News Release – 9 June 2020

June 9, 2020 – Stamford, CT – Bartlett Tree Experts is pleased to announce that Assistant Division Manger Erik Johnson has been named Division Manager for the Connecticut region.  Additionally, three Local Managers have been promoted to the role of Assistant Division Manager: Mike Gorham (Metropolitan West Region), Steve Austin (Southwest Region) and Craig Southwell (Canadian Region).  

Johnson, Gorham, Austin and Southwell are all ISA Certified Arborists with extensive experience in the tree care industry.  They were selected as part of a rigorous interview process designed to promote individuals that have demonstrated hard work, knowledge and dedication to the Company’s values.   

“These men have already made major contributions to our success and are champions of Bartlett Tree Experts,” commented Jim Ingram, President and COO of Bartlett Tree Experts.  “Our ability to look within for future leaders like these is a testament to the quality and excellence of our people.”

In Connecticut and Long Island, Bartlett’s operations have expanded significantly.  With that, the Company’s six offices in Connecticut and one in Western Massachusetts will now be managed by Erik Johnson.  Most recently, Johnson worked with Vice President and Division Manager David McMaster to oversee operations in this geography, utilizing his strong background in safe and efficient work practices to support the region’s sales and business efforts.  McMaster will continue in his current role, now focusing solely on continued growth on Long Island. 

“I’m thankful to have spent the past three years as an Assistant Division Manager in preparation for this new role.  I’ve had the opportunity to learn directly what is involved in overseeing multiple offices while also sharing my own ideas to grow our business and our people,” said Johnson.  “I’m looking forward to using that knowledge to build on the success we’ve had in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.”   

Mike Gorham previously served as the Local Manager of Bartlett’s office in Syracuse, New York, where he worked for 24 years.  His aptitude for sales as well as ability to lead a team provide a strong foundation as he steps into his new role assisting Vice President and Division Manager Wayne Dubin in management of eight offices in New York and New Jersey. 

“I’ve always found that good communication and listening skills are the key to strong teams with individuals that perform their personal best while also working well together,” stated Gorham.  “We have so many talented people in our region and I believe I can help them reach their full potential so we can continue to make the Metropolitan West region profitable.”

In the Southwest, Steve Austin will be working closely with Vice President and Division Manager Patrick Brewer to manage ten offices in Texas, Arizona and Louisiana as well as assisting in the development of two offices in Colorado, a relatively new service area for the Company.  While running Bartlett’s San Marcos, TX location, Austin established a strong culture that translated into profitability and expansion of the office’s geographic footprint.

“I’ve always loved sales and helping others develop their sales skills.  It’s amazing to see people develop, including arborists I taught to climb trees who have become salespeople,” stated Austin.  “Now I get to apply that passion on a much larger scale, developing our team’s skills and sales efficiency to positively impact volume and returns.”

Internationally, Craig Southwell has transitioned to Assistant Division Manager for the Canadian region.  As Local Manager of Bartlett’s Toronto office, he increased revenue and profitability by embracing the Company’s scientific approach to tree care and sharing that vision with both colleagues and clients.  Moving forward, he will continue this focus, training and mentoring staff to provide a stronger understanding of the science of tree care.

“Our management team and Canadian offices have worked hard to establish a culture of collaboration that allows us to share knowledge and best practices,” said Southwell.  “I’m hoping to expand and improve that process so that all of our team members can achieve constant improvement in their careers and performance.”  

ABOUT BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS
The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company was founded in 1907 by Francis A. Bartlett and is the world's leading scientific tree and shrub care company. The organisation's current chairman, Robert A. Bartlett Jr., represents the third generation of Bartlett family management. Bartlett provides services in 32 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland and Great Britain. The Company offers species-specific tree care services including pruning, pest and disease management, fertilisation and soil care, cabling and bracing, tree lightning protection systems, and tree/stump removal as well as tree inventory and management plans. Its corporate offices are located in Stamford, Connecticut.