2024 Corporate Social Responsibility Report
Jennifer Anderson Vice President & General Manager
From Our Executive
Wright Outdoor Solutions (WOS) provides comprehensive professional services for the care and enhancement of residential and commercial properties in the Des Moines and surrounding areas, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. These services include tree care, landscape design install and maintenance, tree and plant health care, lawn services, holiday lighting and décor, snow and ice management, and mulch delivery and installation.
Through our subsidiary brand, Verdure Elements, we offer interior plantscaping, seasonal color rotations, interior holiday décor, event décor, plant rentals and landscape maintenance services. Verdure services are available in Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri, while WOS services are exclusive to Iowa.
From tree care to interior plantscaping, our mission is to create beautiful environments – inside and out. We understand the responsibility we have as a company and as individuals to strive to protect and improve all ecosystems, and to make positive environmental, social and economic impacts in the communities we serve. A sustainable business is good business, not only for our employees but also for our clients, the public and our planet.
Our corporate social responsibility (CSR) report is our way of showcasing how we’re delivering the highest level of professional, safe and environmentally conscious services and solutions to our industry and the communities we work and live in. As a 100% employee-owned company, our employees are at the forefront of every decision we make and it’s our employees who are behind the success of our business. For our customers and partners, we are empowered to provide exceptional service and innovative solutions. At all levels of the company, customers work with an employee owner – individuals who are invested in the success of the company and the quality of service we deliver.
This report will highlight the progress we have made and will continue to make regarding:
- Safety - Employee Well-being
- Environmental Sustainability - Community Engagement
I invite you to read our fourth annual report to learn all that Wright Outdoor Solutions continues to do to be a leader in providing sustainable environmental solutions that align with our core values of safety, family, integrity, excellence and stewardship.
Jennifer Anderson Vice President & General Manager
Company Overview
History
Formed from the merger of two of the metro’s oldest and most prominent land care companies, Heard Gardens and Wright Tree Care, Wright Outdoor Solutions has been caring for outdoor spaces since 1928. Heard Gardens, an award-winning landscaping company, had been designing and managing landscapes in the community since 1928, and Wright Tree Care, a respected residential tree care company, had been around since 1933. With the merger of the two companies in 2007, Central Iowa had one company to turn to for all of their landscaping and tree care needs.
Over time, Wright Outdoor Solutions expanded its service offerings to include lawn care, residential and commercial maintenance, holiday lights, land clearing, and mulch production.
In 2013, Wright Outdoor Solutions purchased a local Des Moines company called The Growing Concern to operate as a division. With this purchase, Wright Outdoor Solutions was able to take their services indoors as well, offering interior plantscaping, exterior maintenance, and interior holiday décor.
In 2019, Wright Outdoor Solutions acquired Branching Out and reintroduced it as a division named Verdure Elements. The roots of Verdure Elements trace back to 1981, when Branching Out was founded to provide interior commercial plantscaping services. Over the years, the company expanded to include exterior seasonal color rotation and interior holiday décor to meet the evolving needs of homeowners and businesses. Since then, Verdure Elements has provided services in Des Moines, Iowa City/Cedar Rapids, Kansas City and Omaha
Together, Wright Outdoor Solutions and Verdure Elements offer a comprehensive suite of services that enhance both outdoor and indoor environments with creativity, care, and expertise.
Board of Directors
The Wright Outdoor Solutions (WOS) Board of Directors is made up of two internal directors as follows:
Austin Kennedy, President & CEO of Wright Service Corp.
Jonathan Hicks, SVP and CFO of Wright Service Corp.
AUSTIN KENNEDY
Austin Kennedy joined Wright Service Corp. as general counsel in April 2013. Prior to joining Wright Service Corp., Austin was an attorney in private practice for seven years in Des Moines, Iowa, practicing in many areas involving employment law, immigration law and litigation. In 2019, Austin was promoted to general counsel, chief human resources officer and senior vice president. Austin most recently served as the company’s president and chief operating officer for the last two years before assuming the role of president and CEO of Wright Service Corp. on October 1, 2023.
