WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — October 2, 2026 — Sperber Landscape Companies (“SLC” or the “Company”), a leading provider of commercial landscape services across the United States, today announced that it is rebranding to Cultivar Group, has appointed Jeff Kappler as Chief Executive Officer, and has completed a refinancing to support its next phase of growth.
The launch of Cultivar Group reflects the Company’s evolution into a leading national landscape services platform as it has increased its scale, geographic reach, and capabilities since its founding. While the Company’s name is changing, its commitment to customers, employees, and its People First culture remains unchanged.
In horticulture, a cultivar is a plant variety developed through deliberate selection, with characteristics chosen and refined for their exceptional qualities. Cultivar Group was built much the same way, through decades of craftsmanship, trusted local relationships, and operating expertise, brought together company by company, crew by crew, and property by property. Today, Cultivar Group brings together 17 partner companies, pairing trusted local teams with the resources of a national organization, including investments in training, safety, technology, equipment, and leadership development, while preserving the local identities and reputations that distinguish each partner company.
“I am honored to join a company with such a strong culture, talented team, and reputation for service excellence,” said Kappler. “As Cultivar Group, we are building on a tremendous foundation and are well-positioned for continued success. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated employees to accelerate organic growth, expand into new markets, and pursue strategic acquisitions, while modernizing our operations and continuing to deliver exceptional service to our customers.”
Kappler brings more than two decades of leadership experience across industrial, infrastructure, and service businesses. He spent fifteen years at Danaher Corporation before most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer of National Underground Group. Throughout his career, he has focused on operational excellence to support growth, drive efficiencies, and strengthen customer service. Prior to his business career, he served two overseas tours with the United States Marine Corps.
Cultivar Group has also strengthened its leadership team with the addition of Mark Baranczyk as Chief Revenue Officer. Baranczyk brings strategic expertise across marketing, sales, and business development and will help expand opportunities across the Cultivar family of companies, connecting clients with the organization’s broader capabilities while preserving the local relationships and personal service that distinguishes its partner companies.
As part of its next phase of growth, earlier this year Cultivar Group completed a refinancing led by J.P. Morgan and MUFG with participation from Axos Bank. The refinancing provides additional financial flexibility to support organic growth initiatives, strategic acquisitions, and continued investments in the Company’s people, systems, and capabilities. Nexus Capital Management remains the Company’s lead shareholder and continues to support the Company’s long-term strategy.
The Board of Directors is excited to welcome Jeff as Chief Executive Officer and has great confidence in his ability to lead Cultivar Group through its next chapter. With its new leader, new name, and completed refinancing, the Company is well-positioned to continue building on its success and further strengthen its position as one of the leading commercial landscape services providers in the United States.
Anyone can maintain. We cultivate.
About Cultivar Group
Founded in 2019, Cultivar Group is one of the nation’s leading families of commercial landscape companies. Headquartered in Westlake Village, California, Cultivar Group brings together 17 partner companies providing landscape management, design and construction, enhancements, tree and arbor care, irrigation, and water management services. The Company has grown into a leading national platform serving commercial, municipal, and institutional customers across the United States, including resorts, corporate campuses, museums, sports venues, and master-planned communities. Built on a People First culture, Cultivar Group is committed to delivering exceptional service, investing in its employees, and creating long-term value for its customers and stakeholders. Learn more at cultivargroup.com.
Media Contact
Cultivar Group
Mark Baranczyk
Chief Revenue Officer
mbaranczyk@cultivargroup.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-baranczyk/
310-579-6154
