Chris Gum – President/CEO
Chris Gum is the founder and President of Upscale Lawncare Inc, which he started in 2002 after studying mechanical engineering at the University of Cincinnati. Starting as a side venture, Chris dedicated himself to growing Upscale Lawncare, pouring his energy and determination into its development, expanding its operations to serve a wide area and employing nearly 100 dedicated individuals. Chris’s ability to transform his passion into a successful enterprise highlights his innovative thinking and business acumen.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chris is a devoted family man, cherishing his role as a husband and father to two young boys. His family’s involvement in the business reflects a strong sense of community and camaraderie within the company, as they enjoy spending time around the crew and shop, fostering a supportive work environment.
Outside of work and family commitments, Chris is a passionate sports enthusiast, particularly supporting Cincinnati’s sports teams, including the Reds and Bengals. Bowling with his family and golfing with friends serves as a relaxing pastime for Chris, allowing him to unwind and recharge amidst his busy schedule.
Overall, Chris Gum’s leadership, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit have been instrumental in shaping the success of Upscale Lawncare Inc, embodying the values of hard work, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.
Kevin Stanfield – Director of Maintenance
Kevin Stanfield has been a dedicated professional in the green industry since 1996, starting his career as a field laborer and progressing through roles such as crew leader, construction supervisor, and account manager. He also owned his own business for five years before joining Upscale Lawncare Inc. in 2020 as Business Development Manager. Recently promoted to Director of Maintenance, Kevin oversees the daily operations of the maintenance department, while still managing business development efforts.
Kevin has been married to his wife, Missy, for nearly 25 years. Together, they have two children: Tyler, a former Army serviceman transitioning into civilian life and beginning his career, and Abby, a collegiate softball player pursuing a nursing career. As a family, they cherish attending their kids’ sporting events, traveling, and relaxing by the pool with friends, making the most of their time together.
Ryan Miknius – Director of Operations
Meet Ryan, our Director of Operations at Upscale Lawncare Inc. Since joining the company in 2014, Ryan has played a vital role in its growth, starting in the maintenance division and advancing through various leadership positions. His experience across multiple departments has helped shape the company’s culture and operational success.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys quality time with his wife, Maria, and their two daughters, Brooklyn and Summer. A passionate home renovation enthusiast, he’s always tackling new projects to expand his skills. Recently, he and his family purchased a travel trailer, eager to embark on adventures and create lasting memories together.
Ryan’s dedication, expertise, and leadership make him an invaluable part of the Upscale Lawncare team, both in the field and beyond.
Dawn Stinson – Office Manager
Dawn is an integral member of the Upscale team, bringing a diverse set of skills and a dedicated work ethic to her role. Her responsibilities span across various areas of the business, showcasing her versatility and willingness to take on different tasks.
As the Accounts Payable specialist, Dawn ensures that financial transactions are processed accurately and efficiently, contributing to the smooth operation of the company’s financial processes. Additionally, Dawn serves as the Personal Assistant to President Chris Gum, demonstrating her ability to handle confidential information, manage schedules, and support the executive team effectively.
Beyond her professional commitments, Dawn’s dedication to her family is evident, balancing her career with her role as a wife and mother to four children. Her passion for landscaping and maintaining her property reflects her ability to thrive in demanding environments, both at work and at home.
Overall, Dawn’s “never say no” attitude and her multifaceted skill set make her a valuable asset to the Upscale team, embodying dedication, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
Kerry King – Office Administrator
Kerry King is the Office Administrator at Upscale Lawncare Inc., bringing nearly three decades of office management experience to the team. Known for her results-driven approach, she excels in organization, efficiency, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Her extensive background in administrative management makes her a vital part of the company’s success.
Outside of work, Kerry has been happily married for almost 30 years and takes great pride in her family. She is the mother of three adult sons and cherishes time spent with them and their families. When she’s not busy managing office operations, Kerry can often be found enjoying softball season with her husband and boys, making the most of the games and the camaraderie that comes with it.
James Toth – Director of Install
James Toth is the Director of Install at Upscale Lawncare Inc., where he is a visionary in outdoor design, always pushing the limits of creativity and craftsmanship. With a meticulous and detail-oriented approach, James ensures that every project, from intricate hardscapes to expansive outdoor living spaces, is both visually breathtaking and structurally sound. His commitment to excellence has earned him the trust and respect of both clients and colleagues.