Kennedy graduated from Macalester College in 2000, where he received the Livingston-Patnode Award for his special contributions to the English Department. He earned his law degree from Drake University Law School in 2005. In 2015, Austin earned his Credential of Readiness from Harvard Business School’s HBX CORe program, which establishes competencies in business analytics, economics and accounting.
JONATHAN HICKS
Jonathan Hicks joined Wright Service Corp. in 2008 as the controller for Wright Outdoor Solutions. In 2010, he was promoted to controller of Wright Tree Service and in 2020, he was promoted again to vice president and chief financial officer of Wright Service Corp.
Hicks graduated from Iowa State University as a certified public accountant with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Accounting degree in 2002. After graduating, Jonathan worked in various auditing and financial reporting roles within both public accounting and the private sector. Jonathan is a member of the Iowa Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs. Jonathan is also a member of RIMS and is on the Wright Service Corp. board of directors.
Jonathan is a large advocate of employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) structured companies. He values the culture they create, which allows employees the freedom to implement change and to leave their personal mark on the company. Jonathan enjoys problem-solving and having the opportunity to help guide the company at a strategic level. He serves on the TREE Fund board as the treasurer and is a member of its Audit and Finance Committee.
Mission, Vision, Values MISSION
VISION
To create beautiful environments.
- To be the industry leader throughout the Central Midwest region, investing in our expertise, modernization and capital.
- To provide the highest quality service and products to our customers.
- To provide attractive value appreciation to our employee owners.
- To provide team members a home that enables them to achieve their personal and professional goals.
VALUES
SAFETY – It is everyone’s responsibility – we each own it.
EXCELLENCE – We exceed client expectations through resourcefulness & innovation. FAMILY – Our foundation is based on teamwork & inclusion.
STEWARDSHIP – We are dedicated to environmental sustainability. INTEGRITY – We abide by the highest ethical standards.
About This Report
Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Overview
Wright Outdoor Solutions’ (WOS) core KPIs will be used to track the progress in key target areas and to gauge progress in the coming years. These will help shape goals to drive continuous improvement.
Overview of Company Initiatives
Safety
Safety is our number one value. Our employees are trained on a consistent basis to ensure best safe practices are in place and to identify and mitigate any potential risks or jobsite hazards. Internal protocols are routinely reviewed and updated by our risk and safety departments with the latest trainings and procedures to ensure our employees arrive home safely each and every night.
Employee Well-being
Our employees create a rich work environment. Our family culture is one of the things that makes us unique and attractive to the next generation of the workforce. This includes a safe, enjoyable, diverse environment that offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our extensive training and development program fosters learning and leadership for employees at all levels through programs, Wright Service Corp. University, and many others. We believe in fostering employee culture and community through our Culture
Club committee initiatives. We also offer an extensive benefits package, going beyond industry standards to meet the needs of our employees. As a 100% employee-owned company, we take pride in keeping our employees’ well-being top-of-mind.
Environmental Sustainability
As an eco-friendly landscape services company, we strive to protect and preserve the ecosystems where we live and work. In 2022, we began the process of cataloging and quantifying key impact areas to support the development of greenhouse gas accounting. This includes an overview of electricity, fuel, waste and water. We are also committed to pursuing efficiency within our fleet. Geotab and Lytx software track driver safety and fuel and maintenance metrics, supporting improved resource use. Our work also allows us to support the sustainability strategies of our clients, providing top-of-the-line management while remaining cognoscente of environmental impact.
Community Engagement
The company actively sponsors activities that benefit our employees and add value to the communities where we live and work. Through monetary and inkind donations such as labor and education, we’re able to support various causes and organizations that align with our values. Over the years, as our company has grown, so has our community outreach. We take pride in building and developing relationships with our employees, clients and communities. 6
Safety
Safety is our number one value. Our employees are trained on a consistent basis to ensure best safe practices are in place and to identify and mitigate any potential risks or jobsite hazards. Internal protocols are routinely reviewed and updated by our risk and safety departments with the latest trainings and procedures to ensure our employees arrive home safely each and every night.
