Kawasaki Engines promoted Todd Sytsma to senior director, OEM department and new business development. According to the company, this new title reflects both his continued leadership within the OEM department and his expanded responsibilities in driving strategic growth for the company.
Sytsma joined Kawasaki Engines as a sales manager in 2016 and was previously promoted to director of the OEM department in 2022. In this newly elevated role, he will continue to provide strategic direction and leadership to Kawasaki’s OEM customers across the commercial and residential landscape equipment, light industrial and other markets throughout the U.S. In addition to these duties, he will spearhead new business development efforts with a focus on identifying and cultivating opportunities in emerging product segments and markets.
“Todd is an excellent leader who brings deep dedication to our OEM customers while also possessing a strong and forward-thinking vision for Kawasaki’s future product direction,” said Nelson Wilner, senior vice president and general manager of the engines division. “His new title recognizes the important balance of maintaining focus on our current partners and operational excellence while expanding our innovation and market reach.”
A Grand Rapids, Mich., native and graduate of Calvin University, Sytsma worked as a sales manager in the material handling and safety products industry prior to joining Kawasaki.
Aquatrols appoints new marketing manager
The Aquatrols Company, the global producer of soil surfactant products and specialty technologies for turfgrass and horticulture, appointed Megan Svec as its new marketing manager. Her strategic mindset, creative voice and ability to manage end-to-end marketing efforts directly aligns with the company’s current needs.
Svec’s professional background encompasses all aspects of marketing and communications, including content creation, event planning, market analysis, digital marketing and partnership coordination. Throughout her career, she has worked in several industries including government, commercial real estate and construction management. In her most recent position with the software company Infinite Blue, Megan significantly increased customer engagement through the development of clear messaging and strategy for events, social media, email campaigns and webinars.
“We are excited to welcome Megan to our team. Her proven track record in connecting with customers in multiple ways and her forward-thinking approach to marketing are exactly what The Aquatrols Company needs as we continue to expand,” said Colleen Clifford, director of marketing of Aquatrols.
Massey Services makes promotion and honors award winner
Massey Services, a provider of pest management services, promoted Ross Smith to director of systems administration, systems architect.
“We are excited to see Ross step into this new leadership role,” said Adam Scheinberg, vice president, information technology. “His innovative approach and commitment to enhancing our IT systems have been invaluable to our company’s success. We look forward to his continued contributions in this expanded capacity.”
Smith joined Massey Services in 2015, bringing a passion for innovation and a strong technical acumen. His dedication and leadership led to his promotion to systems architect in 2018. Since then, Smith has played a pivotal role in enhancing Massey’s IT infrastructure, developing strategic solutions and overcoming challenges to optimize system performance and efficiency, according to the company.
In his new role as director of systems administration, Smith will oversee the daily operations of the systems administration team and all cloud resources, ensuring seamless functionality and continued improvements in technology management. Massey Services stated that his expertise will be instrumental in advancing the company’s commitment to smooth operationals customer service.
Massey’s 40 Under 40 winner
Massey Services also celebrated Croix Newson, director of business intelligence, for being named one of Orlando Business Journal’s 2025 “40 Under 40” honorees. This recognition highlights 40 rising professionals under the age of 40 who are making significant impacts within their companies, industries and the Central Florida community.
“Croix has consistently delivered outstanding results and exemplified visionary leadership,” said Scheinberg. “He brings a unique ability to solve complex technology challenges through innovative thinking, driving improvements that elevate our customer experience and support business growth.”
Since joining Massey Services in 2016 as a database administrator, Newson has continuously demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation, according to the company. In 2017, he was promoted to business intelligence manager, and in February 2022, he was promoted to his current role. As director of business intelligence, Newson expanded the team’s scope to include not only business intelligence but also reporting and software analysis, database engineering and software development. Most recently, his team launched the online sales portal which allows consumers to purchase pest prevention services directly from the website.
Massey Services stated Newson’s contributions have led to greater automation across the company’s operations and the development of advanced tools and techniques that have enhanced efficiency and performance.
Ruppert Landscape names two new Florida branch managers
Ruppert Landscape has promoted Daniel Stutts to branch manager in the company’s Orlando, Fla., landscape maintenance branch and welcomed Anthony Bretz as branch manager in the company’s Jacksonville, Fla., branch.
With nearly 20 years of landscape industry experience and a degree from Athens Technical College, Stutts has been an integral part of Ruppert’s growth and success, according to Ruppert. He joined the company more than a decade ago as a field manager in Lilburn, Ga., and advanced to area manager where he played a key role in establishing the Alpharetta branch. Last year, he relocated to Orlando to serve as associate branch manager following Ruppert’s acquisition of Tree Amigos Outdoor Services.
“Daniel has done an excellent job integrating Ruppert’s culture and processes in the Orlando branch while maintaining the strong, dedicated team that was already in place,” said Rob Huether, regional manager. “We look forward to seeing Daniel excel in this new role and are confident that he will continue to lead the branch toward ongoing success.”
Bretz brings more than 15 years of experience in the landscape and agronomy industry, having held leadership roles with several large commercial maintenance firms and previously owning and operating his own business. He has a proven track record in overseeing large-scale commercial landscape operations and managing teams, according to the company. His experience includes working with prominent landscape companies in the Jacksonville area, where he was responsible for business development, operations management and client relations.
“As a Jacksonville-area native, Anthony brings strong local relationships and in-depth market knowledge that will be instrumental in the branch’s continued growth,” said Huether. “We are excited about the positive energy and leadership he brings to the team and look forward to the impact he will make.”
In their new roles as branch manager, the two of them will oversee all aspects of branch operations, including planning, budgeting, team development and focusing on customer service.
Include Software names new COO
Include software, a provider of ERP solutions for the landscape and field service industries, named David Clemons as chief operating officer. Clemons brings experience in the landscape industry from RP Marzilli in Boston where he helped lead one of the nation’s top firms in both operations and technology integration, according to the company.
In his new role at Include, Clemons will focus on scaling the delivery of GO, the company’s new AI-friendly ERP platform, while maintaining the service standards that Include is known for.
“David’s background is exactly what we need at this stage,” said Bill Seven, founder and chief visionary officer of Include. “He understands the landscape business inside and out, and he knows how to leverage technology to drive growth without losing the human element.”
Clemons’ appointment strengthens Include’s ability to meet the growing demand for innovative, scalable solutions across the landscape, field service and snow management industries, according to the company.
