Read more about these NALP members and partners in the news.
The Integra Group Adds to BOSS Software Client Success Team
The Integra Group, the force behind BOSS software, has hired Katie Heck as an implementation specialist with the BOSS Client Success team. Heck will work with companies in the landscape and snow removal industries to identify best practices that will help them get the most out of their BOSS software and improve their operational and financial performance.
Heck has nearly 15 years of experience with Five Seasons Landscape Management in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. She served as the business manager and the BOSS Super User, where she managed the company’s onboarding and implementation of the software.
“I’m delighted to be a part of the Integra Group/BOSS team,” Heck says. “With my years of experience in the landscaping industry and my previous hands-on BOSS software knowledge, I’m looking forward to helping clients improve their business in many ways with the BOSS software. It’s going to be exciting to see how our clients’ businesses excel when it comes to profit, operations, time management, and other areas they need to dial in on.”
Ruppert Landscape Honors Employees at Annual Award Ceremony
After hosting the past two years’ award events virtually, Ruppert Landscape returned to an in-person ceremony this year where they recognized the team’s talent and accomplishments.
The Clyde Vander Merit Award was presented to Kyle Meissner, a 10-year employee who is the branch manager for the Forestville, Maryland, landscape management branch. This award is for an individual who has contributed continuous, consistent, long-term hard work, dedication and job skill that has helped to shape the company.
Back row, pictured left to right: Jon von Staden; Lisa Horton; Jen Saah; Grant McCarthy; Greg Franklin; Paul Pestun. Front row, pictured left to right: Mike Felts; Jason Dixon; Tim Schofield Not pictured: Donna Nichols (retired); Lee Clarke (retired).
“Under Kyle’s leadership, the branch’s total revenue has more than doubled since 2019,” says Doug Halsey, region vice president in the company’s landscape management division. “His strengths are his sales skills and creating strong ties with his customers, but most importantly, he has built a strong team. We’re excited to see what lies ahead for them!”
Dan Flake received this year’s Achievement Award for his significant contribution in 2022 through outstanding job execution and high-quality results. Flake is a six-year employee who is the operations manager in the North Carolina landscape construction branch.
The Distinction Award is presented in appreciation for exemplary dedication and devotion to the principles and ideals of the company. It was presented to the Project West team, which was instrumental in helping to review and evaluate strategic options about the direction of the company, which ultimately led to the decision to partner with the capital investment firm, Knox Lane.
“The Project West team is unique and took us on a journey we’ve never been on before,” says Phil Key. “It’s through their hard work and incredible dedication that we were able to meet with potential investors and put our best foot forward. This team gave us the information that enabled us to choose the best partner and path that will carry Ruppert Landscape and its culture into the future.”
Branch Impact Awards were also given to 30 participants this year. These are awarded to employees whose outstanding dedication and contributions have made a positive impact on their individual branches.
Project EverGreen Receives $50,000 Matching Grant from Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Project EverGreen recently received a $50,000 matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to help finish the renovation of Detroit’s Gmeiner Park. The grant will also provide the resources to help the community care for the park for years to come.
The matching grant came after a 30-day crowdfunding campaign that encouraged Detroit residents and businesses to raise $50,000 to receive the equivalent amount from MEDC. Gmeiner Park is a 10-acre park located in northwest Detroit. The renovations included a six-foot wide half-mile walking path, mature trees, new tables and benches.
This is the fourth GreenCare for Communities renovation project the non-profit has completed in Detroit since 2017.
“Parks play a vital role in the health and well-being of youth and adults alike,” says Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Connecting people to their parks also enhances social well-being, relationships, safety and local environmental health. Together with the generous grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places grant program, we were able to restore Gmeiner Park and set the table to continue to create healthy, thriving parks across the city of Detroit for generations to come.”
Project EverGreen’s partners in the Gmeiner Park project include the Gilbert Family Foundation, City of Detroit Parks & Recreation, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and Premier Group Associates. Re-Tree also helped re-home 16 mature trees that would have otherwise been destroyed, improving the park’s tree canopy substantially.
The final phase of the park renovation will be completed this spring.
Schill Grounds Management Promotes Four
Schill Grounds Management has promoted four leaders to senior positions in recognition of their contributions.
Patrick Quinlan joined Schill in 2022 as Corporate Development Manager, and in that role he assisted in the acquisitions and integration of Grounds Elite, TLC, and GrassCor. In his new role as director of mergers and acquisitions, he will oversee the tracking of the acquisition pipeline and refine Schill’s acquisition strategy.
Bryan Salisbury has been named the company’s corporate controller, where he will oversee the day-to-day accounting and controller functions, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and the month-end close. His responsibilities include ensuring the smooth integration of the accounting and cash management functions of businesses that Schill acquires.
Cali Thompson was previously the company’s marketing director and is now their vice president of sales & marketing. She will support strategic sales initiatives and marketing campaigns, deployment of new technology platforms, search engine optimization and inbound marketing leads, branding and co-branding companies that Schill acquires, and engagement with employees and commercial customers.
Lastly, Mary Vales is now the vice president of human resources, where she oversees the entire team of 1,100 employees. She is responsible for smoothly integrating HR functions of businesses Schill has acquired and setting and implementing HR policies and processes.
Local Business Owner Purchases Spring Green of Fayetteville
Ryan Gulley recently purchased his uncle’s Spring Green lawn, pest and tree business in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Gulley isn’t new to the business, as he’s worked for the company for 22 years.
“I believe the relationships I have already developed with my existing customers and my familiarity with the local green industry should benefit me while operating Spring Green,” Gulley says. “My love for the outdoors is what inspired me to go into the lawn care industry. The resources that Spring Green provides me and my customers are amazing and made the decision to invest in the business easy.”
Gulley says he is excited about the company’s future and building it for the next generation. Spring Green’s service is centered on the beautification of residential and commercial customers in middle-class and affluent neighborhoods and communities.
