MEET THE LACOSTA TEAM
Leadership
ROB JOHNSON
CEO and Owner
Rob joined LACOSTA over 30 years ago and excels as the CEO because of his extensive knowledge in Site Operations and desire for long term customer relationships. He attended the University of Illinois before joining the Facility Services Industry in the late 80s. As one of LACOSTA’s most humble team members, Rob has exceptional knowledge and experience in the industry… But you’ll never hear him bragging about it.
His Superpower: he’s a pilot!
His Superpower: he’s a pilot!
KARLA MOTA JOHNSON
President and Owner
Karla Johnson has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and passion for people that have proven to be key drivers of LACOSTA’s success. Inspired by her mother and father’s property management and cleaning business in the 70s, Karla founded LACOSTA in 1987 and has been steadily growing the company since. Karla attended Ripon College for her undergraduate degree before attending Northwestern’s Executive MBA program.
Her Superpower: she was called the Queen of Clean by her early customers and was even gifted white inspection gloves.
Her Superpower: she was called the Queen of Clean by her early customers and was even gifted white inspection gloves.
Janitorial Division Leadership Team
JAIME HARLEN
Senior Director of Operations
Jaime has 5 years in the janitorial industry and 15 years of multi-site management and training to keep improving our client’s results! Jaime is Diversey Floor Care certified – Hard Floor Care, Carpet Care; Matting Analysis, OSHA 10, and Restroom Cleaning Certified (ISSA).
Her Superpower: The ability to see the strengths in people and build upon those strengths to guide them into being the leader they were meant to be and achieve outstanding results.
Her Superpower: The ability to see the strengths in people and build upon those strengths to guide them into being the leader they were meant to be and achieve outstanding results.
GENEVIEVE WALLS
District Manager
Genevieve has been with LACOSTA for over 3 years, beginning her career as an Operations Manager and eventually working her way up to Senior Operations Manager and then to District Manager. She is a hard-working, dedicated team member who always looks to do her best to help everyone around her.
Her Superpower: Dedicated – I never back down from a challenge and always strive for continuous improvement while seeing a task through to the very end.
Her Superpower: Dedicated – I never back down from a challenge and always strive for continuous improvement while seeing a task through to the very end.
LERAI HICKS
District Manager
LeRai has been with LACOSTA for over 4 years and combines a wealth of knowledge with boundless energy to provide top-level service for LACOSTA and its clients. LeRai is a graduate of Calhoun College and holds an OSHA 10 certification.
His Superpower: I’m a team building master, like Nick Fury bringing the Avengers. Together I love taking different people and putting them into positions where they can excel. As well as being the life of the party, I always bring the ENERGY!
His Superpower: I’m a team building master, like Nick Fury bringing the Avengers. Together I love taking different people and putting them into positions where they can excel. As well as being the life of the party, I always bring the ENERGY!
Labor Division Leadership Team
MIKE PARKS
Director of Operations
With a degree in business from The University of Mississippi, Mike has 23 years of experience in contract labor services and 15 years in finance. Mike has worked with the LACOSTA team for 15 years. He is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and in OSHA 10 and 30 standards.
His Superpower: the ability to spot problems just by walking a site.
His Superpower: the ability to spot problems just by walking a site.
MATTHEW ROOSA
District Manager
Matthew has over 20 years of experience in various roles in Manufacturing, including Process Engineering, IT, and Operations Management. His unique skillset and deep industry experience make him a perfect fit for the compliance and process improvement role.
His Superpower: A unique blend of traits for that perfect cocktail of results. He’s just sweet enough to take out the bite but still pack a punch!
His Superpower: A unique blend of traits for that perfect cocktail of results. He’s just sweet enough to take out the bite but still pack a punch!
Sanitation and Industrial Cleaning Leadership Team
JASON GSCHEIDMEIER
Director of Operations
Jason brings over 20 years of senior management and leadership experience within sales, marketing, and manufacturing/operations to the LACOSTA team. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a Master’s of Business Administration in addition to being Six Sigma certified.
His Superpower: Prepare and bring to life the potential for people, strategies, and systems to accomplish great things.
His Superpower: Prepare and bring to life the potential for people, strategies, and systems to accomplish great things.
JEFF MAES
District Manager
Jeff joins the LACOSTA team with over 30 years of finish trade experience, and an OSHA 10 and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification!
