Landscapes Unlimited internally promotes two to senior leadership

Landscapes Unlimited promoted Jake Riekstins and Brian Vitek to the senior leadership positions of chief development officer and chief operating officer, respectively.

As CDO, Riekstins leads Landscapes Unlimited’s strategic planning process, translating initiatives into meticulous execution. He also oversees relationships with key external stakeholders, partners and clients to drive business growth. Previously business unit manager and project manager for the South region, Riekstins supervised start-to-finish quality assurance on projects. 

Prior to joining Landscapes Unlimited about five years ago, Riekstins managed complex golf course development and construction projects in Canada and China, including creation and implementation of agronomic programs. He is a graduate of the University of Guelph in Ontario, where he earned a degree in agriculture. He is a longstanding member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. 

Vitek ascends to COO with ultimate accountability for Landscapes Unlimited’s regional teams’ project planning, scheduling, budgeting, efficiencies, work quality, environmental compliance and other plan adherences. His responsibility extends to developing processes for construction, irrigation, landscape superintendent and other crews.

A 23-year Landscapes Unlimited veteran, he assumed various hands-on roles, including vice president of construction, project manager, project superintendent and foreman. He holds a degree in landscape horticulture from Colorado State University.

“Jake and Brian epitomize the unparalleled professionalism, expertise and culture Landscapes Unlimited brings to every project,” CEO John Pugliese said. “They assemble and oversee trusted, world-class talent that results in delivering golf courses and sports fields on time, on budget and to rave reviews.”