Meet the Whelans Team
In 2006, Whelans started with a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence.
Eric Whelan
I started in the industry with my first paid job and it's been my career ever since. I worked my way up through every role imaginable, eventually hitting the ceiling at my second employer. I was offered a partnership with my employer at the time, but chose to join my brothers Sean and Johnny to help scale Whelans. Nearly 10 years later, I'm still here, proud of what we've built together.
What I love most about running Whelans is building and improving, always making things better than how we found them. I'm passionate about process, innovation, and doing things outside the box. I thrive on challenging projects that push us to grow as a company, and I enjoy working with our team and clients, many of whom have become close friends or family.
What makes us different is our client relationships. We earn trust over time and treat every property like it's our own. Our team culture is built on respect, empowerment, and accountability. I believe "stuff rolls uphill" (accountability starts at the top). We've expanded to become a one-stop shop for property care, saving clients time and hassle.
I grew up in Midtown Omaha and love this city's big-city feel with small-town character. People are genuine here. I've built lifelong friendships through work and community, and Omaha's energy makes it a great place to grow a business.
I'm a new dad to Emmy Brooks (born April 2025), so family time is everything now. When I can sneak away from my wife, Samantha, I spend weekends in the shop working out new ideas, testing new equipment, and working on projects. I have an entrepreneurial mindset, always striving to be the best at what we do while building a company that reflects our values and serves our community.
Background
- Attended St. Cecilia's, Omaha Central, and UNO.
- 15+ years of industry experience with certifications in turf, hardscape, softscape, and irrigation.
- Loves traveling when he and Samantha can sneak away.
- Believes in transparency, ownership, and continuous improvement.
Sean Whelan
We started Whelans back in high school because my parents had us working on their properties and projects, but they didn't pay us for it. I figured if I was going to put in the effort, I might as well do something that earned a paycheck.
In 2020, I stepped away to pursue a corporate career, where I gained experience in sales, business management and growth, and customer relations. I returned to Whelans in January 2025 excited to bring those skills back and help grow the company.
What I enjoy most is working directly with clients and being part of a great team. Many customers know they want their properties to look their best but aren't sure how to get there. Being able to guide them, share solutions, and deliver their vision is very rewarding. I also love our team culture — we've built an environment where everyone can count on one another.
I was born and raised in Omaha, and this city will always be home. One of the things I love most is the sense of community — it still feels like a small town where everybody knows somebody. Working in landscaping has given me the opportunity to build meaningful connections with so many people, and I'm grateful to play a part in making the city even more beautiful.
I value building strong, lasting relationships. Over the years, I've been fortunate to see clients become friends — people who started out as customers now come to family events or gatherings. That's important to me, because Whelans isn't just a company people hire — we're a team that clients can count on and trust.
Background
- Omaha Central High School (2015), UNO double major in Accounting and Business Management (2019), MBA from UNO (2021).
- One of seven siblings, uncle to nine nieces and nephews.
- Enjoys exploring new restaurants around Omaha and checking out development projects.
- Recently picked up golf and admits to losing more balls than he's willing to count.
Mike Turone
Director of Sales & Client Relations
I came back to Omaha after spending time in Napa, looking for a company where I could think freely and help build something meaningful. Whelans was exactly that opportunity.
Omaha is an exciting place to be right now. The city is growing rapidly — not just in landscaping, but across so many industries. There's real energy here, real opportunity, and a strong sense of community pride. Being part of that growth feels meaningful.
My approach is design-driven. I focus on understanding what clients truly want, communicating clearly throughout the process, and delivering with a level of detail that reflects genuine craftsmanship. Every project is a chance to create something both beautiful and functional.
What I love most is the creative process—taking a client’s dream, translating it into a clear vision, and then executing it with quality and care. There’s something deeply satisfying about helping people see possibilities they hadn't imagined for their outdoor spaces. That moment when a client realizes we've created exactly what they hoped for is what it's all about.
Background
- Attended Dundee, Omaha Central, and UNO.
- 10+ years of industry experience with certifications in hardscape and softscape.
- Design-driven approach to landscape projects with a focus on client vision and quality execution.
- Enjoys golfing and traveling to experience the world's culinary scene.
- Proud owner of two black labs, Lucky and Rowdy.
Lynn Menke
HR Generalist
I love puzzles, but literally and figuratively. And now I'm helping find all the right pieces here at Whelans.
I've always been drawn to the technical side of building systems that help organizations run better. But what's kept me in HR for 20+ years is the relationships. A great HR system is only successful if it makes people's lives better. That's the part I never want to lose sight of.
Before joining Whelans, I worked on HR digital transformation at scale — 29 back-to-back module implementations for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, and full digitization of 2,000+ employee files for the Nebraska Department of Corrections. Through it all, I keep the real people on the other end of every process in mind.
At Whelans, I'm focused on building out the HR department so leadership and the crew can stay focused on what they do best: property care and customer relations.
I've lived in the Omaha area my whole life and I'm proud to be part of a local company that shapes the beauty of this community. When I'm not digging into systems, I'm usually in the kitchen baking — it’s my favorite way to decompress and get creative! I also love being able to share the finished products with my family and friends. something worth sharing.
Background
- B.S. in Human Resources; SHRM-CP certified.
- Google AI Certification for Professionals; continuing study in AI applications within HR.
- 20+ years specializing in HR digital transformation and HRIS.
- Lifelong Omaha-area resident.
Join Us
GROWTH at Whelans
If you're looking for a place where your contributions are valued and you can truly put down professional roots, we'd love to meet you.
Grow: Professionally and personally
Respect: For teammates, customers, and yourself
Own It: Take responsibility for your work
Willing to Learn: Always be improving
Trustworthy: Do what you say you'll do
Happy: Life's too short not to enjoy what you do
Our Promise
Whelans will treat your property as if it were our own
Every family deserves an outdoor area that enhances their quality of life. Whether that’s a magazine-worthy backyard oasis, or simply a lawn where kids can play without tracking in half the neighborhood.
Many of our first clients from 2006 are still with us. We've watched saplings grow into trees we now trim, and kids become homeowners.
Our business only thrives when our customers come back for more than a single season. Work with us, and you’ll see how that mindset informs everything we do.
Contact Whelans
Experience the Whelans Standard of Excellence
Your Neighbors Trust Whelans
"Wonderful company with great customer service. They are always there when they say they will be, prices are always what they were quoted, and our lawn looks amazing. Do yourself a favor by giving them a shot."
Kirk Rohman
"Whelans has been providing lawn services to us for several years now. We have been so pleased. It has been worth every penny to have a green, well-kept yard without the headache of having to mow in the heat, worry about fertilizers, etc. Highly recommend!"
Kate Rahel
"We have been using Whelans at both our home and commercial business building for years, and they are top notch!"
Craig Kelley