Hello! We are the people that make up 855-RILAWNS. If you would like to call any of us, simply click the “Ring Me” button and you will be connected directly to that person’s extension.
Omar Fahmy – Manager
Hello! my name is Omar Fahmy, and I am the horticulturist and entomologist of the company. I also manage our fertilizing program. After graduating from an international school in 2003, I moved on to attend URI where I obtained a Bachelors of Science degree in Microbiology with a focus on entomology and a minor in Chemistry in 2008.
Before joining 855-RILAWNS in 2008, I worked at East Farm in Kingston for 3+ years, which was where I put alot of the literature into practical applications. Most of that experience was focused on the damage of Annual Bluegrass weevil on golf courses and its control using biological methods such as fungi including Beauvaria spp., nematodes, and bacteria in the genus Bacillus.
My job at 855-RILAWNS is multi faceted, but it primarily revolves around making the customer and our environment happy. I believe that is what sets us apart from other landscapers. We are guys that live in your town, who swim in the same oceans, drink the same water, and enjoy the same forests. I understand that you as a customer require knowledge to make the best decision for your lawn, for our environment, and for our community. As a person who is continuously pursuing more knowledge and education, I hope to transfer it to you. I want you to know that we care and we see ourselves as part of a bigger picture and global community and ecosystem, starting with your lawn and landscape.
I am Rhode Island Certified Horticulturist, Rhode Island Licensed Applicator, ICPI Certified Concrete Paver Installer, and Unilock Certified Concrete Paver Installer. Currently I am pursuing my Master’s in Environmental Science Management.
Justin Woodford – Owner/Operator
My name is Justin Woodford, and I am the owner of the company. I graduated from South Kingstown High School in 2003 and then moved on to attend URI where I obtained a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Business in 2008. In 2005, I ran a franchise through College Pro Painters and from 2006 – 2010, worked closely with my brother Dan developing Two Brothers Quality Painting. Although my brother Dan and I still consult daily with the painting business, 855-RILAWNS is my primary focus.
I still vividly recall summers landscaping with my good friends, and it is important to me that that culture continues so others can have the experience I had. I loved my job, and I want them to love theirs. For this reason, I have tried to continue this culture of friends working with friends.
My job is to keep the company running as smoothly as possible by having solutions before problems arise. I find the best organizational systems and structures to put in place to keep everyone marching to the same beat. I handle most of the marketing, IT, and financial management of the company. In short, my job is to make sure both our customers and employees are happy.
My goal has been to keep the company growing so we are able to continue to provide growth opportunities to our employees. My secondary goal is to revolutionize the landscaping industry by providing green alternatives to existing practices at comparable pricing. Since 2015 we have completely seized the use of pesticides, and our goal for the near future is to start utilizing electric equipment as soon as the technology becomes logistically practical.
It has been a great experience to watch the company grow from the little kid knocking on the door to the living, breathing, professional organization it has become.
Chris Emery – Senior Horticulturist
Hi, my name is Chris Emery. I grew up in South County Rhode Island and wouldn’t want it any other way. I graduated from the MET High school in Providence and attended Manhattanville College in New York, where I studied biology.
I have always had an affinity for nature and wildlife but never saw how to make an occupation out of it until I started working with the 855-RILAWNS family. It is inspiring how dedicated they are to the preservation and the cultivation of the environment of Southern Rhode Island. After a season of apprenticing with Stephen Torrisi and Omar Fahmy, and proving my great work ethic, I decided to further my career with the 855-RILAWNS family. As of 2016, I am a Rhode Island Certified Horticulturist and working on my Invasive Plant Manager Certification.
As a very detail oriented personality, I strive to help customers achieve their ideal property whether it be through regular clean ups, trimming and pruning. No aspiration is too big or out of reach when we’re on the job and please feel free to share your ideas with us because our goal is customer satisfaction.
Will Lasser – Junior Production Manager
Hi, my name is Will Lasser. I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and I recently moved to Rhode Island to pursue a career in landscaping. Before joining 855-RILAWNS I gained experience as a commercial landscaper at JML landscaping, a large company in Pennsylvania. Although I enjoyed my experience at JML, I began to shift my attention toward finding a smaller company that was more focused on providing sustainable and environmentally friendly lawn care solutions.
Once I found the 855-RILAWNS family, I immediately knew that this was the place for me. I started at 855-RILAWNS with basic property maintenance and detail work, and due to my diligence and attention to detail, I quickly worked my way up to become a Junior Production Manager.
Today, my responsibilities within the company include providing estimates, inspecting properties, overseeing the crews on the job, and ensuring the highest quality work for our clients. My ultimate goal is to provide customers with the most honest and transparent service while maintaining the utmost excellence in terms of quality and workmanship.
