LAYTONSVILLE, MD.—Eighteen Ruppert Landscape employees were honored recently as the company presented its annual awards at a banquet held at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Va.
“Presenting these awards gives us the opportunity to thank all of our employees and their spouses for the sacrifices they make for our organization day in and day out,” said President Chris Davitt. “The 18 people who were honored have worked extremely hard and have excelled in their respective positions, overcoming the challenges they encountered with positive outcomes.”
Clyde Vadner Merit Award
This award is the company’s top honor, and recognizes the individual who has contributed continuous, consistent, long-term hard work, dedication and job skill that has helped to shape the company. Jim Tuzzolino (operations manager, Maryland Landscape Construction branch), is a seven-year veteran of the Ruppert organization. Tuzzolino currently resides in Deale, Md.
“Jim exemplifies so many of the qualities that are the cornerstone of our Ruppert Values,” says Bob Jones, VP and director of Ruppert’s Landscape Construction Division. “Not only is he dedicated to getting the job done and keeping our customers happy, but in the process he is coaching others and investing in developing his team to ensure the long-term success of our organization.”
Achievement Award
This award is the second of the company’s two top honors, and recognizes the employee who has made a significant contribution in 2012 through outstanding job execution and high-quality results. Kevin Hazelgrove (branch manager, Richmond Landscape Management branch) has been with Ruppert for two years and was recognized for his ability to take on challenges with a can-do, no boundaries attitude. Hazelgrove currently resides in Mechanicsville, Va.
“Kevin’s market experience and reputation, both with customers and employees, helped him build a solid book of business in our Richmond market and enabled him to hire an excellent team of employees,” says Phil Key, VP and director of Ruppert’s Landscape Management Division. “His work ethic and leadership style align well with our Ruppert values and he’s a good example for all of us.”
Impact Award
These awards are given to the employee whose outstanding dedication and contributions have made a positive impact on their individual branch. This year, there were 16 recipients:
- Area Manager Brandon Simmons, a seven-year Ruppert employee from Baltimore, received the honor for the Baltimore Landscape Management branch.
- Area Manager Ethan Sansbury, a two-year Ruppert employee from Mint Hill, N.C., received the honor for the Charlotte Landscape Management branch.
- Payroll Manager Tina Holt, a five-year Ruppert employee from Damascus, Md., received the honor for the corporate branch.
- Area Manager Matthew Davidson, a three-year Ruppert employee from Chesapeake Beach, Md., received the honor for the Forestville Landscape Management branch
- Field Manager Lewis Buckley, a two-year Ruppert employee from York Springs, Pa., received the honor for the Frederick Landscape Management branch.
- Enhancement Manager Rob Groves, a six-year Ruppert employee from Warrenton, Va., received the honor for the Gainesville Landscape Management branch.
- Field Manager Slade Salmon, a seven-year Ruppert employee from Cummings, Ga., received the honor for the Georgia Landscape Construction branch.
- Area Manager Stephen DeWeese, a three-year Ruppert employee from Lawrenceville, Ga., received the honor for the Georgia Landscape Management branch.
- Area Manager Tom Flint, a one-year employee from Derwood, Md., received the honor for the Lorton Landscape Management branch.
- Field Manager Darrin Middleton, a 16-year Ruppert employee from Silver Spring, Md., received the honor for the Maryland Landscape Construction branch.
- Enhancement Field Manager Julio Zuniga, a six-year Ruppert employee from Rockville, Md., received the honor for the Laytonsville Landscape Management branch.
- Estimator Chris Southworth, a one-year Ruppert employee from Raleigh, N.C., received the honor for the North Carolina Landscape Construction branch.
- Shop Manager John Cericole, a one-year Ruppert employee from Elkton, Md., received the honor for the Pennsylvania Landscape Management branch.
- Area Manager Collins Fitts, a one-year Ruppert employee from Raleigh, N.C., received the honor for the Raleigh Landscape Management branch.
- Area Manager Dave Sharry, a one-year Ruppert employee from North Chesterfield, Va., received the honor for the Richmond Landscape Management branch.
- Field Manager Ramiro Gaspar, a five-year Ruppert employee from Westminster, Md., received the honor for the Virginia Landscape Construction branch.