Incident Review and Reduction Safety Trainings
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E2920, recording occupational injuries and illnesses, provides an accurate, objective framework which establishes a basis for meaningful comparison of injury and illness rates. By recording cases with a clear connection to the workplace, we can focus prevention efforts where there is potential for life-threatening, life-altering or medically significant outcomes — metrics that the Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) are unable to highlight. Both high and low severity outcomes (fatality, poison ivy) are included in TRIR calculations, which is an inaccurate reflection of safety performance or validation for resource allocation.
The ASTM Incident Rate is calculated using only Level One (high consequence) incident and illness data and the resulting rate should not be associated with TRIR for comparison. The 2024 ASTM Incident Rate for Wright Outdoor Solutions is 6.74.
As new employees join the team, there is an extensive safety training program during the onboarding process. In addition, there is additional training on various topics as part of our tailgate program to refresh the team to keep safety top of mind every week.
We aim to offer training and certifications that help better all our employees in the field:
3OT sets the groundwork for how to safely measure and apply chemicals, outline what appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed for a project, how to clean up post application, and so much more. Chemical applicators must hold an up-to-date 3OT certification before commercially applying any chemical.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a certification for arborists and tree care professionals. They work to educate people on the benefits of trees (economic, environmental and societal) and how to properly administer care for the best longevity of these plants. Their focus is on continual research to keep improving practices, public awareness and promoting safety within the arbor field.
Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA)
Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) outlines industry standards and educates snow removal professionals on the Approved National Standards Institute (ANSI) for snow removal. These standards set the groundwork for safety procedures to reduce the risk to ourselves and others, how to correctly document on job sites, and provide training on how best to streamline our snow operation.
2
Safety Trainings (cont.)
Accredited
Snow Contractors Association (ICPI)
International Concrete Paver Institue Course (ICPI), Concreate Masonry Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and the Segment Retaining Wall Installer Certification Course (Basic SRW) provides tools and education to landscapers. They outline the best practices for bidding and installing walls (Basic SRW) and patios (ICPI). Employees that complete these trainings have a better understanding of how to properly install a hardscape base, best practices for laying pavers and wall block, how to address drainage in a new install and much more.
3 EMPLOYEES ARE CERTIFIED BACKFLOW TESTERS
Landscape Operations Manager
Landscape Supervisors
Enhancements Crew Lead
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides outreach and training programs about common safety and health hazards on the job. The courses offer basic and more advanced training.
2 EMPLOYEES ARE ICPI FULLY CERTIFIED
Landscape Operations Manager
Landscape Supervisor
6 EMPLOYEES ARE ICPI COURSE CERTIFIED
2 EMPLOYEES ARE BASIC ICPI FULLY CERTIFIED
6 EMPLOYEES ARE BASIC SRW COURSE COMPLETION Landscape Operations Manager
Landscape Supervisor
Tailgate Training
Weekly training sessions known as tailgates are held on various topics to refresh the team, to keep safety top of mind across the landscape, seasonal service and arbor care teams. The tailgates increase awareness of potential hazards and solutions to mitigate these hazards. During tailgates, the crews sometimes partake in what they have coined ‘Tuesday Stretch.’ During this time, employees like to stretch and warm up to prepare for the job at hand.
Electrical Hazard Awareness Program
In October, 21 members of the Wright Outdoor Solutions (WOS) arbor division completed Electrical Hazard Awareness Training. Through the course of training, participants learned the hardware that is part of an electrical utility system, the hazards associated with working around energized conductors, and the prevention of electrical contact.
First Aid/CPR/AED
During 2024, eight WOS employees received initial or refresher first aid, CPR and AED training. Through this training, employees are better equipped to recognize a medical emergency, handle breathing and cardiac emergencies, and take action to sustain life until professional help arrives.
1 EMPLOYEE IS OSHA 30 CERTIFIED
TCIA Accreditation
WOS was accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) once again in 2024 and has held this accreditation status since 2006. The TCIA accreditation evaluates ethical business practices, compliance with industry standards for safety and performance and providing quality service.
Inc.
