Meet our team of DeepRoot Professionals.
As CEO of DeepRoot, Graham leads the development of products and services while managing the sales team and international partners. Since the launch of the Silva Cell in 2007, company revenues have doubled. With 20 years of experience at DeepRoot, Graham has extensive industry knowledge and a clear focus on the challenges and opportunities in green infrastructure innovation. A co-inventor of the Silva Cell integrated tree, soil and stormwater system, Graham is a named patent holder with additional patents pending. Graham holds a B.A. in political science from Brown University. Watch an interview with Graham here.
Rebecca Stevens is the Director of Operations at DeepRoot Green Infrastructure. Rebecca joined DeepRoot's Customer Service/Operations Department in 2001. She manages production and logistics of the company that has tripled its annual revenue during her tenure. She now directs all activities in both Customer Service and Operations, as well as maintains all relationships with contract manufacturers. Rebecca graduated cum laude from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN.
Al Key has been involved in the green industry for 20 years as an owner of DeepRoot. As a sales manager primarily in the Northeastern region and Florida, he established a representative network nationwide, set up major distributorships and has been instrumental on redevelopment projects such as Celebration, FL, Lincoln Center and most recently, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He is a published author, and his writing has appeared in the Journal of Arboriculture and Civil Engineering News. He is also a registered CEU provider with Landscape Architect Continuing Education Service. Together with his partners, he has received one of several forthcoming patents for their inventions that address trees and storm water management in the urban setting. Al has an M.A. in Business Administration from Santa Clara University.
Shawn Freedberg works closely with our clients and manages our projects internationally. His experience as a Landscape Architect is valued with landscape architects, arborists and municipalities from the initial design phase through construction documentation and installation. Shawn is passionate about the urban landscape and has worked in the landscape architecture profession since 2002. Shawn has a MLA from the Rhode Island School of Design.
Mike James represents DeepRoot Canada Corp. and is based out of Vancouver, BC. Mike has been in the municipal street tree industry for over 20 years and has worked extensively with landscape architects, municipalities, engineers, and landscape contractors to provide solutions for the health of urban trees. Michael has a Hon. Degree in Public Administration.
Steve joined DeepRoot as the Commercial Director of UK sales in 2006 after several years of involvement with DeepRoot sales in Europe. Steve pioneered DeepRoot's sales consulting in the UK and continues to exchange information and developments with his American colleagues. He is driven by the uniqueness of the Silva Cell and enjoys the challenges of launching a relatively new product and addressing people's perceptions as part of the greater goal of greening the UK's cities. Steve has a degree in management from Kemble College and is a regular presenter, and a member, of the Tree Design Action Group (TDAG). He is based in London.
Mark has been engaged in engineering sales, product and policy development to advance sustainability in the civil infrastructure realm for the last 14 years. Over the course of his career, Mark has led numerous technical sales teams specializing in drainage products, soil-steel bridges, mechanically stabilized earth walls and stormwater treatment and management solutions. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba. Mark attained his Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Queen's University in Kingston, ON and holds a Masters in Engineering & Public Policy from McMaster University, Hamilton, ON. Mark is an avid fan of the Manchester United football club.
Pat Greeley is Director of Technical Services at DeepRoot, where he primarily supports the Silva Cell product line. He works closely with contractors, designers, engineers and utility owners to ensure that they have a thorough understanding of its installation process, engineering, capabilities, and limitations. Pat personally visits the majority of all first time Silva Cell installations in North America and therefore has firsthand experience with many different uses and adaptations of the product. Due to his extensive knowledge of the product and experience, Pat is an excellent resource when it comes to resolving design constraints and site issues. In addition to supporting the Silva Cell product Pat also plays a key role in product enhancement and new product development. Pat has a B.A. in Landscape Architecture from the University of Minnesota and before joining DeepRoot had an extensive career in construction management with most of his experience centering on civil infrastructure projects in urban areas.
