I have over 4 decades in tree care along with managing and growing a business. It started with a degree in Urban Forestry from UW-Stevens Point. I took on being a partner in Wachtel in 1994. Since then, with the help of a great team, the company has seen improvements in safety, tree care protocols, equipment, management systems and employee training.
I am involved in many volunteer areas. As Chair of the national ANSI Z-133 Safety Committee I am responsible for helping to set the tree care safety standards for the U.S. I also serve on the Finance Committee for the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). I have been recognized by the ISA, the Tree Care Industry Association, the Wisconsin Arborist Association and the City of Hartford, WI for volunteer activities. I love working with the oldest and largest living organism on earth (trees) and the great people that care for them. Educating clients and helping them manage their properties is very rewarding. Even more rewarding is seeing the growth and advancement of the Wachtel staff. Helping people move from a young Arborists working as a summer intern, to someone achieving their Certified Arborist a year or two after graduating and then moving on to use their training as a Crew Leader or Safety Coordinator. Watching people grow is even more fun than watching trees grow!
When working with clients I like to look at and manage the entire property. What will happen as the landscape grows over the next 15 years? How does the client use their property, what is important to them (screening areas, long views, etc.)? Which trees are permanent trees versus temporary? How can I help to maximize the desired positive impacts of a client’s property? Every property is unique and it is always fun to encourage those unique qualities.
