THE LEADING EDGE
Trees take center stage on Arbor Day
The last Friday in April is when most of the country observes Arbor Day, but in our neck of the woods it’s celebrated in February to line up with the best time to plant trees in our temperate zone
“Other holidays focus on the past,” Founder and Chairman Michael Hatcher said during a presentation to the Byhalia Garden Club on Feb. 10. “Arbor Day focuses on the future ”
The Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1972 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the
holiday The nonprofit conservation group distributes over 10 million trees every year
In Mississippi, Arbor Day is observed Feb 10 Tennessee's Arbor Day is March 3
Hatcher’s talk focused on the importance of trees in landscaping, including how trees can increase property values, save on energy costs, create beauty, and stimulate economic development
He also spoke about native species and popular trees in our area
ON THE COVER
“The most popular trees we plant are oaks for shade, dogwoods and cherries for spring color, and red maples and ginkgos for fall color,”
said.
“Japanese Maples offer gorgeous accent
color, Crape Myrtles are a Southern standby, and Sweetbay Magnolias are one of my favorites ”
Experts have determined there are more than 70,000
THE LEADING EDGE
Editor GINNY SHIKLE
Communications Specialist 901-664-8720
ginnys@hatcherlandscape com
Website www hatcherlandscape com
Careers Scan the QR code to see our current open positions
tree species, and Hatcher said in each species no two trees are exactly alike
“They’re so special,” he said
By Ginny Shikle,MARCH 2023
Volume 2, Issue 2
@hatchlandscape
Michael Hatcher & Associates is a proud member of
M A R C H 2 0 2 3 | V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2 T H E L E A D I N G E D G E | P A G E 2
Communications Specialist
GINNY SHIKLE
During his Arbor Day presentation Feb. 10 to the Byhalia Garden Club, Michael Hatcher spoke about trees in landscaping.
GINNY SHIKLE
Follow us
@hatcherlandscape @hatchlandscape
linkedin com/michaelhatcher-&-associates-inc
Eli McNease an Assistant Operations Manager in Commercial Construction reads the tag on an October Glory Maple ready to be planted at a property in Shelby County The maple was one of about 60 trees being planted on the property that day and 1 000 trees were planted for the private project last year
PHOTO BY GINNY SHIKLE
Two-year-old Ivy Rose Nicholson, far left, shown with her aunt and cousin, was the winner of the Japanese Maple donated by Michael Hatcher & Associates at the Byhalia Garden Club’s Arbor Day program Feb 10
Hatcher
Why is workplace safety so important?
At Michael Hatcher & Associates, we are committed to the safety of all our team members
Whether you work on a crew or behind a desk, our goal is for you to go home safely to your family at the end of each shift
JOSH WILDER, STEFF ManagerNew hires at MH&A are given a highvis safety vest and a copy of our Safety and Accident Prevention Program, which covers everything from hazard communication and equipment operation to ladders and lifting. We also promote safety in a variety of ways, including weekly Tailgate Talks that are emailed on Monday mornings, quarterly safety incentives, frequent equipment training, and OSHA 10 and 30 certification programs
Speaking of OSHA, do you know what it is and why we have it?
According to osha.gov, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration formally came into being April 28, 1971, and is based on the premise “that no worker should have to choose between their life and their job ”
OSHA was established because of “the many unfortunate workplace events due to a lack of safety regulations.” Among these are the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in 1911 in New York City and the Texas City Disaster of 1947
OSHA, which is part of the U S Department of Labor, ensures that working conditions are both safe and healthful, entitles you to a safe workplace, and requires employers to keep your workplace free of known health and safety hazards
OSHA covers all private sector employers and their workers in the 50 states and all territories and
jurisdictions under federal authority
OSHA standards for General Industry, Construction, Maritime, and Agriculture command the force of law
According to OSHA training materials, during the agency’s existence it has
helped to save thousands of lives and has reduced occupational injury and illness rates by more than half
By Josh Wilder, Manager of Safety, Training Equipment Facilities, and Fleet
M A R C H 2 0 2 3 | V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2 T H E L E A D I N G E D G E | P A G E 3
SAFETY 101
GINNY SHIKLE
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE LANDSCAPE COMPETITION
MH&A Team helps with NCLC
A team of volunteers from Michael Hatcher & Associates helped out March 15-18 at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition at Mississippi State University.