Based in our Minneapolis office, Nicole manages our technical and design support for the Silva Cell product line. Nicole holds a Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of Minnesota and a degrees in English Literature and Media Studies from St. Olaf College. A frequent contributor to the DeepRoot blog, she enjoys writing and loves being able to put her English degree to good use in the green industry. She is currently President-Elect of ASLA-MN and is excited to assume the role of president in late 2022. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, growing vegetables in her garden, and riding and showing her two Morgan horses.
Tony is based in our Minneapolis office and provides technical and design support for the Silva Cell product line. Tony holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree and a certificate in Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Before he came to DeepRoot, Tony worked in the design-build landscaping industry as a landscape designer specializing in native plantings, natural stone hardscaping, and stormwater management design. He is a tree nerd who loves the trees of the Upper Midwest, enjoys cycling, and trips to the dog park with his girlfriend and hound dog.
Katie Webb is the Operations Manager at DeepRoot Green Infrastructure. Katie joined the Customer Service/Operations department in 2008 and is responsible for managing all daily business operations, logistics, and customer service. She also oversees all domestic and international shipments. Katie holds a B.A. in Philosophy and in English from the University of Colorado – Boulder and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University.
Truman works in our Minneapolis office, where he collaborates with the technical team to assemble quotes for new projects, provides information and administrative support to our account managers, and responds to service inquiries and general questions from clients. Prior to his arrival at DeepRoot, Truman worked for a contractor in the home services industry, where he developed strong skills in communication, project management, and customer service, and was personally responsible for coordinating hundreds of residential projects in the Twin Cities metro area. When he is not in the office, Truman can most often be found at his apartment with his partner and cat, trying new recipes and watching movies.
Nerma joined the DeepRoot technical team in 2022 and holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Sarajevo. Her deep passion for trees and nature fuels her commitment to creating sustainable, green spaces. Before starting her career in this field, Nerma gained valuable experience at an art gallery and through contract design work. In her free time, she enjoys photography and movies, and she shares her home with two beloved cats who bring joy to her daily routine.
Ben is the Inside Sales Manager at Deeproot. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota - Mankato. Ben's career journey began in technical sales roles for electrical distribution and hydraulic manufacturing, eventually transitioning into management in logistics before joining Deeproot.
At Deeproot, Ben leads and coaches the inside sales team, focusing on building strong customer relationships and supporting upcoming projects. He fosters a positive work culture by prioritizing listening and support for his team, while also driving operational efficiency.
Ben finds fulfillment in contributing to urban green infrastructure projects at Deeproot, facilitating the thriving of trees in urban environments. His approach to business and leadership is guided by core values of customer service, integrity, and understanding. In his spare time, Ben enjoys golfing, playing board games, and watching movies with his wife.
Aileen is based in our Vancouver office where she wears different hats managing all Canadian operations, logistics, finance, and administration. She is responsible for maintaining an excellent relationship to all clients and distributors for all over Canada. Aileen regularly interacts with the corporate team in San Francisco and other working team members across the continent. She holds a double degree in Organizational Communications and Marketing Management. Aileen has always been eager to join globally oriented organizations or companies that create a positive impact to the world, its people and environment. She currently resides in Vancouver, BC with her husband and her 3 year old son.
Emma is the latest addition to the DeepRoot team. Based in London as our UK Operations and Sales Coordinator, Emma is responsible for customer service, sales, operations and many other aspects of our UK business. Emma worked for almost 11 years’ with an environmental services construction company which has given her a knowledgeable understanding of the UK market and clients. Emma has a wealth of experience in the UK construction industry having dealt with consultants, architects, government organisations, blue chip clients and construction contractors throughout her time in the trade. She also has a passion for sustainable solutions and emerging technologies and looks forward to growing the UK market for our products and services.
Ida has worked in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry for 10 years. She has over 15 years of experiences in Accounting & Finance, which includes Financial Consolidation, International Taxes, Financial System Implementation, and establishing Internal Control Policies and Procedures. She is passionate about green and sustainable business that creates a sustainable living environment for our next generation. Ida graduated from UC Davis with a B.S degree in Financial Management.
