Meet our Team
Eric Cross, CLT, CLP, Owner, President
Eric started the company in 1983 while still a sophomore at Delaware Valley College. After graduating in 1985 with a BS in Ornamental Horticulture and Minor in Business, he steadily grew Duke’s Landscape Management into an industry star in New Jersey and the United States. Eric has always played a major role in trade associations both state and national. Eric is one of the few individuals in New Jersey to hold the Certified Landscape Professional Certification, which is only attained after passing an extensive exam on insurance, risks, and business law. In 2011, Eric earned his LEED Green Associate Designation from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Eric’s goal with Dukes has always been to build and maintain a professional company where its clients and staff feel respected and appreciated. In addition to running a successful company, Eric also finds time to the volunteer in the community. He served on the Hackettstown Regional Medical Center (HRMC) Board of Director’s and held a term as President of the Foundation. In his spare time Eric enjoys salt water fishing, coaching youth teams, skydiving and white water rafting.
Send a message to Eric at eric@dukeslm.com
James J. Slutter, Hackettstown Branch Manager
James joined Duke’s Landscape Management in 2009, as the Hackettstown Branch Manager. After his tour of duty in the United States Military during the ‘90’s, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Construction and Agriculture Sciences from Penn State University. He came to Duke’s with over 25 years of experience working in the landscape industry and other related fields such as nursery wholesale operations and commercial herbicide applications. These experiences have given him valued leadership skills and vast amounts of green industry knowledge in such fields as landscape construction, plant selection/identification, outdoor living space design and overall project management. Jim holds a certification in ICPI, NCMA and has a class A CDL. During his time off he enjoys working on his antique corvette, outdoor activities and spending time doing landscape projects around his home in Poconos.
Send a message to Jim at james@dukeslm.com
Bob Greene, Rockaway Branch Manager
Bob joined Duke’s in the spring of 2007 as Branch Manager of Duke’s Rockaway, NJ office. Bob joined the company with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Forestry from Rutgers University, as well as, 42 years of experience in the green industry. Bob holds a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, a class A CDL, and is a member of the New Jersey Turfgrass Association. Bob spends some of his off hours serving the youth of his community as a member of the Kittatinny Regional H.S. Board of Education. Bob prefers to spend his spare time with his wife, Jacque, their 3 children and 2 grandchildren.
Send a message to Bob at robert@dukeslm.com
Bryan Shaid, Rockaway Production Manager
Bryan has been with Duke’s since March of 2009. He joined us by way of Texas. In addition to his enthusiasm, Bryan brings with him over 17 years of experience in the horticulture industry ranging from wholesale nursery management to sales and distribution. He is a Certified Nursery Professional, is ICPI certificated and recently earned his CLT accreditation. In his free time he enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and two boys.
Send a message to Bryan at bryan@dukeslm.com
Rob Drake, Hackettstown Production Manager
Rob has been with the Duke’s Family since 1997. He started as a Laborer and moved on to Foreman before taking on the Production Manager Role. Prior to joining Duke’s, Rob spent six years on active duty in the Army, and another two years in the National Guard. He holds a PLANET awarded Certified Landscape Technician and is ICPI Certified. Rob volunteers with PLANET/NJLCA every year as a Panel Judge for Planet Programs, and spends time helping out at his church. Rob enjoys spending time with his family when not at work.
Send a message to Rob at Rob@DukesLM.com
Larry Dickson, Fleet Manager
Larry has been with Duke’s for many years as a Mechanic and currently as the Fleet Manager, overseeing all of Duke’s equipment repairs and maintenance. Larry has spent all of his working years working on cars, trucks, trailers, and tractors. He is passionate about cars, enjoys hunting, maintaining his home, and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Send a message to Larry at Larry@DukesLM.com
Tanya King, SPHR, HR Manager & Safety Director
Tanya King joined the Duke’s family in May of 2005 as Manager of Human Resources. She has led the development of the human resources function at Duke’s, encouraging staff development at all levels and addressing the many facets of organizational development that helps Duke’s achieve its mission. Tanya is highly respected as a focused bilingual communicator who has delivered significant results across a variety of assignments. Prior to joining Duke’s, Tanya served as a Management Trainer/Recruiter for a large retail company. Always dedicated to learning, Tanya recently earned her SPHR credentials after studying at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Tanya also performs the Safety Director Role at Duke’s, continually educating staff and ensuring our practices are among the safest in the industry. Because of Tanya’s expertise and guidance, Duke’s earned three National Safety Awards in 2011 from PLANET. Tanya’s passions include her husband, their two sons, photography, knitting, sewing, and all things crafty.
Send a message to Tanya at tanya@dukeslm.com
Sandy Meyer, Accountant/Office Manager
Sandy joined us in 2008 as our Accountant/Office Manager. Sandy has a B.S. in Accounting and has a diversified accounting background. She has worked in auditing, general accounting and expatriate/alien taxation. Her duties include job costing, sales reports, accounts receivable, and the management of all client information. In her spare time, Sandy enjoys gourmet cooking, gardening and spending time with her husband and their twins.
Send a message to Sandy at sandy@dukeslm.com
Kathy Froetscher, Marketing Manager
Kathy joined Duke’s in 2011 as our Marketing Manager. She comes to Dukes with a degree from Rutgers and many years of marketing experience in the non-profit and direct sales industry. Kathy’s role at Duke’s is to develop and maintain the many channels of communication between our clients and our office. While not at work, Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, attending sporting events, volunteering, and scrapbooking.
Send a message to Kathy at Kathy@DukesLM.com
