Knecht’s Staff

Jim Westlund MNLA-CP
Owner, General Manager
Knechts Nurseries
 

I started at Knecht’s in February of 2005 and took over ownership in 2022. I’m a graduate of Northfield High School and Dakota County Technical College. I enjoy working with people and being outdoors. I look forward to every job — whether large or small!  In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, motorcycling and bicycling.

Tracy Bahr MNLA-CP, AA Landscape Horticulture
Office Manager
 

I joined the Knecht’s team in 2016 and my role here has continued to evolve since then. I am involved in every aspect of the business, from accounting to management to plant care. I’m particularly interested in problem solving, and I use that drive to meet every challenge, be it plant or business related. 

Heidi Brosseau MNLA-CP
Landscape Designer
 

I have been a part of the Knecht’s experience since the spring of 2001.  While I have worn many hats, I am currently blessed with the opportunity to share my plant knowledge, creativity, eye for balance, and industry professionalism as Knecht’s Landscape Designer! Many of you got to know me during my years as a dedicated member of the Knecht’s Retail Team, where I would design “on the fly” and help our visitors find the best plant(s) to suit both their site and their needs.  As a designer I continue this mission, and look forward to being a part of the  first step in creating an outdoor experience you can enjoy and be proud of for years to come!

Bernie Emery MNLA-CP, AA Landscape Horticulture
Senior Manager
 
I started here at Knecht’s in 2012 while on an internship through the horticulture program at DCTC.  I have always had a love for the outdoors and gardening.  My husband and I have a huge vegetable garden and our own greenhouses! I hope to be able to answer any gardening questions you may have and look forward to meeting our customers.
 
Patrick Braucher
Retail Lead

Joining the Knecht’s team in the spring of 2021, I have combined my love of gardening, plants, and people. Now my personal garden seems limitless! I continue to learn something new every day and if I don’t know the answer to your question, I will find it. Come in and let’s learn together. In the off season I am involved in theatre arts and education.

Amy Willkomm
Landscape Designer and Landscape Installation
 

We are so fortunate to have such dedicated and knowledgeable employees. These hard working people are the backbone of our staff and we don’t know what we’d do without them!

Area's largest Garden Center. Home of Peak Performance Trees.

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