“We had so much fun, and everyone pitched in,” said Talent Acquisition Manager Deanna Crum, who helped staff MH&A’s booth at the NCLC Career Fair
Nearly 600 students from 47 schools attended NCLC, sponsored by the National Association of Landscape Professionals The event featured educational workshops, hands-on competitions, and the largest career fair in the landscape and lawn care industry
“It was great to be back at NCLC on the other side,” Irrigation Service Manager Lance Whitworth said “I competed in it twice when I was in college, in 2010 in Illinois and 2011 in Kansas ”
Whitworth helped judge two NCLC events, Irrigation Assembly and Landscape Lighting Other judges from MH&A included David Loyd, Landscape Plant Installation, and Noah Sharp, Compact Track/Skid Operation.
Cuyahoga Community College of Ohio was the overall NCLC winner
“Competition in the green industry kind of gives you a taste of what you’re getting into,” Whitworth said “Attending the Career Fair was a great way for students to make connections and find out about internships and job opportunities. The future looks bright in the green industry ”
Next year’s NCLC will be hosted by BYU in Provo, Utah
By Ginny Shikle, SpecialistM A R C H 2 0 2 3 | V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2 T H E L E A D I N G E D G E | P A G E 4
In the photo at far left, the NCLC Career Fair – the largest in the green industry – was held March 16 in the Sanderson Center at Mississippi State University. Center photo, after setting up MH&A’s booth for the Career Fair, Founder and Chairman Michael Hatcher took time out for a selfie with,
TINA TAYLOR
Among the team members from MH&A who attended NCLC include, from left, Michael Hatcher, David Loyd, Alex Moore, Noah Sharp, Will Comstock, Adam Crawford, Lance Whitworth, and Kelly Ogden
MICHAEL HATCHER
LANCE WHITWORTH
The volleyball gym at Mississippi State University is filled with participants during the opening ceremony for the 47th NCLC
Communications
PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL ODOM/NALP DAVID LOYD
from left, Recruiting Coordinator Clarisa Rodriguez, Talent and Acquisition Manager Deanna Crum, and Recruiting Coordinator Tina Taylor In the photo at far right, Irrigation Service Manager Lance Whitworth judged the Irrigation Assembly competition
SPRING CLEANUP AND MULCH SEASON
Unpredictable weather no match for CM
The maintenance cycle in commercial landscaping is never ending, at times dependent on labor, and forever at the mercy of the weather
“You’ve got to be one step ahead, always prepared for anything,” said Will Comstock, Senior Operations Manager in charge of Commercial Maintenance at Michael Hatcher & Associates. “It never really stops.”
MH&A’s Commercial Maintenance calendar begins with spring cleanup from January through March
“Spring cleanup is elevating the canopy on trees, cutting back ornamental grasses, cleaning out the beds, rejuvenation pruning, and cutting back groundcover beds,” Comstock said “It’s getting everything neat and tidy and ready for the growing season Once properties are cleaned up, we proceed into our mulching ”
To be more efficient, Comstock said mulching was combined with spring cleanup this year
Spring cleanup may be a constant, but a fickle variable so far in 2023 has been the lingering impact of the arctic blast that brought to the Mid-
South subzero temperatures, ice, snow, and dangerously cold wind chills around the Christmas holiday.
“Seasonally, this one is a little different than others because of the cold snap that we just had,” said David Loyd, Senior Field Operations Manager “We’re seeing some plant material defoliating that you would not normally see on a property ” With the exception of willow oaks and some other oak varieties, the deciduous crape myrtles, maples, and sycamores had already defoliated during the fall However, Loyd said the arctic blast
affected evergreen plants, trees, and shrubs that usually stand out in winter
“We’re having som evergreen plant material that woul typically never defoliate actually drop their leaves because of the extreme cold temp and wind,” he said among them boxwoods, nandinas, and hollies “It’ll be a transition when we go into growing season to really see what plant material might not survive ”
In situations like the ever-changing weather, client education is crucial, Senior Account Manager French Hobbs said
“We want the property managers and owners to be
compliant with local planting ordinances, but we also want to save them money while keeping their properties looking well maintained at all times,” he said.
