Barry Paxton
Barry Paxton joined Alpha Better Landscaping in 1986 as a partner in the company. As President, Barry is responsible for guiding the successful operation of the business. In collaboration with the management team, Barry develops and monitors organizational priorities and strategic objectives. He is responsible for the financial health and performance of the company as well as focuses on continuous improvement of ABL’s business model. Through establishing and maintaining long-term business relationships, Barry enhances the company’s market position and maintains its relevancy to ever-changing industry demands.
Volunteering on several committees locally and nationally, Barry helps promote and serve the Landscape Industry. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Bristol, England and a Journeyman Landscape Gardener designation from Olds College.
Justin Corke
Justin Corke has been working with the Alpha Better team since 2004. Developing within the estimating department, Justin gradually elevated his career to Senior Estimator. His responsibilities included pricing, proposals, client liaison, management of the estimating department and being a valued contributor to the company’s executive team. Within recent years, Justin was promoted to General Manager, where his role has grown to include business development, corporate functionality, and HR management, while still overseeing the estimating department.
Justin’s education background includes a Landscape Management diploma from Niagara College and a Bachelor of Applied Science degree (Landscape Major) from Olds College.
Aaron Bezanson
Aaron Bezanson has been with Alpha Better since 2006. Starting as a Labourer with the construction team, Aaron progressed to become a Lead Hand, Foreman and eventually becoming an Estimator in 2015. Beyond estimating, Aaron’s responsibilities also include project coordination duties as well as contract administration.
In addition to Aaron’s construction experience he is also a Certified Landscape Technician, as well, Aaron holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The University of Calgary.
Matt McAdam
Matt McAdam has been working in Estimating and Business Development with Alpha Better since October 2018. His responsibilities include building our corporate brand, fostering client and partner relationships as well as working directly with the estimating team.
Prior to joining ABL, Matt has held positions of increasing responsibility from Designer, to Estimator to General Manager for other top Canadian landscape construction firms. He has over 10 years of experience that blends residential, commercial and municipal landscape development as well, Matt holds an Advanced Diploma in Landscape Design.
Leeland Paxton
Leeland started his landscape career with Wheatland Trees in 2005. Gaining experience and knowledge on the horticultural side enabled him to come to Alpha Better in 2015 as a Foreman and work his way to the Operations Manager role. His responsibilities include scheduling and management of multiple construction crews, client liaison duties, invoicing and mentoring.
Between his time at Wheatland Trees and Alpha Better, Leeland spent 3 years working in the oil and gas industry as a Field Engineer. Leeland holds a Bachelor of Natural Resource Science Degree from Thompson Rivers University.
Ron Francis
Ron Francis is one of Alpha Better’s longest standing employees having started with the company in 1990. Ron has gained extensive experience throughout his career holding several operational roles and becoming a Superintendent in 1999. Ron’s responsibilities include overseeing project execution, procurement duties, managing several construction crews and scheduling.
Ron is a Certified Horticultural Technician, holds a Business Administration Diploma in Management, and has a lifetime of construction experience.
Steve Hassel
Steve Hassel was hired on as a Superintendent for our maintenance division, Delta Landscaping, in 2005. Since then Steve has successfully managed hundreds of projects, securing FAC approvals and exceeding client expectations. His responsibilities include quality control, scheduling, billing and overseeing the day to day operations of the maintenance team.
Steve spent 10 years working in the landscape maintenance industry prior to coming to Delta and holds several certifications including Red Seal Certified Horticulturist, ISA Certified Arborist, Certified Pesticide Applicator, Certified Landscape Technician, and Certified Playground Safety Inspector.
Piero Pedreschi
Piero Pedreschi is a seasoned accounting and finance professional with more than 20 years of experience working in different industries such as banking, manufacturing, and construction.
Piero started working for Alpha Better in 2013 as a Corporate Accountant. He was key to the development of the company’s financial reporting and analysis, including the implementation and customization of a new ERP system. In 2019, Piero was promoted to the Controller role. His ample experience and knowledge have allowed him to improve project accounting, treasury, costing, and internal control matters.
Piero holds an accounting degree comparable to Bachelor of Commerce from University Ricardo Palma, and a Post-Degree Diploma in Accounting and Finance for Strategic Management from University of Lima. In 2021, he became a member of CPA Canada/Alberta.