Job Title:Diagnostic Arborist
Industry Certifications:
- Board Certified Master Arborist, IL-1392B
- WI Pesticide Applicator
Education:
B.S. Urban Forestry from UW-Stevens Point
Additional Roles in the Company:
Coordinate our annual volunteer efforts to help maintain the trees at Ronald McDonald House in Wauwatosa. This relationship has been going for well over a decade and its very fulfilling to work there.
Areas of Expertise/ Specialties:
Identify tree or shrub related ailments and provide recommendations for treatments. In 20+ years I’ve been exposed to a wide variety of trees, insect issues, disease, and site problems. I feel more capable now than ever to identify the issue(s) and come to a reasonable recommendation.
Industry Related Volunteer Work:
- Previously served on the Wisconsin Arborist Association board of directors as the Publicity Chair. This involved coordinating a variety of volunteer events.
- Have assisted with managing the annual volunteer effort through Saluting Branches.
How Did You Get Your Start at Wachtel Tree Science and Why Did You Choose Wachtel as Your Employer?
I had worked in Illinois at a larger tree service provider with offices nationwide. My former manager and former Wachtel Tree Science co-owner Jeff Wilson asked me to join Wachtel. I always wanted to work back in my home state of Wisconsin. I had met Dave Scharfenberger about a decade earlier through Wisconsin Arborist Association events. I understood the company was highly thought of both in SE Wisconsin and as a model of great tree care practices even nationwide. One of the employees and a former co-worker at that time sent me a short letter explaining what they saw at Wachtel and why I might want to join the team.
What Do You Like Best About Working at Wachtel Tree Science?
I believe ownership and management not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk. You can count on the team to get the job done right. Employees here care and have the attitude to do the right thing even when no one is looking. Employees are empowered and encouraged to come up with ideas to improve even the simplest jobs we perform. This keeps making/keeping us safer, efficient, and just more enjoyable when those ‘little’ things actually get fixed. It is satisfying to have numerous clients that love our services. This creates a great responsibility to make sure we offer and fulfil the best tree care for these trusting partners.
What Advice/Tips Do You Have for Aspiring Tree Care Professionals?
Tree Care professionals are very passionate about their work. We take responsibility for caring for trees as living history and for the future. If you enjoy the process of learning and look to keep learning you should be able to find success. The more I listen, read, and experience about trees, techniques, other sciences we use, and meet more people the more I want to keep learning and experiencing.
Hobbies and Interests:
Spending time with my wife and family, cooking, coaching baseball, hunting, and playing hockey keep me busy.
Is There Anything Else You’d Like to Say About What it Feels Like to Work for Wachtel Tree Science?
I’m proud to be an employee here. Many times other tree service or landscape maintenance providers recommend that their own client’s contact us as the best spot to find good tree care recommendations and services when they are unsure of the issue. That is a very nice vote of confidence.
