Read more about these NALP members and partners in the news.
Ruppert Landscape Opens New Location in Durham, North Carolina
Ruppert Landscape has expanded their landscape management operations to include a new location in Durham, North Carolina. This joins two existing branches in the state located in Raleigh and Charlotte. This new location will serve existing customers as well as support new growth in the region.
The Durham branch will offer the following landscape management services: grounds management/contract services; design and landscape enhancement; turf care; irrigation system management; pond and lake management; arbor care; snow and ice management; lighting and holiday decorations.
“Like many of our branches, the Durham office evolved from a satellite operation, and its permanent establishment is a strategic move designed to better serve our customers,” says Fred Key, region vice president in the company’s landscape management division. “When we open new facilities in the regions where our customers’ properties are concentrated, it allows us to be more responsive and efficient in our work.”
The Durham location will be led by branch manager Sam Wells, who was Raleigh’s branch manager for the past four years. He has a bachelor’s degree in applied horticulture science from SUNY Cobleskill. He is a landscape industry certified technician (CLT) and certified commercial applicator with over 27 years of combined landscape industry experience.
Meanwhile, Drew Dummann has been promoted to lead the Raleigh location as the new branch manager. Dummann has been with Ruppert for almost 15 years and has a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from The Ohio State University.
He has been recognized twice with the company’s Branch Impact Award for his contributions to the team in 2007 for the Maryland landscape construction branch and in 2017 for the Raleigh landscape management branch. Since 2016, he has served the role of associate branch manager, designed to prepare talented team members for future opportunities.
“During his time as associate branch manager, Drew has been instrumental in the growth and success of the branch as he and Sam worked together to plan and build a structure for a smooth transition,” Key says. “Drew and Sam will continue to work closely together through this transition to ensure success for our employees and customers.”
Dummann will be responsible for the overall welfare of the Raleigh branch, including the development of the team, strategic planning, customer service and day-to-day operations.
“It is always exciting when our growth and success creates opportunity for our team members to advance their careers, and particularly satisfying when it pays off for one of our hardworking and dedicated teammates who has continually put himself out there to take on new challenges,” Key says.
Davey Tree Expands in Tennessee and Wisconsin; adds Chippers, Inc. to Family of Brands
Davey Tree Expert Company has recently expanded in two U.S. residential market areas. In Tennessee, Davey has acquired certain assets of AJ’s Tree Service, Inc.
The firm provides residential and commercial tree care services in the Southeast region of Nashville. The firm has six employees who will all continue to work at Davey’s new Southeast Nashville office. AJ’s owner Matthew Bratton will stay on as a sales arborist.
“We are excited to welcome Matthew and his talented team into the Davey family,” says Keith Francies, operations manager, Residential/Commercial (R/C) services. “The team at AJ’s has done tremendous work in the Nashville community and earned a reputation for high-quality service. AJ’s clients can continue to expect excellent service and will benefit from additional resources Davey offers.”
Davey is also expanding their residential and commercial service in Wisconsin with the establishment of their new Northern Milwaukee office. It will be led by Justin Bence. Bence has been with Davey since 2009. He has served as district manager for the North Minneapolis office since 2015.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Justin and his team as we expand a growing market in Wisconsin,” says Brian O’Niel, market manager, R/C services, North Central operations. “At Davey, our priority is always to deliver a safe and excellent quality client experience. Our new office in Milwaukee will allow us to meet the area’s growing demand from current and new clients.”
Also recently, Davey added Chippers, Inc. based in Woodstock, Vermont, into its family of brands. Chippers has been serving New England since 1986 and employs over 90 people.
“It’s crucial to me that all those on staff today and in the future will have the opportunity to become employee owners and their jobs will remain local,” says Mundy Wilson Piper, president and CEO of Chippers, Inc. “Just as importantly, our clients will work with the same Chippers team members they have come to know and rely on during our 35 years in business.”
Piper will remain as a consultant for six months and the organizational structure of Chippers will remain much the same.
“Chippers is a welcome addition to the Davey Tree family,” says Pat Covey, Davey’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Like Davey Tree, Chippers provides excellent tree and landscape care while concentrating on the client experience and quality control. Now, we can focus on sharing our mission with the greater New England area – together.”
SavATree Acquires Kaiser Tree Preservation
SavATree has expanded into the Rhode Island market with the acquisition of Kaiser Tree Preservation. This is SavATree’s first Rhode Island office and 52nd branch operation.
Kaiser Tree Preservation has been providing tree care and plant health care service since 1974. They also build an extensive tick and mosquito control program that will complement SavATree’s existing services.
“We’re very excited to join forces with Kaiser Tree Preservation, a leader in professional tree care in Rhode Island, that has a legacy for outstanding service,” says Carmine Schiavone, SavATree CEO. “We are confident that our teams are a great fit, and together we will continue to serve our customers to the highest quality standards.”
Brilar Celebrates Team Members Accomplishments
Several of Brilar’s employees have pursued certification to help with their professional growth.
Matt Gerich, Brilar’s director of safety and training, has passed his NALP Landscape Industry Certified Manager (Exterior) test. This is the second certification he has earned, the first being a SIMA Certified Snow Professional.
Gerich has aggressive goals of expanding national certification throughout Brilar’s workforce as he believes it raises the bar of professionalism and helps those in the industry develop long-term rewarding careers. He also leads Brilar Academy, the company’s in-depth professional development and training program.
Brilar is also celebrating Heather Woodruff, marketing coordinator, for earning her professional certificate in digital marketing from the DMI and her professional certified marketer designation from the AMA.