To do that, Comstock said it takes hard work, strategic planning, and accepting the unpredictability of
Mother Nature
“I’ve seen some red buds, red maples, and forsythias already starting to show a little sign of color,” he said. “It reminds me that the only thing we can’t predict is the weather I wish we could ”
By Ginny Shikle, Communications SpecialistM A R C H 2 0 2 3 | V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2 T H E L E A D I N G E D G E | P A G E 5
Commercial Maintenance crews spread mulch at a warehouse in Olive Branch
GINNY SHIKLE
CM Crew Leader Andres Parbul uses a string trimmer to spruce up a planting bed
GINNY SHIKLE
MEET THE TEAM: RACHEL GREEN
Former teacher puts classroom skills to work
Green, well versed in matching learning styles to personality types, adapting lessons, and fostering social-emotional growth, sees the parallels in her career paths daily
“Being a manager over several different types of people is the same as being a teacher in a classroom,” she said “You have to learn how to differentiate how you’re wanting people to approach a job, because not everyone comprehends the same ”
When she taught school, Green connected with her students, noticed their potential, and helped them be successful She noted the same is true at MH&A, where new hires are shown a career path with advancement opportunities
After pouring herself into her students for nine years, Rachel Green knew it was time to move on
“Teaching is a very demanding job, and you cannot be halfway,” said Green, a former high school special education teacher, volleyball coach, and cheer sponsor “You’re either invested 100 percent or you’re going through the motions, and one day I woke up and realized that me being all in was hurting my family I was missing important things, my quality of life ”
The wife and mother of two reached out to Kelly Ogden, whose daughter she coached for three years, to inquire about opportunities at Michael Hatcher & Associates Green’s hiring a year ago as a Field Operations Manager at the commercial landscape company, which serves the Memphis Metropolitan Area, could have been a gamble for someone with no industry experience, but it paid off.
“We have a work environment that allows people to grow and learn, and Rachel has taken to the job with a lot of passion,” said Ogden, GM of
Commercial Sales and Maintenance Operations “She’s willing to learn, which is part of what we look for in new talent As a teacher and coach, she brings organizational skills, management skills, and people skills that make her an ideal addition to our team ”
“When you invest that much in someone, you want them to do better and better themselves,” she said “We had a young man in our Commercial Maintenance department working two jobs, hit and miss on attendance. We saw potential and we were able to sit him down in his review and say, ‘This is what we see for you, but we need you all in ’ He buckled down, quit his other job, put faith in us, and has gone from a crew member to a crew leader and now employee of the month ”
Succeeding in her own work is also important to Green, an Ole Miss graduate who describes herself as competitive, motivated, and able to adapt That’s why she’s done everything she can to improve, but she’s aware that changing professions with little prior knowledge of the industry made her vulnerable
“It was pretty scary, but I knew Kelly and trusted him,” she said “I also knew as a woman coming from a predominantly female profession into a male-dominated field that I was stepping out of my comfort zone ”
For help in that regard, Green joined the National Association of Landscape Professionals Women in
M A R C H 2 0 2 3 | V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2 Continued on Page 7 T H E L E A D I N G E D G E | P A G E 6
Rachel Green, a former high school special education teacher, volleyball coach, and cheer sponsor, has been a Field Operations Manager at Michael Hatcher & Associates for just over a year.
GINNY SHIKLE
Being a manager over several different types of people is the same as being a teacher in a classroom You have to learn how to differentiate how you’re wanting people to approach a job, because not everyone comprehends the same.
– RACHEL GREEN, Field Operations Manager
MEET THE TEAM: RACHEL GREEN
Landscape Network She was also part of MH&A’s delegation last September to NALP’s ELEVATE conference in Orlando, where she met industry leaders, many of them women, and was inspired
“ELEVATE was the best experience, because I was able to connect with so many people and to learn so much in such a short amount of time,” she said. “Meeting other women in the industry and hearing their passion for the profession was such a motivation ”
Among the influencers Green met was Plants Creative Landscapes owner Pam Dooley, who was recognized as NALP’s 2022 Woman Leader of the Year for being an example to other women in the industry
Green recalls working up the nerve to introduce herself to Dooley when she spotted her on the expo floor
“I couldn’t not talk to Pam,” Green said “She was on her way to lead a session and could have put me off, but she ended up being almost late because she stopped to speak She was genuinely interested in hearing my story.”
Not only does Dooley remember the encounter, but she also recognizes that her own business could benefit from following MH&A’s lead to hire educators (Green is one of at least three former teachers, and the second working in Commercial Maintenance, on the MH&A team )
“Rachel’s journey from teacher to green industry professional is inspiring,” Dooley said “Talking with her at NALP’s ELEVATE made me think about the many parallels of teaching and gardening I shared her story with my team and told them that we need to recruit more teachers! I applaud the culture at Michael Hatcher & Associates for empowering superstars like Rachel to learn, grow, and lead teams.”
