The Team
Over the last 25 years, we’ve grown from a one-man operation into an award-winning team dedicated to exceptional outdoor design and construction. We take pride in creating extraordinary spaces where your family can build lasting memories for years to come.
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Hans has always had a strong work ethic, high energy, and an entrepreneurial mindset, knowing early on he wanted to build something of his own. After a year at St. Cloud State, he leaned into his passion for working outdoors and with his hands, ultimately founding Outdoor Excapes in 2001. Today as CEO, Hans leads a team of 35+ dedicated to designing and building some of the Twin Cities’ finest outdoor spaces.
Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, flying, snowmobiling, boating, and spending time with his wife, Keaton, and their kids, Jaxon and Makenna.
HANS FREES
President/ Founder
Keaton is a creative at heart. With a strong construction background shaped by years of remodeling homes and hands-on design work, she brings a uniquely informed perspective to every project, blending beauty with function in a way that feels both elevated and livable.
Outside of work, Keaton enjoys traveling, reading, live music, and spending time with her husband, Hans, their children, and her beloved animals.
KEATON FREES
Principal/ Interior Design
Sarah brings a natural ability to connect with people and build lasting relationships. With a positive, approachable presence, she supports business development efforts and helps drive meaningful growth for Outdoor Excapes.
Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on her son at sporting events, serving on a local nonprofit board, and making the most of summer. In her free time, you’ll often find her hiking, exploring new restaurants, or enjoying live music.
SARAH PETERS
Business Developer
With over a decade at Outdoor Excapes, Drew has developed a strong expertise in both landscape and architectural design. As lead designer, he’s known for creating thoughtful, collaborative, and inspired outdoor spaces. He enjoys working closely with clients and industry partners to bring each vision to life.
Outside of work, Drew stays busy with his three kids and enjoys playing guitar, tackling home projects, and relaxing with friends.
DREW TORRENCE
Designer
Madeleine joined Outdoor Excapes after earning her Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Minnesota. She brings strong skills in drafting, rendering, and material knowledge, along with a lifelong passion for residential design. Known for her calm, detail-oriented approach, she creates a collaborative and seamless experience for clients.
Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, spending time with family and friends, and soaking up time outdoors.
MADELEINE GEISLINGER
Designer
Annie holds her Bachelor's of Science degree in Environmental Horticulture & Landscape Design from the University of Minnesota and has over a decade of landscape design experience. With a deep knowledge and love of plants, she creates thoughtful, function landscapes tailored to elevate each client's lifestyle.
Outside of work, Annie enjoys time with her kids exploring gardens, boating and finding the best local ice cream spots.
ANNIE GRIFFIN
Designer
Amy joined Outdoor Excapes with 15 years of residential design experience and a degree in Interior Design from the University of Minnesota. As a project coordinator, she excels at planning, organization, and keeping projects running smoothly from start to finish. Known for her detail-oriented mindset and laid-back personality, she’s a great fit for both clients and the team.
Outside of work, she enjoys time with family and a busy schedule following her two sons' youth sports events. You can usually catch her outdoors, accompanied by a good soundtrack.
AMY EAKMAN
Project Coordinator
Lizzi is the Office Manager at Outdoor Excapes and often the first friendly face you’ll meet. She keeps everything running smoothly with her organization, humor, and welcoming personality.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, making homemade pierogis, and getting creative through painting and crocheting. She’s also a fan of live music and kayaking, and is a proud cat mom to Viper.
LIZZI MCKINNEY
Office Manager
Lauren joined Outdoor Excapes in 2023 with a background in residential design and a passion for creating thoughtful outdoor spaces. In her role of Enhacement Sales, she works closely with clients to identify opportunities to elevate their existing landscapes, whether through added features, design updates, or functional imrpovements, she focuses on delivering high-quality solutions and a seamless client experience.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys camping, attending concerts, and spending time outdoors, anything that keeps her close to nature.
LAUREN HAUGEN
Enhancement Sales
Sam began his journey with Outdoor Excapes working summers in the field before transitioning into design. After earning his degree in Agricultural Science from Utah State, he officially joined the team as a Design Assistant in 2025. With both hands-on and academic experience, Sam plays a key role in drafting plans and developing detailed renderings that help bring each project to life. He brings a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and positive energy to every project.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys coaching hockey, golfing, and spending time outdoors.
SAM VOSS
Design Assistant
Josie brings a background in graphic design, branding and marketing. She leads our marketing efforts, shaping the brand through thoughtful design, engaging content, and a consistent, elevated presence.
Outside of work, Josie enjoys teaching group fitness classes at Life Time Fitness, spending time on the lake and caring for her growing collection of houseplants. She also loves long walks with her dog, Maisie, who keeps her busy and makes sure no sunny walk ever gets skipped!
JOSIE VALEK
Marketing
With over 15 years in the landscape industry and nearly a decade at Outdoor Excapes, Austin plays a key role in operations and field management. Known for his reliability and hands-on leadership, he helps keep projects running smoothly while managing snow maintenance and supporting crews.
Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, working on projects at home, and relaxing by the bonfire—usually with country music playing.
AUSTIN BLASHKA
Operations Manager
With over 20 years of experience, Pepe is a skilled craftsman and natural leader in the field. Known for his efficiency and high standards, he leads his team with energy and a passion for quality work. Always eager to learn and take on new challenges, Pepe brings a strong presence to every job site.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids and has a passion for cooking that brings family and friends together.
PEPE PUENTE TREJO
Field Supervisor
Devon joined Outdoor Excapes in 2025 with a background in residential construction. He thrives on problem-solving and managing multiple projects to keep everything moving efficiently. He brings a thoughtful, solutions-focused approach to the team.
Outside of work, Devon enjoys time with his wife, their baby, and their dogs, along with hunting, sports, and working on hands-on projects.
DEVON HARTMAN
Field Supervisor
Jack has been connected to Outdoor Excapes for years and officially joined the team in 2018. Known for his strong work ethic and reliability, he plays a key role in keeping job sites running smoothly. He takes pride in the physical nature of his work and ensuring crews have what they need.
Outside of work, Jack enjoys ice fishing, snowmobiling, and playing hockey with his brother.
JACK VOSS
Driver
MIGUEL RAYA ALMANZA
Foreman
Starting as a laborer and working himself into his current foreman position, Luis has quickly stepped up. He’s attentive to detail and easy going, yet always willing to train others and teach them the ropes. Luis is dedicated and punctual, always planning ahead for what’s next.
Outside of work, Luis enjoys walking, biking, camping, and fishing. His true joy is spending time with his wife, two daughters, his son, three dogs, and a cat. They frequently road trip together to be with family near and far.
LUIS AGUILAR
Foreman
JESUS RAMIREZ
Foreman
JAIME ALMANZA
Foreman
"Our project was an easy experience and the end result
far exceeded my expectations. Very beautiful!!!"
Jill R., Edina, MN