Our Experts

Roy Altaras is a certified horticulturist and licensed landscape contractor. With over two decades of experience designing and constructing outdoor environments, he has a wealth of knowledge to offer his clients. Though he specializes in unique landscape design, Mediterranean gardens, artistic stone, and wood and concrete work, Roy Altaras Landscape Design & Build offers comprehensive garden services, handling every aspect from initial design to final installation.

Maria Baer is the founder and lead organizer of The Baer Minimalist. Founded in 2017, her company specializes in helping customers create efficient and fashionable living spaces, aiming to reduce clutter and stress through customized, easy-to-maintain structures. Whenever approaching a new project, Baer tries to highlight the things that matter most and find a better system for being both organized + stylized.

Emma Grace Crumbley is the resident entomologist for Mosquito Squad, a mosquito and tick control company. Prior to her August 2022 appointment, she earned two bachelor's degrees (one in applied biotechnology and another in entomology) at the University of Georgia. Crumbley's other notable career experiences include time as a butterfly/horticulture assistant at the Day Butterfly Center and head zookeeper at the University of Georgia Insect Zoo.

Bryan Clayton is the CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, an online service that connects homeowners with local lawn care professionals. With over 22 years of experience in the landscaping industry, Clayton has built a reputation for developing practical, efficient solutions that enhance both residential and commercial properties. Before starting GreenPal, he successfully founded and grew Peachtree Inc., a landscaping company that he expanded to over $10 million in annual revenue before selling. Clayton's expertise in landscaping has made him a trusted voice in the industry, known for his hands-on approach and commitment to promoting sustainable practices.

Matt DiBara is the owner of DiBara Masonry – an Italian immigrant-built masonry that goes back four generations, and is ranked five stars on Google, Yelp, and HomeAdvisor. He's known as the 'undercover contractor', who works with celebrity clients and everyday homeowners to provide advice and insight about how to manage construction projects. He is now passing along his knowledge to other contractors via his course "The Contractor Hiring Course" and by way of growing their businesses directly with The Contractor Consultants.

Dr. Jim Fredericks is a board-certified entomologist and the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). He received his BS in Biology Education from Millersville University of Pennsylvania in 1995 and his MS in Entomology from The University of Delaware in 2001.

In 2012, Dr. Fredericks received his Ph.D in Entomology and Wildlife Ecology from the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. His Ph.D research involved subterranean termite foraging behavior with respect to in-ground termite bait stations under field conditions.

Prior to his role with the NPMA, Dr. Fredericks spent 11.5 years working as a techincal director for a large regional pest control company, where he was responsible for product selection, treatment protocol development, service quality assurance technical training.

Rhonda Kaiser is best known for being a social media influencer and content creator for Southern Home and Farm. She focuses on all things garden, vintage home and design. She has been featured on many websites (Our Faux Farmhouse, Gardening Know How, Angi, and Hobby Farms), Instagram accounts (Antique Farm House, Pottery Barn, Ballard Designs, Cottages and Bungalows, The Happy Gardening Life, Kellogg Garden, Burpee, Gardener's Supply Co, Country Sampler Farmhouse Style, and Country Sampler, just to name a few) and magazines (Better Homes and Gardens, American Farmhouse Style, In Her Garden, Texas Gardener and Flea Market Décor).

Artem Kropovinsky is the founder of Arsight, a global award-winning design firm with over a decade of experience in residential and commercial interior design. With a cohesive team of professionals, Arsight specializes in tackling complex projects, including new constructions, complete residential renovations, restaurants, and retail stores. Their designs embrace authenticity and originality, utilizing natural materials and handcrafted elements for a unique and cohesive aesthetic.

Jason Pietruszka has over 14 years of experience with construction, development, and design. With over 250 single-family homes built and more projects under his belt than can be counted, his passion remains the creative element of the job. He is active on most social platforms, teaching and inspiring the next generation to learn the skill sets needed to continue building and being creative.

Charles van Rees, Ph.D. is a conservation scientist and naturalist. With a long career in the field of ecology, van Rees comes equipped with a variety of expertise. After graduating with honors from Connecticut College with bachelor's degrees in ecology and environmental science, he spent time on multiple avian-focused ecology projects. In 2018, he earned a Ph.D. in biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and behavior from the University of Georgia. Since 2021, van Rees has been sharing his thoughts on nature via his website, Gulo in Nature.

Bilal Rehman is a distinguished luxury interior designer and tastemaker renowned for his innovative work in residential and commercial spaces, alongside his avant-garde design collections. Rising from an internship to a senior designer role within four years at his previous firm, Rehman launched his own venture in October 2022, Bilal Rehman Studio. In January 2023, Rehman gained widespread acclaim on social media due to his genuine and humorous approach in video content. Spearheaded by his sister Maya, this social media initiative has significantly boosted his and his studio's visibility, leading to new opportunities such as the Bilal Rehman Gallery.

Kash Sobhe is a third-generation expert in rugs and fabrics. His grandfather founded their family business in Iran in 1953, and his father, Dr. Kay, has dedicated over 55 years to the industry. As the first and only Certified Master Rug Cleaner in Los Angeles, Sobhe is also a WoolSafe Certified Fiber Care Specialist and one of the few Certified Color Restoration Specialists in the United States. Sobhe continues the family tradition by caring for rugs, animal hides, upholstery, textiles, and other fabrics through cleaning, repair, recoloring, restoration, and customization. He frequently lectures and teaches the art and science of rug and fabric care. You can follow his daily adventures in the fabric world on Instagram @KashSobhe.

Dr. Lori is an antiques' appraiser, award-winning media personality, and the director of her eponymous art, antiques, and thrift shopping resource. Her YouTube channel @DrLoriV has over 44 million views and counting. She has made appearances on a variety of TV series, including "The Curse of Oak Island," "Pawn Stars Do America," "The King of Collectibles," "The Bobby Bones Show," "The Tonight Show," and "Inside Edition." Additionally, her expertise have been shared in articles with House Digest, Newsweek, People, Redfin, and Good Housekeeping.

Jon Wiest is the owner of Ripped Jeans Construction, a home remodeling business based in Aurora, Illinois. As a member of the National Tile Contractors Association, Wiest's operation focuses on custom bathrooms, tile installation and repair, and remodeling homes for people with disabilities.