Growing Together
Earlier this year, we introduced the company’s mission, vision and values. These are more than just words – they are the foundation for how we work together every day. And as we grow this company, we will always reference them as guideposts for our journey.
Speaking of growth, it’s been a busy six months on the acquisition front. Already in 2024, we’ve welcomed four companies into the Xylem Kendall family. Right Way Tree Experts, Texar Line Clearance, Hardin Tree and most recently, Endrizzi Contracting have all come on board. Each acquisition is a strategic step toward expanding our reach into new regions.
As we continue to grow as a company, so does the opportunity for each of you to grow professionally. To support you in the field or in the office, we will continue to invest in the technologies and equipment that allow us to serve our customers in the safest and most efficient manner possible.
Earlier this year we launched Tree Academy, our online learning system. It offers job-specific training, onboarding and safety training within the app. Our field leaders closely monitor their teams’ progress in real time, identifying opportunities and assigning training based on job expectations and safety requirements.
Each day, we get smarter and smarter about our business – in every way you can imagine. Power BI, our company-wide business intelligence project, is in full swing. We will keep you updated on our progress in the months to come.
The bottom line is that if we all lock arms and work together, we will accomplish something very special. We may not be as old or as large as some of our competitors, but our market is ripe for a new breed of vegetation management provider.
Our vision and commitment to execution sets us apart. And I have no doubt that we will all continue to see much success in 2024.
Randolph Hoover, CEO
Executive Leadership
Randolph Hoover
Chief Executive Officer
Benjamin Hoover
President
Kurt Goodman
Chief Financial Officer
President (Kendall)
Scott Konikoff
Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel
Jack Guffey
Chief Operating Officer (Xylem)
Larry Gauger
Chief Operating Officer (Kendall)
Welcome to the Team
Tom Warburton joins the corporate team as our Vice President, Marketing & Communications. He is responsible for corporate branding, marketing and communications, as well as sub-disciplines that support the promotion of our company.
He has over 25 years of marketing communications experience, supporting small privately held companies to Fortune 100 conglomerates.
In his free time, you can find him playing volleyball, watching EPL soccer and traveling.
Welcome, Endrizzi Contracting!
We are excited to announce the acquisition of Endrizzi Contracting!
Founded by Amanda and Matthew Endrizzi in 1998, and based in Vienna, Illinois, the company specializes in vegetation management and right-of-way clearance, garnering praise for its service excellence in Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin and Kentucky.
Over the years, Endrizzi Contracting has established a successful business and a solid reputation with their commitment to quality
service and customer satisfaction. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Xylem Kendall’s expansion efforts across the Midwest.
We are delighted to partner with them and welcome them to the team!
2024 Tree Care Standards
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 tree care standards were developed as separate parts that focused on specific aspects of tree care practices. They have been refined over the years but cover these major areas: pruning, soil management, lightning-protection systems and tree-risk assessment. Their mission is to develop consensus performance standards based on current research and sound practice for writing specifications to manage trees, shrubs and other woody plants.
“These standards are not just a collection of guidelines; they are the cornerstone of the tree care industry. Developed by the A300 committee, these consensus standards are
based on extensive research and sound practices. They serve as the foundation for writing specifications, training programs, best practices and even regulations related to tree care. Their primary mission is to ensure that tree care professionals can provide the best possible care to trees, shrubs, palms and other woody landscape plants,” as shared in an article from TCI Magazine.
The advantage of incorporating these universal best practices in tree care is that they provide a safer work environment and will lead to an increase in productivity that benefits our customers.
“They are specifically designed for those who care for or manage trees, shrubs and woody plants in urban and landscape settings. Whether working for property owners, property managers, businesses, governments or utilities, these standards provide the guidance you need to excel in your tree care practices.” (TCI Magazine)
The newly consolidated A300 standards also will be available online at TCIA.org.
Guys, How Are You Feeling?
It’s important for men to be aware of their health and seek treatment when necessary.
Did you know that men aren’t as likely as women to have preventive screenings and checkups with their healthcare provider? With early detection being so important, avoiding a check-up or screening could lead a treatable situation to be deadly.
