Massey Services, honored Jeff Buhler, senior vice president of Customer Service, with the 2024 Lifetime Leadership Award by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). This prestigious award was presented on Nov. 4 in Charlotte, N.C., during NALP’s annual Elevate conference.
The Lifetime Leadership Award is one of NALP’s highest honors, recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, dedicated service and a deep commitment to the lawn care industry and NALP itself. The award celebrates those who have made lasting contributions to the profession, while embodying the spirit of innovation, advocacy and inspiration within the landscape community.
“Jeff’s leadership and drive for positive change has played a critical role in our company and our industry,” said Tony Massey, president and CEO of Massey Services. “His analytical approach to decision-making has resulted in numerous process improvements, and his commitment to investing in and mentoring our team has inspired our team members to pursue new growth opportunities within our company. We are proud to congratulate Jeff on this well-deserved recognition.”
Buhler’s career is distinguished by his leadership roles within the industry, including serving as president of NALP’s Board of Directors and contributing to various nonprofit organizations. With a passion for fostering company culture and utilizing technology to enhance customer experiences, Buhler continues to be a driving force behind the success of Massey Services while generously sharing his expertise with the broader landscape industry, according to the company.
Currently, Buhler serves as chairman of the Advisory Board of the University of Florida Department of Religion, and chairman and founding director of the Ridgecrest Foundation. The Ridgecrest Foundation supports Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Camp Crestridge for Girls and the Ridgecrest Conference Center. In addition, Jeff is a board member of The Pabst Steinmetz Foundation, Orlando Opera and Victory Cup Initiative.
Bartlett Tree Experts promotes two local managers
Bartlett Tree Experts has promoted two local managers, Jon Heaton (Midwest Division) and Ethan Crockett (Piedmont Division), to the role of assistant division manager.
Heaton and Crockett are both ISA certified arborists with extensive experience in the tree care industry. Each was promoted by Jim Ingram, president and chief operating officer of Bartlett Tree Experts, in recognition of their demonstrated hard work, knowledge and dedication to the company’s values.
Ingram said both Heaton and Crockett have made important contributions to the Company’s success. For example, Heaton has been a champion of Bartlett’s Tree and Shrub Care Plan, coaching colleagues on providing documentation and planning for species-specific tree and shrub care needs on a clients’ property while prioritizing immediate needs. Crockett has earned recognition as acompany leader in professional development and training.
“Our ability to look within for future leaders like Jon and Ethan is a testament to the quality and excellence of our people and our internal training programs that emphasize ‘listening, learning and leading,'” Ingram said.
Heaton steps into a new role assisting vice president and division manager Scott Jamieson in his management of seven offices in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota; enabling the company’s Midwest region to expand rapidly in the near future.
Heaton joined Bartlett in 2006 as an arborist groundperson and gained valuable experience as a crew leader, plant health care specialist, local office safety coordinator (LOSC) and commercial arborist representative. In 2018, Heaton was promoted to local manager of Bartlett’s Minnetonka, Minn., office, serving the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
“I am excited at the opportunity to help arborist representatives to succeed using the technology we have at our fingertips to manage the health and care of trees and shrubs on clients’ properties,” Heaton said.
In his new role, Crockett will be working closely with vice president and division manager Rob Allen in his management of 17 Bartlett offices in Virginia and Tennessee. Crockett joined Bartlett in 2011 as an arborist representative. He served as an assistant manager of the Richmond, Va., local office before he was promoted to be the local manager.
“I am excited at the opportunity to leave my mark on the next generation of arborists,” Crockett said.
Caretaker Landscape appoints new member of the Honorary Commander Program
Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management appointed Todd Schneider, vice president of construction, as a member of the Honorary Commander Program (HCC) at Luke Air Force Base.
The program pairs base leadership with community leaders to promote the mission of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base. The two-year commitment provides Honorary Commanders the unique opportunity to learn about the duties of the 56th Fighter Wing through attending base and unit events such as:
- Unit meetings
- Changes of command
- Ceremonies
- Graduation banquets
- Social functions
During his tenure, Schneider is assigned to the 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and one of the first events he attended was the promotion of Colonel David J. Berkland to Brigadier General.
“This event was amazing, and I was treated with great respect by both military and civilian leaders in attendance,” Schneider said. “I am excited to serve in this role for the next two years. There will be many opportunities to interact and share ideas and knowledge with civilian and military leaders, and in turn, share that knowledge with the team here at Caretaker.”
Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management is one of the largest privately-held commercial landscaping company in Arizona. Entering its 36th year of business, Caretaker specializes in landscape construction, maintenance and enhancements, as well as tree and water management. Schneider has been with Caretaker for 14 years, and has more than 30 years of experience in heavy civil and residential construction development and management. He has supervised the development of several large master planned communities and said he is looking forward to building relationships with other Honorary Commanders and base leadership.
“The intent of the program is to openly share ideas, business trends, challenges and successes that build a solid bond between the actions of the elite fighters that serve our country and those that serve in leadership roles in the community,” Schneider said. “I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with my assigned team of the 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and thank the Air Force for leaders who recognize the need to interact and collaborate with the business community surrounding Luke Air Force Base.”
Eduardo Montero joins OEM Sales as vice president
Eduardo Montero has been named vice president of OEM Sales for the agricultural plus lawn and garden segments of OTR Engineered Solutions (OTR). He offers vast industry experience, which he will leverage to help support and grow OTR’s OEM business within these product lines.
“We are excited to welcome Eduardo Montero to OTR in his new role as vice president of OEM Sales for the agricultural and lawn and garden segments. Eduardo brings a balance of industry knowledge with a focus on customer service that will help drive OTR’s future success,” said Ben Brown, global vice president of OEM Sales and Marketing.
Montero has a background in international sales with leading manufacturers that supply agricultural, automotive and related industries. Throughout his more than 30 year career, he has consistently grown sales with large OEM accounts, according to the company. Most recently, he served as manager of Latin America sales and global strategic OEM accounts for a multi-billion dollar industrial manufacturer.
“It’s an amazing time at OTR, as we’re not only investing in product development and infrastructure, but also in experienced people,” said Tom Rizzi, president and CEO. “Eduardo is a welcome addition to OTR’s sales team, and he’ll help us continue to grow in the agricultural and lawn and garden segments.”
