Fargo, North Dakota
Dave Cox | Golf
Dave joined Tessman in 2018, and has been working in the golf industry for 27 years. Starting out as range attendant at the age of 14 to working as a starter and ranger through high school helped to shape his love for the game of golf. He began working on the maintenance staff during the summers of his college years. This helped him realize his dreams of becoming a golf course superintendent. He worked at a high end Jack Nicklaus signature club in Scottsdale, the home of the first two Skins Games in ’83, ’84. His first superintendent opportunity came at public course that saw nearly 70,000 rounds yearly for 18 holes. When the chance to get his family back to the Midwest and continue working alongside people in the turf industry arose with the Tessman Company, it was *another perfect opportunity.
What Dave says: “Being able to connect with others in the turf industry and learning from them and what they experience is key. Plus being able to pass that knowledge on so people can succeed wherever they are.”
Why Tessman, Dave? “Tessman is a locally owned company that prides itself on quality service to its customers.”
When not visiting with his customers, Dave enjoys spending time with family, golf, college football and anything outdoors.
He currently services North Dakota.
Lisa Dewey | Director of Grower Services | Greenhouse & Nursery
Lisa started working for The Tessman Company in 2019. She brings over 25 years of experience and knowledge to the team as our Director of Grower Services. While Lisa specializes as a bedding plant grower, she also has experience as a certified organic grower using biological insects with a focus on pest control. Lisa brings extensive knowledge on containerized trees, shrubs, perennials and can I.D. almost any tree, shrub, perennial, and native plant in zones 3 and 4 and diagnose pest and disease issues.
What inspires Lisa? “Horticulture is always changing. Every year, there are new plant introductions, new insect and disease control, and it’s always exciting for me to learn about new methods of growing.”
Why Tessman? “It’s the next step in my horticulture career. [Coming from previous experience at a greenhouse] Tessman has been the best distributor to work with and really seems to care about their customers and their customers’ success.”
Alexis Peltier | Greenhouse Purchasing & Logistics Coordinator
Alexis came to Tessman in 2018. She has 16 years of design, estimating, and project management experience. After focusing on landscape, Alexis found her true calling that includes outdoor escapes and aesthetically pleasing landscapes that enhance a customers well being at their home or office. Her passion to be involved in the whole process drives Alexis to help her customers attain everything they are looking for. She specializes in grading, lawn care, pavers/block, and lighting.
Why Tessman? “Tessman is all about taking care of our customers. We have knowledgeable employees in multiple fields and we strive to find solutions to make their projects run smoothly.”
When not working, Alexis spends her time with family. “We spend a lot of time outdoors and I like to capture the moments on camera as much as possible. A few favorites: trap shooting, shooting bow, hunting, fishing, biking, attending rodeos, skating (when it’s not -37), our 3 crazy Labradors & lastly there’s our horse that the kids tend to see more time on him than we do. Eventually we would all like have our own & be able to trail ride together…perhaps a 10 year plan!”
Alexis services North Dakota and western Minnesota.
Ruthie Strauss | Marketing & Project Management
Ruthie developed her love of plants while growing up on a farm in North Dakota. After graduating from The Minneapolis College of Art and Design, she began her career in the green industry. She brings a strong passion for project management, garden maintenance, and floral design to the team.
Why do you love your job at Tessman? “I grew up on a farm growing and arranging flowers and feel like I have finally found an industry that I can share my passion with others who are just as excited as I am.”
Why Tessman? “Customer Service is top priority.”
When Ruthie isn’t working, she’s still enjoys anything to do with flowers, painting, drawing, and crafting.
Scott Wavrin | Landscape
Prior to joining Tessman in 2005, Scott was a foreman at a local landscape company. He has been involved in all areas of sales at Tessman and has well-rounded knowledge in our product line and market necessities.
Scott’s strength is creating business partnerships with our customers that are mutually beneficial.
Why Tessman? “I care about my customers’ business and am invested in each landscape project they do. I loved the creative side of landscape and landscape design and now I get to bring customers new products and ideas and see how they can integrate them into their businesses. It’s exciting to see the finished product of our working together.”
In Scott’s spare time he enjoys watching and coaching his kids in various sports like basketball, swimming, and track & field.
When not at kid activities, he loves fishing and being at a lake with his family.
Scott specializes in landscape sales, and his territory includes all of ND , Northern and Western MN
Bryce Saiger | Customer Service
Bryce is a native to Bemidji, Minnesota, it is here where he found his love of fishing, hunting and all things outdoors. In 2018 Bryce was accepted into the Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering program at North Dakota State University. Bryce began working for The Tessman Company part-time in 2020 as he finished his final semesters at NDSU. Shortly after graduation he joined the team as a full-time Customer Service Representative, focused on warehouse operations and inventory management.
Why Tessman Bryce? “I chose to stick with Tessman because of the small company feel, yet we have the success of a larger corporation.”
When Bryce isn’t at the warehouse, he is most likely in the bay of a lake fishing or off the grid in a hunting shack. AKA: Lost in the Northwoods of Minnesota somewhere…
Dylan Johnson | Customer Service
Dylan grew up in Roseau, Minnesota and began working on cars and tinkering on projects at a young age. In 2018 he moved to Fargo, ND and was accepted into the Industrial Engineering program at North Dakota State University. Dylan began working for The Tessman Company part-time while finishing his engineering degree. Upon graduation in 2021, Dylan accepted a full time position with the Tessman team as a Customer Service Representative specializing in order management, fulfillment and logistics.
Why Tessman Dylan? “I started here with a part time position during college, but quickly fell in love with the people and company. The opportunities for growth within the organization kept me here.”
When Dylan isn’t in the office, he is likely pulling something apart to put back together or working on his 1996 Tacoma.