Crafting Luxury, Elevating Experiences
At High Prairie Outdoors, we’re more than just landscapers—we’re creators of experiences, artisans of outdoor luxury, and innovators redefining what’s possible. Every space we design is rooted in our mission: to transform lives by fostering meaningful connections in breathtaking outdoor environments.
Our commitment goes beyond aesthetics. We believe in growing people and setting the highest standards in efficiency, craftsmanship, and customer experience. As the most recognized brand for luxury outdoor living, we challenge industry norms, push the boundaries of design, and set a new benchmark for excellence.
Inspired by our Acorn Ethos, we uphold unwavering ethics, embrace teamwork, pursue higher standards, and thrive on overachievement. At our core, we are dedicated to serving our clients, our team, and our community, creating outdoor spaces that inspire relaxation, play, and togetherness.
This is more than landscaping—it’s a legacy. We change lives.
Meet The Team
Leadership & Support
Robyn Schmitz Owner / Founder / President / Industry Educator / Author
Robyn Schmitz is the visionary force behind High Prairie Outdoors, redefining luxury outdoor living with an unwavering commitment to excellence. What started as a small operation with a Jeep and a trailer has grown into the most recognized brand for luxury outdoor living in Kansas City. Through relentless dedication, craftsmanship, and innovation, Robyn has built a company that not only creates breathtaking outdoor spaces but also transforms lives—both for clients and the team she leads.
A published author and recognized industry educator, Robyn is passionate about elevating the green industry through knowledge and innovation. She teaches both university students and seasoned professionals, sharing insights on best practices, cutting-edge construction methods, and the art of crafting spaces that inspire connection. Under her leadership, High Prairie Outdoors has become a beacon of excellence, where overachievers never settle for mediocrity and continuously push the boundaries of design, craftsmanship, and efficiency.
A Kansas native, Robyn holds a degree in Horticulture from Kansas State University. She attributes much of her work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit to her humble beginnings, where hard work and resilience were the foundation of her journey. Outside of her professional pursuits, Robyn cherishes time with her husband, Bret, and their daughter, Ellie, born in 2021. Balancing her passion for business with her love for family, she is dedicated to building a legacy that extends beyond landscapes—one that transforms lives and creates lasting connections.
Bret Schmitz Owner / Operations Manager / Certified Pool Builder / Licensed General Contractor
Bret is a graduate of Kansas State University with an accounting degree. Bret is also a legal C.P.A. He grew up in Baileyville, Kansas. and has eight older brothers. Prior to completing college, Bret played football at Butler County Community College where they competed for their divisional National Championship. Bret handles all of the accounting for High Prairie Outdoors and is also a large part of the Landscape Production team. Bret can often be found behind the scenes helping get everyone prepared for the day.
Bret’s landscaping career started while at K-State as he worked to help pay for college. Bret worked on an installation crew at the same company Robyn worked for. Bret’s unique combination of experience between accounting and construction makes him a valuable part of the team. Prior to 2016, Bret worked full-time doing financial analysis and accounting for some of the largest financial portfolios in the city. During that time, Bret spent his evenings doing the all-important accounting tasks for the High Prairie Team. In January of 2016, Bret joined the team full-time and has been a huge asset.
Dylan Buessing Controller
Dylan Buessing joined High Prairie in September 2023, bringing extensive experience in finance and accounting. Raised on a small farm in Baileyville, KS, Dylan earned Bachelor's degrees in Accounting and Finance, followed by a Master's in Accounting from Kansas State University. Prior to joining High Prairie, he worked for nearly five years as a Tax Consultant at Deloitte. Dylan enjoys analyzing numbers and creating meaningful financial reports that support business decisions. He and his wife, Tabatha, married in 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Leona, in 2024. Their family also includes an energetic goldendoodle named Ruby. In his free time, Dylan enjoys watching Kansas City sports teams, traveling, crafting cocktails, and spending time with family for game nights.
Paula Jackle Director of First Impressions + Office Manager
Paula joined High Prairie in March of 2014, bringing with her a Horticulture Degree from Kansas State University and 15 years of experience in both production and administrative management. As the Office Manager at HPO, she combines her passion for nature with her detail-oriented skills, supporting both the Accounting and Administrative teams. What she enjoys most about High Prairie is the incredible team she gets to work with—driven, persistent, and passionate about growth.
Outside of work, family is at the center of Paula’s life. She cherishes time with her husband, Dillen, their son, Jase, and their two Labs, Rip and Macee. She is also an active member of her church community and continuously seeks opportunities to grow in her faith. In her free time, she enjoys cheering on her husband and son at their sporting events, traveling to visit family in the Oklahoma Panhandle, watching Oklahoma University Football and Softball games, and staying active at the gym.
