Leadership
Executive Team Keeps Its Eye on the Future
A balanced team of progressive minds and experienced thought leaders guide the Spring-Green organization. Together they combine a deep experience in all aspects of the company — sales, marketing, business plans, vendor negotiations and franchise relationships. At the same time, the leadership recognizes the rapidly changing landscape and invests in the training and technology that keeps the company out in front of best practices.
- Tom Hofer, Chairman
Tom led the evolution of Spring-Green Lawn Care brand for more than three decades. He provided the vision and financial responsibility needed to navigate the changing marketing place and survive not one but three recessions. Tom also provided the organization with its moral compass which is the basis to the current core values and mission of the company. Tom retired in June of 2010 and assumed the Chairman of the Board role for Spring-Green Enterprises, the parent company of Spring-Green Lawn Care Corp. He is enjoying traveling with his beloved wife, Sue, and spending time with their grandchildren.
- Ted Hofer, CEO
Ted grew up around the Spring-Green business and saw firsthand the sacrifices his father and mother made in the early years. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in finance, Ted pursed his entrepreneurial roots by opening, and eventually selling, another franchise. Like his father, he was able to apply his business ownership experience and the perspective of a franchise owner to his efforts in leading Spring-Green Lawn Care. Ted rejoined Spring-Green in 2005 and as part of a succession plan held various positions throughout the organization. Ted assumed CEO responsibilities in June of 2010. As the CEO of Spring-Green Enterprises—the parent company to Spring-Green Lawn Care Corp.—Ted’s responsibilities including setting and executing the vision for the company and leadership for all its wholly owned subsidiary’s which include Spring-Green’s Lawn Care’s largest franchise servicing the greater Chicagoland area.
- James Young, President
Serving key leadership roles and several advisory boards and committees at other franchise systems, James is known for his innovative thinking and ability to get things done. James’s education was rooted in marketing and that foundation has been instrumental in the resurgence of Spring-Green Lawn Care. Joining in 2004 and assuming the role of President in 2005, under his leadership the company has positioned itself with industry-leading marketing and technology platforms.
- Barry Matthews, Vice President
Barry has been instrumental in providing leadership and focused attention at Spring-Green. He played a key role in the formalization of the Spring-Green Operating System, and over the last three decades has held several leadership roles within the organization. From August 2000, until December 2017, Barry served as Spring-Green Lawn Care Corp.’s Chief Operating Officer. Today Barry holds the position of Vice President of Spring-Green Enterprises, the parent company to Spring-Green Lawn Care Corp.
- RJ Krone, Vice President of Operations
A native of Naperville, Illinois, RJ started his career with Spring-Green in 2006 as the start-up support representative and now serves as our vice president of franchise operations. It was during college at the University of Illinois, that RJ realized his real interest was in business. After graduating, RJ worked in small businesses for nine years before getting involved in the green industry as a sales manager for a TruGreen ChemLawn located in Plainfield, Illinois. RJ is married with three children, plays golf and loves spending time with his family coaching soccer. He also enjoys hiking and going into Chicago to spend time in the city and at Lincoln Park.
- Brian Kish, Vice President of Business Intelligence
Brian Kish has served as Spring-Green’s vice president of business intelligence since June 2010. From January 2006 to May 2010, Brian served as the director of information technology. From December 1998 until December 2005, Brian served as the IT manager/franchise support representative. Brian joined Spring-Green in 1984 and is married with two adult children.
- Gillian Hrycyk, Director of Marketing
Gillian Hrycyk joined Spring-Green in October 2005 as a Marketing Coordinator. In January 2014, she was promoted to her current position as Director of Marketing. Prior to joining Spring-Green she served as the Advertising Manager for the White Hen Pantry franchise located in Oakbrook, Illinois. Gillian is married with a daughter and son.
- Dave Dawson, Director of Franchise Operations
Dave currently serves as our Director of Franchise Operations since January, 2016. Dave served as a Spring-Green Business Consultant from April, 2008 to December, 2015. As a former sales/operations representative out of the retail/ textile industry, he brings tremendous experience to customer relations and management systems. Originally from South Bend, IN, Dave now resides in Illinois with his wife and three young daughters.
- Brad Saunders, Director of Business Development
Brad Saunders joined the Spring-Green team June 2016, as Director of Business Development. His recent work with Advicoach, a franchise organization, provides real life practical experience and a deep understanding of what business owners are looking at when they decide to grow their business. During the past 25 years as a small business owner, Brad has owned a franchise business, bought and grew a specialty tool repair business, owned a daycare facility, and worked as an independent small business advisor. Brad brings a skill set uniquely suited to help small business owners and willing entrepreneurs understand the benefit of owning a Spring-Green franchise. Brad is married with three adult children
- Nancy Babyar, Franchise Development
Nancy has been an essential part of the Spring-Green team for the last 28 years. Nancy joined the Spring-Green team in January 1989 as an Administrative Assistant. She was the first voice you heard when calling our office and worked for the Support Department. Over the years she has been involved in almost every aspect of Spring-Green. In January of 2013 she went full time in the Franchise Development department. She now works with candidates as they walk through the Franchise discovery process. Her knowledge of Spring-Green and her dedication to the candidate makes her perfect for this position. Nancy is a long time resident of Plainfield and has three adult children. She enjoys spending time with her family.