The Team
Who We Are
Thomas Edwards III
President
Thomas (Tom) founded TLC Property Maintenance in 1988, aiming to create a family-oriented company.
Before venturing into his own business, he gained extensive management experience at Chili’s, Red Lobster, and UPS. Seeking a more entrepreneurial path, Tom leveraged his diverse skills and numerous certifications. He is an ISA Certified Arborist, Florida Certified Pest Control Operator, Florida Contractor, and a Certified Irrigation Specialist. Additionally, he has completed the Pinellas County Landscape Maintenance Best Management Practices (BMP) program and the EntreLeadership course through the Dave Ramsey Leadership Group.
Tom has three adult children: Tommy, Lauren, and Carly, along with five grandchildren. Each child’s name contributes to the company’s name, TLC. Tommy owns his own landscaping business, Lauren serves as TLC’s CFO and Office Manager, and Carly is a stay at home wife and mother.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys exercising, dancing, participating in recreational poker tournaments, sports, and spending time with family and friends. He is also passionate about animal adoption, having taken in horses, cows, dogs, and cats.
​Lauren Bell
CFO & Office Manager
Lauren’s journey with TLC has been lifelong, starting with small tasks during her middle school summers and evolving into a full-time role as CFO and Office Manager in 2005 after she earned her AA degree from PHCC. Over the years, she has witnessed significant technological advancements at TLC, transitioning from beepers and handwritten forms to modern electronic communication methods.
Now, with the support of the Administrative Team, Lauren enjoys a more balanced work schedule, allowing her to spend more time with her family. Notably, she is part of a family legacy at TLC, working alongside her father, Tom, and her husband, Buddy, who also holds a key position at the company. Her daughters, Layla and Cecily, cherish their visits to the office, making it a true family affair.
Lauren’s dedication to TLC is inspired by her father’s advice: “Work for what you want because it’s always earned, never given.” She takes pride in embodying the values and heritage of the TLC family.
Robert "Buddy" Bell
Operations Manager & Sales
Robert (Buddy) Bell has been immersed in the landscaping industry since 2002 and joined TLC in 2009. As the manager of TLC’s landscape and tree teams, Buddy prides himself on being a hands-on leader, frequently working alongside his team members and engaging with clients to deliver exceptional landscape services.
His expertise is backed by completing the Pinellas County Landscape Maintenance Best Management Practices (BMP) program, where he also serves as an instructor. Additionally, he has completed the FIS and Pentair Training Institute’s Water System School training program for irrigation and is currently pursuing his arborist certification while staying updated on ANSI standards through continuing education.Buddy has been married to Lauren, TLC’s Office Manager, since 2009, and they have two daughters. He works closely with his father-in-law, Tom, at TLC.
In his personal time, Buddy enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and riding ATVs with his family.
Brittany Gessler
CFO & Office Manager Assistant
Brittany joined TLC in July 2017, bringing with her a strong foundation in customer service and operational leadership. Prior to her tenure with the company, she served as a district manager for AT&T warranty retail stores in Atlanta, Georgia, where she oversaw multi-site operations and led teams in delivering high-quality service and performance.
In her current role, Brittany is responsible for a broad range of administrative functions, including human resources coordination, internal communications, and website management. She works in close partnership with TLC’s leadership and staff to support organizational efficiency and uphold the company’s standards of excellence.
A native of Florida, Brittany is an avid supporter of Tampa Bay’s professional sports teams and enjoys spending time with her family and friends outside of work.