Screenings for certain cancers such as colon and prostate should be performed regularly depending on your age and risk factors. Men should also have a well-doctor exam annually, even if you are feeling healthy. A regular check-up with your healthcare team is a good way to validate your health or identify a problem in its early stages.
Other health factors men should be aware of:
Blood pressure should be checked annually.
Cholesterol should be checked every five years beginning at age 40 if you are low risk, or more frequently if you are at higher risk.
Diabetes screening if you are over 45 years old, or have a BMI above 25.
Mental health screenings for conditions such as depression.
For an Overall Healthy Lifestyle
Fit 30 minutes of physical activity into your routine.
To help lower your blood pressure, increase energy, strengthen your body, maintain your weight and potentially decrease your risk for heart attack or stroke, you should:
Limit alcohol - Try to have no more than two drinks a day
Avoid smoking or using tobacco
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night
Manage stress levels by spending time with friends or family
UKG Communications
Important company and safety messages are regularly communicated through UKG in email and text messages.
Save the number 557-54 to your smartphone as Company News today so you don’t miss out!
Not near a computer? Download the mobile UKG app from the Apple or Google Play app stores.
Enter XK001 for the company access code.
Cerity Partners –Your Retirement Advisor
In addition to your John Hancock 401(k) retirement account, we have teamed up with Cerity Partners to serve as the advisor to your company 401(k) Plan. They are available to assist you with financial coaching, retirement readiness, budget creation and analysis.
All questions regarding how much you should contribute to your plan and which investments may be right for you can be answered by calling 502-861-7657 or emailing retireready@ ceritypartners.com.
New UKG App Available
Download the New UKG app today! The current version of the app will no longer work after December 31, 2024.
Every Step Counts
Connect to a fitness app to count your steps and track the other physical activities you incorporate into each day to reach the 30 minute goal!
Anthem policy holders can sync the Sydney mobile app to their fitness devices to track daily steps, log nutrition and monitor sleep.
Mission Possible!
Our teams have all been presented with our company’s mission, vision, values and principles this year. Equipped with a shared goal, we will build stronger teams, a stronger culture and provide better service to our customers.
MISSION
Empowering every team member to safely and professionally support our customers’ mission to deliver reliable energy to the communities they serve.
VISION
Foster an environment of personal and professional growth while leveraging technology and innovation to deliver unmatched value to our customers.
VALUES
Trust: Act with integrity, make thoughtful choices that best meet the situation and follow through on commitments
Transparency: Timely, clear, open and honest communications
Respect: Maintain dignity with our words and actions
Unity: Working together for mutual success
Our mission, vision, values and principles aren’t just words on the wall. They are the core of what we do every day.
Hats Off! - Work planner Chris Creed’s grandson is stylin’ in his Xylem hat. Chris is a part of General Foreperson Nathan Tharpe’s work group for the Blue Ridge Electric property.
Un-Fore-Gettable - We appreciate Tucker Miller, Director of Central Office, for leading the team in support of the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) golf classic fundraiser in May.
The Lights Went Down to Georgia - We had a great time networking and learning at this year’s Electric Cities of Georgia Engineering & Operations Conference, which took place in Savannah, Ga. Thanks to Craig Faulk, Regional Manager, (pictured far right) for representing Kendall Vegetation Services.
Out of the Woods
Learn Not to Burn - In May, members of our team were in Culpeper, Va. supporting Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s Day of Safety. This year’s topic was “Fire Mitigation,” presented by Ray Crump, Safety Manager, Rick Stanley, Safety Specialist and James Wendt, Trainer.
The discussion focused on recognizing the hazards associated with wildfires, prevention methods and tools used in wildfire control. We appreciated the opportunity to educate our own teams under the leadership of Marshall Crouse, Regional Manager and our peers in the vegetation management community.
Team Effort - We appreciate everyone who stopped by to meet with our regional leadership team at the Georgia Vegetation Management Association in Savannah, Ga.
and Jay
Pictured left to right, Jack Guffey, Chief Operating Officer, Jeffrey Shaner, Safety Specialist, Jamie Johnson, Regional Manager, Carl Bane, Regional Manager
Bradley, Supervisor.
