Read more about these NALP members and partners in the news.
Ruppert Landscape Acquires The Greenery
Ruppert Landscape has expanded their services in South Carolina with the acquisition of The Greenery of Charleston.
The Greenery of Charleston is the leading commercial landscape maintenance and installation provider in the Charleston market and was owned and operated by Andrew Dupps for 15 years. The company serves serves customers in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah Island and Summerville.
“We are eager to enter the South Carolina market through this partnership with The Greenery of Charleston,” says Phil Key, CEO of Ruppert Landscape. “Their reputation for superior service delivery, strong customer relationships, and commitment to team development and growth fits perfectly with Ruppert’s values and I could not be more excited about the opportunities of the combined businesses. This is a great group of people and we are proud to be associated with them.”
Dupps, along with partners Dennis Hensley and Tom Murray and approximately 320 talented team members, will join Ruppert Landscape.
“When deciding on a partner, Ruppert’s culture really resonated with us,” Dupps says. “Their track record of growth, customer service and passion around development and opportunity for team members aligns perfectly with our priorities.”
Ruppert Landscape Opens New Branches and Promotes Several
Ruppert Landscape has recently opened two new locations in Maryland and one in North Carolina.
They have expanded their landscape management operations to include Bowie, Maryland. This location will provide comprehensive commercial landscaping services in Bowie, Annapolis, Greenbelt, Crofton, Beltsville, College Park, and Kent Island. These services include design and landscape enhancement, turf care, irrigation system management, pond and lake management, arbor care, snow and ice management, and outdoor lighting and décor.
“This expansion not only reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our clientele but also signifies the continued dedication of our team to deliver exceptional service,” says Kyle Meissner, region manager in the company’s landscape management division. “We look forward to contributing positively to the Bowie and Annapolis communities while providing new opportunities for our employees to thrive within our company.”
Ruppert has also opened a new branch in Elkridge, Maryland, which will be lead by Mike Fleming. He has been with the company for over 17 years and has overseen their Baltimore location since 2018.
“Mike exemplifies what we love to see in a career path here at Ruppert,” says Damien Barber, region manager in the company’s landscape management division. “He began his career as an intern and then worked his way through nearly every branch position from crew member to branch manager. He has been an integral part of our history in the Baltimore market and will be a huge asset as we create our new Elkridge location.”
Tim Kline will assume the role of branch manager for Baltimore. He joined Ruppert in 2021 as an area branch manager. He was promoted to assistant branch manager in 2022.
“Tim has dedicated the past year to prepare for the branch manager role, overseeing the team and customer portfolio that will remain with the Baltimore branch following the Elkridge split in 2024,” Barber says. “We’re excited about Tim’s transition and have full confidence in his capacity to sustain the Baltimore branch’s success.”
In North Carolina, Ruppert is adding a location in Apex as part of its landscape management operations. Tyler Johnson will lead this branch. He joined the company in 2019.
“Tyler excels at customer service, sales, and taking care of his people, and has spent the last year and a half preparing to take on the branch manager role,” says Drew Dummann, region manager for the company’s landscape management division. “We are enthusiastic about Tyler’s transition into this role and are confident in his ability to drive success and growth for our new Apex branch.”
Ruppert Landscape has also recently promoted Reid Altavilla to director of shop operations at their corporate office. He will oversee and enhance the efficiency of their shops and fleet leadership team. He has been with Ruppert for the past 27 years, joining as a mechanic in 1996.
Chad Diller Promoted to President of Landscape Leadership
Landscape Leadership, a marketing and sales agency for the lawn and landscape industry, has promoted Chad Diller to president. Under his stewardship, Landscape Leadership will strive to push the boundaries of innovation.
“The lawn and landscape industry is defined by its leaders,” Diller says. “We must be on the cutting edge of marketing initiatives that blaze a trail. That’s what I aim to give back to our clients, team, and industry peers.”
Formerly the vice president, Diller has over two decades of hands-on involvement in the industry. He started his journey as a lawn and tree technician in 1998.
“Chad’s forward-thinking vision and extensive practical experience make him the ideal leader to guide our agency into this new era of innovation and excellence,” says Chris Heiler, CEO of Landscape Leadership.
Bartlett Tree Experts Acquires Companies in South Carolina and Louisiana
Bartlett Tree Experts has acquired Butler Brothers, LLC, based in Metairie, Louisiana.
Butler Brothers has served New Orleans and the surrounding area for the past 23 years. Owners Paul and Tim Butler decided to join Bartlett because of their reputation of providing the highest level of tree and shrub services. Both will join the Bartlett New Orleans office along with a plant health care technician and two arborists.
“Bartlett’s arboricultural research facility supports its offices in delivering the most advanced scientific tree care solutions available,” Paul Butler says. “Customers can rely on local attention from highly skilled arborists with a commitment to customer service and safety.”
The company has also added a new office in Greer, South Carolina, with the acquisition of Emery’s Tree Service, Inc.
Emery’s Tree Service has served commercial and residential clients for the past 32 years. When owner Scott Emery decided to retire, he found Bartlett was the best fit to acquire his business. His team, including an arborist representative and six production team members, has joined Bartlett at the new Greer office.
“Bartlett Tree Experts is a family business that has been a leader in our industry for 117 years,” Emery says. “Customers can rely on local attention from a team of highly skilled arborists with a commitment to exceptional customer service, quality, and safety.”
College of DuPage Receives Re-Accreditation
The College of DuPage Landscape Contracting and Management program received its National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Accreditation renewal.
A team of professionals from the industry and education determined DuPage’s program met or exceeded the standards established by NALP for Accredited Degree Programs and recognizes the college for its administration, faculty and support personnel for their commitment to experiential learning, community outreach and mentoring of future leaders of the industry. The program will continue to receive the benefits of accreditation for the next seven years.
First accredited in 2015, the horticulture department has over 400 students. College of DuPage has two full-time faculty members, one temporary full-time faculty, a full-time greenhouse/laboratory coordinator, and a greenhouse supervisor. In addition, the program has over 40 adjunct faculty.
The horticulture program also has high-quality facilities, including a large, modern greenhouse complex, a landscape garden for class and laboratory experience, and several storage areas that house a large complement of turf and landscape equipment.