With encouragement from Dooley and other industry peers, as well as her own teammates, Green has doubled down on her efforts to learn all things horticulture, from pruning and plant identification to tree limbing and leaf removal. When she’s not checking on her crews and 80-plus commercial properties each week, she carves out time to read up on plants, watch horticulture videos, ask questions, listen, and visit local nurseries
“There’s so many different components that you have to put together,” she said, laughing when asked about her last name and lack of a green thumb. “I don’t kill plants, but I don’t have a garden. I’ve never had the time in the past But that’s kind of part of my continuing education ”
CEUs are another nod to Green’s past career As a teacher, she routinely attended professional development, a requirement to maintain her teaching license She plans to take part in a 15week Master Gardener class, and she recently completed 10 hours of OSHA training Nothing, however, beats Green learning the work from doing
the work
“I’ve trained on all of the equipment, and I get out there and pull weeds too,” she said
Even though her job can be physically demanding, Green’s quality of life with her husband of 21 years, Jason, and their sons Scott, 18, and Houston, 16, has vastly improved since she joined the MH&A team
“Michael Hatcher & Associates changed my life, and anyone who’s ever asked, that is what I’ve told them,” she said, adding that no one should misunderstand and think her job is a cakewalk.
“This is something that day in and day out I have to work very hard at, but at the end of almost every day I come away learning something new, feeling accomplished, conquering different challenges,” Green said “It’s given me a whole new outlook on things, and a new family that has embraced me and welcomed me in, not having a lick of knowledge about commercial landscaping ”
By Ginny Shikle, Communications SpecialistM A R C H 2 0 2 3 | V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2
T H E L E A D I N G E D G E | P A G E 7
Continued from Page 6
Rachel Green and her husband, Jason, have been married for 21 years They have two sons, Scott, 18, left, and Houston, 16
PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL GREEN
CELEBRATING A MILESTONE: 37 YEARS AND GROWING
MH&A celebrates anniversary in style
In February 1986, Michael Hatcher started a landscape contracting business in Memphis with a pickup truck and two employees Now a multimillion-dollar commercial landscaping company operating across the Mid-South, Michael Hatcher & Associates is celebrating 37 years in the industry
“We are grateful for the years, and we’re grateful for all of our team members, past, present, and future,” said our Founder and Chairman, who attended the anniversary celebration Feb 23 with his wife, retired company Vice President Mary Hatcher “We’re
looking forward to continued growth in the years to come.”
Year after year, CEO Russ Sneed said MH&A has worked as a TEAM to deliver for our customers, and the possibilities in 2023 are limitless
“I believe we are capable of being the best wherever we choose to line up and play,” Sneed said “This year, we will have doubled the company over the past three years, and none of the healthy growth would be possible without the foundation and strong leadership of the last 37 years ”
By Ginny Shikle, SpecialistM A R C H 2 0 2 3 | V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2 T H E L E A D I N G E D G E | P A G E 8
GINNY SHIKLE
GINNY SHIKLE
In 2021, Russ Sneed, right, was named CEO of Michael Hatcher & Associates when Michael Hatcher moved into the position of Founder and Chairman.
GINNY SHIKLE
Founder and Chairman Michael Hatcher watches as his wife, retired MH&A Vice President Mary Hatcher, slices the cake at the company’s 37th anniversary celebration Feb. 23.
Communications
Above, Michael and Mary Hatcher gather with the Senior Leadership Team at the anniversary celebration. Below left are two of Michael Hatcher’s early business cards for the company he founded in 1986. Below right is the sign from MH&A’s former location on Hacks Cross in Memphis More photos are on Page 9
CELEBRATING A MILESTONE: LOOKING BACK
M A R C H 2 0 2 3 | V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2 T H E L E A D I N G E D G E | P A G E 9
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL HATCHER
CELEBRATE AND HAVE FUN
CELEBRATE AND HAVE FUN
M A R C H 2 0 2 3 | V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2 T H E L E A D I N G E D G E | P A G E 1 0
GINNY SHIKLE
The MH&A Team was treated to hamburgers and hotdogs during our National Employee Appreciation Day celebration March 7.
