Midwest Leadership Team
Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin
-
Chauncey Littlefield
District Manager (Midwest), Aquatic Specialist
-
Jim Kannenberg
District Manager (Upper Midwest)
-
Doug Wells
Operations Manager (IL), Aquatic Specialist
-
Bill Hancock
Operations Manager (Central IL)
-
Danny Simmons
Operations Manager (Greater Chicago/Mt. Prospect)
-
David Brown
Operations Manager (MI), Aquatic Specialist
-
Michael Kroll
Operations Manager (Northern IN & Southwestern MI)
-
Marc Schmitz
Operations Manager (WI)
-
Jennifer Bonzani
Business Development Consultant (Southern IL, MO, KS, NE)
-
Chris Broch
Business Development Consultant (IL)
-
Rachel Bruggeman
Business Development Consultant (IL & WI)
-
Mike Miller
Business Development Consultant (IL & IN)
-
Jay Bagley
Business Development Consultant (TN)
-
Shane Keckley
Business Development Consultant (Ohio)
-
Mitch Hiler
Business Development Consultant (MI)
Chauncey Littlefield
District Manager (Midwest), Aquatic Specialist
Chauncey Littlefield is a District Manager and Aquatic Specialist for the Midwest region. With almost 10 years of experience in the pest control industry in multiple fields, he has a strong background in service and taking on challenges to ensure clients receive the highest quality of service. Chauncey holds many pest and aquatic control certifications and licenses in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama.
Chauncey earned his undergraduate degree from AMU in Environmental Science in Fish and Wildlife Management.
Before moving to Nashville, Chauncey and his family came from the heart of Texas. Chauncey, outside of work for the last 25 years has been in professional BBQ competitions and has competed in many events with his team and family.
Jim Kannenberg
District Manager (Upper Midwest)
Jim Kannenberg is a District Manager based out of Wisconsin. He oversees operations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.
Starting in the aquatic plant management industry while in college, Jim has over 30 years of full-time experience in dealing with unbalanced aquatic ecosystems. Earning his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, his love of limnology brought him back to aquatics after a short detour in the brewing industry. His prior company, Marine Biochemists, became a part of SOLitude Lake Management in 2022 maintaining his continuity in aquatic plant management.
As an active part of the industry, Jim served on the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society’s Board of Directors for 12 years, and still regularly attends their conferences and Past President’s Advisory meetings. His commitment to aquatics has helped him ensure that clients get the right practical solutions for their aquatic problems.
Jim has been married for over 30 years and is the proud father of two boys both serving as combat medics in the United States Army. He enjoys hunting, fishing and figuring out how things work. He has been a scout leader for over 13 years, and is a volunteer member of his church’s safety team. He and his wife also have two rescue dogs who keep them busy when not involved in other activities.
Doug Wells
Operations Manager (IL), Aquatic Specialist
Doug Wells is an Operations Manager and Aquatic Specialist serving Illinois. Doug has over a decade of experience in the aquatics industry and has managed hundreds of lakes and stormwater ponds for HOAs and private residences across the Chicagoland area. He holds numerous certifications and has extensive knowledge of sustainable management solutions like aeration, shoreline buffers, and more. He has a passion for providing a solution to our customers and educating them on their waterbody.
Doug has a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of South Mississippi. He resides in a southwest suburb of Chicago with his wife, three children, and two dogs.
Bill Hancock
Operations Manager (Central IL)
Bill is an Aquatic Specialist and the Operations Manager for Central Illinois. He has managed Central Illinois lakes and ponds since 2002, beginning as an assistant manager at the Elburn, Illinois location before opening the Central Illinois branch in 2003. He has helped provide management solutions for lakes and ponds, as well as fountain and aeration solutions for customers. He enjoys exploring and learning new solutions provided by the industry.
Prior to joining the aquatics industry, Bill was involved with industrial wastewater treatment, working for a variety of companies on small up to large industrial applications.
Bill is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.
Danny Simmons
Operations Manager (Greater Chicago/Mt. Prospect)
Danny Simmons an Aquatic Specialist and is the Operations Manager for the Mount Prospect, IL branch. He is passionate about the environment and anything related to aquatics and fisheries.
Danny has about 7 years of experience in this field, starting as an Aquatic Technician through college and working his way up to Operations Manager. During his time here he also received his master’s degree in Conservation Biology from the University of Wisconsin – Stout. He has picked up many skills during his time here and is working to pass all of the knowledge on to the new employees in the office we are building.