His Superpower: The ability to provide customers with timely, cost-effective solutions for their special needs, no matter the size or scope.
His Superpower: The ability to provide customers with timely, cost-effective solutions for their special needs, no matter the size or scope.
TRAVIS JEWELL
District Manager
Travis has been with LACOSTA for 2 years and brings over 7 years of Industrial Sanitation experience to the role. He is OSHA-30/HAZWHOPPER-40 certified and also holds certifications in Forklift/Skid steer/Vac Truck rigging.
His Superpower: I am a fish whisperer and can catch any type of fish on any given day!
His Superpower: I am a fish whisperer and can catch any type of fish on any given day!
DALE BABB
District Manager
Dale brings over 30 years of experience with Industrial Cleaning, Logistics, Construction, and General Industry to the LACOSTA team. He has a background in Operations Management, Marketing and Sales and holds OSHA 500 & 510 Trainer Certifications, along with multiple Industrial Equipment and Safety Certifications.
His Superpower: I’m the guy who can hold a conversation with any stranger I may meet
His Superpower: I’m the guy who can hold a conversation with any stranger I may meet
Corporate Team
JEFF JOHNSON
National Business Resource Director
Jeff joined LACOSTA in 2011 as a Lean Process Coordinator, but quickly earned his operational stripes when he was tapped to fill a District Manager position. After 2.5 years of managing delivery in LACOSTA’s Midwest District, he was promoted to Regional Director before becoming the National Sales Director in 2017 and National Business Resource Director in 2020. Jeff is a certified workload specialist and works directly with many new customer relationships. Jeff graduated from the University of Kentucky where he majored in communications and minored in English.
His Superpower: price breakout wizardry!
His Superpower: price breakout wizardry!
LAUREN MCCAULEY
Sales Representative
Lauren joined the LACOSTA family in 2021 bringing an amazing attitude, sales experience and customer service skills that are unmatched. Lauren studied at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and is proud to have them as a LACOSTA customer today.
Her Superpower: Southern Hospitality – Lauren’s Cajun roots and southern charm put everyone at ease instantly.
Her Superpower: Southern Hospitality – Lauren’s Cajun roots and southern charm put everyone at ease instantly.
AUSTIN ROGERS
Inside Sales Developer
Austin joined LACOSTA in 2020 bringing over 4 years of inside sales experience to the team, ensuring we’re connecting with the right businesses that we can provide the best results for.
His Superpower: Can make anyone smile in just seconds!
His Superpower: Can make anyone smile in just seconds!
DANNI CANTU
Sales & Contract Administrator
Danni joined the team in 2019 and has been a valuable employee since her first day. She has exceptional customer service skills, maintains customer portals like a pro and answers RFP’s like a boss!
Her Superpower: The ability to see through the legal jargon in a service agreement with her x-ray vision.
Her Superpower: The ability to see through the legal jargon in a service agreement with her x-ray vision.
SABRINA POWERS
Training Development and Procedures Controller
Sabrina joined LACOSTA in February 2022 with over 10 years of experience in management and training. Her passion for relationship building and having a true understanding of the people who are being trained have been a key reason why she has been so successful in her many years of experience.
Her Superpower: Relationship Builder – Sabrina is completely focused on the learning and the learner, building authentic, lasting connections
Her Superpower: Relationship Builder – Sabrina is completely focused on the learning and the learner, building authentic, lasting connections
YAHAIRA ESPINOZA
Training & Communication Specialist
With over 5 years tenure on the LACOSTA team and extensive experience in training and development. Yahaira specializes in training program design, as well as LMS development and administration.
Her Superpower: super speed and the ability to create training modules like there’s no tomorrow.
Her Superpower: super speed and the ability to create training modules like there’s no tomorrow.
MARTHA NORDIN
Payroll Specialist
Martha joined LACOSTA in 2021 with multiple years’ experience payroll processing, accounts payable processing and accounts receivable processing. Her associates degree and accounting certifications are used each day as she ensures accurate and timely payment to our team members.
Her Superpower: Energy – She is like the Energizer Bunny and just keeps going!
Her Superpower: Energy – She is like the Energizer Bunny and just keeps going!
KAHINA ZANOUNE
Senior Accounting Analyst
With a Master’s in Statistics and Applied Economics, Kahina is a five-year veteran at LACOSTA. Our financial team benefits from Kahina’s prior experience in janitorial, cleaning and labor services.
