Our team
Dan Oakden – Owner Excavation Specialist - Landscape Design Expert
With over 30 years of experience in structural engineering, excavation, and landscape design, Dan Oakden is the driving force behind Oakden Enterprises. His expertise spans a wide range of residential and commercial projects — including high-rise buildings, highways, and intricate outdoor living spaces.
Dan’s deep understanding of proper compaction and drainage has earned him a reputation for building solutions that truly last. He coined the phrase “Permanent Solutions” to reflect his commitment to structural integrity and long-term performance — because at Oakden Enterprises, walls don’t move and ponds don’t leak.
Blending engineering precision with creative design, Dan specializes in creating and restoring retaining walls, ponds, staircases, and walkways that are not only visually stunning but built to stand the test of time. He remains at the forefront of industry trends and techniques, ensuring every project is both beautiful and functional. From concept to completion, Dan Oakden is dedicated to turning your vision into a reality — with craftsmanship and durability at the core of every design.
Shannon Marie – Owner - Project Manager/ Administrator
With over a decade of service in the U.S. Navy and a professional background spanning customer service, residential and commercial real estate, residential construction, Shannon brings a powerful blend of discipline, creativity, and heart to every client she serves. A proud resident who raised her children and grandchildren right here, Shannon knows El Paso and Teller Counties like a trusted friend. Her deep local knowledge, combined with a sharp eye for detail and a personal approach, makes her a true asset to this company. Shannon believes every client is unique—and that’s exactly how she treats them. She works closely with you to understand your vision, respect your budget, and deliver smart, tailored solutions that work. Her top-tier marketing, scheduling, and administrative skills ensure smooth project flow from start to finish. But what truly sets Shannon apart? It’s her genuine kindness, rock-solid integrity, and people-first attitude. Clients don’t just work with her—they trust her.
Tyler – Foreman
With more than 6 years of hands-on landscaping experience, Tyler brings passion, precision, and pride to every project. His sharp mind, unmatched work ethic, and eye for detail make him a natural leader—and the perfect fit as our Foreman. Tyler’s not just great at what he does—he inspires those around him to bring their best, every single day. His leadership style strikes the perfect balance between motivation and mentorship, driving the team forward while ensuring quality and service. Whether he’s guiding the crew or fine-tuning the finishing touches, Tyler’s mission is clear: to exceed your expectations and deliver results that speak for themselves.
Elizabeth Chatwin – Landscape Design Artist
Liz Chatwin brings a unique blend of creativity, technical skill, and natural intuition to the Oakden Enterprises team. Originally one of our valued customers, Liz’s incredible artistic talent quickly caught our attention—and we knew we had to bring her on board as our landscape design artist. With a lifelong passion for art, Liz has always excelled in creative pursuits. She’s trained in Photoshop, has experience in photography, and also designs logos and custom tattoos. Her artistic range includes commissioned portraits and family illustrations, showcasing her ability to capture both beauty and emotion in her work.
Beyond the studio, Liz is deeply connected to the natural world. She homeschools her three children, is an avid gardener, and has hands-on experience with plants, pond ecosystems, and sustainable living. She’s currently studying to become a nutritional herbalist, adding even more depth to her understanding of health, nature, and balance. Liz’s artistic eye, combined with her love for the outdoors and extensive plant knowledge, makes her a perfect fit for creating thoughtful, personalized landscape designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. We’re lucky to have her on the team—and you’ll be lucky to have her working on your project!
Eric - Landscape Technician
Eric is a dedicated landscape technician who brings deep knowledge and a strong background in property maintenance to every job site. His passion for landscaping is clear in everything he does—from the effort he puts in to the exceptional results he delivers. A quick learner with an eye for detail, Eric takes pride in going the extra mile to ensure every project not only meets but exceeds expectations. His commitment, craftsmanship, and can-do attitude make him an essential part of our team.
Caleb – Landscape Technician
With four years of experience and a genuine passion for the outdoors, Caleb brings energy, creativity, and skill to every project he touches. Whether he’s shaping garden beds, installing hardscapes, or fine-tuning the details of a landscape design, Caleb’s love for the craft is obvious. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his dedication to delivering top-quality work makes him a standout member of our team. If you see someone working with a big smile and a shovel in hand—it’s probably Caleb, turning another outdoor space into something amazing.
Isaiah - Landscape Technician
Isaiah joined our team this year, bringing with him many years of hands-on landscaping experience. He has a strong eye for detail and takes pride in creating outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional. This young man is a very hard worker, always showing us and staying to the end. From lawn maintenance to hardscape installations, Isaiah approaches every project with the best attitude, professionalism, and a commitment to quality. Whether he’s maintaining a residential lawn or assisting on a large design project, Isaiah’s passion for landscaping shines through in everything he does
Alex - Landscape Technician
Alex may be one of the newer faces on our team, but he’s already made a strong impression. Known for his reliability and strong work ethic, he shows up on time, ready to give 100%. Alex brings a solid foundation of industry knowledge and a drive to keep learning and growing. Whether it’s prepping a site, fine-tuning details, or powering through tough tasks, he tackles every project with focus and pride. We’re excited to have him on board and can’t wait for you to see his work in action!
Sophie Bear Oakden – Company Mascot (2008–2025)
Sophie Bear wasn’t just our beloved pup—she was the soul of Oakden Enterprises. For 17 amazing years, she was Dan’s constant companion, riding to every job, greeting clients with tail wags, and keeping spirits high no matter the weather. Sophie had a special kind of magic—the kind that made everyone feel at home. She loved her truck rides (the one that proudly bears her photo), and she ruled the roost with a gentle heart and wise, watchful eyes. Though she’s no longer with us, Sophie’s spirit is still very much a part of who we are. She reminds us daily to lead with loyalty, kindness, and joy—and to always make time for a good head rub. We’re big animal lovers here at Oakden Enterprises, and we can’t wait to meet your four-legged family too.