Living Life on Two Wheels - Xylem Tree Care was proud to sponsor this year’s Tour de Cure in Smithfield, Va., benefiting the American Diabetes Association in April.
Thank you to Mark Griffith, Manager of our Virginia region, for leading the team and helping raise awareness for a very important cause!
Modern Cybersecurity Essentials
In today’s business world, where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, securing sensitive information and maintaining robust cybersecurity measures are more crucial than ever. One of the most effective ways to enhance security and protect against unauthorized access is through the implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This security approach requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource, making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to breach systems. Here’s a closer look at the benefits:
1. Enhanced Security
By requiring multiple forms of verification— such as something you know (password), something you have (smartphone or hardware token) and something you are (biometric data)—MFA makes it exponentially more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to accounts.
2. Protection Against Phishing Attacks
MFA adds an extra layer of protection by ensuring that even if an employee’s password is compromised through a phishing attack, the attacker cannot access the account without the second factor.
3. Compliance with Regulations
Implementing MFA helps organizations comply with agreements and regulations that may impact our customers.
4. Increased Employee Productivity
It allows employees to securely access our company resources from anywhere, whether working from home, traveling or out in the field.
5. Reduced Risk of Credential Theft
Credential theft remains a major threat to organizations. MFA mitigates this risk by making stolen credentials useless without the second authentication factor.
6. Encourages Stronger Password Practices
Having MFA eases up on the requirement to change our passwords as frequently.
By implementing MFA, we protect the company, comply with regulatory requirements and build a culture of security awareness, ultimately safeguarding our digital future against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. As cybercriminals continue to refine their tactics, adopting MFA is not just a best practice—it’s a necessity for any organization committed to protecting its people, data and reputation.
Tips for Creating a Strong Password
A strong password is one that’s easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important things to consider when creating a password:
• Never use personal information such as your name, birthday, user name or email address. This type of information is often publicly available, which makes it easier for someone to guess your password.
• Use a long password. Your password
should be at least six characters long, although, for extra security, it should be even longer.
• Don’t use the same password for each account. If someone discovers your password for one account, all of your other accounts will be vulnerable.
• Try to include numbers, symbols and both uppercase and lowercase letters.
• Avoid using words that can be found in the dictionary.
• Random passwords are the strongest. If you’re having trouble creating one, you can use a password generator instead.
Common Password Mistakes
Some of the most commonly used passwords are based on family names, hobbies or just a simple pattern. While these types of passwords are easy to remember, they’re also some of the least secure.
At Xylem Kendall, we encourage safe work practices on our job sites but we also want to encourage safe “life” practices outside of work as well.
Over the summer and early fall months, we want everyone to be aware of some of the risks to what we are exposed, from damage and injuries caused by the sun and heat to water-related and environmental accidents.
Here are our top safety tips for keeping everyone in your family healthy and happy during hot months.
1. Check the weather before you head outside.
When you know the approximate temperature, you can plan to dress accordingly and can also help you determine what to bring to help keep you safe, protected from the sun and hydrated.
2. Wear the right clothing and accessories. Where you’re going should affect what you
Heat Safety
choose to wear. Many people wear less clothing in the hot sun, but it’s a good idea to opt for more skin coverage when possible. Light-colored and lightweight clothes can also help reflect the sun, keeping you cool and safe.
3. Know the risks and signs of heat exhaustion.
Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, occur when the body can’t properly cool itself. If you notice any of the following symptoms go indoors immediately (if possible) to rest in an air-conditioned place and drink water.
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke:
• high body temperature
• mental confusion
• nausea and vomiting
• flushed skin
• rapid breathing
• racing heart rate
• headache
4. Be vigilant about water safety. Whether your family is spending time in the pool, at the beach or on a boat, you should be aware of the proper safety precautions to follow.
Parents should:
• Never leave your child unsupervised near water at or in the home.