Patricia Sanchez works in accounting and finance handling collections, employee expenses, and month end closing. She comes to us with 15 years of experience in project accounting in landscape architecture, architecture, and interior design. She has a Masters in Sustainable Enterprise from Dominican University and an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from San Francisco State University. In her free time she volunteers as a Spanish-English medical translator and advocate for a non-profit that helps low-income individuals get access to health care. She is passionate about sustainability, nature, and animals, and enjoys bird watching as much as she does promoting waste reduction in our environment.
As the Junior Staff Accountant, Willy is responsible for accounts payable, which includes weekly check runs, reconciling credit card statements and reviewing expense reports. He also provides support for the month end close. He has a great fondness for nature and is very enthusiastic to be part of an organization that improves green environments. Willy has a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Accounting from UC Santa Barbara.
A seasoned engineer with a passion for innovation and problem solving. With a background in project engineering and sales, Jamie honed his skills in planning, executing and overseeing complex technical projects, ensuring they meet budgets, quality and deadline targets. Collaboration and building long lasting relationships is at the core of his professional philosophy and he firmly believes that great projects and outstanding sales results are achieved through effective team work and partnerships. With a diploma in Engineering and certificate in sustainable management, Jamie joins the DeepRoot family as a sales and project manager, giving him the opportunity to fully incorporate his 20+ years experience in sales and project engineering.
Justin joins DeepRoot as the newest addition to the Finance Team, bringing with him a strong educational background and a wide array of skills. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from San Francisco State University, which has equipped him with a solid foundation in financial management. With his diverse background in accounting, Justin is excited to bring his experience and expertise to the DeepRoot Team. In his role, he will manage the full spectrum of bookkeeping tasks which include accounts payable and accounts receivable.
In his free time, Justin enjoys engaging in physical activities such as exercising, reflecting his dedication to a balanced and healthy lifestyle
Taylor is responsible for order processing and customer service in the U.S. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and previously worked in the landscaping industry, primarily in residential landscape maintenance and installation. Based in Minneapolis, Taylor enjoys playing ice hockey, gardening, and spending time with her husband and cats.
Born and raised in London. My experiences in Purchasing and Finance (AP & AR) has given me the knowledge and foundation to grow and excel in my current role in DeepRoot. I have liaised with people around the world to find solutions, to find resources to create products and built relationships to further the companies network. A very firm believer of 'effort pays off, you get what you put in' and a quote I live by is 'never bite the hand that feeds you'.
Also loving 'Plant a big idea. Watch it change a city'.
Marcelle Rhoades is our Controller at DeepRoot reporting to Ida Pai our CFO. She brings with her over 15 years of experience in Accounting and Finance which she has gained in many diverse industries throughout the years, including Real Estate, Construction and Retail. She was educated in Oxford, England graduating from Oxford Brookes with a BA Honors Degree in International Business complete with thesis. Marcelle is passionate about green sustainable living and business practices emphasizing how we can all do our part in minimizing our footprint on the earth.
Sam is based in our Minneapolis office and provides technical support for the Silva Cell product line. She holds a degree in Environmental Design where she married her drafting skills with her passion for sustainability and design. Before joining the DeepRoot team, she gained valuable experience in the landscape design field, focusing on both hardscape and softscape designs. Sam is also an avid foodie, traveler, concertgoer, and adventure seeker. You can find her exploring the local restaurant scene in any new destination or playing sand Volleyball at her neighborhood lake. She is also team cat along with the rest of the Minneapolis team.
Dale has been working with DeepRoot for over 15 years and is currently the Creative Director overseeing the marketing and design department.
Jacob joined the marketing team in 2022 and has been tasked with managing and creating content for all of DeepRoot’s assets across our various marketing channels. He has a master’s degree in English from the University of St. Thomas and has extensive experience as a marketing copywriter. When not writing, Jacob likes to shoot hoops, play poker, or nerd it up with a good historical biography.
Hailey is a Minnesota State University, Mankato graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication and minors in Marketing and Graphic Design.