Mike Squire CLT Foreman

Mike Squire has worked for Kate Anchordoguy Landscaping, Inc. since 1994, and became a CLT in 1999. The training enables Mike to work closely with Kate on the design specifications for each of her landscaping projects, and qualifies him to perform the duties of Foreman. Mike serves as a judge at CLT tests on a regular basis in order to maintain his certification and keep in touch with the latest developments in the industry.

Mike grew up in Cloverdale and married his wife Angela in 2001. In 2002 they bought a home in Santa Rosa, and in July of 2008 they celebrated the birth of their second child, Rye. At home, he cares for a small nursery of plants, including his favorite bonsais, succulents, and cacti. Mike became interested in landscaping when he took a high school class that included both classroom and hands-on training. He continued his landscape training through Circuit Rider Productions in Windsor. Circuit Rider's placement program led Mike to Kate Anchordoguy Landscaping, Inc.

"I like what I do", says Mike, "We work outdoors, stay busy, and take on new jobs every 2 to 4 weeks. There's a lot of variety." According to Mike, "The ideal landscaping job is a 3 week project with a pond, 500 pound boulders, or a dry creek bed. I like it when we do projects in Western Sonoma County where the soil is easy to work, and I'm a little closer to home."

Some of the challenges Mike faces in his work include Sonoma County's weather. "We stay busy", says Mike, "but people assume landscaping work ceases in the winter."

As the foreman, Mike works directly with the crew, freeing up Kate to meet with prospective clients, and to design and bid the jobs. In addition, Mike is responsible for procuring materials, ensuring that the right tools are on site when needed, and answering client questions when Kate is unavailable. Mike has begun taking classes in landscape design at SRJC, which will qualify him to increasingly participate more in the creative aspects of the business.