Our Team
In addition to Management and Foreman, our Team consists of Labourers, Equipment Operators and Administrators who all play imperative rolls in the day to day operations of our Company.
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Ryan Politano
OWNER
Ryan started Living Stones in 2006 and has built a company with the most incredible team. His vision is to have an impact on the local community and to those in the global community who are in the greatest need. He has 19 years of hardscaping experience, with certifications in Paving Stones, Aqua Pave, and Segmental Block Retaining Systems. He lives in the Cowichan Valley with his wife and enjoys the outdoors. -
Deen Krol
ESTIMATOR & DESIGNER
Deen has been a cornerstone of the senior management team of Living Stones since 2014. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering but is in his element here in the landscaping industry. A brilliant designer, Deen brings each client’s vision to life. Deen is one of the kindest people you have ever met. He is a husband and father of two who he enjoys being outdoors with when he is not in the office. -
Doug Skubovius
DISPATCHER
Doug started his time at Living Stones in 2018 as our main equipment operator and truck driver but has since come to have a key management role in our company. Doug manages our daily dispatch, safety program, and equipment maintenance program. On top of these responsibilities, Doug gives our young employees wisdom from a compassionate heart that benefits us greatly. Doug lives in Crofton with his dog Rudi, who loves meeting anyone who visits our office. -
Larry Squire
GENERAL MANAGER
Larry joined Living Stones in a full-time role as General Manager in 2021. He brings 30+ years of experience in project management and construction in multiple industries contracting for provincial/municipal government, commercial and residential clients. Larry oversees the project management, administrative and estimating teams at Living Stones and we rely on Larry for execution of projects, logistics, cost estimating, financial management, coaching staff and more. Larry is dedicated to supporting Bethel Missions in Rivas, Nicaragua. -
David Longchamps
ESTIMATOR
David joined the Living Stones team as a commercial estimator and project manager in 2020. He comes to our team with 10 years experience in marine power engineering and his associated math, system design + operation and drawing interpretation skills transitioned perfectly into our commercial projects. He is an excellent communicator with outstanding organizational skills. David lives in the Cowichan Valley with his wife and two kids. -
Steve Lenchuck
PROJECT MANAGER
Steve joined our team in 2022 in a dual capacity as a project manager as well as the manager of our maintenance division. Steve comes to us with a red seal in heavy duty mechanics and ample management experience in the heavy truck and equipment industry. More than this, Steve brings a care for people that is refreshing and inspiring, as well as diligence and professionalism which anyone who meets Steve will attest to. Steve lives in the Cowichan Valley with his wife and four children. -
Kimberly Thompson
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Kimberly joined the Living Stones team in 2021 as a oversight accountant but came on full time as our financial controller in 2023. Kimberly brings a ton of experience in finance from a wide variety of industries. More than that, she brings herself; her care for people and doing the right thing, combined with her astounding organizational and multi tasking skills makes her an incredible asset to this company. Kimberly lives in the Cowichan Valley with her Partner and her son. -
Jonathan Hebden
MECHANIC & FLEET MANAGER
Jonathan started with Living Stones in 2024 as our in house mechanic. You may have seen our trucks around town or our equipment working on a jobsite, this is thanks to Jonathan whose vast knowledge and dedication keeps our fleet running safely and effectively on the roads and job sites. Jonathan is a straight shooter and a man full of integrity that we are lucky to have on our team. Jonathan and his wife live in Crofton with their three children.
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Peter Nielsen
GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT
Peter is a one of a kind guy who has been a valued member of the Living Stones team since 2010. While his primary responsibilities involve serving as our General Superintendent, Peter is also a skilled equipment operator and is currently developing his expertise in the estimating aspects of our business in his new role as Superintendent. Beyond his technical skills, Peter exemplifies strong leadership by consistently demonstrating integrity in his work and interactions, a quality that is truly commendable. He is a loving husband and father of three. In his personal time, Peter enjoys hunting and renovating his home and property. -
Ralf Kempe
FOREMAN
Ralf joined Living Stones in 2018 and brings a diverse range of skills and experience to our team, including landscaping, hardscaping, concrete work, carpentry, and interior renovations. Above all, we appreciate the valuable influence and wisdom he contributes. Ralf and his wife reside in the Cowichan Valley. -
Cam Hounsome
FOREMAN
Cameron joined Living Stones in 2020 as a laborer and was quickly promoted to a foreman within our company. We hold our foremen to high standards of excellence in both industry performance and moral character. Cameron has demonstrated exceptional performance in these areas, and we are pleased to have him as part of our team. Additionally, Cameron serves as the Associate Pastor at Bethel Church in Duncan. He resides in Lake Cowichan with his wife and their three children. -
Wesley Leith
FOREMAN
Wesley has been a foreman at Living Stones since the spring of 2021. He comes from South Africa with vast experience in commercial and residential landscaping and irrigation. It is a true fact that no person has heard one complaint from Wesley; he is a hard working man with a kind heart. Wes and his wife live in the Cowichan Valley with their three children. -
Kevin Way
FOREMAN
Kevin joined Living Stones in 2021 with limited landscaping experience, but he quickly established himself as an excellent foreman, delivering high-quality work in both commercial and residential projects. As a Red Seal mechanic, Kevin brings a diverse set of skills and talents to our team, but nothing comes close to his heart for people. Kevin resides in Crofton with his wife and their two children. -
Dan Rourke
HEAD OF IRRIGATION
Dan joined Living Stones in 2022 as our Head of Irrigation. He was previously the owner of Elite Irrigation, which has now amalgamated with Living Stones to provide premium irrigation services and installations across Vancouver Island. His working relationship with Ryan (Living Stones' owner and founder) began in 2007 through collaboration on various projects in the Cowichan Valley. Dan’s main focus has always been ensuring customer satisfaction by delivering the highest quality products tailored to clients’ needs. He and his wife reside in the Cowichan Valley. Dan's son, Corey, is following in his father’s footsteps and is a skilled irrigation lead hand within our team. -
Graham Muise
FOREMAN
Graham joined Living Stones in 2023, bringing a wealth of talent and experience in the landscaping industry. As an outstanding foreman, his dedication—whether to his projects, his team, our clients, or to overall excellence—is truly commendable. Graham has a passion for the outdoors and photography, and he resides in Nanaimo with his wife and son.
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Chris Anderson
FOREMAN
Chris joined Living Stones in 2023 with a background in concrete finishing. Since joining, he has taken on the position of Foreman in our concrete division. Chris leads by example and demonstrates daily dedication, inspiring our team and impressing clients with high-quality work delivered with professionalism and kindness. We are very grateful to have Chris on our team. Chris resides in the Cowichan Valley with his wife and four children. -
Andy Mueller
MASON
Andy is the longest-serving foreman at Living Stones, having been part of our team since 2012. He is from Germany and holds a Master Mason certification. He brings extensive experience in forming and pouring concrete, building and facing with rock and mortar, laying paving stones, constructing retaining walls, carpentry, and more. Beyond his technical expertise, Andy demonstrates honesty and integrity, and he excels at mentoring others in our trade. He is also famous for his sense of humor. Andy resides in the Cowichan Valley with his wife and their two children.