• Make sure any boating activities include proper flotation devices.
5. Never leave your pets or children unattended in a car.
It only takes about two minutes for cars to heat up to lethal levels, so it is critical that you never leave a young child or animal alone in your vehicle at any time.
Finally, don’t wait until you have an emergency to prepare — know your emergency plan ahead of time, stay cool and stay safe!
Practice Makes Perfect
Our teams are always preparing for the unexpected. Pictured here is our Team from Region 1 participating in Storm Training Day 1. Together, we ensure safety and efficiency in the face of storms!
A Spectacular Job!
“I had a 70ft pine tree that fell on the power lines causing major concern as it was also near my home. I advised Bobby, GF, several times to discuss the situation and how they were planning to cut the tree. The crew took their time and was able to remove the tree without causing any damage. Everyone did a spectacular job! “
– William L. Trinity, TX
Project Complete - There’s no trading these office views for anything! Excellent work performed by Joey, Tanner, Levi and Anthony and Regional Manager David Allen for showing the progress and final results on a job.
Reaching New Heights - We are boosting our team’s skills with an SRS (Single Rope System) training in Region 4 Memphis. As part of our Surrounded By Safety Commitment, we are elevating our climbing techniques for safer, more efficient work. Together, we’ll reach new heights! Thank you Sean Motte, Regional Skills Trainer, for the additional instruction.
Nice, Professional, and Amazing!
“Your crew did a super job of clearing the lines and cleaning up as they went all up and down the road. I really appreciate the work you all are doing!“
– Joe M. Laurelville, OH
Load and Go - Starting in June, all bucket and chip trucks are loaded out with supplies at Custom Truck. The supplies are kitted at the Wakefield, VA. facility and delivered to Custom Truck to store at their facility. This allows trucks to deliver straight to the job site ready to work which saves time, resources and money.
Top Notch Performance
International Human Resources Day
On May 20th we celebrated International Human Resources Day. From onboarding, benefits administration, compliance and so much more, we believe our HR team is the best!
We extended our congratulations to our HR leaders who recently earned new certifications - Katie Hunnicut, SHRM Certified Professional and Julie Palmer, SHRM Senior Certified Professional.
“I am writing to bring to your attention the outstanding performance of one of your employees, Dylan Richardson, Foreperson.
I felt compelled to express my gratitude for Dylan’s professionalism and exemplary conduct during his visits to my residence. Dylan approached his responsibilities with the utmost respect and courtesy, demonstrating a clear understanding of the importance of effective communication and a diligent work ethic.
Specifically, Dylan’s conduct stood out during his recent visits to address matters on our property. Despite unforeseen challenges that arose during the initial appointment, Dylan handled the situation with poise and professionalism, ensuring that all necessary steps were taken to address our concerns promptly and effectively.
His respectful demeanor, clear communication and ethical behavior have undoubtedly contributed to restoring our confidence in your company and its employees. I believe Dylan’s exceptional performance warrants recognition and commendation.
I kindly request that you extend my appreciation to Dylan for his exemplary service and dedication to upholding the reputation of your organization. His commitment to excellence is truly commendable and deserving of acknowledgment.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to continued positive experiences with your company.”
Warm regards, LaDonna D. St. Joe, Arkansas
Our Norfolk, Va. based HR Team - (Pictured left to right) Liz Duenas, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Christy Bodnar, Sr. Talent Acquisition Specialist, Katie Hunnicut, Director of Human Resources, Julie Palmer, Director of Quality Assurance, Kristin Morris, HR Generalist, Gabrielle Schucker, DOT Compliance Specialist, Joy Lacher, Manager of Organizational Development and John Coffren, Sr. Director of Human Resources.
Arbor Day in Wakefield
Tree Day - In honor of Arbor Day on April 26th, our corporate support teams toured the Wakefield, Va. fleet and logistics facility to meet our in-house fleet experts. It was an enriching experience to hear their personal stories and learn how interconnected each of our roles are within the company.
Submit your photos to communications@wakendall.com to be considered for the newsletter!
