NALP Members in the News: Bayer, Davey Resource Group, Landscape Workshop and More - The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

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NALP Members in the News: Bayer, Davey Resource Group, Landscape Workshop and More

Read more about these NALP members and partners in the news.

Bayer to Sell Environmental Science Professional Business

Bayer and Cinven have entered into a definitive agreement regarding the sale of Bayer’s Environmental Science Professional business for $2.5 billion. Bayer had announced its decision to divest the business in February 2021. The net proceeds are to reduce Bayer’s net financial debt.

“This divestment represents a very attractive purchase price and allows us to focus on our core agricultural business and the successful implementation of our Crop Science Division growth strategy,” says Rodrigo Santos, member of the board of management of Bayer AG and president of the Crop Science Division.

Cinven is an international private equity firm that invests in business services, consumer, financial services, healthcare, industrials, and TMT (technology, media and telecommunications).

“Driven by a shared belief in people and purpose, Cinven will enable the Environmental Science Professional business to advance towards its vision of healthy environments for everyone, everywhere,” Santos says. “We are convinced by Cinven’s focus and its commitment to the long-term growth potential for the business and its people.”

The Environmental Science Professional division offers environmental solutions to control pests, diseases and weeds in non-agricultural areas such as vector control, professional pest management, vegetation management, forestry, and turf and ornamentals. It is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina.

The transaction is expected to close the second half of this year, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Davey Resource Group Names Southeast Operations Manager

Christian Preziosi

Christian Preziosi has been promoted to Southeast region operations manager of Davey Resource Group (DRG), Environmental Consulting. Preziosi joined Davey in 2018 through the acquisition of Land Management Group.

He has over 20 years of professional consulting experience and specializes in mitigation banking, stream and wetlands assessments, Clean Water Act permitting, coastal resource management, and threatened and endangered species consultation.

“Christian has provided steady leadership by championing client care, personnel development and revenue growth across the Southeast region,” says Karen Wise, vice president, DRG, Environmental Consulting. “He has played an instrumental role in growing our markets across the Carolinas, so I’m excited to see how he brings his keen leadership, business skills and strong Davey relationships to continue to grow and benefit our current and future clients.”

Landscape Workshop Acquires Southern Scape

Landscape Workshop recently acquired the commercial landscape operations of Southern Scape, based in Madison, Alabama. Southern Scape will continue to operate their design/build and pool installations in the residential market.

“The LW team is excited to continue building on the success Greg Shaw and his team have created since opening their doors in 1997,” says J. T. Price, Landscape Workshop CEO. “Our shared values of hard work, commitment and quality service make this an exciting venture for both parties involved.”

Southern Scape’s commercial maintenance managers and staff will join the Landscape Workshop team. All design/build, chemicals, and pool installation team members will remain with Southern Scape. 

“This transaction will strengthen our Huntsville team and reinforce our position as the elite commercial landscape company serving the Huntsville region,” says Braxton Ferguson, Landscape Workshop Huntsville general manager.

LandOpt Names New President at Annual Meeting

During LandOpt’s annual meeting and sales bootcamp, Jim Westover was introduced as the new president. He succeeds Don Evans who served as president for five years. Evans remains a LandOpt board member.

Westover was most recently the vice president of product development and sales for Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts. While there, he directed a successful growth strategy that included recruiting multiple new franchises. He also assisted existing operators increase their sales and profitability. Jellystone Park consistently achieved record revenues during his tenure.

He presented a two-part growth plan at the meeting as well.

“Our goal is to grow sales for our contractors and also expand the LandOpt network,” he says.

A new website to connect customers with LandOpt contractors is currently being developed and is scheduled to launch later this year.

Ruppert Landscape Announces New Location and Promotions  

Stephen DeWeese

Ruppert Landscape has expanded its landscape management operations to a new location in Alpharetta, Georgia. This branch joins two existing landscape management branches in Georgia. This new branch will serve clients in north Fulton County.

“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team and the loyalty and trust of our customers, we have been able to grow our presence in the Atlanta market enough to dictate an additional branch,” says Steve Faber, region manager. “This market density will allow us to continue providing excellent care to our existing customers while supporting new growth in the region. No less importantly, it will allow us to provide more growth opportunities for our employees.”

Stephen DeWeese will lead this location after being promoted to branch manager. He has over 23 years of industry experience. He spent the first 10 years of his career leading another landscaping company before joining Ruppert’s Lilburn branch as an area manager in 2009.

Greg Franklin

Ruppert has also promoted Greg Franklin to vice president of fleet, facilities and safety. He will oversee the purchase and maintenance of Ruppert’s fleet including over 600 vehicles, 300 trailers and 5,000 pieces of equipment. He will also manage the maintenance of all of the company’s facilities, including 28 shop and office locations.

“As our company has grown, we have built our bench strength in our corporate departments to better support our branch operations,” says Phil Key, company president. “This has brought about the need for additional oversight to provide strategic direction, analysis, organization, and leadership. These three areas — fleet, facilities, and safety — are vital to our culture, as they reflect our image and give our team the resources needed to do their jobs safely and effectively. Greg’s thorough understanding of our culture and ability to optimize procedures has been a huge asset to our team and will continue to benefit the company in his new role.”

Bruce Wilson Joins Focal Pointe Outdoor Solutions as Executive Director

Focal Pointe Outdoor Solutions recently announced that Bruce Wilson will be joining their leadership team as executive director. Wilson is a nationally recognized expert on performance in the landscape industry.

Bruce Wilson

“Bruce has been an extraordinary industry leader and advisor to us over the years, and his expertise will be invaluable as we embark on a new era of growth,” says John Munie, Focal Pointe president. “Bruce and I are aligned in how we define success, and I’m confident he can be a great and inspiring mentor to our team. He had a significant impact on me, and I couldn’t be happier to bring his wisdom and insight to our current and future leaders. He’s just a thoughtful, special man and I look forward to seeing the impact he has on our entire community.”

A Cornell University graduate, Wilson received the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the 2015 Industry Leadership Award from Lawn & Landscape magazine. He is currently executive director of the green industry consulting group, Bruce Wilson & Company.

“I started working with John several years ago through our CEO peer group and appreciated his ability to articulate what his company stands for, while also challenging conventional thinking,” Wilson says. “Focal Pointe is building a company that works for everyone and I’m excited to be part of a business that makes a difference in people’s lives. This aligns with my personal goals as well.”

Russell Landscape Group Acquires Horticulture Services Group, Inc.

Russell Landscape Group acquired Horticulture Services Group, Inc. based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Shawn LaRue of Horticulture Services Group will join Russell Landscape Group as regional manager over the three locations in the panhandle market. Arthur Stutz and David Keeter of Russell Landscape Group will lead the maintenance and landscape construction departments, respectively. 

LaRue founded Horticulture Services Group in 2008 through a people-first approach that focuses on team development, education, and providing top-tier landscape services to discerning customers.

“With Horticulture Services Group joining our team, it will provide even more support to our overall local landscape strategy and further expand our ability to provide the exceptional service we are known for,” says Teddy Russell, CEO of Russell Landscape Group. “This investment represents a focus to offer maintenance, design, and construction options that are led by a team of professionals who know this area intimately.”

Jill Odom

Jill Odom is the senior content manager for NALP.