About

With a rich 25-year history in the Green Industry, Jay MacMullan established Mainstay Landscape, Inc. in 2015. An alumnus of Dickinson College (PA), Jay brings a wealth of expertise as a certified Massachusetts Landscape Professional (MCLP) and a Certified Concrete Paver Installer (CCPI). He also holds licenses as a hoisting engineer and a Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor.

Known for his personable nature, Jay cultivates strong relationships with clients, ensuring their project needs are not only met but exceeded. His meticulous attention to detail is evident in every project MainStay Landscape undertakes. Jay’s exceptional ability to bring both laughter and professionalism into the workplace creates a positive and collaborative environment for our hardworking team. As MainStay continues to grow and flourish, Jay is steadfastly dedicated to upholding the highest industry standards, prioritizing the care of both his team and clients.

In addition to his time at MainStay, Jay is also a family-oriented individual deeply rooted in the communities he serves. Jay is now settled in Osterville with his wife Amanda, step-daughter Mimi, and their lovable Golden Retriever, Sprite.

With an impressive tenure of over 25 years in the Green Industry, David Maxwell Ambrosini brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to our team. Holding a BFA from Emerson College, he is not only creatively inclined but also boasts professional certifications, including being an Accredited Organic Land Care Provider (AOLCP) and a licensed hydraulics operator. Dave’s dedication to his craft is further highlighted by his ICPI training and certification (CCPI).

With an avid drive for operational efficiency, Dave oversees the smooth coordination of tasks within our diverse divisions, including Fine Gardening, Design Build, and Irrigation. Between his extensive experience as a founding member of the MainStay team and a remarkable work ethic, he is nothing short of a maestro at maintaining the cogs of the company and keeping our wheels spinning.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dave resides happily in Medfield with his wonderful family. He enjoys indulging in travel and spending time outdoors as well as with his incredible dog and three beloved cats.

Our Design Build Manager, Jordan Brissette, pilots the division with a background of 18 years in the Green Industry. As a graduate of UMass Green School, he specializes in landscape construction and outdoor lighting, showcasing his proficiency through ICPI training and certification (CCPI) and possessing an MA hoisting engineer license.

With us since the beginning of MainStay Landscape, Jordan’s affable nature coupled with his dedication to quality has made him a crucial part of our team. His fervor for innovative construction and mastery of outdoor lighting shines through in each exciting project our team takes on. Jordan’s commitment to excellence is evident in his involvement in high-profile projects, ensuring the seamless integration of aesthetics and functionality. His virtuosity extends to project management, strategic planning, and effective communication, consistently ensuring client satisfaction at every stage of the process.

Beyond crafting captivating outdoor spaces, Jordan finds tranquility in fishing, boating, and golfing as well as spending time with his wife where they reside in Rhode Island.

Our Fine Gardening Manager, Sam Billings leads the team with 15 years of profound experience in the green industry. Armed with a B.S. in Sustainable Agriculture from UMass, Sam is not only a seasoned professional but a certified landscape professional (MCLP), arborist (MCA), and holds both a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) and a Permaculture Teacher Training Certificate (PTTC).

With a background as an Organic Farmer, Sam is deeply passionate about land stewardship and strives to foster improved relationships between humans and their habitats. As the head of our Fine Gardening division, he meticulously oversees the care and cultivation of each project we take on. His dedication to the artistry of fine gardening and comprehensive knowledge of plants and soil significantly contribute to cultivating and enhancing our clients’ outdoor havens.

Sam’s passion for his craft coupled with his kindhearted nature has made him a fantastic addition to our team. Outside of his time at MainStay, Sam enjoys spending time on his own landscape, gardening, and cooking with his loving wife and perfect son.

Our Director of Human Resources, Megan Theodore, oversees all HR functions at MainStay, including talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, compliance, and professional development. She plays a key role in shaping policies and programs that support both organizational growth and employee well-being.

After earning her Human Resources certificate through Cornell University, Megan has been dedicated to fostering a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture at MainStay. An alumna of Endicott College, Megan’s creative flair and thoughtful strategies have been pivotal in further strengthening the company’s culture and ensuring our team members feel supported throughout their careers.

Outside of the office, Megan finds joy in exploring nature with her dog Frankie, embracing the giggles of aunthood, and indulging in her love for reading.

Our Special Projects Manager, Vanessa McLellan, brings over 5 years of experience in the green industry, building on an early career in floral design that honed her eye for detail and creativity. Certified in both Garden Design and Plant Healthcare, Vanessa is also working toward her Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professional (MCLP) credential, reflecting her commitment to continuous growth and excellence in the field.

Vanessa is passionate about transforming outdoor living spaces into meaningful extensions of the home. She believes that thoughtful design and care can create environments that not only look beautiful but also improve the way people live, connect, and enjoy their surroundings.

