Meet The Gang!
We are a tight knit group of locals - comprised of scholars, adventurers, dreamers, misfits, outdoor enthusiasts, ski fanatics, poets, dirt seekers, environmentalists, and flower lovers alike.
Our TREMENDOUS team
Owner
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. I have always had a desire for adventure, and after traveling far and wide, I finally landed in Telluride. I knew I had found my forever home! Working outside was important to me, so I started this company in 2008 with a new-used truck and an unwavering work ethic. I have built this company from the ground up, alongside our incredible staff, and am so proud of where we have been and where we are going. I absolutely love my job and the opportunities it brings. In my free time I enjoy all of the mountain/outdoor/adventure activities, and hanging out with my wife Erin, our daughter Jaxyn, and our two sterotypical (aka. barking) chihuahuas.
Amy Smith
Owner
I started working with Horizon in 2014, the same year Amy and I were married! Raised in Telluride, I spent a decade looking around for somewhere better (spoiler alert: there isn’t anywhere better), and the area eventually drew me back in. My background is in business management - when I agreed to come work for Horizon I honestly didn’t know if I would love landscaping-but I really do! I wear many hats as one of the owners, but my favorite role is designing our custom flower pots and planters and being one of the Master Gardeners on staff. I love coffee, reading, and very-low-key outdoor activities. Especially when shared with family.
Erin Smith
Baby Boss
Little Miss Jaxyn joined Amy & Erin in December 2020, and loves to hang out with all her Horizon family whenever she gets the chance.
Jaxyn marie
Operations Manager
I’m Desiree, Operations Manager for Horizon as well as a Certified Master Gardener. I started in July 2015, and have enjoyed every moment since. Originally from St. Louis, MO. outdoors have always been a huge part of my life. I jumped at the chance to move to Colorado and couldn’t be happier with that decision. I love the physical aspect of the job, as well as the diversity of work we do, and the views from work are pretty spectacular!
Desiree Cain
Greenhouse Manager
Dakota Wren wrangler and bonafide Botanista, Lee was raised in Telluride (Class of ’95), but it was her grandmother, an aviator, rancher and avid gardener in Big Horn, WY who instilled a passion for all things flora. After college, she went to work for the Department of Agriculture as an International Trade Specialist before crossing the pond to study for a MA in Fashion Journalism at Central St. Martins, London. She then edited and contributed to a myriad of publications ranging from the Financial Times to Vogue. Scent became her area of expertise and she consulted on fragrance for the likes of Dior, Prada, Tom Ford and Valentino, to name but a few.Once she left the big smoke for the English countryside, her enthusiasm for gardens quite literally blossomed. She eventually began producing a series about Great Gardens around the world. Hauser & Wirth, Somerset, along with Piet Oudolf’s personal proving ground in Hummelo, Netherlands; Russell Page’s formal yet whimsical Italianate vision, Fergus Garrett’s stewardship of Great Dixter, Derek Jarman’s haunting seaside Prospect Cottage, the Chelsea Flower Show, and Tresco’s slightly Dr. Seussian Tropical paradise in the North Atlantic Ocean, along with a deep-rooted understanding of the Western Alpine environment, all form part of her horticultural experience and inspiration she is thrilled to share today.
lee wallick
Project Manager
I started with Horizon in 2017, and am originally from Portland, OR. I enjoy backcountry skiing, hiking and camping, softball, basically anything outdoors. I love seeing projects executed from start to finish - and being able to take pride in a job well done. I’ve worked in all aspects of the business - and now my focus is on larger projects.
daniel manus
Irrigation Manager
Born and raised in Houston, TX, where my idea of fun was digging holes and playing with sprinklers in my childhood backyard. I am so grateful I now get to do precisely those two things for my career (granted with a bit more creative design and skill).
I fell in love with the San Juan’s as a kid at summer camp, knowing I would one day make them my home. Coincidentally, western Colorado happens to be the home of the first discovered Brachiosaurus, my favorite dinosaur. I have not found one, yet..
austin hearne
Field Supervisor
Hi, I’m Gabbi, I started working for Horizon in July of 2022. I moved to Colorado from Flagstaff Arizona where I originally started working with plants and learning about gardening in high alpine climates. I love a job that requires me to be outside. When I’m not working I enjoy, hiking, snowboarding and chillin with my 5 dogs.
gabbi purpura
Office Coordinator
Hi! I’m Austin, born and raised “Army brat”, I fell in love with Colorado while working for the Arkansas Headwaters State Park in 2016 and after a bit more moving around I am stoked to call the San Juan Mountains home! I love being in support roles and get the most joy at work when I can be helpful and creative. When I’m not at work I’m definitely reading, hiking/camping, and spending time with my partner and our three kitties.
