About Lakeshore
Landscaping

Our History

Rob Szrom started Lakeshore Landscaping in 1985 as a one-man operation, armed only with a Landscape Architecture degree from Purdue University, about $5,000 in cash from a tax refund and a loan from a life insurance policy his mother had purchased at his birth, and most importantly–several years of experience in the landscape construction industry.

From that beginning, with the support of his family and terrific customers and employees, Lakeshore has grown into a trusted landscape partner across Northern Indiana.

With a fleet of over 50 vehicles and 50 year round staff, we continue to invest in Northwest Indiana through our long-term relationships with clients and communities.

Our diverse portfolio includes:

  • Hospital Campuses and Medical Offices
  • Planned Residential Developments
  • Industrial and Commercial Office Parks
  • Community and Non-Profit Facilities
  • Parks and Recreation Facilities

Why Choose
Lakeshore Landscaping

At Lakeshore Landscaping, our in-house team of
certified landscape architects and skilled professionals offers comprehensive design-build services.

This streamlined approach ensures a cost-effective way to enhance the visual appeal of your commercial property while maintaining long-term sustainability. Along with our other commercial landscape services, we truly are your partner all year long.

Trust our expertise to bring your vision to life with beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.

In the News

Northwest Indiana Catholic Newspaper

Lakeshore Landscaping, a Valparaio-based landscape contracting firm, helped straighten and secure
old headstones at St. Joseph Cemetery in Hammond, Indiana.

“There was a mention of this (project) at a service,” said Heidi Szrom, a Queen of All Saints, Michigan City, parishioner.
“You help out where you can. When I heard the mention of landscaping, I thought this is what we do; we can do this.”
Five employees joined other volunteers to spruce up the grounds.

Fall 2024

Renovation Project for Lutheran Deaconess Association in Valparaiso

In 2005, Lakeshore had the opportunity to design and install a new landscape plan for the grounds of the offices of the Lutheran Deaconess Association in Valparaiso, Indiana.

We were inspired and blessed to work with a client who wanted the landscape to reflect the spiritual and nurturing work that they did inside and outside the building (and around the world).

Years later, the landscaping was holding up well, but the staff wanted to create a new path where none had been before to make it easier for visitors to access the gathering space and labyrinth. We had to work quickly to finish the project before the reception honoring the retiring director, Lisa Polito.

We managed to clear and prune for the new path, install the new pavers,  powerwash the old ones, and troubleshoot a tricky vase fountain just in time to honor Lisa–a delightful woman who appreciated our work all the more because her parents were landscapers like us.

Our Team

Our team includes certified landscape architects, experienced operators, skilled plantsmen, horticulturists, and irrigation specialists—all working together to bring your vision to life while ensuring long-term sustainability and ease of maintenance.

We work collaboratively with you, listening to your ideas, assessing your needs, and providing a tailored proposal to create a beautiful, safe, cost-effective landscape that enhances property values and supports your mission.

team members

Rob Szrom

President

Rob founded Lakeshore Landscaping in 1985.

He is a Registered Landscape Architect in Indiana and a graduate of Purdue University.

Heidi Szrom

Vice-President

Heidi has been co-owner of Lakeshore since 1986 and is a Registered Landscape Architect in the state of Indiana.

She graduated from Purdue University.

Marty Max

Vice-President of Operations & Employee Development

Marty joined Lakeshore
in 1995.

He is a Landscape
Architect and a Purdue and
Notre Dame graduate.

Jeff Elisha

Vice-President of Sales & Customer Relations

Jeff is a Soil Science & Landscape Management graduate of Texas A&M.

He joined Lakeshore in 1994.

Charissa Alaniz

Senior Estimator & Horticulture Specialist

Charissa began her tenure with Lakeshore in 1998 as a crew leader in the field.

Trevor Summers

Graduate
Landscape Architect

Trevor, a Purdue University graduate, has worked for Lakeshore since 2020.

Adam Surma

Project Manager

Adam has been with Lakeshore since 2009.

He holds Advanced Snow Manager and OSHA Safety Training certifications.

Dale Kneifel

Maintenance Manager

Dale manages Lakeshore’s maintenance fleet and crews.

Dale has been with us since 2013 and is an Advanced Snow Manager.

Ron Brindley

Safety Manager

A Michigan Tech Forestry graduate, Ron holds an OSHA Construction Safety Training Certificate.

Ron joined Lakeshore in 2020.

Jami Anderson

Billing and Contract Manager

Jami joined Lakeshore in 2017.

She handles all billing and contract matters, as well as payroll and office management.

Laney Brindley

Employee Benefits
& Vendor Manager

Laney began her work at Lakeshore in 2021.

She is Lakeshore’s contact for Human Resources and Vendors.

Sergio Alaniz

Project Superintendent

Sergio has been with Lakeshore since 1996.

He is an expert plantsman and crew supervisor.

Larry deBie

Project Superintendent

The son and nephew of  nurserymen, Larry is a skilled equipment operator.

He joined Lakeshore in 2004.

Ready to elevate your property’s appearance?

Trust our experienced team to design and maintain landscapes that leave lasting impressions.

Contact us today to discuss your next project.