View My VisualCV Online: http://www.visualcv.com/jshilan

Summary

"Green Industry" veteran with over 30 years of experience - whose only goal is to help your business succeed.

A former design/build contractor and award winning landscape designer, who has developed unique sales systems, standard operating procedures and installation techniques for every aspect of the landscape design/build process. Systems that can easily be taught to any employee or company, willing to challenge themselves to "do it right". These processes are based on actual hands-on experience, years of trial and error, educational and sales seminars, and from working with some of the most successful design/build companies in the region. You will not find anyone who has a better overall understanding of the systems necessary for the success of a landscape design/build company from the perspective of business owner, designer, sales person, estimator, project manager, foreman and laborer.

 

His work has been featured in Landscape Management, Lawn and Landscape, The NJ Landscape Contractor, Irrigation and the Green Industry, Total Landscape Care, Landscape and Irrigation, PLANET News, PLANET Advantage and Hardscape Magazine. 

 

He has presented to the NJLCA, NJNLA, APLD and PLANET and recentley completed a series of workshops for the EP Henry 2010 MAHTS educational trade show.

Education

Cook College, Rutgers University

New Brunswick, NJ
Sep 1982 - Jun 1986
BSLA, Landscape Architecture

University of Massachusetts

Amherst, MA
Sep 1987 - Jun 1990
MLA, Landscape Architecture

Work History

Jody Shilan Designs

Wyckoff, NJ
May 2006 - Present
Landscape Design/Build Consultant 

Design, estimate and project manage landscape installation projects for design/build contractors, facility managers and homeowners.  Provide consulting, training and business management services for "The Green Industry". Landscape design services generate over $3.5 million in installation work annually.

FromDesgin2Build.com

Wyckoff, NJ
May 2009 - Present
Editor 

Editor for "members only" website, exclusively for the professional landscape design/build contractor.  FromDesign2Build.com  features unique content, discussion forums, trade secrets, podcasts and webinars that provide an insiders look into the industry.

Bergen Community College

Paramus, NJ
Jan 2000 - May 2009
Adjunct Professor 

Responsible for creating a brand new 2 Year AAS degree in Landscape Design/Build which began Fall 09'.  The students develop the design and construction skills required for the profession through classroom and hands on experience. Teach landscape design and graphics class that focuses on creating drawings that sell.

Borst Landscape and Design

Allendale, NJ
2002 - 2006
Landscape Design/Sales 

Design, sell and oversee large scale, award winning, residential and commercial design-build projects for full service landscape maintenance and construction company. Grew design/build department by attracting new high end clients, high profile projects and expanding into new markets.  Developed systematic and standardized construction details and processes. Sold $1.5 million annually and assisted in growing company over 300% in just four years.

 

Jacobsen Landscape and Design

Midland Park, NJ
Sep 1999 - Dec 2001
Landscape Design/Sales 

Design, estimate, sell and supervise residential and commercial landscape design-build projects. Examine alternatives, create phasing schemes with comparative cost data and execute contractual agreements. Secure necessary zoning permits and variances. Assist in streamlining existing systems through the use of technology and education. Created "Standard Operating Procedures Manual" for design-build department.

Landworks Inc.

Wyckoff, NJ
Apr 1994 - Sep 1999
Owner / Operator 

Design, estimate, sell and install all aspects of residential landscape design / build projects.  Including: decks, patios, retaining walls, plantings, grading and drainage, fences and lighting. Create sales and marketing opportunities through consultations, lectures, graphic displays and community pro-bono work.

Doerler Landscapes

Lawrenceville, NJ
Sep 1990 - Apr 1994
Landscape Design / Sales 

Design, estimate, sell and supervise residential landscape installations for regional design- build firm. Coordinate subcontractors and schedule job material deliveries. Maintain client relationship from concept to completion.

Roy Dunn and Associates

Medford, NJ
Jun 1986 - Aug 1987
Landscape Architect Apprentice 

Assisted senior landscape architect in all capacities from creating master plans, construction details presentation drawings to developing building and bid specifications for construction contractors.  

Board Member

BCC Logo
 

PLANET Logo
 

NJLCA Logo
 

Award Winning Projects

Saddle River 1

Saddle River 1
 

Saddle River 2

Saddle River 2
 

Saddle River 3

Saddle River 3
 

Saddle River 4

Saddle River 7
 

Temple 1

Temple 1
 

Temple 2

Temple 3
 

Temple 3

Temple 2
 

Temple 4

Temple 4
 

Weehawken 1

Weehawken 2
 

Weehawken 2

Weehaken Pool
 

Weehawken 3

Weehaken 3
 

Weehawken 4

Weehaken 5
 

Design / Build

Weehawken Pool

Weehaken Plan

Click on image to see installed project

West Orange Patio

Maidenberg Plan

Click on image to see installed project

Saddle River Pool

Kim Plan

Click on image to see installed project

Franklin Lakes Driveway

Konigsberg Plan

Click on image to see installed project

Featured Magazines

Paver Saver
Landscape Management
Landscape and Irrigation
TLC Cover

 

Brian Brisby

Brian Brisby Landscape Design and Development

 

"Jody and I have cultivated a valuable working relationship over the past three years. His enthusiasm, commitment and concepts enable me to sell the caliber of work that I desire. The experience and knowledge that he shares are invaluable. It is a pleasure working with him and I know that my clients share many of the same sentiments. The growth of my business is a direct correlation to my relationship with Jody Shilan and I am confident that this trend will continue."

 

Dante Implicito MD

President at NJ Spinal Medicine and Surgery

 

"Jody is nothing short of a visionary landscape architect. My wife and I have engaged him several times, excitedly watching his truly unique abilities transform our property into an oasis of peaceful, elegant grounds. Further, he has always been on-time and on-budget....two more exceptional qualities in his field! I never hesitate to recommend friends and colleagues to Jody's firm."

 

Phil Dauber

Managing Director at JP Morgan

 

"Jody did an outstanding job helping us design and implement a complete overhaul of our backyard; unlike many we had spoken with, he listened to what we wanted, and worked his plans accordingly. During the construction phase, he was constantly @ the site checking on progress and tweaking as necessary, Would highly recommend."

 

Fran Ruff

Assistant Professor Horticulture Department, Bergen Community College 

 

"Jody has been teaching a course at the college in Landscape Graphics for 8 years. His enthusiasm and his expertise in the subject matter generate a classroom full of students who are fully engaged in the learning process. His class is always a popular one among our students. Jody has an obvious passion for the creative work he does in the field of landscape design. He strives to inspire our students to become involved in all aspects of the green industry."