Ruppert Landscape promotes Melanie Anderson to director of talent acquisition
Ruppert Landscape, No. 13 on the 2023 LM150 list, promoted Melanie Anderson to director of talent acquisition. In her new role, she will spearhead talent acquisition strategies for both the landscape construction and management divisions.
Anderson has more than 20 years of experience in the landscape industry, holds a degree in landscape horticulture from Ohio State University and has served as talent acquisition manager for the company’s landscape construction division for the past five years.
“Melanie has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in her approach to recruitment and is uniquely qualified to lead our talent acquisition efforts,” said Mike Monde, vice president of people and culture.
In her new capacity, Anderson will be responsible for developing and implementing tailored talent acquisition strategies to meet the organization’s evolving needs. She will collaborate closely with hiring leaders across the company to understand their talent requirements and develop comprehensive recruitment plans to attract top-tier candidates. She will also focus on building and nurturing relationships with external talent sources, including universities, recruitment agencies and job boards to enhance recruiting efforts.
Davey Canada promotes new regional vice presidents
Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada promoted Kevin Dykstra to regional vice president, Utility, British Columbia, and Yukon, and Jesse Imbeault to regional vice president, Utility, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
“Kevin and Jesse are attentive to detail and have a deep understanding of the industry,” said Blair Veitch, vice president and general manager, Utility. “Throughout their careers, they have cultivated a great team environment and we’re excited to see how they can continue to enhance their teams and projects in their new roles.”
Dykstra has been with Davey for 20 years and was most recently the utility operations manager in Vancouver and British Columbia. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Central American Institute of Business Administration and a doctorate from the University of British Columbia. He was a past member of the Davey President’s Council, a rotating team of managers who meet semiannually for management development and to share ideas to improve the company.
Imbeault joined Davey as an equipment operator in 2002, then in 2006 was promoted to crew foreman and in 2012 to supervisor. He was promoted to manager of Fortis and Battle River utility accounts in 2015 and Alberta regional manager in 2019. In 2012, Jesse attended the Davey Institute of Tree Sciences, which is Davey’s flagship training program in biological sciences, safety, tree and plant care and management techniques. He is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist and Certified Utility tree worker.
EverSmith Brands appoints new CEO
EverSmith Brands, a business-to-business franchise platform in the commercial facilities sector, appointed Ken Hutcheson as its new chief executive officer.
“Under Ken’s visionary leadership, we’re poised to enter an exciting new chapter of growth and service excellence,” said Tom Silk, operating partner overseeing EverSmith Brands. “Our commitment to providing outstanding support to our franchise partners remains unwavering, and we are confident that Ken is the right person to elevate our offerings to even greater heights.”
Hutcheson was most recently president of EverSmith’s landscaping and snow segments, U.S. Lawns and its Canadian sister brand, Clintar. He was responsible for leveraging their combined strengths for enhanced market presence and operational efficiency. With nearly three decades of experience leading U.S. Lawns, he has demonstrated leadership and an understanding of the facility services industry, making him the ideal candidate to lead EverSmith Brands into its next phase of growth, according to the company.
“I am honored to lead EverSmith Brands as we embark on this exciting journey,” Hutcheson said. “With our aligned values, dedication to franchise owners, and proven model for success, I am confident that we are well-positioned for continued growth and innovation.”
Sterling Lighting welcomes Tom Fenig
Sterling Lighting appointed Tom Fenig as the new head of sales development. In his new role Fenig will work to enhance sales processes and expand sales channels, leveraging his experience and innovative strategies to drive growth and profitability.
Fenig’s career in outdoor lighting began with his founding of the first and largest outdoor lighting franchise system in the United States, which he grew to 79 locations before its successful sale in 2008. He later established Imagine Outdoor Lighting with his family.
“We are absolutely delighted to have Tom join our team,” said Patrick Harders, CEO of Sterling Lighting. “His exceptional track record and forward-thinking approach to business are precisely what Sterling needs at this juncture. Tom’s ability to invigorate our sales strategies will play a crucial role in our expansion efforts.”
This new role at Sterling Lighting marks another significant chapter in Fenig’s professional journey, reuniting him with long-time collaborator Patrick Harders. Together, the pair aim to extend Sterling Lighting’s market reach and enhance the company’s reputation as an innovator in the outdoor lighting industry.
