Our People
At Sweetwater Landscapes, we believe our greatest asset is our people. Our diverse staff of more than 60 employees includes landscape architect, registered landscape contractors, licensed irrigation contractor and licensed pesticide applicators.
Mangement Team
The Sweetwater Landscapes Mangement team has a combined experience of over 50 years in the Green Industry. This experience and expertise enables us to recognize and anticipate issues, design a solution then implement the solution. This saves the client energy, money and time.
Richard Bessette - Owner, Maintenance Division Manager
Richard graduated from East Carolina University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology and Sales. While at ECU Richard was an active member in the PKA fraternity. He started Triangle Maintenance group in 2001 as sole owner and operator with a desire to work outside while utilizing his management and sales skills. In 2003, he partnered with Bill Matheson and together they formed Sweetwater Landscapes. At Sweetwater Landscapes, Richard enjoys growing/managing both the Maintenance and Turf Care Divisions. He has an active family with his wife, Kristy and their 5 boys.
Bill Matheson - Lead Designer, Owner, Construction Division Manager
Bill Matheson is the lead designer and co-founder of Sweetwater Landscapes. He grew up in the Apex area and graduated from the NC State School of Design with a degree in Landscape Architecture. With 15 years in the green industry, it is his love for the outdoors and deep knowledge of plant materials and construction methods that helped guide him towards a career in design/build. Bill loves building “outdoor rooms” which are both aesthetically pleasing and functional for his clients, using native plant material where appropriate and ‘water efficient’ irrigation systems.
Helping clients realize their dreams and working with people who love their jobs are the aspects that Bill enjoys the most about Sweetwater Landscapes. We have clients and employees that have been with Sweetwater since the beginning. What makes this so rewarding are the long term relationships and friendships and doing what you love. Who could ask for more than that.
Chris McLawhorn - Operations Manager
Chris became a member of Sweetwater Landscapes in 2004 after working for another landscape contractor in Cary NC. He has been in the green industry for 10 years and holds two degrees from NC State. After being honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps he knew he wanted to seek an education in the field he loved. Growing up on a row crop farm in eastern NC, Chris always knew that he wanted to work outside and enjoy the fruits of his labor. This is what led him to NC State to seek a degree in Turfgrass Management and Ornamental landscape technology. During college and after graduation he went straight to work doing what he loved, landscaping. While working with Sweetwater Landscapes Chris has managed many projects here in the triangle and projects that have taken Sweetwater out of town. Chris’s strong leadership, attention to detail, and love of delivering a great product to our customers is one of many things that have helped Sweetwater Landscapes become the company that it is today.
Chris is also a registered landscape contractor in the state of NC, licensed irrigation contractor, licensed pesticide applicator, and is BMP certified.
Adam Stroud - Maintenance and Irrigation Manager
Adam joined Sweetwater Landscapes during the expansion of its irrigation division in the spring of 2008 bringing with him 16 years of green industry experience, and extensive knowledge of landscaping and irrigation. Adam grew up in the triangle area and attended NCSU’s Business and Turfgrass Management program. His love for the industry began with a summer job maintaining the golf course at McGregor Downs Country Club where he discovered his aptitude for working with his hands, his love for the outdoors, and his natural ability to detect and repair irrigation issues. Adam’s technical knowledge of the industry, his eye for an aesthetically pleasing and functional landscape, and his personable demeanor allow him to successfully manage larger projects from estimation to completion of the installation, ultimately providing the highest level of customer satisfaction.
Adam is a Certified Stormwater BMP Inspection and Maintenance Technician as well as a NC Licensed Irrigation Contractor.
Don Fitzgerald, Jr.
Don graduated from NC State University with a degree in Agricultural business / Turf Grass Management. In late 2010 Don joined the Sweetwater team bringing with him a solid background in turf management, a deep respect for the landscape industry and a desire to provide our client base with the best turf care program possible. Don is an avid outdoorsman who "is always mindful of how the products we use effect the environment not only on our properties, but the larger community as a whole."
Our Crews
Sweetwater Landscapes crews are expereinced in commercial, residential and maintenance work.Our experienced crews will be at each visit to ensure consistent and professional service. They operate under safety plans and guidelines set by OSHA as well as our handbook.