Predisposing him to a career with plants, Gabe grew up in New York on a small farm growing potatoes and hay. While in high school he started working at a local golf course and eventually pursued education at Rutgers University for Turf Management. His career in building and maintaining high-end golf courses brought him to north Idaho in 2006 where he continued to work for private golf clubs until making the small leap over to the landscape industry in 2012. His extensive background in soils, botany, and irrigation management helped him excel in maintaining landscapes as he went on to pursue his arborist certification and continue to grow his skillset. Gabe started RootsUp in 2017 to create a company that would allow him to best serve his clients and their landscapes with committed and thoughtful customer care, while implementing sensible best-practices to help build and nurture landscapes. Gabe is most proud of the long-term relationships he’s built with RootsUp clientele.

Any of Gabe’s free time is typically spent chasing his wife and son around the mountains of Idaho on anything with two wheels or skis. A huge fan of Idaho winters, Gabe also volunteers with the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center as their Board President and an avalanche educator.

Elizabeth, who everyone just calls Liz, developed an interest in plants and nature from a young age – following her grandfather through his garden and picking green beans from the vine or accidentally pulling up her mom’s irises while weeding the garden.  Since getting her start in the landscape industry in 2010, she has worked in nurseries, cared for ponds and water features, worked on an organic vegetable farm, and maintained a wide variety of landscapes and plants across diverse settings.  She graduated from Washington State University in 2011, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture with an emphasis in ecological design.  In 2018 she became an ISA Certified Arborist and achieved her Tree Risk Assessment (TRAQ) Qualification in 2024.

Liz joined RootsUp Plant Health Care in 2017 shortly after its founding and has at some point or another filled just about every role and done every job possible to support the company as it has grown.  These days she spends most of her time supporting techs and crews with her extensive field experience, working behind the scenes leading the management team as General Manager, and sharing cool facts about plants and trees with anyone who will listen.  She lives with her husband and daughter in Spirit Lake, where they spend as much time as possible relaxing at home in the yard.

Shilow has been part of the Coeur d’Alene community since 1993. Shilow established deep roots in the area, building a life centered around family, business, and a strong connection to the outdoors. She earned a bachelor’s degree in 2022 and applies her skills to small businesses.

She is a proud wife and mother of three daughters and two sons. Living in the Spirit Lake area, Shilow embraces the beauty of nature, spending her free time exploring the great outdoors that the North Idaho region is known for. She is a testament to the power of grit, hard work, and the importance of balance in life.

Michael Kuipers has built an impressive career through dedication, adaptability, and hands-on leadership. After graduating high school in 1995, he began his professional journey working in pizza parlors, where he developed a strong work ethic and team collaboration skills.

In 2000, Michael joined Valley Vinyl, a manufacturing company specializing in high-precision indoor and outdoor window shutters and French doors. He began as an assembly line worker, hand-designing products to fit within .003 of an inch, demonstrating his precision and

attention to detail. Over time, his commitment and leadership abilities earned him a promotion to Operations Manager. In this role, he oversaw the 130,000-square-foot facility and its team of over 150 employees, honing his skills in large-scale operational management.

Seeking new opportunities, Michael relocated to Sheridan, Wyoming, where he managed a Grease Monkey lube shop. Under his leadership, the business expanded from a single location to six locations across four states, showcasing his talent for growth strategy and operational efficiency.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Michael to pivot his career path. He joined Roots Up as a spray technician and quickly worked his way up to the role of Operations Manager. In this capacity, he has continued to demonstrate his expertise in team management and operational excellence.

Michael’s career is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence in every endeavor.

Hannah, a native of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, developed a deep connection to nature from a young age. After graduating from Lake City High School, she worked in food and beverage from the age of 16 to 23. However, the challenges of 2020 prompted her to reevaluate her career path, leading her to discover a passion for plant health care. What started as a simple job watering plants in a nursery quickly grew into a lifelong interest, and Hannah began immersing herself in everything she could learn about plant care and sustainability.

In 2022, Hannah joined RootsUp Plant Health Care, initially starting as a pruner. Through her dedication and commitment, Hannah has taken on increasing responsibilities, eventually managing the department and serving as an Account Manager. Her journey from humble beginnings to running a successful department highlights her commitment to both personal growth and her love for the natural world. Today, Hannah continues to pursue her passion for plant health and helping others care for the environment around them.

Passionate about Plants & Developing People

Brandon is originally from Albemarle County Virginia and moved to North Idaho in Spring 2023 to be closer to family. He is a Rutgers University Turf Management Graduate, a licensed pesticide applicator, and a former Virginia licensed horticulturalist. His past experiences were managing golf turf, and high end residential / commercial landscapes in the foothills of Virginia and managing numerous teams. He brings over 13 years well rounded landscape experience to the table.