Beyond her work, Vanessa loves cooking, spending time at the beach, and enjoying life with her dog, husband, and family. Her blend of creativity, technical knowledge, and genuine care for people makes her an invaluable part of our team.

Bill Lottero is our Fine Gardening Field Manager, focused on supporting the team’s effort to reach the highest quality of fine gardening services. In addition to over 45 years of green industry involvement, he boasts a BS in Plant & Soil/Sciences with a minor in entomology from UMass Amherst, as well as an Associate’s Degree in Fruit and Vegetable production from Stockbridge School of Agriculture.

Bill understands that gardens are intricate ecosystems, demanding meticulous care and attention to detail. His dedication to fine gardening exemplifies Mainstay’s commitment to the artistry and science required to nurture beautiful outdoor spaces. Locally, he is known for creating a stunning “secret garden” connecting his Cedar Park homestead with the public urban trail in Fort Hill Roxbury. It is where he and his loving husband, Don, built their home and surrounded themselves with community.

Leandro Solano, our Fine Gardening Crew Leader, brings a decade of experience in the field to our Fine Gardening Cape Cod division. With a keen attention to detail, he transforms outdoor spaces with meticulous care and dedication. Leandro’s passion for creating stunning landscapes is evident in each project he undertakes, and he takes pride in the before-and-after process.

He finds joy in embracing the beautiful weather while working outdoors each day. In his free time, you’ll catch him nurturing his bonsai collection, demonstrating the same precision and patience that define his professional work.

Fredy Manzanero Gonzalez is our Fine Gardening Crew Leader with over a decade of dedicated service in the field. With a passion for preserving nature’s beauty, Fredy has honed his craft for 15 years, bringing expertise and creativity to every project. Specializing in working with automowers, he thrives on the challenge of all-day installations, meticulously crafting outdoor spaces that seamlessly blend with their surroundings.

From mowing to gardening and planting, Fredy approaches each task with precision and care, ensuring that every detail contributes to the overall beauty of the landscape. Outside of work, he finds solace in nature through fishing and hunting, further deepening his connection to the great outdoors.

Nelva Gonzales is our Fine Gardener, backed by five years of gardening experience, with a green thumb that can turn any garden into a haven. After years of training, she has honed the art of nurturing landscapes with precision and care. Nelva’s passion for gardening is truly contagious, and she finds joy in every aspect of it. Her special knack for pruning not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our outdoor spaces but also promotes the health and vitality of the plants under her care.

Nelva eagerly awaits the arrival of spring each year, a season she cherishes for its vibrant flowers and the promise of new growth. During her free time, you’ll find her crafting beautiful, colorful pillows that reflect her love for creativity and design.

Bella Gunnery is our Senior Gardener who brings decades of hands-on gardening experience to Mainstay. Inspired at a young age by the Junior Garden Club at the Osterville Library, Bella went on to spend years tending her own and neighbors’ gardens in Centerville before entering the field professionally in the early 2000s. Prior to joining Mainstay, Bella worked with several local experts before launching her own business, which she successfully ran for 12 years. With decades of hands-on experience, Bella loves watching gardens evolve year after year and finds joy in every season—from full bloom in July to crisp winter pruning days.

Outside of MainStay, she remains just as active—hiking in local conservation lands and shares adventures with her 25-year-old daughter, especially geocaching, where they love being the “FTF” (First to Find). She also enjoys skateboarding, paddleboarding, and playing ultimate frisbee, a sport she played competitively for 10 years.

Mickey Mitchell, our Fine Gardening Crew Leader, boasts a rich 7-year tenure in the Green Industry. His journey began in Kennebunkport, Maine, where he honed his skills as a gardener and greenhouse assistant before joining MainStay upon his move to Massachusetts. Mickey brings a wealth of experience in fine gardening, estate care, and landscape maintenance to our team, further fortified by his hoisting engineer’s license.

Complementing his green expertise is his academic pursuit, having studied Psychology at Bridgewater State University. Mickey’s blend of practical experience and academic insight adds a unique dimension to our approach, ensuring meticulous care and thoughtful strategies in every gardening endeavor. Beyond his professional endeavors, Mickey finds fulfillment in practicing American Kenpo Karate, currently holding a green belt rank.

Christopher Fenton, our Fine Gardening Crew Leader here at MainStay, began his journey as a professional chef for 16 years before discovering his true passion in the green industry in 2019. Known for his unwavering positivity, Chris infuses each day with productivity and enjoyment. Beyond his expertise in Fine Gardening, he has dedicated half of his landscaping career to landscape construction within the Design Build Division, shaping him into a well-rounded professional ready to tackle any task with finesse.

