excited to share my insights and experiences with you and help you navigate your own leadership journey in the landscape industry.
Brent Vanderkruk
Brent Vanderkruk, a fourth-generation horticulturist, has spent over 20 years with NVK Nurseries, one of Canada’s most prominent and multi-faceted wholesale nurseries.
Brent’s early love for plants was deepened through studies in Horticulture and Business at the University of Guelph and shaped by the influence of his grandfather and father, who taught him essential lessons in stewardship, responsibility, and vision.
His father’s principles on water use instilled a respect for ecological stewardship, while his grandfather’s guidance on fiscal responsibility—“spend what you have and no more”—formed Brent’s approach to sustainable growth.
Guided by his grandfather’s vision of elevating the entire horticulture industry, Brent believes in continuous learning, noting that “the more you learn, the less you realize you know.” His decade of hands-on experience working with clients has taught him to listen first and show respect always.
Passionate about mentorship, Brent encourages young professionals to build good habits, stay grounded, and lead with humility. Through Landscape Ontario’s Intent-Based Leadership Program, he hopes to inspire future leaders to approach their careers with passion, responsibility, and a shared vision for a better, greener industry.
MEET YOUR PROGRAM MANAGER
Carrie Underwood
With over 20 years of leadership experience, Carrie Underwood brings a wealth of knowledge in employment standards practices, coaching, change management, Health and Safety, and training. Starting her leadership journey as a crew leader in the landscape industry, Carrie developed a hands-on approach to managing teams and ensuring safety. She then advanced her skills in regulated manufacturing, where she honed her expertise in compliance, creating procedures, structured leadership, and LEAN practices. Now in her second year at Landscape Ontario, Carrie draws on her diverse background to provide practical support and guidance, fostering safe and productive work environments that meet the needs of today’s landscape industry.