GINNY SHIKLE
POSITIVE, CAN-DO ATTITUDE
February spotlight shines on Austin Woods
Austin Woods, a Lawn Care Specialist with Master Lawn, is our Team Member Spotlight for February.
“He has been a rock star for the Lawn Care Division since Day One,” said Austin’s manager, Davey Hooper “He came in knowing next to nothing about the lawn care industry, but what he lacked in experience on the job he easily made up for with his great attitude and work ethic His willingness to ask the right questions and learn quickly has
allowed him to excel in his role faster than most. He ALWAYS keeps a smile on his face and a yes in his back pocket, and that is what makes him an easy choice for the employee of the month ”
Austin, who’s worked here for eight months, said he loves his job.
“It’s hands down the best job I’ve ever had,” he said “Before this I was in Commercial Maintenance, and I’ve also built houses and done carpentry and welding I love it here and I don’t want to leave.”
By Ginny Shikle, Communications SpecialistSeth Neal is March Team Member Spotlight
Seth Neal, an Irrigation Foreman in Commercial Construction, is our Team Member Spotlight for March
“He’s a hard worker, he’s smart, and he’s dependable,” Assistant Operations Manager Eli McNease said “Really, you give Seth a plan, and he’s good to go He can order the parts and design a system that we can trust is done right ”
This month, Seth celebrates eight years with our Team He started in Commercial Maintenance, transferred to Commercial Construction to learn irrigation,
and eventually was promoted to Irrigation Foreman
“I’ve been working here since I was 19 years old,” he said “I used to work in a factory, and everybody hated each other I like the camaraderie here Everybody gets along really well, and it’s a pretty healthy environment I’d say ”
“We appreciate Seth for all that he does to help the MH&A Team and our customers,” McNease said
By Ginny Shikle, Communications SpecialistM A R C H 2 0 2 3 | V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2 T H E L E A D I N G E D G E | P A G E 1 1
GINNY SHIKLE
Lawn Care Specialist Austin Woods is the Team Member Spotlight for February.
GINNY SHIKLE
Irrigation Foreman Seth Neal of Commercial Construction is the Team Member Spotlight for March.
FILE PHOTO
Seth Neal installs a drip valve for an irrigation job in this 2020 photo
Alex Moore now a certified arborist
A trained horticulturist, Alex Moore can now add ISAcertified arborist to his credentials
“This has been a professional goal of mine for some time,” said Moore, a Senior Account Manager in the Commercial Maintenance department at Michael Hatcher & Associates “I think it is key to have the arborist certification to better educate our clients and recommend the proper and acceptable tree care practices for their investment ”
Moore earned his certification in February through the International Society of Arboriculture after successfully passing ISA’s credential testing
According to its website, ISA recognizes arborists as “qualified, competent, and safe tree care professionals,” and the organization promotes the professional practice of arboriculture and fosters a greater worldwide “awareness of the benefit of trees ”
“Trees help us in a multitude of ways,” Moore said “They reduce air pollution, improve aesthetics to the landscape, and help shade areas, which in turn helps overall utility costs for properties They also provide habitat for wildlife,
improve property values, and improve quality of life ”
Moore knows what he’s talking about He has a Bachelor of Science in horticulture from Auburn University and has relied on his education and experience to bring value to MH&A’s Commercial Maintenance customers for nearly 17 years
health care plan for the best long-term success,” he said “In this way we can prevent early failures and establish a maintenance pruning schedule before it gets to be a bigger issue ”
Kelly Ogden, GM of Commercial Sales and Maintenance Operations at MH&A, said Moore is the
“The knowledge Alex obtained for tree health care is an advantage to our maintenance operations,” Ogden said “His status as an ISA-certified arborist speaks to his dedication to his profession and to helping our customers properly care for and maintain their trees ”
ALEX MOORE, Senior Account Manager and ISA-certified arboristAge, proper pruning methods, and the weather are among the factors contributing to a tree’s health and well-being, Moore said
“It is good to get a certified arborist out to inspect the trees and provide a plant
M A R C H 2 0 2 3 | V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2 T H E L E A D I N G E D G E | P A G E 1 2
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Alex Moore, shown here inspecting the knees of a bald cypress tree, earned his certification in February through the International Society of Arboriculture
GINNY SHIKLE
Alex Moore has a Bachelor of Science in horticulture from Auburn University and has relied on his education and experience to bring value to MH&A’s Commercial Maintenance customers for nearly 17 years
GINNY SHIKLE