Nicole DeHaven Administrative Professional
Nicole DeHaven became part of the High Prairie team in 2024, bringing a wealth of administrative experience. A lifelong Kansas resident from Shawnee, she holds Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Applied Behavioral Science from the University of Kansas. Her career has spanned roles in human resources, program development, office administration, and assistant directing across both public and private sectors, including parks and recreation and early childhood education. Nicole thrives on the dynamic nature of her job, appreciating the variety and flexibility that each day brings. She and her husband, Steven, have three children—Winter, Xavier, and Vander—who keep them busy with academic and athletic activities. A devoted animal lover, she has rescued multiple pets, including dogs and cats. Nicole enjoys botanical gardens, outdoor activities, sports, and anything creative. A fun fact: her favorite day of the week is Thursday!
Architecture, Construction, & Pools
Morgan Brouillette Landscape Architect
Morgan Brouillette is a Landscape Architect at High Prairie Outdoors, having joined the team in the summer of 2024. Originally from Elmhurst, Illinois, Morgan graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and brings 12 years of experience in the Outdoor Living Industry. Her favorite part of her job is creating beautiful, functional spaces that bring joy to others. With an artist’s soul, she is constantly bursting with ideas, eager to share them and elevate outdoor experiences for clients. Family is of the utmost importance to Morgan, and she cherishes time spent with her husband, their son, and three dogs. One of the highlights of her journey was living in Italy for four months while pursuing her degree. There, she fell in love with the food, culture, and especially Italian villas, which have greatly influenced her design process, imbuing her work with a sense of intentionality and magic.
Justin Taddiken Senior Estimator and Project Coordinator
Justin is from Salina, Kansas and a graduate of the Horticulture Program at Kansas State University. Justin has been in the field of landscaping since he was 16 years old. His broad experience in maintenance, landscape construction, and design make him a valuable resource for clients.
When asked why he loves design, Justin says:
“The drive behind my passion for design is to see the transformation at the end of a job and the joy it brings to those who will go home to it every day”.
Justin’s passion for the industry and helping people is unparalleled. Justin first met Robyn Schmitz in 2016.
Rider Nettleton Design Assistant
Rider Nettleton joined High Prairie in May 2022, bringing his passion for landscape design to the team. Originally from Osage City, KS, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture with an emphasis in Landscape Design. Rider loves having the opportunity to transform outdoor spaces in ways that surprise and delight clients. One of his favorite things about working at High Prairie is the welcoming team environment that feels like a family. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Emily, and their two puppies, Hope and Elliot. Rider was a percussionist in the Kansas State University marching band, has a deep love for all kinds of food, and feels most at home in the mountains.
Aaron Schmitz Senior Project Manager- Certified Patio Installer/ Certified Retaining Wall Installer
Aaron’s experience with High Prairie Landscape began in 2010 when he spent his summers between college classes helping install landscapes. He’s been with the company since the humble beginnings of an old Jeep and a small trailer. Aaron’s education comes from Cloud County Community College and Kansas State University.
Today, Aaron is helping grow a successful landscape construction division. Aaron’s well-rounded experience makes him incredibly valuable to the team. He’s experienced with large and small equipment operation, landscape installation, and landscape maintenance. Aaron can often be found leading 3-4 talented installation crews. He is a certified ICPI Patio Installer and Certified SRW Retaining Wall Installer.
Aaron is a talented craft cocktail creator and enjoys fishing and watching the Kansas City Royals.
Ryan Bergmann Construction Field Manager- Structures and Pools: Certified Pool Builder/Licensed General Contracgtor
Ryan Bergmann joined High Prairie in 2019 after relocating from California to Kansas City with his wife and four children. With extensive experience in large-scale construction projects, Ryan brings a wealth of expertise in craftsmanship and project execution.
As a leader of our skilled carpentry and pool-building teams, Ryan ensures that every project meets the highest standards of quality and precision. His role also includes project management, where he seamlessly coordinates with clients, trade professionals, and our sales team to bring outdoor visions to life. Ryan’s dedication to excellence and his ability to navigate complex projects make him an invaluable asset to the High Prairie team.
Darren Norsworthy Irrigation and Pool Hydraulics Expert
Darren Norsworthy joined High Prairie in June 2022, bringing a strong background in irrigation and turf management. Originally from Meade, KS, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Turf Management with a minor in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Darren started his career as an Irrigation Foreman, later advancing to Irrigation Division Manager, where he oversaw maintenance and custom system installations. He thrives in High Prairie’s collaborative environment and takes pride in seeing projects come together to bring joy to homeowners. Darren and his wife, Hannah, share a love for Kansas State football and can often be found cheering on the Wildcats with their son, Mason. When he’s not working, Darren enjoys tackling DIY home projects in his garage, constantly creating and building new things.