Outside of work, James enjoys outdoor adventures with his family, particularly hiking and ATV riding. Growing up in rural Northeast Ohio, he has a deep appreciation for nature, which he actively seeks to pass on to his sons, Maxwell and Nolan. A proud former Sergeant in the Ohio Army National Guard, James met his wife, Karrah, during their time in service. In the fall, James is a passionate Cincinnati Bengals fan—be prepared for limited availability on game days!
Rob Kirkland – Account Manager (Maintenance Division)
Rob has over 25 years of experience in the landscaping industry and recently celebrated his 1-year anniversary with Upscale Lawncare Inc. He brings a strong work ethic and an old-school mentality to the ever-evolving field. With his wealth of experience, extensive knowledge, and keen attention to detail, Rob plays a key role in contributing to the company’s continued growth and success.
Outside of work, Rob enjoys spending quality time with his wife of 22 years, Stephanie, and their 3-year-old Golden Retriever, Bailey, who believes she’s human. When they’re not taking care of remodeling projects, Rob and Stephanie love hanging out with friends and family. He’s also a passionate fan of “The” Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals, always hoping that Joe Burrow doesn’t become “Bengalized”! His broad experience in all areas of lawn and landscape makes him a dedicated and valuable member of the Upscale team.
Justin James – Account Manager (Maintenance Division)
Justin James is an Account Manager for the Maintenance Division at Upscale Lawncare Inc. New to the team, he brings nearly a decade of experience in property management, giving him a deep understanding of what customers look for and expect in landscaping services. His industry knowledge helps bridge the gap between client needs and operational execution.
Outside of work, Justin has been happily married for 15 years and is a proud father of three. A devoted Cincinnati Bengals and Reds fan, he enjoys spending time with his kids, watching movies, and camping whenever he gets the chance.
Ben Ferrick –Production Manager (Install Division)
Ben Ferrick is the Production Manager for the Install Division at Upscale Lawncare Inc. Recently promoted from a Crew Lead into a management role, Ben brings 15 years of hands-on experience in the green industry, with a background in mowing, enhancements, and mechanics. His deep understanding of field operations and attention to detail make him a valuable leader in ensuring high-quality installations and efficient project execution.
Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time outdoors with his two German Shepherds, Luna and Trigger. He has a passion for hunting and fishing and loves going on vacations with his wife. Whether in the field or the great outdoors, Ben thrives in an environment where he can take on challenges and continuously grow.
Horacio Martinez – Production Manager (Maintenance Division)
Horacio Martinez is the Production Manager for the Maintenance Division at Upscale Lawncare Inc. Recently promoted from a Crew Leader into a management role, he brings a decade of industry experience within the maintenance division. For the past five years, Horacio served as a Maintenance Crew Leader, where he played a key role in overseeing crews, ensuring high-quality service, and maintaining customer satisfaction. His leadership skills, hands-on experience, and dedication to excellence make him a valuable asset to the company.
Outside of work, Horacio has been married for 25 years and is a devoted father to three children. He enjoys spending time with his family, attending church, and taking weekend trips to explore all that Cincinnati has to offer. In addition to his passion for landscaping, Horacio is also a talented DJ on the weekends, bringing music and energy to events. He stays active by playing both baseball and soccer (fútbol), which have been lifelong passions of his.
With his strong work ethic, leadership, and commitment to both his professional and personal life, Horacio continues to make a positive impact at Upscale Lawncare Inc.
Mac Schweitzer – Fleet Manager
Mac Schweitzer is the Fleet Manager at Upscale Lawncare Inc., bringing over a decade of mechanic experience in the green industry. With extensive, hands-on knowledge of Bobcat equipment, he ensures the company’s fleet is well-maintained and operating at peak performance. His expertise in diagnosing and repairing fleet issues—whether it be trucks, large machines, or mowers—keeps operations running smoothly and equipment in top condition.
Outside of work, Mac enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. As a family, they love the outdoors, camping with friends, and making the most of their time together.
Ron Henry – Assistant Fleet Mechanic
Ron Henry serves as the Assistant Fleet Mechanic at Upscale Lawncare Inc., bringing over a decade of mechanical experience and a strong background in problem-solving and fleet maintenance. A 17-year U.S. Army veteran, Ron’s discipline, attention to detail, and technical expertise make him a valuable asset to the team. His experience spans various mechanical applications, ensuring the company’s fleet operates at peak performance.
Beyond his professional career, Ron is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He actively supports GiveHope for Pancreatic Cancer, dedicating time to raising awareness and funds for research efforts.
Recently, Ron welcomed an exciting new chapter in his life—becoming a grandfather. He treasures time spent with his grandchildren and embraces every opportunity to create lasting memories with his family.