Her Superpower: finding a solution for every problem.
Her Superpower: finding a solution for every problem.
ALEJANDRA GARZA
Accounting Manager
Alejandra has been with LACOSTA since 2015, starting in a role as a Staff Accountant and working her way up to Accounting Manager. She has over 13 years of accounting experience and is a graduate of DePaul University
Her Superpower: Seeing the positive in everyone
Her Superpower: Seeing the positive in everyone
LESLEY SALVON
Accounts Receivable Specialist
A tenured member of our LACOSTA team, Lesley has been with the company for 14 years. Before joining the team, Lesley received a Bachelor’s degree from Montana State University, then spent some time in Texas and Colorado in sales support and customer admin roles.
Her Superpower: as a LACOSTA recycling queen, she isn’t opposed to pulling stuff out of the garbage in order to recycle.
Her Superpower: as a LACOSTA recycling queen, she isn’t opposed to pulling stuff out of the garbage in order to recycle.
WANDA SIIRO
Accounts Payable Specialist
With over 35 years of accounting experience, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Wanda to the LACOSTA team!
His Superpower: A smile that can even warm a Grinch’s heart.
His Superpower: A smile that can even warm a Grinch’s heart.
RAJ KAUR
Executive Recruiter
Raj has worked with LACOSTA for over 9 years and excels at sourcing and retaining exceptional talent for LACOSTA and its clients. With an MBA from Northcentral University and experience in the education field, Raj brings a diverse wealth of knowledge to the LACOSTA team.
Her Superpower: the ability to find the perfect employee for an open position while standing on one leg.
Her Superpower: the ability to find the perfect employee for an open position while standing on one leg.
NATHEN JOHNSON
Director of Technology and Hourly Talent Acquisition
Nathen has worked at LACOSTA since 2011 and has over 4 years of experience in sales and digital marketing. He is a graduate of The George Washington University with a Double Major in Psychology and Entrepreneurship
His Superpower: Loving a good challenge (and kickboxing!)
His Superpower: Loving a good challenge (and kickboxing!)
BRITTANY SABEN
Recruiting Manager
Brittany has been with LACOSTA since 2022. She has experience in Recruiting, Social Media Marketing, Sales, and Management and her positive attitude and strong work ethic make her a valuable addition to the team.
Her Superpower: The ability to relate to others and create positive interactions both in the field and when working from home.
Her Superpower: The ability to relate to others and create positive interactions both in the field and when working from home.
LEAH LINK
Recruiter and Project Specialist
Leah is a former teacher who assisted during the pandemic with students of various ages and needs. She is also an entrepreneur who started her own business as a licensed roofing contractor. She holds a BA from Bradley University and two master’s degrees, one from St. Xavier University and one from National Louis University
Her Superpower: Resiliency – I pride myself on my ability to withstand and/or recover quickly from difficulties. The most successful people see adversity not as a stumbling block, but as a stepping stone to greatness.
Her Superpower: Resiliency – I pride myself on my ability to withstand and/or recover quickly from difficulties. The most successful people see adversity not as a stumbling block, but as a stepping stone to greatness.
JENNA POWERS
Recruiting and Engagement Specialist
Jenna has a background in both customer service and human services within a wide range of industries and is working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management and Business Administration.
Her Superpower: Continuing my education while learning how to improve professionally. By efficiently communicating, I can juggle school, work, coaching, and leading my college cheerleading team.
Her Superpower: Continuing my education while learning how to improve professionally. By efficiently communicating, I can juggle school, work, coaching, and leading my college cheerleading team.
VANESSA CARRANZA
Recruiter
Vanessa is a new addition to the LACOSTA team. She joins the team with a strong background in bilingual recruiting and training. She is a certified Human Resources professional and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Universidad Javeriana Colombia
Her Superpower: Persistence, I will do everything in my power to help and achieve any goal even if I have to try 101 times
Her Superpower: Persistence, I will do everything in my power to help and achieve any goal even if I have to try 101 times
ALLISON PAEZ
Recruiting Administrator
Allison has been a LACOSTA team member since 2022. She has multiple years of experience in customer service, data entry, and admin related fields.
Her Superpower: Super detail oriented. Can spot errors within seconds and produce employee numbers with ease!
Her Superpower: Super detail oriented. Can spot errors within seconds and produce employee numbers with ease!