Parker Cox Construction Field Supervisor
Parker Cox became part of the High Prairie team in 2020, building on years of experience in the industry since 2015. A Hays, KS native, Parker graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2019 and holds multiple certifications, including ICPI, Segmental Retaining Walls, and Romex product applications. He enjoys working alongside talented teammates, utilizing cutting-edge tools, and continuously learning new industry techniques. Parker and his wife, Kaylie, have been married since 2020 and keep busy with their two-year-old son, Graham. Outside of work, Parker is passionate about hunting, archery, camping, and backpacking.
Fine Gardening, Water Management, & Plant Health Care
Bruce Moore Client Relationship Manager
Bruce is a Wichita, Kansas native and recent graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Horticulture. He was also High Prairie’s first intern two years ago when he was a student. During that time, the High Prairie team was able to see just how spectacular Bruce is and how much potential he has to grow.
Bruce became a landscaper because he grew up in an active family who spent time improving their own landscape and he enjoyed it. Once he realized he could get a degree in horticulture, he knew that’s where his career would lead.
He’s inspired by helping people create spaces that people can enjoy for years to come.
When not landscaping, Bruce can be found enjoying the outdoors through hiking, kayaking, and attending various K-State and Kansas City sporting events. Bruce is also an experienced tennis instructor.
Maggie Gray Seasonal Color Expert + Marketing Assistant
Maggie Gray began her journey with High Prairie as a summer intern in 2022 and transitioned into a full-time role in 2023. A Prairie Village, KS native, she graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture. Maggie describes her role as her "dream job," allowing her to design, sell, bid projects, and lead crews to bring her visions to life. She thrives in the blend of office work and hands-on field experience, leaving every space more vibrant than before. Maggie comes from a family of entrepreneurs, learning firsthand the value of hard work and dedication. She has three sisters, whom she considers her best friends, and a beloved five-year-old corgi who is thoroughly spoiled. A lifelong plant enthusiast, Maggie started collecting flowers as a child, worked in a florist shop during high school, and today proudly calls herself the ultimate "plant lady." She was also a K-State cheerleader.
Sean Cedillo Fine Gardening Field Manager
Sean Cedillo has been with High Prairie since 2017 and brings over a decade of experience to the team. A Kansas City native, he is a Certified Pesticide Applicator (3A, 3B) and thrives in the outdoor nature of the industry. Sean enjoys leading teams, mentoring others, and pushing the boundaries of industry standards to create exceptional outdoor spaces. He values time with his wife, Lily, and cherishes opportunities to travel and go on family vacations. When he’s not working, Sean enjoys playing drums in a band, hitting the gym, riding motorcycles, and going to the gun range with his wife.
Emily King Pool Maintenance Supervisor + Lawncierge Pro
Emily King leads and supports the landscape maintenance division at High Prairie. Her drive and passion helps her teams perform at elite levels while maintenance clients benefit from unparalleled service and quality.
Emily’s experiences as a national collegiate champion softball player for the University of Central Missouri combined with her experience in the army reserves have shaped her into a leader who creates a culture of excellence. Her education and experience in turf sciences, horticulture, and landscape maintenance allow her to support her team. Emily spends her free time spoiling her adorable dog Champ, golfing, and playing softball.
David Jeannin Irrigation Manager
David is a graduate of the Horticulture program at Iowa State University. David grew up in Lone Jack, Mo. and is an avid sports fan. He keeps the Landscape Maintenance division running smoothly and is exceptionally talented at trouble-shooting any problems that may arise. David’s mechanical acumen, attention to detail, and horticultural education make him another key team member.
David helped start the maintenance division for High Prairie Outdoors and has been with a huge part of setting the high standards we hold for landscape maintenance teams.
David is a certified Lawn and Landscape Chemical Applicator in Kansas and Missouri and a Certified Techniseal Applicator.
Charlie Jobe Pool Maintenance and Plant Healthcare Expert
Charlie Jobe is a seasoned professional in the green industry with over 20 years of experience. He joined High Prairie Outdoors in September 2021, bringing a wealth of knowledge gained from holding various positions within the industry. Loyalty and honesty are core values that guide both his personal and professional life, and he treasures the relationships he has with his family and friends. Charlie enjoys making properties look their best and appreciates the variety of tasks he tackles each day, keeping his work dynamic and exciting. He finds working outdoors in the fresh air to be one of the most rewarding aspects of his job. In his spare time, Charlie is a decent painter—though he humbly describes himself as more "art-adjacent" than an artist, he enjoys exploring his creative side.
Elliot Robichaux Fine Gardening Expert
Elliot Robichaux joined High Prairie in 2023, bringing five years of nursery and landscaping experience. Originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a focus in History and is a licensed Chemical Applicator. Elliot enjoys the hands-on, physical aspects of landscaping and loves working outdoors every day. He and his wife, Lindsay, share their home with their dog, Ivy. Outside of work, Elliot is an avid sports fan who enjoys watching professional basketball and football.
