Richard "Rick" Robinson - Rick was born in the tiny town of Sanderson, country of Texas (delivered by a real doctor, not a veterinarian). Life found him near Denver, Colorado where he met long-time friend, Jeff Penney. The two became friends in Jr. High, working during the summer in landscaping. That’s when the “seed was planted” for Rick’s career in the green industry.
Rick graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in geology. With wife, Carol, Rick moved to New Mexico where he received a M.S. in geochemistry from the Institute of Mining and Technology. But it turned out mining was a difficult industry to work in while having a personal life. As good fortune would have it, that’s when Rick talked with his friend Jeff who said, “Why not move to Phoenix and get into landscaping?”
Together, Rick & Jeff hatched the commercial landscape maintenance company, DLC Resources, Inc. Since DLC’s beginning 18 years ago, Rick has been involved in all aspects of the business including field work, sales and administration. His primary focus in the recent years has been leading DLC’s efforts in business development, client relations, industry education and governmental affairs.
Over the years, Rick has been politically active by representing the industry in committee hearings. Recently, Rick has also met in person with our senators and representatives to discuss industry concerns about immigration and air quality.
Wherever he goes, Rick brings thoughtful, intelligent conversation and a zest for life. How lucky the green industry is to have such an individual as one of its most vocal supporters.
Margaret West - Margaret attended Landscape Architecture Program at University of Arizona and Ohio State University / Cooperative Extension Service Residential Design courses. Margaret began her career as a receptionist with Harlow and Company in 1980, and moved up the ranks to the senior designer. In 1994, she opened her own business, Margaret West Designs specializing in landscape design of pools, spas, paving, xeriscape planting and passive water harvesting.
Margaret has won many landscape design awards including ALCA’s Presidential Residence Award. She is just shy of winning 50 awards from ALCA. Margaret’s work has been featured in many publications. Margaret gives of herself by providing public services with many organizations, worked as a consultant and author, guest speaker and has taught landscape design at several colleges and programs.
Margaret West is a third-generation Arizonan. She has been struggling to retire for the past three years, but has trouble saying no to former clients and close friends She wants to spend more time with her seven grandchildren of which the oldest grandchild is 13 and the two youngest are identical twin girls who just turned three. Margaret has several hobbies. She has a brand new design studio/guest house where she will be spending more time on sewing and her jewelry design hobbies. She enjoys genealogy research and traveling. Margaret and her husband Rick will be traveling China for the second time in February. She has traveled to more than 33 countries in the past 20 years. She plans to spend most of every summer in the future at her second home near Durango, Colorado adjacent to the Florida River.
Mike Alexander - Mike Alexander began his career by owning and operating a landscape maintenance company during college. After attending ASU, Mike went to work for Insight, a fortune 500 Company, where he was recognized as a top producer year after year. After eight years in the computer industry, Mike had a strong desire to get back to working outside and saw synthetic turf as an emerging market. In 2004, Mike decided to once again become an entrepreneur and created ForeverLawn Arizona. He has been the top dealer nationwide for the second year in a row.
Mike felt it was important to show his professionalism by joining ALCA shortly after beginning his business and has become a great supporter of the Association. He has sponsored mixers and participated in the New Member Network Night both in Phoenix and Tucson. This year, he volunteered his time and resources to chair the Sky Blu Underwood Golf Tournament. Mike has built strong relationships with contractor members who appreciate his outstanding services and have nominated him for this award.
Mike and his wife Shannon have two children, Caroline age 2 and Carter age 6. In Mike’s spare time, he enjoys golf, riding dirt bikes and hanging out with his family.
Dwight Faires - Dwight Faires is Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting’s District Sales Manager for the Southwest Region, covering the State of Arizona and New Mexico. Dwight supports Vista sales and marketing efforts, including product introductions and promotions and coordinates field support with distributor personnel and landscape contractors.
Dwight entered the Green Industry in 1986 with Hunter Industries. In 1996, Dwight relocated to the Phoenix area and went to work for Turf Irrigation & Water Works Supply (now known as HD Supply). In October of 2003, Dwight joined Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting and has proven to be a helpful and knowledgeable leader in his field.
Currently supporting over thirty branches, Dwight maintains a visible presence within his territory, often contributing to the training and education of low voltage outdoor lighting systems. “Dwight’s extensive knowledge of the Green Industry makes him a great resource. His dedication and hard work has gained him much respect in the Southwest territory”, says Rick Baird, National Sales Manager. “Dwight understands our business and has experience on every level of our industry; contracting, distribution and manufacturing.”
Vista Outdoor Products has been a strong supporter of ALCA by being a Platinum Sponsor of the association. Dwight has generously sponsored mixers and New Member Network Nights for both Phoenix and Tucson. ALCA has benefited from one of Dwight’s hobbies as he photographed Field Day that was held this past April. He also volunteered his time and talent for 5 consecutive Friday’s to serve as one of the judges for this year’s awards program.
Dwight Faires is truly ALCA’s 2007 Outstanding Associate Member of the Year.
Anthony Paredes - Four years and counting, Anthony (Tony) Paredes has been a proud member of the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association. Born in Illinois and upon graduating from a small community high school, he moved to Arizona. Prior to his life as a landscaper, he attended and received degrees from Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University. His career path led him to a major account sales representative for an international corporation where he learned to place a high value on customer service, professionalism, and a quality final product. He was taught that a commitment to continued education is the key to obtaining the highest degree of add-value to both his clients and his company. So to kick off his landscape career he joined ALCA and has been an active member. He has volunteered his time and resources to help with ALCA’s community project, the Arizona Humane Society. He continues to increase his knowledge by networking with fellow ALCA members at the monthly mixers. He sought, scheduled and completed industry certification trainings including:
Ø Smartscape Certification
Ø Arizona Certified Landscape Professional
Ø FX Luminaire and Nightscape low voltage lighting certification
Ø Interlocking Concrete Pavers Institute certification, which provided a firm foundation to build on.
In October of 2006 he tested and qualified for his Landscape Contractors License and is licensed, bonded and insured for residential and commercial projects. He believes he is blessed to be a life long student of landscaping and horticulture. His business culture is one of pride and respect – Proud to be associated with ALCA and respect for the infinite learning opportunities offered by Mother Nature and the landscaping industry.