NALP Members in the News: Green Lawn Fertilizing, AriensCo, STIHL and Davey Tree   - The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

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NALP Members in the News: Green Lawn Fertilizing, AriensCo, STIHL and Davey Tree  

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

Green Lawn Fertilizing’s Senior Vice President of Operations Graduates From Harvard Business School

Josh Willey

Josh Willey, Green Lawn Fertilizing / Green Pest Solutions senior vice president of operations, recently completed Harvard Business School’s General Management Program (GMP).

This four-month program focuses on strategy, leadership and organization. It provides the tools to capitalize on technological disruption and digital transformation. Willey competed in the General Management Program’s strategy finals and was selected as one of three winners out of over 110 fellow HBS students.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the best at the Harvard Business School,” Willey says. “Surrounded by 110 leaders from 37 countries and industries widened my perspective and challenged my views. I look forward to staying connected as we step back into our careers.”

Now back in his role, he will bring with him takeaways from the program that will help the company’s service and team member experience.

AriensCo Purchases Thomas Equipment

AriensCo has purchased Thomas Equipment from A-L Parts Inc. This allows the company to offer a new four-season product line under the Gravely brand in the rental and construction markets.

Thomas Equipment has been manufacturing outdoor equipment for 79 years. It was bought by A-L Parts Inc. in 2013. AriensCo is partnering with Al Downy and Leon Butterfield, owners of A-L Parts Inc. to launch the production of the Gravely branded Mini Skid Steer line in their Canadian facility.

“We think this is a perfect extension of our Gravely product line,” says Dan Ariens, chairman and CEO of AriensCo. “This multi-tool piece of equipment is great for hardscape work with accessories like a tree auger, stump grinder, pallet forks, etc. It’s a big tool but is small and compact so it can fit through a gate and can be hauled on a trailer with other mowers. We think it will be a great offering for commercial landscapers.”  

Five Gravely branded mini-skid loaders, three diesel- and two gas-powered models, are planned for this fall.

STIHL Names VP of Sales and Marketing

Chris Keffer has been named vice president of sales and marketing of STIHL Inc. He will be responsible for sales for the domestic and export markets, sales planning, e-commerce, new product development, all marketing programs and branch operations throughout the U.S.

Chris Keffer

He joins STIHL after a career with Stanley Black & Decker where he served various roles including, president of product management for the power tool group. He has a Bachelor of Arts in communications and an executive MBA from Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris to the STIHL organization,” saysTerry Horan, president and CEO of STIHL Inc. “At STIHL we believe in honoring our traditions of excellence while embracing our future. Chris brings proven leadership skills, a deep understanding of strategic development, a customer-centric approach to product management and development, and innovative marketing and sales and solution strategies to the STIHL Team. In addition to his experience in support of the independent dealer, and his knowledge of our market, he has the ability to leverage consumer insights and effectively collaborate to craft product and commercial strategies that will enable STIHL to further integrate our network of authorized local STIHL Dealers into our omnichannel approach to better serve our customers.”

Davey Tree Acquires Floral City Tree; Davey Resource Group Promotes Several

The Davey Tree Expert Company has added Floral City Tree Service, based in Monroe, Michigan to its family of brands.

Floral City provides residential and commercial tree and plant health services. Their employees will stay on with Davey.

“The decision to join the Davey family was based on the numerous benefits that will be provided to our clients and employees,” says Steve McCollum, owner of Floral City. “Davey, just like Floral City, is committed to providing its clients with high-quality tree and shrub care, exceptional service and has a philosophy of caring for its clients’ properties as if they were their own. Davey also has a leading diagnostic and research facility, the Davey Institute, that will be a huge benefit to our clients’ trees and landscapes.”

Meanwhile, Davey Resource Group (DRG), a subsidiary of The Davey Tree Expert Company has promoted several, including Jeremy Sadler to regional vice president, business development, Utility Asset Management.

Sadler joined DRG in 2014 as a business developer for the Northeast territory.

“Jeremy has shown a strong ability to lead teams, develop relationships, set a vision for key markets and influence the business segments that have been key to UAM’s rapid growth,” says Scott Carlin, vice president and general manager, DRG, Asset Management Services. “His years of experience in this industry and commitment to serving our clients have set him apart as someone who will help DRG as we continue to strategically grow to meet the utility industry’s needs.”

DRG also promoted three new directors within UAM. Sarah Halford will be director of business support, Clinton McFall will be director of technical services and Tom Petrik to director of reliability services.

Halford joined DRG in 2017 as a business analyst. She has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University and a master’s degree in finance from Michigan State University.

McFall came to the company in 2015 as a geographic information systems production manager. McFall has a bachelor’s degree in geographic information systems and a certificate in information technology from Kennesaw University.

Petrik started with DRG in 2019 as an operations manager. Petrik holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Bellarmine University and a master’s degree in computer science from Binghamton University.

“Sarah, Clinton and Tom have proven their leadership by developing strong relationships, organizing successful teams, solving challenges and developing future leaders, which has all lead to substantial growth in demand for our services,” Carlin says. “Their focus on finding a balance between their employees, clients and shareholders creates a strong foundation for even greater future success.”

Jill Odom

Jill Odom is the senior content manager for NALP.