A blossoming relationship: Lee Wetherington Homes and ArtisTree

Born and raised in Venice, Fla., Joe Mantkowski grew up with a green thumb. His father was one of the forerunners in the area for landscaping and nursery services. You could say he literally grew up in the business – doing everything from picking seeds and working in the greenhouse to loading trucks and making deliveries. That also included digging plenty of holes and planting material for landscape installations.

“My dad is the biggest influence in my life – always has been,” says Joe. “I saw how hard he worked, how much time he put into his work, sitting up late drafting plans, and most of all, the sense of gratification he had when he successfully completed a job. His efforts always stuck with me because I admired all those things and wanted to have the same experiences when I got older.”

And he does. Joe is a landscape designer, COLP/LICHT, LEED GA, Florida Water Star AP, for ArtisTree, where his days are always different. Joe has worked at ArisTree for a decade.

“One day I could be working on multiple plans, and the next day I get to meet new people and help them beautify their homes – old and new.”

Joe has a lot of civic pride and loves the area he grew up. Now a father himself, Joe and his wife Honesty live in Venice with their 6-week-old daughter Olivia. “I always say that people keep coming here for a reason – that Venice is a great place to live while everywhere else is great to visit.”

One of Joe’s favorite clients is Lee Wetherington Homes. He builds the landscaping design plans for the builder’s model homes. He also meets with homebuyers to hear more about their tastes, build the landscape, irrigation, lighting and hardscape plans and follow up on the installations. Typically, the company will design and install landscaping for around 15 homes over the course of a year.

“Everyone at Lee Wetherington Homes is wonderful to work with, and they all appreciate what I do for them on a daily basis,” says Joe. “That means a lot to me. ArtisTree does quality work for quality clients, and Lee Wetherington rates right up there. My experience with the homebuilders’ team has been nothing short of amazing.”

The Florida native has essentially grown up working with several of the Lee Wetherington Homes’ staff members. To Joe, great business relationships and trust are really important.

“I think it’s the group effort they put into everything – from the sales staff to the office staff to the project managers and executives. They all communicate very well about their projects, and they stand behind their product. They always go above and beyond for their homeowners.”

The 34 year old has worked on many Lee Wetherington Homes’ models over the years, and he does have a favorite.

“Lee Wetherington Homes has built so many gorgeous homes, but I would say my favorite has to be the Windsong model inside Seacroft located at Country Club East. I think the size is more than accommodating but not too large and unmanageable. The details and décor are definitely a sight to see. The interior design team did an amazing job with it, and the view from the front door through the house to the lake in the rear will take your breath away.”

“I’m proud to be working with Lee Wetherington Homes and look forward to more productive years to come.”