Ruppert Landscape has made several key hires to its management staff.

Tim Baskerville has returned to the company as branch manager for the North Carolina Landscape Construction Branch. Rick Whitman has accepted the position of operations manager for Ruppert Landscape’s Maryland Landscape Construction Branch. Ruppert Landscape has 12 branches in a five state radius.

Baskerville has been in the landscape industry for more than 20 years, eight of which were with the former Ruppert Landscape Co. As branch manager, Baskerville will supervise the branch’s landscape construction operations, including planning, budgeting, personnel development, systems control and maintaining customer relations.

“Tim not only brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with him, but also a familiarity with our company’s values and culture that make him a perfect fit for our organization,” said Bob Jones, vice president and director of landscape construction. “We are excited he has returned to Ruppert and look forward to the positive impact his expertise will have for years to come.”

Whitman has been in the landscape construction industry more than 20 years, during which he has worked for one of the nation’s larger landscape contractors as a chief estimator, business developer and vice president of operations. He has worked on projects such as the Wynn Las Vegas and Caesar’s Palace. Whitman’s responsibilities at Ruppert Landscape will include all aspects of production at the branch.

“Rick’s experience in the landscape construction arena gives us a real advantage in the market,” said Rich Schubach, branch manager for the Maryland Landscape Construction Branch. “We were looking for a combination of hardscape and landscape experience combined with key leadership traits to fill this position. We are happy to have found that combination in Rick and are looking forward to his contributions.”