Drive it to the Bank
Pictured to the left is the Xylem Kendall joint CDL class that gathered in Knoxville, Tn in April.
For those who complete the coursework and pass the required tests, they will receive a $250 bonus check and a $1.00/ hour raise! And, field instructors will receive a $200 bonus for each employee they assist who gets their CDL license once their drive file is complete.
Service Anniversaries
Congratulations to all of those celebrating a milestone anniversary this quarter!
McGee
Amanda Franklin
Austin Keen
Austin Locklear
Billy Brooks
Casey Shover
Clinton Talton
Hampton Massie
Herbert Muse
Isaias Vazquez
Justin Hedgepeth
Matthew McDougald
Shawn Tumey
Stephen Tucker
Tony Thomas
Travis Wise
William Massey
Adam Garner
Aden Frazier
Adrian Ramos
Alberto Velasco
Alec Ferguson
Alexander Gardner
Alexandro Velasco
Alexis Mendez
Alvaro Sanchez
Amilcar Lopez Jr.
Andy Carias
Anterrio Monford
Anthony Moreno
Anthony Pody
Anthony Towner
Antonio Sierra Negron
Antywone Wilson
Aridio Almanzar De La Cruz
Ashton Garner
Austin Black
Austin Taylor
Axel Curbelo Rodriguez
Benito Romero Orozco
Bernaldo Castillo
Billy Buggs
Billy Doggett
Boyd Fairchild
Brad Goodrick
Brandon Joaquin
Hernandez Otero
Brandon McGlone
Brandon Valdez
Brandy ThompsonChristopher Braxton Machuca
Brayan Maldonado
Brayden Holtz
Brian Conn
Brian Howell
Brian Rodriguez
Bryan Banales Avalos
Caleb Thrasher
Cameron Campbell
Carlos Guerra
Carlos Martinez-Paz
Carlos Santana
Carter Dunn
Cesario Perez Diaz
Charles Faulkner
Charles R Campbell
Chris Mabone
Christian Hernandez
Christian Toledo
Christine Avendano
Christopher Crump
Christopher Glass
Christopher Munroe
Christopher Sanford
Clyde Gibson
Cody McCurdy
Corey Retz
Cristian Zuniga
Dakota Muncie
Dakota Simmons
Dameion Jackson
Dan Cook
Daniel Chavez
Daniel Davis
Daniel Lizcano
Daniel Whitney
Darrell Bryson
David Brown
David Gallegos
David Hightower
Delfino Jr. Moreno
Desmond Johnson
Dewayne Long
Domingo Gonzales
Dustin Fowler
Dylan Adkins
Dylan Hernandez
Eduardo Avelar Paz
Edward Bedell
Edward Miller
Edwin Rosado Torres
Eleazar Montero
Emiliano Martinez
Emilio Rivas
Eric Dove
Eric Ferguson
Ernestina Castellanos
Moreno
Ernesto Delgado
Ethan Lawson
Eugene Taylor
Francisco Rodriguez
Torres
Freddy Reyes
Gabriel Garcia Iralda
Gabriel Ruiz
Jason
Gabrielle Schucker
Gage Hathcock
Gerald Palmore
Gilbert Armstrong Jr
Henri Walters
Hershell Cullen
Hunter Callicutt
Hunter Goforth
Ismael Cazares
Ismael Cervantes
Ivan Gale
Izac Crandall
Jaared Riley
Jack Chetwood
Jacob Lowder
Jacob Nesler
Jaime Murillo Hernandez
James A Jones
James Atkinson
James Blevins
James Gooing
James Hudson
James Miller
James Sebben
James Thomas
Jason Cooper
Jason Summer
Javier Flores
Jaylen McRae
Jean Cortorreal Bone
Jeffery Clark
Jeffery Tate
Jeremiah Hugg
Jeremy Kidd
Jerry Shaw
Jesse Sparks
