Our History
Professional Contracting
Western Lakes Outdoors was founded in 2018 as a snow removal company. It began as a side business while I was working in construction. The goal at the time was simple—earn some extra income during the winter months. However, by the end of 2019, I made the decision to take the leap and turn it into a full-time landscaping company.
Just as I was preparing for expansion, the 2020 pandemic hit. The timing couldn’t have been worse. I had quit my construction job only months prior, full of optimism and ambition, only to watch the country come to a standstill. It was devastating. Businesses were shutting down, uncertainty loomed, and Western Lakes Outdoors barely made it through that year. But giving up wasn’t an option. I was determined to push forward, no matter how tough things got.
In 2021, I pivoted, blending my construction expertise with landscaping. This allowed me to offer a unique mix of services—half outdoor construction, half landscape maintenance. This shift helped us stabilize and regain momentum, as more homeowners sought to improve their outdoor spaces.
By 2024, I made another bold move—fully committing to outdoor construction. I left maintenance behind and focused entirely on building high-quality outdoor living spaces, and hardscapes. Looking back, the journey has been filled with challenges, but our resilience and adaptability have shaped Western Lakes Outdoors into the thriving business it is today. And we’ve never looked back.
SEBASTIAN BLANCO
FOUNDER
I have over a decade of experience in the construction industry, where I’ve honed my skills in carpentry, project management, and design. I’m a carpenter by trade, and I started my career stick framing custom homes—learning the ins and outs of structural craftsmanship from the ground up.
Later, I worked for a cabinet and furniture maker, where I sharpened my eye for precision, my attention to detail, and my ability to craft custom, high-quality pieces. Those were the days of long hours, tough lessons, and plenty of yelling—where every mistake was more than just corrected; it was drilled into memory.
To keep growing in this field, I take college courses at night, studying Construction Management at the College of DuPage.
For me, the idea of sitting still, away from the tools and the work I love, just isn’t an option. As long as I’m able, I’ll be in the shop, on-site, or at the drafting table, doing what I love until the very end.
With a strong foundation in both hands-on construction and formal education, I continue to lead Western Lakes Outdoors with a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Need help? Contact me
+1 630-822-5261 or westernlakesoutdoors@gmail.com