David J. Frank Landscape Contracting hires new COO

John Joestgen, COO, David J. Frank Landscape Contracting

David J. Frank Landscape Contracting, Germantown, Wis., hired John Joestgen as its chief operating officer (COO), a newly created role.

Joestgen was previously an executive vice president and COO in charge of maintenance, construction, irrigation and snow operations for up to five branches in the Midwest, with annual revenues exceeding $25 million.

“We are pleased to have someone of John’s caliber join our team of experts,” said company President David R. Frank, son of founder David J. Frank. “His experience will be integral in guiding our next generation of leaders to ensure our future success.”

David J. Frank, founder and CEO/chairman of the company, died Feb. 9 at the age of 69. His company ranked No. 73 on our LM150 list in 2018.

Joestgen brings the following credentials to the company: Landscape Industry Certified Professional, Certified Arborist, Certified Snow Professional, and 30-Hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration certification.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in landscape architecture and ornamental horticulture, he went on to work as a field superintendent and estimator on large-scale commercial landscape projects in Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and Orlando. After being in the landscape industry for nearly 40 years, it’s estimated that over 50,000 trees have been planted in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas under Joestgen’s management.

Joestgen also served as an adjunct instructor at Triton College, River Grove, Ill., teaching subjects such as tree biology, soils and fertilization, construction, maintenance and sustainability. Along with working as a consultant, Joestgen has served on the Illinois Green Industry Advisory Committee and the board of directors for the Illinois Turfgrass Foundation.