NALP Members in the News: Mariani Premier Group, Ruppert Landscape, Project EverGreen, LandCare and Davey Tree - The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

We recently updated our Privacy Policy. By continuing to use this website, you acknowledge that our revised Privacy Policy applies.

NALP Members in the News: Mariani Premier Group, Ruppert Landscape, Project EverGreen, LandCare and Davey Tree

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

Mariani Premier Group Acquires Galbraith Grounds Management

Galbraith Grounds Management marks Mariani Premier Group’s 18th acquisition. This boutique landscape management firm specializes in the construction and care of Atlanta residential landscapes.

Founded in 2000 by Marc Galbraith, GGM is known for exceptional property care maintenance and enhancements. They have developed a distinguished and highly exclusive client base throughout the market they serve.

“When we consider which companies would make sense for the Mariani Premier Group to acquire, we look for leaders who share our values and commitment to exceptional client experiences,” says Bryan Christiansen, CEO of Mariani. “The team at GGM certainly meets our high standards.”

Ruppert Landscape Names Chief Information Officer

Ruppert Landscape welcomes Matt Everts as Chief Information Officer.

Matt Everts

Everts most recently served as VP of IT operations and security for an industry-leading multi-brand home service franchisor. He played a pivotal role in scaling an organization that experienced rapid growth both organically and through acquisition.

“I am excited to welcome Matt to Ruppert and confident that, under his leadership, we will expand our IT capabilities to the next level as our growth continues to accelerate,” says Eric Scheinerman, Ruppert’s CFO. “Matt is passionate about technology being a key enabler for both effective business operations and driving the best possible outcomes for external and internal customers.”

Project EverGreen Announces 2024 Officers and Board of Directors

Project EverGreen announced the appointment of its 2024 officers and board of directors during its annual meeting.

Scott Bills

The new president is Scott Bills. Bills is a nationally recognized Certified Sports Field Manager and president of New Jersey-based Sports Field Solutions, LLC. Beth Berry, vice president of Advanced Turf Solutions, will serve as vice president/president elect. Berry is a seasoned service industry veteran, pioneering the customer experience in the lawn care industry at ChemLawn and progressing to the director of customer service at Scotts Lawn Service.

Fred Haskett of TrueWinds Consulting returns as secretary/treasurer and Kevin Laycock of SiteOne Landscape Supply is the immediate past president.

Below is the list of the board members.

  • Andrew Bray – National Association of Landscape Professionals
  • Cayla Chamberlin – Gilbert Family Foundation
  • Tim Demerath – PBI-Gordon
  • George Furrer – Valley Green Inc.
  • Todd Mason – Sipcam Agro USA
  • Russ Mitchell – Prime Source at Albaugh, LLC
  • Blaine Pinkerton – Nufarm
  • Linda Satter – AMGUARD Environmental Technologies
  • Paula Sliefert – The Toro Company
  • Sarah Spatola – Arborjet | Ecologel
  • Shayne Wetherall – AMGUARD Environmental Technologies
  • Alan White – Turf Systems
  • Lee Withers – Kress
  • Ashley Williams – TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods

LandCare Adds to Regional Leadership Team

Andrew Keppel

LandCare has appointed two leaders to oversee their Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic markets.

Andrew Keppel will serve as the market vice president of the Great Lakes and lead branch teams in Illinois and Ohio. Scott Sifton will oversee teams in Maryland and Virginia as market vice president of the Mid-Atlantic region.

Keppel has 20 years of experience in the industry and has a track record of elevating team performance across the Midwest. He encourages team members to leverage collaborative discussion to explore and formulate operational strategies.

Scott Sifton

“Andrew is a proven leader, who has been responsible for working with multiple branch teams to achieve professional growth and success,” says Neil Carter, executive vice president. “He is going to be an excellent addition to our team, and I know that the Chicago and Columbus branch teams will appreciate his hands-on collaborative approach as a leader.”

Sifton has over 25 years of experience in the industry, including 13 with TruGreen LandCare. He is committed to fostering a strong culture among his teams.

“We’re looking forward to the impact that Scott will have on our Mid-Atlantic business,” says Rob Barber, executive vice president. “With his extensive market background and team-centric leadership approach, Scott seamlessly aligns with LandCare’s business strategies and culture.”

The Davey Tree Expert Company Adds Lewis Tree Service

Lewis Tree Service of Santa Cruz, California, has joined the Davey Tree family of brands.

Lewis Tree Service

The company has provided full-service residential and commercial tree care for almost 30 years. Founder Nathan Lewis previously worked for Davey Tree Surgery Company, a subsidiary of The Davey Tree Expert Company, prior to establishing Lewis Tree.

“I’m excited for my team to become part of Davey,” Lewis says. “The Lewis Tree team will not only continue to provide the quality care our company is known for but will now also have career advancement opportunities and the added support services Davey offers, which will all help us better serve our clients. Our team will now have access to the Davey Institute, Davey’s industry-leading research and diagnostic laboratory, which will help us make the best science-based decisions for our clients’ properties.”

Jill Odom

Jill Odom is the senior content manager for NALP.