Austin ribbing
Kristina Lemon
Project & Account Manager
Hello! My name is Kristina, I have 20+ years of experience in the landscape design-build industry. I have passionately pursued opportunities that have deepened my love for creating landscapes that transcend the ordinary.
I have been very fortunate to spearhead numerous projects that have significantly transformed residential and business spaces. I have worked in the Midwest, Northwest and Southwest market which has allowed me to increase my depth of knowledge in sustainable practices; water-wise, supporting pollinators and best practices that give back to our planet. I get a little geeky with my desire to enrich the lives of others by integrating nature into their daily experiences.
Beyond my professional journey, I am an avid hiker and nature enthusiast. I spend my free time, camera in hand, finding new outdoor adventures with my dogs, Wrye & Pedro. Photography has been a life long pursuit, I am always curious about how to capture people and nature in their simplest form. I love to travel and meet people in their daily routine. You can typically find me seeking the culture and art in my destinations. I tend to stay away from the tourist “must do’s” , instead you will find me roaming local markets, artisan studios and exploring how people interact in nature. A few more of my favorite things: cooking with friends, fresh flowers, music, gardening & a good belly laugh!
I relocated to the Telluride in Spring of 2023 to make this my forever home. I have been very fortunate to meet so many amazing people! I am very excited to be a part of the Horizon team. I look forward to digging in with everyone for a fantastic 2024 season!
Project Supervisor
I’m originally from Denver, Colorado, and have been in the area for 12 years. When I’m not working I like to adventure the outdoors!
izaiah sandoval
SAM Y | IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN, I am originally from Durango, CO and have been in the Telluride area for 17 years. When I am not working I love to go on hikes, camp, and go fishing.
ADIN | IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN & GREENHOUSE, I have been tending plants since high school in North Carolina and transferred that passion to Horizon in 2021. My work extends from here into several worlds, most notably in community radio sets, low quality photography, and cooking for my friends. As long as I'm outside, I'm happy.
JENNA | TEAM LEADER - LANDSCAPING, I am originally from west central Minnesota where I grew up on family farms learning simple landscaping for fun. I have lived in the Telluride area for 9 years now and have happily been with the Horizon team for half of those summers. I am also in emergency medicine but can’t get away from the therapy of working outdoors and enhancing it’s beauty. I love live music, snowboarding, hiking and camping in my free time
EMMA | TEAM LEADER - LANDSCAPING, I'm originally from Pennsylvania, and have been in the area for 3 years. When I'm not working I like to paint and spend time with friends!
MIKE | TEAM LEADER - LANDSCAPING, Hi I'm Mike, and I'm from here in Telluride! Born in Maricopa, Arizona, I moved here when I was 9 and have never left for long. I worked my first summer with Horizon in 2020, and this will be my second summer with them! I love skiing, playing guitar and gaming with my homies when I'm not working or doing schoolwork. Hit me up if you know a drummer!
NICOLE | LANDSCAPING & GREENHOUSE, I am originally from Ouray, Colorado. I have been in the area for my entire life. When I'm not working I love to find some live music and dance the night away.
MORGAN | LANDSCAPING, Hi my name is Morgan Rogers. I’m a lifetime Ridgway/Telluride local. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family and animals.
JESSE | LANDSCAPING, Hi my name's Jesse. I am a 30 year old father of 3. I was born and raised in Grand Junction,CO and spent most of my teen year in Buckeye, AZ. I strive to be the best dad I possibly can and provide a wonderful and happy life for my family. When not working I enjoy playing with my kids, going fishing, and hiking adventure.
LILY | LANDSCAPING, My name is Lily and I am excited to join the team this summer! I had my own gardening business back in Minnesota and recently moved to Telluride! I am a teacher in Telluride District during the school year.
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Want to join the gang?
Learn About Our Services!
We are locally owned and operated, providing landscape & irrigation design, installation, and maintenance services for both commercial and residential clients in and around the Telluride area. Fully licensed and insured.