Ruppert Landscape honors 15 employees

LAYTONSVILLE, Md. – Fifteen Ruppert Landscape employees were honored, as the company presented its annual awards at their recent banquet.  

“Presenting these awards gives us the opportunity to thank all of our employees for the contributions they make to our company on a daily basis,” said President Chris Davitt. “These 15 individuals have worked extremely hard and have excelled in their respective positions, overcoming challenges with positive outcomes.” 

Achievement Award
This award, one of the company’s two top honors, recognizes the employee who has made a significant contribution in 2010 through outstanding job execution and high-quality results. Jack Jones (Branch Manager, Forestville Landscape Management branch) has been with Ruppert for six years and was recognized for his ability to take on challenges with a can-do, no-boundaries attitude. “Jack embodies the Ruppert attitude, including exhibiting tremendous integrity, strong decision making skills and setting a great example as an energetic, hard-working leader,” said Phil Key, vice president and director of the Ruppert’s Landscape Management Division. “Along with Jack’s team building strength, which he honed as a former senior drill instructor for the U.S. Marine Corps in Parris Island, he also excels at providing high-quality customer service and continuously setting new, higher standards for his branch, which has had a significant positive impact on, and on the entire landscape management division.” Jones currently resides in Columbia, Md.

Clyde Vadner Merit Award
This award is the company’s top honor and recognizes the individual who has contributed continuous, consistent, long-term hard work, dedication and job skill that has helped to shape the company. Ken Thompson (Branch Manager, Virginia Landscape Construction branch), is a 24-year veteran of the Ruppert organization. Over the course of his career, Thompson has served in many positions including crewman, driver, asst. field manager, field manager, area manager, production manager and branch manager for Maryland Landscape, Georgia Landscape and Virginia Landscape. “Ken is a hard-working, tenacious manager who is always looking to improve himself and strengthen his team,” said Bob Jones vice president and direct of Ruppert’s Landscape Construction Division. “He has taken the Ruppert value of charitable giving to a new level, serving on the board of directors and developing a long-term partnership with Jubilee Support Alliance (JSA), which aims to provide safe and affordable housing as well as life improvement strategies for residents of DC’s Adams Morgan community.” Thompson currently resides Jefferson, Md.

Impact Award
These awards are given to the employee whose outstanding dedication and contributions have made a positive impact on their individual branch.  This year, there were 13 recipients:

•    Bill Cobb (Information Systems Manager), a one-year Ruppert employee from Trussville, Ala., received the honor for corporate
•    Tyler Tessier (Field Manager), a three-year Ruppert employee from Brookville, Md., received the honor for the Baltimore Landscape Management branch
•    Michael Brierley (Business Development Manager), a one-year Ruppert employee from Decatur, Ga., received the honor for the Georgia Landscape Construction branch
•    Thor Grenier (Area Manager), a nine-year Ruppert employee from Grayson, Ga., received the honor for the Georgia Landscape Management branch
•    Shane Carmadella (Business Development Manager), a eight-year Ruppert employee from Jessup, Md., received the honor for the Maryland Landscape Construction branch
•    Kevin Wetzonis (Enhancement Manager), a eight-year Ruppert employee from New Market, Md., received the honor for the Maryland Landscape Management branch
•    Peter Grimaldi (Field Manager), a four-year Ruppert employee from Charlotte, N.C., received the honor for the North Carolina Landscape Construction branch
•    Ethan Sansbury (Field Manager), a one-year Ruppert employee from Mint Hill, N.C., received the honor for the North Carolina Landscape Management branch
•    Adrian Karver (Area Manager), a six-year Ruppert employee from West Chester, Pa., received the honor for the Pennsylvania Landscape Management branch
•    George Brown, III (Area Manager), a two-year Ruppert employee from Annapolis, Md., received the honor for the Prince George’s Landscape Management branch
•    Ryan Rimshaw (Area Manager), a five-year Ruppert employee from Fairfield, Pa., received the honor for the Frederick Landscape Management branch
•    Kurt Siemon (Contract Administrator), a nine-year Ruppert employee from Herndon, Va., received the honor for the Virginia Landscape Construction branch
•    Matt Kennedy (Business Development Manager), a four-year Ruppert employee from Warrenton, Va., received the honor for the Virginia Landscape Management branch