Jessica Gardea
Jesus Arreguin
Jesus Mora
Jesus Rodriguez Torres
Jhonathan Majano Miranda
Jimmy Tuck
Joaquin Corporan Cabrera
Joe Orsini
Joel Arrieta Hernandez
Joel Profitt
John Coffren
John Coomer
John Garner
John Miller
John Shannon
Johnathan Strange
Johnathan Warren
Johnny Castaneda
Jonathan Baker
Jonathan Calloway
Jonathan Frieze
Jonathan Poole
Jonathan Taylor
Jonathon Tackett
Jorge Ramirez Cantu
Jose Arreguin
Jose Duron Zamora
Jose Flores Chavez
Jose Fuentes Turcios
Jose E. Lara
Jose I. Lara
Jose Lopez Umanzor
Jose Luis Cardenas
Jose Montoya
Jose Vasquez
Jose Velasquez Escalante
Jose Villanueva Dubon
Jose Villanueva Melendez
Joseph Andrade
Joseph Miller
Joseph Rubin
Joshua Madrigal
Joshua Stewart
Joshua Walden
Josue Corales
Joy Lacher
Juan Maldonado Garcia
Juan Santiago Duran
Julianna Palmer
Justin Green
Justin Powell
Kelly Lambley
Kelvin Ramirez Munguia
Kenneth Breger
Kenneth Smith
Kevin Forister
Khailil Fields
Khalil Williams
Kristin Morris
Lamont Vaughn
Lekevan Mitchell
Leon Rodriguez
Leslie Gates
Liza Gibson
Logan Fox
Luciano Vazquez
Luis Martinez-Reyes
Luis Rivera Fuentes
Luke Jones
Major Clark
Marcos Almanzar
Marcus Threlkeld
Mario Valdez
Marko Alberto Ortiz
Mason Metroz
Matthew Betz
Maurice Byrd
Maykel De Villers Denis
Michael Bustos
Michael Carpenter
Michael Conklin
Michael Dillard
Michael Flyzik
Michael Rosario
Michael Scott
Michael Shoup
Miguel Castro
Miguel Razo
Milton Tobar
Morgan Truitt
Nakion Petty
Nathaniel Harker
Nelson Adorno Gonzalez
Nicholas Banfield
Nicholas Cool
Nicholas White
Norbel Junco Munoz
Oliver Meadows
Omar Lao Tan
Pamela Salzman
Pedro Bone Garcia
Pedro Espinoza Pinto
Pedro Flores Landeros
Pedro Ventura Sanz
Perry Morris
Phil McCarl
Quenton Bolden
Ramon De Leon
Ramon Juarez
Ramon Trejo Santoyo
Randall Moss
Randy Gastineau
Raul Santos
Reese Teal
Reinaldo Vasquez
Richard Bowlin Sr
Rigoberto Huerta
Rob Seiger
Robert Hunt
Rogelio Arreguin Giron
Rogelio Gonzalez
Roger Collins
Ronald Calix
Ronald Cullers
Ronald Easley
Ronald McCoy
Ronderick Tucker
Royce Ranker
Ruben Lara
Ruben Paz Ruiz
Salvador Herrera
Salvador Olvera Torres
Sara Babcock
Scott Stewart
Sergio Santamaria
Shane Cornett
Shawn McCracken
Sowie Gracia Perez
Stanley Rayner
Stanley Smith
Steve Harper
Steve Smith
Steven Garrison
Steven Gladhill
Steven Monroe
Steven Owens
Stiward Guilliani
Teddy Nichols
Terance Tidwell
Terry Campbell
Theodore Garrison
Thomas Jimerson
Tim Mosley
Timmy Weaver
Todd Garr
Tom Birchmier
Toma Brown
Tony Moore
Torrey Newbrough
Travis Bradberry
Travis Hoylman
Travis Mcknight
Travis Wade
Triston Broderick
Triston Brodeur
Ulises Reyes Lopez
Victor Norton
Vincent Walker
Walter Hernandez
Walter Scissom
Wayne Metroz
Weston Woods
Wilber Perez Alvardado
Will McNeely
William Adams
William Brown
Yonicel Torres
Yordan Rosa De Armas
Yunior Pioto Torres
Zachary Brothers