He has lived in the Chicagoland area for most of his life, leaving for college but returning to work for this company. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends on his time off and loves to relax with some video games.
David Brown
Operations Manager (MI), Aquatic Specialist
David Brown is an Aquatic Specialist and the Operations Manager for Michigan. Residing in Davison, MI, David has been a dedicated professional in the aquatic industry since April 2004. With a commercial applicator pesticide license for Michigan and Ohio, he has a strong foundation in both technical expertise and practical application.
A lifelong Michigan resident, David brings a wealth of experience in customer service, client communication, and field work. His passion for lake management is evident in his commitment to improving water quality and enhancing the overall lake experience for countless individuals.
Prior to his current role, David held significant positions at other lake management companies including General Manager and Operations Manager.
Outside of work, David cherishes spending time with his family, exploring new destinations, and fulfilling his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather.
Michael Kroll
Operations Manager (Northern IN & Southwestern MI)
Michael Kroll an Aquatic Specialist and is the Operations Manager for northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan, residing in Niles, Michigan. With a diverse background in aquatics and mosquito control, Kroll has gained extensive experience across the country.
His journey began in 2007 as a seasonal technician for Clarke Aquatic Services in Illinois. By 2010, he had progressed to managing the Elkhart, Indiana office, overseeing permitting and regulatory matters. In subsequent years, Kroll expanded his expertise by managing the Fort Myers, Florida office and supporting other Florida offices. He further broadened his skillset by contributing to significant mosquito control projects, including Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Corpus Christi, Texas, Zika mitigation in Miami-Dade, Florida, and the EEE outbreak response in Michigan.
As the Elkhart office grew, Kroll assumed the role of Field Supervisor in Niles, Michigan, overseeing Clarke’s customers in Indiana and Michigan. In 2022, with the acquisition of Clarke Aquatic Services by SOLitude Lake Management, Kroll transitioned to the position of Aquatic Specialist II. In 2024, he was promoted to Operations Manager, overseeing Michigan Districts in Nunica and Niles.
Kroll’s passion for water, cultivated through scuba diving, fishing, and swimming, has driven his career in aquatic resource conservation. His diverse experiences and dedication to environmental stewardship make him a valuable asset to SOLitude Lake Management and the communities he serves.
Marc Schmitz
Operations Manager (WI)
Marc Schmitz is an Aquatic Specialist and Operations Manager for the Wisconsin office located in Jackson. Marc has been in the aquatics industry for 18 years starting as an aquatic technician in 2006 with Marine Biochemists, becoming branch manager in 2011, and continuing to manage operations now as SOLitude Lake Management since 2022.
Marc obtained his bachelor of science in environmental studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2000. Prior to his work in aquatics, Marc worked in secondary education teaching biology.
Marc and his team strive to listen to their clients’ issues or frustrations with their waterbody. Understand what they envision, create the solution, and deliver results to meet and hopefully exceed their expectations so they may get back to having an asset as part of their home or community that is functional, healthy, and enjoyed again. Marc is proud to not only work with but continue to develop relationships with so many of the same customers he and his associates started servicing nearly 20 years later.
Marc resides with his wife and two children in the western Milwaukee suburb of Wauwatosa. He is a hi-fi enthusiast and avid record collector. Marc enjoys live music, barbecuing, spending time outdoors with his family boating, camping, fishing, and exploring parks and areas around the state.
Jennifer Bonzani
Business Development Consultant (Southern IL, MO, KS, NE)
Jennifer Bonzani is an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant who focuses on building relationships with property management companies and private property owners. She has extensive knowledge about the science of lake and pond management and takes pride in working with HOAs and residential groups to beautify their water resources, increase property values, and enhance the overall enjoyment of the community. Jennifer graduated from Lindenwood University with a Bachelor of Science degree and presents regularly to stakeholders and community members.
Chris Broch
Business Development Consultant (IL)
Chris is a Business Development Consultant and Aquatic Specialist in Chicago, IL. Chris works with clients to build custom management plans for their lakes, stormwater ponds, and fisheries. He enjoys helping clients achieve the goals of their waterbody whether that be algal bloom management or aquatic weed control. Chris is passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to promoting eco-friendly and holistic strategies that help enhance aquatic environments while staying within budget.
