Our Team

Rob Griess: CEO

Robert founded Natural Concepts with his brother, Ken in 2003. He has a BBA in Finance from the University of Houston, and has worked in Landscape Lighting since 1998. As a member of the United States Marine Corps he served in the Gulf War. His attention to detail and excellent design eye has made him an award winning lighting designer. Robert is married, with 1 son. During his free time Rob enjoys attending highschool football games to cheer his son’s team to victory and enjoying a nice cigar.

Interesting fact: Had the opportunity to meet and have a conversation with Barbara Bush at her home, TWICE.

Tami Griess: COO

Tami has worked in the Executive Support/Office Management field since 1991. She spent several years in small business and 15 years in a corporate role. She decided small business is where she wanted to be. Tami joined Natural Concepts in 2014 as the Office Manager. In 2018 she and Robert bought out Ken when he retired. Her belief is that every customer should be happy with both the quality of the product and with the customer service they receive when they call Natural Concepts. During her free time, Tami enjoys attending her son’s sporting events, reading and spending time at the lake or beach.

Interesting fact: Once met Dolly Parton in a hotel elevator.

Sergio Villanueva: Design Specialist

The newest addition to the team. Sergio brings over 10 years of experience in the residential security industry. He designed and installed surveillance systems, alarm systems, and security lighting options for the Houston and surrounding areas. His passion for design and attention to detail is why everyone asks for him by name. We are sure you will too.

He is the designer that will get to know you, evaluate your property, create your design, and facilitate the installation. It is his job to make sure you are completely satisfied.

Interesting Fact: Sergio served in the US ARMY as a Nuclear Biological Chemical Warfare Specialist for 7 years before being honorably discharged.

Laura Basinger: Office Manager

Laura was pleased to join the Natural Concepts family in the summer of 2015. Specializing in customer service and accounts payable, Laura believes in cheerful service and strives to provide a positive experience for each customer. She grew up here in Houston and earned majors in both Fine Arts & Interior Design at Stephen F Austin State University. After 10 years in Interior Design, Laura gave up the hustle and bustle to raise three boys – her pride and joy. She spends her free time outdoors – gardening, camping, and hiking are her favorites. She dreams of an extended trip out west, visiting our nation’s National Parks – Especially Yosemite! Laura has enjoyed the family atmosphere at Natural Concepts and believes in the company policies of fairness, quality, and reliability.

Interesting Fact: She would love to travel back in time to witness the conversations between two of her heros – John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt.

Amber Vandagriff : Marketing

Amber first joined the Natural Concepts team in 2017 and is currently our design assistant. She spent 20+ years in the restaurant industry where she honed her skills of anticipating and responding to customer’s needs. Her love of all things artistic, including culinary, music, painting, and gardening led her to moving to Natural Concepts where she will use those skills to assist you however she can.

Amber will be your contact with all things installation. She will walk you through our complete process. She will be there through your proposal and installation processes, as well as after your installation to make sure you are 100% satisfied with the work we have completed.

Interesting fact: Lived in Nashville and tried to break into the country music industry.

Ashley Zgabay: Operations Manager

Ashley Zgabay is an experienced administrative professional with over 10 years in customer service. She has happily worked at Texas Natural Concepts since 2018. A native Houstonian, she graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Providing an exceptional, friendly, and helpful experience for clients is of the utmost importance to her. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, preferably at the beach!

Interesting fact: She shares a birthday with Kathy Bates, John Kusack, and her fiancé.