The enterprise value specialists at Ceibass are mourning the loss—and celebrating the remarkable life—of Jesus “Chuy” Medrano, who passed away March 14, 2025, just shy of his 71st birthday.
“A trailblazer, mentor, and beloved figure in the green industry, Chuy co-founded CoCal Landscape with me in 1992 and left an indelible mark on the people, communities, and industry he served,” said Tom Fochtman, Ceibass CEO. “He was my business partner for more than twenty years … inspired me more than anyone I’ve ever met. From the first moment I saw him—face down in the mud, arm deep in muck fixing an irrigation leak—I knew this guy was something special. He worked with purpose, led with heart, and lived with integrity.”
A proud son of Chihuahua, Mexico, Chuy brought his whole self to the business—his faith, his grit, and his deep love of culture and family. Known for his ever-present cowboy hat and boots, and his love of horses, Chuy carried himself with a quiet, authentic confidence that resonated with everyone he met. “He was a true vaquero,” Fochtman recalled, “in every sense of the word—hardworking, humble, and honorable.”
After Fochtman sold his share of CoCal Landscape to Chuy, Medrano went on to create what Tom calls “the most unique landscape company in Colorado.” Built on the foundation of his Hispanic culture, Chuy infused CoCal with a spirit of unity, generosity, and deep respect. “It was one big family,” said Fochtman. “Chuy wasn’t just building a business—he was creating a place where people belonged, where they were seen, valued, and given the chance to succeed.”
Under Chuy’s leadership, CoCal grew to over 560 employees, touching more than 1,500 lives. He was the first president of the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance and a fierce advocate for minority rights, mentoring the next generation and elevating the voices of Hispanic professionals in the industry.
“We called each other ‘Meistro,’” Fochtman said. “It was our term of respect, of camaraderie. I would never have started CoCal without him. He was my friend, my mentor, my partner. Chuy Medrano was a giant—not just in landscaping, but in life.”
The Ceibass team honors Chuy’s enduring legacy by continuing to support business owners in building value with the same passion, dignity, and people-first commitment that Chuy lived every day. His boots may be still, but his impact rides on.
