Biographies


Michael Sidlowski - Founder

After starting Live Oak Landscape Contractors in 1989 to help pay for college, the graduate from Rutgers Landscape Architecture Program decided to follow his passion for plants and the living environment to create one of the area's finest landscape architecture and design/build firms. Michael's understanding of his client's desires is a large focus in the design process and has permeated down through all aspects of his business. The client-first approach has allowed Michael to work on projects ranging in size from the very small garden to over a million dollar landscape. Our client roster dates back to the founding years.

In addition to coaching his son's ice hockey team and his daughter's softball team, Michael is committed to many civic and charitable organizations including The Valerie Fund for children with cancer and blood disorders, Lupus Foundation and the ALS Association of America.

As a result of Michael and Alan's 25 plus years of experience, Live Oak Landscape Contractors has grown to over 80 employees. Many of our key team members have over 15 years of tenure.

Alan E. Milstein

It was always Alan's goal to have a career that focused around working closely with people to develop strong business partnerships and building lasting relationships. After graduating college in the early 90's, he set out in what was a tough economy to find a start in a career utilizing his Business Communications/Corporate Management Training degree.

Landscaping work was no stranger to Alan. Trailoring his dad's 3.5 hoarse powered lawnmower on the back of his BMX bicycle at the age of 12, he spent many hot summers during his high school years working for a small family owned business. Alan then worked with some of the larger firms through college, choosing to continue working in the landscape field. This was a decision he made out of passion.

Since becoming a partner in 1993, his number one focus has always been to provide ongoing information to educate clients, enabling them to make informed and educated decisions. Alan has personally worked with hundreds of clients and as a hands-on owner, continues to be the primary contact for their entire client base. His ability to understand each client's needs and expectations makes him one of the state's most sought-after landscape providers.

Now armed with almost twenty years of field experience and practical knowledge, the key to Alan's success is his broad range of understanding people, understanding the economy, and understanding his competition. Today, Alan guides a talented team who specializes in Corporate, Commercial, Hotel, Residential Communities, and High-end Residential maintenance services.

John Baranello

John Baranello attended Rutgers University and graduated from their Landscape Architecture program. Since that time he has been learning, working and growing within the Live Oak family. His landscape design work consistently brings careful attention to landscape throughout all four seasons focusing on pattern, form and texture. He has enjoyed an endless amount of projects and has been fortunate enough to be involved with each of them through sales, design and construction.

Scott Sokerka

Scott Sokerka is the department manager for April Showers, a full service irrigation and landscape lighting service provider. With experience in this industry, dating back to 1987, there isn't a whole lot that he hasn't seen! Scott brings a wealth of information and experience to April Showers, including his backflow inspection and testing certifications; as well as his position as Trustee for the Irrigation Association of New Jersey. Continuing to develop the most well respected irrigation company in the state is his main goal-in turn providing the best staff to service all of your irrigation and landscape lighting needs. Scott has a video blog on this website as well as on aprilshowersnj.com and can be reached at: ssokerka@liveoaklandscape.com.