Meet the Team
Delighting Homeowners Throughout the DC Area
Matt Johnson
Owner
From: USA
Matt Johnson, co-owner of Johnson’s Landscaping Service, grew up in the family business before spending 15 years as an educator and returning in 2007 to work alongside his father and brothers. He now partners with his brother Charlie and a skilled team to serve clients with thoughtful, problem-solving landscape solutions. A lifelong Washingtonian and devoted local sports fan, Matt lives in DC’s Petworth neighborhood with his family and coaches in the community’s Little League. He values getting to know clients personally and helping them make the most of their outdoor spaces.
Charlie johnson
owner
From: USA
Charlie Johnson has lived the family business his entire life, and Johnson’s Landscaping Service is the only company he has ever worked for. A Frostburg State University graduate and longtime Silver Spring resident, Charlie is married with four children and brings that strong sense of family into his work. Since beginning operations and sales management in 2015, he has held nearly every role at JLS (from crew foreman to hardscape and plant installer, from purchasing manager to materials delivery), giving him a rare, comprehensive understanding of how great landscapes come together. His deep experience and lifelong commitment to the company reflect the values that define Johnson’s Landscaping Service.
RALPH ACEVEDO
Maintenance Manager
From: Colombia
Ralph Acevedo is the Maintenance Manager for Johnson’s Landscaping Service, originally from Colombia, SA. Ralph has lived in the Chevy Chase area for 50 years. Has been in the Customer Services Industry for 30 years, most recently with Home Depot for 9 years. His core values are Honesty, Loyalty, and Timeliness.
Jamie Newell
landscape designer
From: USA | 32 years at JLS
A graduate of the University of Maryland, Jamie received additional training at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD. Jamie has the training and experience to undertake a wide range of landscape projects, including patios, entries, decks, hot tubs, and water features. Jamie likes to offer his clients a comprehensive plan that can be installed in phases or all at once. He enjoys blending elements of English, Japanese, and “naturalistic” garden styles in his plans. With his extensive horticultural background, Jamie can also help his clients select the right plants for seasonal color, deer resistance, low maintenance, and most importantly, lasting results.
JOE STARK
Landscape Designer
From: USA
Joe has worked in residential and commercial design in the D.C. metro region since graduating with a degree in Landscape Architecture from Ball State University in 2009. Before starting at Johnson’s, he worked as the sole designer for a small design-build firm in Northern Virginia. As a designer, he loves combining all of the various elements that make up a landscape to create a perfect space for a family to enjoy. He has experience designing patios, walkways, retaining walls, water features and gardens.
J.R. Hodder
landscape designer
From: USA
JR brings 20 years of design experience to JLS and earned a Master’s degree in Sustainable Landscapes from George Washington University. From your suburban estate to your DC townhome, JR enjoys finding creative, modern, native and practical solutions for your landscape. JR is all about bringing four seasons of interest to a garden view–with both flowers and colorful foliage, as well as with hardscapes and interesting focal points. JR hails from Southern California and Honolulu–where he graduated with a BS in Geology and Physics, but he has made the DC area his home for more than 20 years. In his free time, JR likes to snowboard and wine taste and share his cellar with friends and colleagues.
LILLIAN BARRERE
Landscape Designer
From: USA
Lillian earned her degree in Horticulture from the University of Maryland, and she has over twelve years’ experience in design. Her extensive background allows her to offer her clients a wide-range of design styles, from the small and intimate, to the grand and formal. She also likes to use native plants to support the environment and local wildlife. Lillian enjoys the challenge and artistry that each new project demands. She particularly likes to explore the dynamic pairing of beautiful and fun plants with the cool, enduring materials of wood and stone. Her ultimate goal is to create outdoor spaces that are functional, beautiful, and unique for each of her clients.
THOM PECK
PLANT & MATERIAL PURCHASER AND TRAINER
From: USA
Thom was born and raised in the DC area, and has been involved with plants and lawn care most of his life, becoming an expert on trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and weed identification. After many years working for Johnson’s Flower and Garden Centers and Site One Landscape Supply, Thom is excited to lend his expertise and grow professionally at Johnson’s Landscaping. Presently, Thom is a certified professional horticulturist. In his free time loves watching soccer and spending time with his family.
Joe Petrucelli
SALES
From: USA
Joe is very excited to be a part of Johnson’s Landscaping Service, Inc. sales team, as well as being in the field. He brings with him over 30 years of field experience. Joe attended Pennsylvania State University and received a degree in Horticulture Nursery Management. He loves working with clients in all aspects of the Landscaping Industry.
NESTOR LEON-PONCE
Foreman
From: Mexico | 4 Years At JLS
Originally from Mexico, Nestor has been working with JLS for 4 years as a foreman and specializes in planting. He enjoys going to the movies in his free time.
SALVADOR LOPEZ
Masonry
From: Honduras | 24 Years at JLS
Originally from Honduras, Salvador, one of our top foreman, has been working for JLS for the past 24 years. Noted by many, his exemplary talent in hardscape and construction reflects in his impeccable work.
DANIEL SANTOS-CASTILLO
Foreman
From: Honduras | 14 years at JLS
Daniel is an expert in masonry, planting and drainage. A huge soccer fan, Daniel loves to spend his free-time with his kids.
JORGE GARCIA (In MEMORiam)
Foreman
From: El Salvador | At JLS since 2016
Jorge, originally from El Salvador, worked at JLS for 9 years before he passed away on May 26, 2025 from Liver Cancer. Initially he worked in planting, but became the head of our Patio Rehab division. Jorge was a vital part of our family, he was always cracking jokes and putting smiles on everyone’s face. His absence is deeply felt, but the memory of his kindness and humor will stay with us always.
JORGE CHAVEZ
Foreman
From: Mexico | 26 years at JLS
A true asset to JLS for decades, Jorge is a great foreman. Originally from Mexico, he’s an expert in masonry and planting.
ANA REYES VASQUEZ
Foreman
From: Guatemala | 4 Years At JLS
Ana has been working for JLS in maintenance for 4 years, and is our first female foreman. She leads an all-female crew. She is detail oriented and a leader in the field. In her free time, she likes do to crafts with resin or paper.
DAVID AREVALO DIAZ
Foreman
From: Guatemala | 7 years at JLS
An expert in landscaping and maintenance, David has been at JLS for seven years now. Soccer is his passion.
CESAR AGUILAR
Foreman
From: Guatemala | 13 Years At JLS
Cesar is a seasoned Foreman with over 13 years of experience at JLS. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role, specializing in planting, drainage, maintenance, and construction.
ABRAHAM RODRIGUEZ
Foreman
From: Honduras | At JLS since 2005
Originally form Honduras, Abraham joined JLS in 2005 and is one of our many masonry and planting experts. In his free-time, he loves music and dancing.
JOSE CISNEROS
JLS Mechanic
From: El Salvador | 10 Years at JLS
Originally from El Salvador, Jose has been working for JLS for the past 10 years as our head mechanic. He also has experience in landscape maintenance and is part of our snow removal crew.
