Christopher Bartels
Wauconda
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in landscape construction and maintenance including snow & ice removal. Skilled in problem-solving and site coordination, with a strong focus on fostering client relationships to exceed expectations and drive project success.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales & Construction Manager
Martin John Company
Libertyville
2023 - Current
- Meet with clients to determine landscape needs and wants for landscape construction and maintenance.
- Manage project schedules and coordinate site activities for multiple construction projects.
- Collaborate with architects and engineers to review project specifications and plans.
- Conducted regular site inspections to monitor progress and quality of work performed.
- Facilitated communication between clients, vendors, and project teams throughout construction phases.
- Investigate complaints from clients.
- Provide real-time problem-solving and troubleshooting.
- Provide excellent customer service.
Founder & Owner Operator
Bartels Landscape Service
Wauconda
1994 - 2023
- Provided landscape design, maintenance, and installation for a variety of residential, commercial, and municipal properties.
- Managed project timelines and budgets for various landscaping initiatives.
- Collaborated with clients to assess needs and provide expert recommendations.
- Trained new employees on safety protocols and best practices in landscaping.
- Coordinated with suppliers for timely procurement of materials and equipment.
- Recruited, hired and trained staff members to ensure that operational goals were met.
- Managed day-to-day activities across multiple departments within the organization.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries or complaints regarding products or services.
- Provided leadership support during times of organizational change or uncertainty.
- Fostered a positive company culture that encourages teamwork, innovation, and excellence.
- Exceeded sales goals through upselling and cross-selling within existing client base as well as strategically attracting new business.
Vice President of Operations
Bartels Landscape Systems
Wauconda
2007 - 2009
- Designed, bid, and installed projects using best practices, with proper documentation for collective bargaining and/or prevailing wage jobs.
- Oversaw daily operations of landscape projects for projects under collective bargaining and/or prevailing wage requirements.
Snow Plow Operator
Lakewood Landscape Partners
Hoffman Estates
1992 - 2004
- Operated snowplow to clear roadways and parking areas efficiently.
- Collaborated with team to coordinate snow removal efforts effectively.
- Monitored weather conditions to anticipate snow removal needs.
- Responded promptly to emergency requests for snow clearing services.
- I became a subcontractor for snow removal after my full-time landscaping business was formed.
Landscape Maintenance Foreman & Light Equipment Op
Scott Byron Company
Lake Bluff
1993 - 1995
- Summer employment.
- Supervised daily landscape maintenance activities for diverse client properties.
- Operated light equipment.
- Inspected work sites for quality assurance and compliance with company standards.
Landscape Construction Laborer
Moore Landscapes
Glenview
1989 - 1992
- Summer Employment
- Installed hardscape features using stones, pavers, and retaining walls.
- Assisted in planting trees, shrubs, and flowers according to design plans.
- Operated power tools and machinery for landscape construction tasks.
- Inspected completed work to ensure quality standards were met.
Education
High School Diploma -
Carmel Catholic High School
Mundelein, ILBachelor of Science - Horticulture
Iowa State University
Ames, IASkills
- Project management
- Site coordination
- Construction scheduling
- Quality control
- Customer relationship management
- Excellent customer relations
- Team leadership
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Site supervision
- Subcontractor oversight
- Estimating
- Operations oversight
- Proficient in Spanish
- Have a wide network of residential and commercial contacts
Affiliations
Volunteer Building & Grounds Committee Member at Carmel Catholic High School
Timeline
Sales & Construction Manager
Martin John Company
2023 - Current
Founder & Owner Operator
Bartels Landscape Service
1994 - 2023
Vice President of Operations
Bartels Landscape Systems
2007 - 2009
Snow Plow Operator
Lakewood Landscape Partners
1992 - 2004
Landscape Maintenance Foreman & Light Equipment Op
Scott Byron Company
1993 - 1995
Landscape Construction Laborer
Moore Landscapes
1989 - 1992
High School Diploma -
Carmel Catholic High School
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture
Iowa State University