Chris brings a unique blend of precision and landscaping expertise, making him an invaluable asset to our team, no matter the challenge at hand. Beyond the professional realm, he takes pleasure in cooking, playing the guitar, tending to his hand-built koi pond, and engaging in gardening at home.

Andrew Foley is our Senior Gardener, whose passion for horticulture blossomed during his high school days as a nurseryman. He began his academic journey by earning an associate’s degree in Mathematics from MassBay Community College. With a goal of creating beautiful spaces, Andrew pursued further studies in Landscape Architecture at UMass Amherst, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree and became a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist as well as a certified landscape professional (MCLP).

Seamlessly transitioning from nurturing plants to crafting inspiring landscapes, he brings a unique blend of academic prowess, thoughtful creativity, and hands-on experience to our team. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys juggling, unicycling, and honing his skills on the bass guitar.

Leo Joubert is our Fine Gardener, bringing over 15 years of hands-on experience in construction and landscaping to the MainStay team. After graduating from Attleboro High School with a focus in Carpentry, he later earned his degree in Exercise and Health Sciences from UMass Boston. Holding an OSHA certification dating back to 2012, Leo’s career has spanned a wide range of roles—from carpentry, electrical systems, and sales to asphalt installation and land conservation for DCR properties.

Outside of MainStay, Leo remains meticulous and naturally curious, enjoying meaningful conversations covering everything from science and politics to history, playing RPG video games, spending time with family and his beloved French Bulldog.

Erika Clifford is our Fine Gardener, bringing a strong background in environmental science and a passion for working outdoors. She earned her degree from Plymouth State University, where she began her studies in meteorology before transitioning into environmental science and discovering her interest in hands-on work with plants and landscapes. Erika has also worked as an entomologist, giving her a unique perspective on plant health and overall ecosystem balance.

With a particular interest in plant pathology, Erika enjoys diagnosing plant issues and developing thoughtful solutions that support long-term landscape health. She is especially drawn to seasonal plantings and finds inspiration in the spring, when landscapes come to life. Her attention to detail, curiosity, and positive attitude make her a valuable member of both our Fine Gardening team and the clients we support.

Outside of her time at MainStay, Erika enjoys fiber arts such as knitting and cross-stitching, traveling, and spending time with her nieces and nephew.

Billy McCormick is our Irrigation Division Manager at MainStay Landscape. With a wealth of industry experience, Billy has earned acclaim for his outstanding contributions to the industry. A few highlights of his previous projects include resolving a jet fuel contamination issue near Otis as well as several impressive government jobs.

Our clients consistently commend Billy’s infectious charisma, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. As a seasoned professional, he fosters innovation and collaboration within our team, and his unmatched work ethic has continued to drive our Irrigation Division to exciting new heights.

Jarrod Spice is our Irrigation/Lighting Specialist and Design Build Installer, bringing over 20 years of experience in irrigation and landscape lighting to the Mainstay team. Although he officially joined the company recently, Jarrod has worked alongside our team on projects for the past nine years, giving him a strong understanding of our standards and approach. Jarrod’s career began during college, working alongside his brother in irrigation as a summer job. He went on to work at an irrigation and lighting supply house, gaining valuable product and system knowledge before returning to the field, where he specialized in irrigation and lighting. Over the past seven years, Jarrod served as a manager, helping run a large irrigation division and leading teams on complex projects.

Jarrod is now enjoying being involved in the full landscape process—from masonry, patios, pools, and plantings to the final lighting details—seeing how each element comes together rather than arriving at the end of a project. This spring, he’s especially looking forward to expanding his focus on landscape lighting.

Outside of work, Jarrod enjoys fishing and spending time with his family, including his two adorable children.

Clayton Jolliffe is our Special Operations Lead, boasting a decade of experience in the Green Industry. With a diverse background encompassing the nursery industry, landscape maintenance, and construction, Clayton adds a wealth of expertise to our team. A certified Dry Stone Waller, Clayton’s specialization lies in landscape construction and installation within our esteemed Design Build Division.

Clayton’s knack for precision and innovation ensures that every project he spearheads is executed with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. Outside of the professional realm, Clayton finds joy in both cooking and hiking, embodying a balance of creativity and outdoor exploration.

Alexe Restivo Lage is one of our Design Build Foremen, whose deep-rooted dedication to construction work has been a lifelong pursuit. Born into a world where machinery was more than just tools, thanks to his Brazilian father, Alexe took his first steps into the field almost as soon as he could walk.

In addition to being Dry Stone Waller certified, his extensive background includes roles as a Crew Leader and Foreman across multiple reputable companies, showcasing not just his expertise but also an exceptional work ethic that enriches our Design Build Team. Beyond construction, Alexe finds joy in hitting the gym and spending quality time with his wife alongside his beloved dogs, Tia and Luna.

