The Owners


Mike McDaniel - Co-Owner, President & Gardener Division ManagerMike McDaniel  Co-Owner, President & Gardener Division Manager
Mike has over 31 years of experience in the field at Sundown Gardens. He developed the Private Gardener Division in early 1990's and still runs the division today. In addition, as company president, he oversees the daily operations of the entire company with Todd Erb and Brian Kirchner. Mike attended Ball State University, and keeps current in his craft by attending ongoing workshops and seminars to maintain his edge in industry. He believes in the importance of customer relations and trains the staff to always, when possible, exceed expectations. Having watched the company grow and flourish in all three divisions. He has worked very hard to earn the large amount of referral business Sundown gardens enjoys today.

Todd Erb - Co-Owner & Vice President, landscape Designer & Division ManagerTodd Erb  Co-Owner & Vice President, Landscape Designer & Division Manager
Todd oversees the landscape division that includes the Landscape design and construction crews. He received his BS in Landscape Architecture from Purdue University. Working with clients to help find creative solutions for their landscaping needs provides Todd with his greatest satisfaction. He purchased the business with long time employees Mike McDaniel and Brian Kirchner in 1995.

Brian Kirchner - Co-Owner & Secretary/Treasurer & Retail Division ManageBrian Kirchner  Co-Owner & Secretary/Treasurer & Retail Division Manager
Brian attended Ball State and studied in the architectural program. His vast knowledge of quality nursery stock and decades of hands on experience makes him an extremely valuable asset to Sundown Gardens customers. Brian purchased the company in 1995 along with Todd Erb and Mike McDaniel. His responsibilities include merchandise quality assurance and managing the nursery and garden Center Staff.

Our Staff

Take a look at the seasoned experts behind Sundown Gardens’ success. Meet our hands-on owners and excellent team of landscape designers. Get to know us and the expertise we bring to you. If you are seeking employment, see positions available on our Employment Opportunities Page.

  • Kurt Acher: Account Manager/Groundskeeping
  • Les Dunn: Turf & Tree Division Manager
  • Jill Hoffman: Retail Sales
  • Scott Levy: Landscape Designer
  • Joe Russ: Landscape Designer
  • Nelson Scharadin: Garden Center/Nursery Sales
  • Curtis Scheller: Garden Center/Nursery Sales
  • Robert Scott: Landscape Designer
  • Pam Smith: Retail Sales/Perennials
  • Charlie Swartzell: Landscape Designer
  • Cathy Wyckoff: Retail Sales
  • Regan Zink: Garden Shop Manager/Retail Sales

To reach anyone on our staff, email us at sundown@sundowngardens.com.

Our History

Earl and Dorothy Knapp imagined owning and selling a wonderland of fine quality peonies, and in 1949 made their vision become a reality with the opening of Sundown Gardens. A little over a successful decade later, they introduced the garden shop and developed the now signature landscape division. Carrying on the dream, Mike McDaniel, Todd Erb and Brian Kirchner purchased Sundown Gardens in 1995, and have remained dedicated to providing premier full-service landscape design and maintenance services, as well as one of the finest garden and nursery centers in the Midwest. Hop on a golf cart and tour our 12 acres of professionally hand picked merchandise with any of our landscape experts today.