Our Story

Who We Are

Kelly and Chad Simich have owned and operated Flagship Recreation since 2016, when they acquired the company with a clear purpose: to create outdoor spaces that genuinely matter to the communities they serve. Based in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, we operate as a full-service design-build firm specializing in commercial playgrounds, outdoor recreation spaces, and site amenities.

What sets us apart is the depth of experience our team brings. From landscape architecture and civil engineering to park and recreation management, every project benefits from people who have spent their careers understanding how communities play.

We're proud to be an accredited Better Business Bureau company with an A+ rating, and an authorized partner of Landscape Structures Inc. — one of the most respected playground manufacturers in the country.

The Flagship Recreation team
2009Founded
15+Team Members
MNService Area
A+BBB Rated
How We Think

Our Philosophy
on Play

We believe play is more than recreation — it's a catalyst for learning, connection, and community growth.

Learning

Play that sparks curiosity. Every structure is designed to support cognitive, physical, and social development.

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Nature

Outdoor spaces that feel like they belong. We integrate the natural environment into every build we take on.

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Inclusive

Playgrounds for every body. Accessibility isn't an afterthought — it's how we start every design conversation.

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The People Behind the Play

Meet Our Team

Kelly Simich
Kelly Simich
Owner, President & Marketing
30 years in leadership, operations and supply chain. Flagship since 2016.
Chad Simich
Chad Simich
Owner & VP Sales
30 years in leadership, sales, and small business acquisitions. Flagship since 2016.
Brett Altergott
Brett Altergott, CPSI
Sr. Sales Consultant — West Metro MN
25 years in parks & recreation. Flagship since 2016.
Stacy Strand
Stacy Strand, CPSI
Sr. Sales Consultant — Northern MN
24 years in sales & project management. OSHA 30 Certified. Flagship since 2016.
Emily Maloney
Emily Maloney, CPSI
Sr. Sales Consultant — East & SE Metro MN
20+ years in design, engineering, and project management. Flagship since 2019.
Bailey Wolf
Bailey Wolf, CPSI
Sales Consultant — Western MN & West Metro Schools
8+ years of landscape architecture experience. Flagship since 2021.
Tim Truelson
Tim Truelson, CPSI
Sales Consultant — Southern MN
20+ years in park and recreation management. Flagship since 2021.
Heidi Wilk
Heidi Wilk, CPSI
Sales Consultant — NE MN & East Metro Schools
20+ years in sales and landscape design. Flagship since 2025.
Kim Aveldson
Kim Aveldson, CPSI
Inside Sales: Parts & Services
30+ years of Landscape Structures sales and service experience. Flagship since 2012.
Jaqui Thunberg
Jaqui Thunberg, CPSI
Lead Designer & Project Coordinator
Bachelor of Design in Architecture, U of MN. Flagship since 2015.
Alexandra Olson
Alexandra Olson, CPSI
Designer & Project Coordinator
10+ years in landscape design and park planning. Flagship since 2022.
Mike Raymond
Mike Raymond, CPSI
Construction Manager
25+ years of project management and forecasting. Flagship since 2018.
Michael Simich
Michael Simich, CPSI
Construction Administrator
13 years accounting & finance. 20+ years facility maintenance. Flagship since 2024.
Chris Zoebisch
Chris Zoebisch, CPSI
Installation Supervisor
30+ years of playground installation. Flagship since 2012.
Shawn McCusker
Shawn McCusker
Office Manager
20+ years of accounting & operations. Flagship since 2022.
Get to Know Us

Let's Do Lunch.

We'd love to sit down, hear about your project, and share what's possible. No pressure — just good conversation over a meal.

Schedule Lunch & Learn →

Ready to Work With Us?

Tell us about your community and your vision — we'll help bring it to life.

Contact Us →