Steve Pellegata, Owner
Steve Pellegata was around 8 years old when his parents started Pellegata Landscaping. His mother, Angela, was very detail oriented and would have Steve mow their grass twice a week, edge each walk and flowerbed, and pull weeds. Steve went to job sites with Frank, bringing his dirt bike with him and watching his dad design and organize jobs, and oversee the crews.
As he got older, Steve began working for his dad. At 12, he was driving a tractor. After graduating from high school in 1976, he worked during the day and attended college in the evenings. He went on to study design build, landscape architecture, engineering, and horticulture.
Steve took over the day-to-day responsibilities at Pellegata Landscape Design in 1977. Even then, Angela continued to do the bookkeeping and Frank remained the joke telling, dynamic presence on job sites for many years.
Over the years, Steve and his family have become friends with many of their customers. Quite a few of them have had Pellegata Landscaping do work on several different homes.
During the off season, Steve and his family travel all over the world and he’s always on the lookout for new and innovative landscape design ideas to use on his projects when he returns home.
Steve and his team begin each project with time-tested design concepts while always refining and innovating to take each design to a higher level. Steve and his team add a personal touch and attention to detail that makes every project special. Many employees have been with Pellegata Landscaping for over 25 years. Steve learned a lot about people through his parents and he will always have the utmost respect for all they have taught him.
Jim Lichello, Design Consultant/Project Manager
Jim joined Pellegata in 1989 as a college student. After receiving his BS degree in Natural Resources from North Carolina State University he returned to Michigan and Pellegata. He continues to run field crews, do design consultation and sales.
Jessica Ravida, Project Manager
Jessica joined Pellegata in 2018. She brings her knowledge and experience of construction management to the front office and our business. She runs the day-to-day office and field operations.
Frank Pellegata, Founder
Frank Pellegata began working when he was 12 years old, shining shoes outside Joe Muer’s famous restaurant at Chene and Gratiot. Before entering his senior year in high school, Frank enlisted in the Navy during WWII. He served as a Yeoman on the USS Wood – DD715 and USS Law – DD 763 Destroyers. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, he entered the Navy Reserves. Frank graduated from high school and then went on to graduate from Lawrence Tech as an engineer. As a member of the Naval Reserve, Frank was called to serve his country once again in the Korean War and after two years of additional service, Frank again received an honorable discharged from the Navy.
After working at the Ford Motor Company for 18 years, Frank took a risk, and with the support, physical help and financial discipline of his devoted wife Angela, he started Pellegata Landscape Design in 1965. Frank and Angela started with one old pick-up truck and one wheelbarrow. Because of their meticulous, uniquely elegant designs and neatly finishing touches, Frank recalled for every one job they would gain three. Angela had a lot to do with the completion of each job by insisting on perfect edging, watering, and not only sweeping the driveways, but hosing it down flawlessly. Humility and generosity played a large part of their lives. Frank did jobs for free, starting with their church. He would have his boys hand deliver custom made Christmas baskets to his clients. Because of his reputation in landscape and his charming deposition, Pellegata Landscaping did not require much more marketing than word of mouth and a Pellegata sign left at the job sites. To this day, his son Steve, has proudly carried on the Pellegata Landscape legacy. But not without contributing his own creative style.