The landscape industry is a family affair for Rafael. Landscaping has been in his family for generations. Starting with his grandfather’s immigration from Mexico and his fathers’ 40 years in the industry, Rafael grew a passion for the green industry. Starting in elementary school, he would go work with his father on Saturdays to learn how to operate and service all types of landscape equipment. He continued to work during summer breaks, continuing to learn the the ins and outs of this wonderful industry. It was this valuable time with his father, that he settled on his future career.

Rafael attended Joliet Junior College and earned his associate degree in landscape contracting. He then transferred to Illinois State where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business.

In 2009, Rafael started working for another landscape construction company starting as a Maintenance Supervisor and eventually moving into Sales. 

In 2015, Rafael, acting on a call from Greg Semmer would reconnect and begin the process of building Semmer Landscape. Rafael is currently a Vice President and Account Manager. Amongst his many integral roles, he currently works on developing sales, mentoring our production staff, recruits production staff, handles work related injuries, and oversees the IT department.

Most importantly he is proud of his contributions in building Semmer Landscape into one of the top Landscape Companies in Illinois.

In his free time, Rafael spends time with his family. He is an assistant coach for his son’s travel baseball team and traveling to games is a family affair.

Quote: “You can’t win unless you learn to lose”