Frank Mariani – Founder and Executive Chairman, Mariani Premier Group

In 1973 Frank Mariani became President of Mariani Landscape at 19 years old following the tragic passing of his father, Vito Mariani, Sr. who had founded the company in 1958.  Under Frank’s leadership, what began as a small residential landscape firm working primarily in Lake Forest and Highland Park has grown into an 800+ employee company that specializes in high-end residential landscape design, construction, and maintenance across the area of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and beyond. Under Frank’s leadership, the company has received numerous awards for excellence in all aspects of landscaping.  Now, Frank is leading the creation of the country’s first national, premium residential landscaping platform.  Over the past 3 years, Frank has built the Mariani Premier Group into a family of well over a dozen of the nation’s finest landscaping firms with operations across the country.

Frank has served on the Board of Directors for NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals).  He is also a past President of the NALP Foundation board.  Frank serves on the board of several local businesses and charities. He is a Past President of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association and was honored as Man of the Year in 1994. He has also served as President and Board Member of the Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show for over 10 years.  Frank was a member of the Chicago Chapter of Young Presidents Organization and is currently a member of the World President Organization. In 2009 he was inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.