Our Team

Tom Smith

Owner & President

Tom entered the world of fish and water features simply by selling fish out of his garage. By 1991 his success led him to establish Garden State Koi. Over 30+ years, his incredible leadership and dedication to customer service has led to exponential growth and an amazing family-like atmosphere.

Timothy Dille

Installation Manager

Joined GSK in 2004

Fun fact: Tim's dog, Ziggy, has almost 1,000 followers on Instagram! ZiggyD the Pomapoo!

Luke Sattler

Wholesale Manager

Joined GSK in 2010

Fun fact: Luke went skydiving in New Zealand!

Jason Hranitz

Maintenance Manager

Joined GSK in 2022

Fun fact: Jason has his own koi pond!

Abel Morales

Greenhouse Manager / Maintenance Crew

Joined GSK in 2016

Fun fact: Abel makes award-winning cheesecake!

Rafael Ortega

Installation Crew Leader

Valerie McCutchen

Bookkeeper / Office Manager

Joined GSK in 2018

Fun fact: Valerie is an avid Mets fan and can nap on demand!

Joe Merriam

Facilities Manager

Joined GSK in 2018

Fun fact: Joe has a degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture!

Roberto Cruz

Maintenance Crew Leader

Joined GSK in 2018

Fun fact: Roberto is originally from Mexico. He has seven siblings in total!

Stephen Smith

Maintenance Crew Leader

Gary Wojciechowski

Maintenance Crew Leader

Tom Tuozzo

Maintenance Crew Leader

Joined GSK in 2020

Sarah Smith

Director of Social Media and Marketing

Joined GSK in 2024

Fun fact: Sarah's pet pigs have over 60,000 followers on Instagram! @itspiggiesmalls

Logan Aikens

Retail Manager

Joined GSK in 2024

Fun fact: Logan converted his pool into a pond!

Cassie Lopata

Maintenance Coordinator

Joined GSK in 2025

Fun fact: Cassie grew up in Poland!

Elena Cruz

Assistant Retail Manager / Wholesale Associate

Joined GSK in 2025

Sam Lenoci

Delivery Driver

Joined GSK in 2026