Mariano Restivo Lage is one of our Design Build Foremen at Mainstay Landscape with a background spanning multiple landscape companies and a lifetime of hands-on experience in the field. Mariano’s entry into the industry began alongside his father, a skilled heavy equipment mechanic. Operating heavy machinery became second nature to him from the start of his career, as he grew up immersed in the intricate workings of these machines.

Mariano’s commitment to excellence is evident in his approach to every task, guided by fairness, positive teamwork, and strong client relationships. Dry Stone Waller certified, he ensures each project is executed with precision, meeting the highest standards, and exceeding client expectations. Beyond the hustle and bustle of work, Mariano finds joy in spending quality time with his wife and family, cherishing moments of rest and relaxation.

Corey Prentice is our Design Build Installer, enriching our team with over a decade of invaluable landscape and construction expertise. Having dedicated over a year to refining his skills on the Cape, Corey’s proficiency shines through his work, making a significant impact on our Design Build team.

Holding a hoisting license, a skilled operator license, and a Dry Stone Waller certification, Corey possesses a comprehensive professional background encompassing various facets of landscaping and construction, notably excelling in patios and masonry. Originally from the Boston area, Corey is a passionate New England Patriots fan and an avid foodie who loves cooking, having once aspired to be a chef.

Travis Morley is our Design Build Installer, the youngest member of the MainStay team, and our very first co-op student. A recent graduate of South Shore Regional Vocational Technical School, he focused on masonry and site prep during his time in school and brings a strong work ethic and eagerness to learn to every project.

In addition to his passion for Design Build, Travis holds a background in nursery work, giving him a solid foundation in plant care and landscape maintenance. Outside of MainStay, Travis enjoys camping trips up in Maine and spending time working on his truck.

Carl Caddell is our Design Build Installer, bringing a strong background in welding, ironwork, and landscaping to the Mainstay team. He began his career walking iron, crane operating, and honing his skills in welding—experience that laid the foundation for his attention to detail and craftsmanship. Masonry is Carl’s favorite aspect of the job, and he enjoys working with machines to bring outdoor spaces to life.

Before joining Mainstay, he worked at Authentic Landscape as a second foreman, gaining hands-on experience with a wide variety of tools and equipment. He has also held an OSHA 30 certification for nearly a decade. Outside of work, Carl enjoys watching movies, spending time at the beach or festivals, camping with his fiancée, and staying active with sports and video games.

Drew Navarro is our Senior Mason, bringing more than 22 years of masonry experience to the field. His admiration for the field began at age 12 when he visited his grandfather’s masonry company. There, he discovered an early interest in the trade that would eventually shape his career. Drew went on to attend a technical high school, focusing on brick, block, and stonework, building the foundation for his skills.

He developed his craft with the Connecticut Bricklayers Union before joining a small company specializing in large-scale projects. During that time, he worked on notable sites including homes along Ocean Drive, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and numerous historic properties throughout the area.

Veneer work is Drew’s favorite aspect of masonry, and he takes pride in being part of a team where everyone works well together to deliver quality results. Outside of work, Drew enjoys spending time with his child, playing golf, and taking walks on the beach with his dog.

Hugh McGovern is our Senior Mason and brings over 22 years of masonry experience to the MainStay team. What started as a summer job when he was just 16 years old quickly turned into a lifelong career in stonework. Originally from Littleton, Massachusetts, Hugh has spent decades honing his craft on projects of all sizes.

One of the standout projects in his career was working on the historic Heddy Green estate at Round Hill in Dartmouth—a castle restoration project valued at $42 million, completed in 2010. Experiences like that helped shape the skill and pride he brings to every job.

At MainStay, Hugh finds that the work itself is what makes the job so rewarding. He finds joy in the craftsmanship and the opportunity to build something lasting every day. Outside of work, Hugh loves being near the water—whether that’s ocean trips, cliff diving, or wakeboarding.

Josh McCaffrey is our Stone Mason, bringing three years of masonry experience to the team. Before entering the trade, Josh worked in aerial cable construction, spending his days high off the ground—despite having a fear of heights. During training at another landscaping company, he was placed on a crew with experienced stone masons, which sparked his interest in the craft and led him to pursue masonry full-time.

At MainStay, Josh brings his passion for the craft while working alongside the rest of our masonry team. He notes that split base, square, and rectangular stones are his bread and butter, and he takes pride in the craftsmanship that goes into each day’s work. For Josh, the most rewarding part of the job is taking a large piece of stone and transforming it into something beautiful—seeing the hard work and effort come together in a finished product that lasts.

Outside of work, Josh spends most of his time with his one-year-old son and his girlfriend of eight years, getting out and doing as much as they can together. As a lifelong Cape Cod local, he enjoys exploring the area’s many trails and paths and spending time outdoors.