Robert Bartlett Jr. honored with Chair’s Award
The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), the national trade association for commercial and utility tree care companies, recognized Robert Bartlett Jr., Chairman and CEO of Bartlett Tree Experts, at its Winter Management Conference. The TCIA recognized Bartlett Jr. for his contributions to the arboricultural industry with the Chair’s Award. The Chair’s Award is presented by the current chairperson of the board to recognize outstanding contributions to the association. Under Robert Bartlett’s leadership, Bartlett Tree Experts has shared numerous scientific discoveries and extensive research.
“It is my honor to honor Robert Bartlett Jr. as being one of most important pioneers to the tree care industry in the last 50 years,” said Tom Prosser, founder and CEO of Rainbow EcoScience. “His commitment to excellence and the progress of the tree care industry ultimately has resulted in a lot of what we call modern arboriculture.”
Jeffrey Jacobsmeyer joins Takeuchi
Takeuchi-US named Jeffrey Jacobsmeyer as its new Central Midwest regional business manager. Jacobsmeyer’s duties will include dealer development and recruitment, inventory control, forecasting, promotions, sales planning and goal setting in the Central Midwest region, which encompasses Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
“Jeff’s career experience and industry knowledge make him a perfect fit for our regional business manager role at Takeuchi,” said Shay Klusmeyer, Takeuchi-US division sales manager for the Central and Western U.S. “From working as a product specialist to becoming a business development manager and even running his own contracting business, Jeff’s background makes him a great asset for Takeuchi in the Central Midwest Region. We’re very pleased to have him on our team.”
Based in the Hawk Point, Missouri area northeast of St. Louis, Jacobsmeyer served as a global product manager, sales manager and marketing manager within the compact equipment industry over a span of twelve years before joining Takeuchi. Prior to launching his corporate career, Jacobsmeyer owned and operated his own grading company, giving him unique insight into the needs of equipment owners and operators.
“I’m fortunate to have experience in multiple dealership roles, as an end-user customer and as a corporate representative for three global brands,” Jacobsmeyer said. “I’m excited to put my experience in product marketing, business management, sales and product support to work on behalf of an outstanding company like Takeuchi.”
Sod Solutions hires Sam Greenwood
Sam Greenwood joined Sod Solutions to pursue Sod sales and development actively. Greenwood brings more than 40 years of experience in the turf industry to his new position.
“I look forward to furthering Sod Solutions reach in the sod industry through expanding the sports venues that our grasses are in and strengthening our relationships within the industry. I am excited to be on the Sod Solutions team. I have worked alongside the company since it was started and have always been impressed with how they do business,” Greenwood said.
Greenwood’s career spans from 1983-2010 as a sports turf manager at Quality Turf, where he was responsible for major installations, including Raymond James Stadium, to his role as National Production Manager for Golf and Sports Turf at Bethel Farms from 2010 to 2023. At Bethel Farms, he played a pivotal role in expanding bermudagrasses and growing the sales division significantly.
“We are excited to welcome Sam Greenwood to Sod Solutions. His remarkable experience and deep industry relationships are vital to our commitment to delivering top-quality turf solutions to our clients,” said Sod Solutions COO, Christian Broucqsault. “Sam’s expertise will be instrumental in advancing our product lines and reinforcing our market presence.”
Sam Greenwood’s role at Sod Solutions will involve leveraging his extensive experience to enhance product development, client relations and strategic growth initiatives.
Project EverGreen appoints new board member
Sarah Spatola, the director of product marketing at Arborjet | Ecologel, has been appointed as a new board member for Project EverGreen.
“Sarah’s appointment to the board is a testament to her passion for environmental sustainability and her dedication to improving the lives of people serving in the military and in under-resourced communities,” said Cindy Code, executive director for Project EverGreen. “We are proud to have Sarah as a part of our team and are confident that her expertise and insights will contribute significantly towards the success and growth of healthy yards, parks and community green spaces.”
Sarah is also a committee member for Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops (GCFT) Program. Through GCFT, military personnel can request lawn and landscaping services during their period of deployment. Last year, the program engaged 2,000 active volunteers, who helped more than 1,000 military families maintain their home lawns. Since its inception, more than 12,000 military families and 7,000 contractors have registered for the program donating more than $15 million towards in-kind services.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to increase my participation in Project Evergreen. I have a long standing respect for the organization, its mission and the programs it administers to bring the benefits of green spaces to our military families and underserved communities,” said Spatola “In joining the Board, I am looking forward to being a part of the conversation to share the value of green spaces with a broader audience.”
KeyServ makes two changes to its team
KeyServ, a leading landscape services firm operating across the Southeast, appointed Jake Lachapelle as the director of finance. Lachapelle brings experience in accounting, financial planning and reporting.
Prior to joining KeyServ, Lachapelle served as a leader in accounting, financial planning and reporting at One Eighty Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm. His diverse background includes significant contributions at Eaton Corporation, Amsted Rail Company, West & Company and service as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Marine Corps.
“I am honored to be named the Director of Finance and join such an esteemed company who is continuing to grow exponentially year over year,” said Lachappelle. “I look forward to leveraging my skills and experience to contribute to the financial success and strategy of KeyServ.”
Additionally, KeyServ promoted Mike Schreiber as its vice president of sales and operations. Schreiber initially joined KeyServ in February 2023 as the senior director of marketing and category management.
“I am honored to be named to this role and excited to work in a new capacity with our talented and experienced local market leaders and their respective teams,” said Schreiber. “KeyServ is in an excellent position with our acquisition strategy to leverage the strengths of some of our companies to bolster others, with the goal of driving targeted growth and improving the customer experience.”
Schreiber’s career in landscaping began in 1993 as a groundskeeper and he served as a professional landscape architect in both South Carolina and New York. With expertise in regulatory affairs, sales management and product management, Mike is well-equipped to lead KeyServ’s strategic initiatives.
“This expanded leadership role will leverage Mike’s strategic vision, extensive industry knowledge, and proven track record of success to drive our sales and operational initiatives in these key businesses,” said Jeff Domenick, KeyServ founder and CEO. “Mike will be responsible for leading and optimizing our sales and operations functions, ensuring seamless collaboration between teams and driving sustainable growth across the designated territories. His wealth of experience and leadership skills will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of our organization.”
Central Turf & Irrigation Supply creates new executive leadership position
Central Turf & Irrigation Supply, a wholesale distributor of green industry and landscape supplies, appointed its Turf Category-Chemical Director, Austin Marsteller, to the new executive leadership position of turf category business director. With employee growth and development as a core company value, internal promotions are an integral part of Central’s focus and commitment to its team members.
Before joining Central Turf & Irrigation Supply his career was heavily focused on turf and ornamental on the manufacturer side.
“We couldn’t be more excited as Austin Marsteller expands his role, and the role of the turf category, here at Central. We are always looking to innovate and improve so that we can meet and exceed the needs of our customers and employees,” said Anthony Luciano, vice president of sales and marketing for Central Turf & Irrigation Supply. “I am confident with this new position that Austin will continue to be focused on the future growth of the category. Ensuring that both our internal sales teams and our customers have the expertise needed to continue growing in their markets.”
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Have promotions or updates about your team? Send it to Associate Editor Rob DiFranco at rdifranco@northcoastmedia.net, and we’ll feature it in an upcoming People on the Move.