Prior to joining SOLitude, Chris worked in consultative sales in higher education and the food industry. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts from Carthage College.
Chris lives near two large bodies of water in Illinois and enjoys spending time on the water with his family. Chris is also a long-time member of “The Lumberjacks”, a non for profit environmental Ecology Group in Evanston, IL, where he works on restoring the canal banks that lead into Lake Michigan.
Rachel Bruggeman
Business Development Consultant (IL & WI)
Rachel Bruggeman serves as an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant for Illinois. Since joining the team in 2024, Rachel has become well-acquainted with the diverse aquatic landscapes of Wisconsin and Minnesota. While she takes pride in assisting clients in achieving their lakes and ponds’ aesthetic and functional goals, Rachel’s love and commitment to her clients extends even further.
Rachel is committed to maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems, supporting native plants, and fostering wildlife habitats. She takes pleasure in educating stakeholders on the best management practices, ensuring the long-term well-being of these invaluable natural resources.
With a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Northeastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in Education from Depaul University, Rachel possesses a unique skill set that bridges the gap between understanding ecological systems, commitment to environmental sustainability, and educating her clients. Her understanding of the natural landscape with her background in education enables her to provide comprehensive solutions that benefit not only the environment but also the clients’ objectives. As a Business Development Consultant, Rachel seamlessly blends her technical knowledge with her dedication to exceptional customer service by breaking down complex topics into easily understood analogies.
Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Rachel’s childhood was enriched by experiences in nature. She served as the president of the environmental club in both high school and college and loves to organize charity events in her spare time. Today, she continues to nurture her deep connection to the outdoors by educating her daughter, Emma, on the natural world. Whether she is camping, hiking, or simply spending time in the backyard, Rachel is grateful for the beauty of the outdoors and is committed to preserving the health of our planet.
Mike Miller
Business Development Consultant (IL & IN)
Mike Miller is an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant in the North Region where he supports the Chicago, Illinois area and Indiana. He enjoys working with different lake and pond owners and managers to help them develop sustainable management programs that meet their goals and budget. Mike’s professional background is in sales and sales management within the hospitality and fitness industries. He finds fulfillment in helping people solve their problems and achieve their goals.
He is married to Debbie and together they have four children – Haleigh, Michaela, Andrew, and Jacob – as well as their dog, Dexter. Mike grew up around Lake Michigan and has a deep love for the water. In his free time, he enjoys running and has completed 6 marathons and 2 half-Ironman Triathlons.
Jay Bagley
Business Development Consultant (TN)
Jay Bagley is a Business Development Consultant based out of SOLitude’s Nashville, TN office. He helps ensure the goals of SOLitude’s Midwestern clients are exceeded and serves as a helpful resource for colleagues in the execution of large and high-profile water resource management projects.
Prior to joining SOLitude, Jay worked in the industry with a private firm that served clients in Georgia and South Carolina. Jay has several SePRO and Aquamaster certifications and maintains close relationships with many industry partners valued by SOLitude.
Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time outdoors and can often be found hunting and fishing.
Shane Keckley
Business Development Consultant (Ohio)
Shane is an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant for Ohio, leveraging his Bachelor of Business Administration and 25 years of law enforcement experience. With a strong background in strategic planning and problem-solving, he excels in identifying growth opportunities and fostering meaningful partnerships. He enjoys working with residential communities, private landowners, and government entities to help them solve their lake or pond management problems.
Shane’s extensive experience in law enforcement has equipped him with unique insights into risk management and community engagement, allowing him to develop innovative solutions that drive operational success. Committed to promoting sustainable practices, he is dedicated to enhancing client satisfaction and supporting the company’s mission.
Mitch Hiler
Business Development Consultant (MI)
Mitch is an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant for Michigan. He enjoys working with his clients to help them achieve their dream of a beautiful lake or pond. From algae control to water quality restoration, Kevin has experience in the aquatics industry and understands how to build a successful lake and pond management program that can help his clients reach their goals.
Mitch has 21 years of operations experience in the Michigan area. He’s an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing. His passion for the outdoors motivates him to help restore lakes and ponds within his community where he has first-hand knowledge of over 400 lakes.
We Work Together To Offer Exceptional Service
SOLitude was built by the hard work, dedication & passion of aquatic experts in lake management to find solutions for communities and clients.