JEFFREY OWEN, PRESIDENT

"You know, when I think back it makes sense now, how I got here." says Jeff Owen, President of Owen Brothers, "I worked on golf courses since I was twelve years old, and then when I was attending the School of Visual Arts in New York, I worked for other landscaping companies and mowed lawns to support myself. Now I still have the opportunity to create, but instead of using, say, paint or clay, I get to use organic materials - and on a much larger scale."

Large trees are a special area of interest for Jeff, and he has on many occasions committed company resources in order to rescue healthy older specimens in danger of being cut down and discarded. "I love large trees," he says, "When someone wants to get rid of them for no reason, I can't let that happen". A union equipment operator, Jeff still takes a hands-on approach to his work. Despite running a growing company, it's not at all unusual to see Jeff jump into a pay loader and do whatever needs to be done on a job site.

An avid golfer and Trustee for the Village of Old Field, Jeff has over 25 years experience in landscape development. He is admittedly proud of Owen Brothers' excellent reputation and, though satisfied with having built a well-respected company, looks forward to bringing Owen Brothers' expertise and approach to new areas.

TIM MORSTADT, GENERAL MANAGER

"You would think after spending all my time outside every day I'd want to be indoors when I'm not at work, but really the opposite's true," says Tim Morstadt, Maintenance Manager for Owen Brothers. "Getting out on the water to do some fishing is the best way for me to get away from it all and relax. For me, there's always been a lot more enjoyment in ‘doing' rather than sitting."

That same philosophy of staying in motion seems to frame every aspect of Tim's life and, after two decades in landscape construction, it's really the primary driver behind his decision to take on a new role at Owen Brothers. "When the opportunity to move into management first came up I needed to make sure I'd be out in the field and hands-on – not stuck in an office every day," he says. "Luckily for me, Owen's given me the chance to apply what I know in new ways and be on-site most of the time. It's really been terrific."

Coming to a management position in Landscape Maintenance from a deep background encompassing all aspects of landscape construction, Tim brings solid experience to his role at Owen.

"Having an understanding of underlying structure and how all of the elements of a well-planned landscape are connected gives me a unique perspective," he says. "Because I understand how it's all built and how it's meant to function I can be more proactive, instead of reactive, when setting up a client's maintenance program. It really lets us stay ahead of potential problems."

Although many of the properties he manages are large private estates and waterfront homes in some of Long Island's most exclusive areas, Tim notes that he must find a balance between the perfect and the practical for most clients. "Sure, everything needs to look great all of the time, but most of our clients don't want a ‘museum piece' that they can't enjoy," he says. "What they really want is a place that's elegant but that they can also really enjoy with their children or grandchildren." Being aware of this and in communication with his clients enables Tim and the team at Owen to plan, plant and maintain natural features that can stand up to activity yet still remain beautiful.

"I'll take anything that's a challenge. That's what I like and that's what everyone here at Owen is about. It's a great fit."

Mike Pospisil, Project Manager / Designer

Landscape Designer and a Project Manager, Mike joined Owen Brothers with years of experience in Long Island’s landscape and construction industries.

“My father had a Landscaping business growing up in East Northport. I would help him work in our yard, and I when I got older I worked for him maintaining properties,” he explains. While studying Horticultural Technology Management and Landscape Development at Farmingdale State College, Mike worked for Coastal Designs in Huntington, S+J Landscaping Construction in Hicksville, and Environmental Landscaping and Design in Wantagh.

After college, Mike went right to work for State Material Mason Supply in Westbury, where he learned the ins and outs of stone Masonry production. As Fabrication Manager, he was responsible for planning and cutting natural stone and operating the Waterjet machinery. “The two years I spent studying computer engineering before I got seriously into Landscape Design and Construction made me really comfortable with all the different technologies used in these trades,” he adds.

Mike enjoys the freedom and independence he has in his role at Owen Brothers. Five years at the company and counting, he says his goals are to keep growing the business and expanding its workforce while continuing to take on bigger and better projects. “I prefer projects that are complex and encompass a bit of everything – from unusual landscape design challenges to diverse plantings, unique masonry and use of unexpected materials,” he says.

According to Mike, working on Eastern Long Island is an interesting challenge in itself because it is a very specific ecosystem that requires detailed knowledge that “can’t just be found in books.” He says that deep knowledge and experience is what differentiates Owen Brothers from the competition.

Christopher Alpay, Landscape Designer

Christopher Alpay brings a fresh new design style to Owen Brothers Landscapes. A member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Chris earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Massachusetts in 2018. “My ideas could never be contained between 4 walls,” he explains. “I have always been fascinated by how landscapes allows for the most productive and joyful experiences.”

Chris’s design sensibility and attention to detail grew from a love of the outdoors. At Owen Brothers, he constantly pushes himself to create new ideas for how the company can change and improve the landscapes of Long Island. Chris also enjoys working closely with clients and collaborating with his peers – believing the most successful designs are a team effort.

Chris now calls Sag Harbor home and – in his free time – you can find him running his dog Koda on the beach, paddle boarding, or biking around the Hamptons.

Christine Schultz, Office Manager

Christine Schultz joined Owen Brothers Landscapes in 2016. With a background in Business Administration, Human Resources and Special Education, she brings a wealth of skills to her role in the main office. In addition to the day-to-day tasks and coordination, Christine also handles the company’s billing, permits, licenses and insurance paperwork. “It’s great,” she says. “I never have the same day twice!”

Christine holds a degree in Business Administration from the Katherine Gibbs School and is known as someone who is exceptionally organized and brings a great sense of humor to the office. “I feel a strong sense of devotion and loyalty to my job here, and I’m grateful every day for it,” she adds.