Wright Outdoor Solutions, Inc. has maintained Accredited status in good standing since 3/15/2006 This Accreditation certificate is valid thru 12/31/2024.
Cybersecurity
Our information technology (IT) support staff is dedicated to cybersecurity and business continuity. Over the past five years, the Information Security team has been tasked with improving our security posture and executing yearly strategic security roadmaps, updated annually; by doing so, this maintains and strengthens our company’s ability to protect company and client data. The team conducts an annual comprehensive security assessment in tandem with monthly Rapid7 vulnerability scans and remediates identified issues. Our security information and event management platform, AlienVault, monitored 24/7/365 by ProCircular, is utilized to help improve our detection and prevention of attacks on our company’s equipment year-round.
On a monthly cadence, employees undergo training to spot ‘phishing’ scams and other malicious emails or attacks through our security awareness program. These fraudulent requests are sophisticated and can use known company contacts to lure others into sending funds to illegitimate recipients or compromise confidential data and information. After completing these trainings, employees are tested internally and if the employee fails, they
are required to go through additional training and, in some cases, meet with human resources and IT for performance improvement. As scams are everchanging, training and tips are provided to arm our employees with the knowledge to be a digital Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper and ensure we protect our company and employees.
HIGHLIGHTS
Conducted annual company-wide tabletop exercise to strengthen preparedness for security incidents
Completed comprehensive annual penetration testing to drive continuous security improvement, meeting our compliance and regulatory requirements
Enhanced organizational resilience via our Cybersecurity Advisor Program (formerly vCISO) and extended through 2030 to sustain long-term posture improvements
Launched Identity Access Management (IAM) initiative to improve account lifecycle management with role-based access controls
Strengthened access hygiene by implementing enhanced password requirements under our IAM initiative
Deployed privilege access management capabilities to secure and monitor privileged access across critical systems
In 2025, we will continue to implement tools and training for increased company preparedness and due diligence against increasing cybersecurity risk.
Safety Goals
GOAL
Safety: Continue to offer specialized safety training programs to employees.
Safety: Provide company-wide wildfire and equipment fire education and training.
Security: Ensure company participation and improvement by 5% or 200 hours of additional security awareness training.
2024 PROGRESS
Safety: Provide monthly ‘Safety Spotlights,’ increasing the recognition of hazards and safe work practices.
Safety: Publish quarterly safety materials updates to ensure active and consistent safety communication.
Safety: Host company-wide safety day to enhance employee understanding of critical safety procedures relating to personal protective equipment, equipment protocols and fire training.
Employee Well-being
Our employees create a rich work environment. Our family culture is one of the things that makes us unique and attractive to the next generation of the workforce. This includes a safe, enjoyable, diverse environment that offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our extensive training and development program fosters learning and leadership for employees at all levels through programs, Wright Service Corp. University, and many others. We believe in fostering employee culture and community through our Culture Club committee initiatives. We also offer an extensive benefits package, going beyond industry standards to meet the needs of our employees. As a 100% employee-owned company, we take pride in keeping our employees’ wellbeing top-of-mind.
Culture
Translation Committee
The Translation Committee is dedicated to minimizing language barriers to promote effective communication within our organization. By procuring professional translations via our trusted vendor, our core mission is to ensure that language serves as a bridge rather than a barrier by facilitating knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mutual understanding among individuals with diverse linguistic backgrounds.
We can provide Spanish and French-Canadian translations, and many more. Employees are able to request translations through our shared services department liaison for items such as and not limited to:
Internal communications
Recruitment
advertisements
Procedures/training materials
HR materials
Public-facing or external use documents
E-learning content
Video and closed captioning/ subtitles
Websites
Training & Education Opportunities
Learning Management System
Wright Service Corp. University (WSCU) is a learning platform that documents and tracks our employees’ online training. WSCU creates the ability to reach every employee in the company who has a company email for training and continued education. More than 25,000 LinkedIn Learning courses are available to eligible employees via WSCU. Some sample elective training topics include management, leadership, customer service, productivity, Microsoft training and much more. In addition, new employees are assigned training that includes:
Harassment and discrimination
ESOP
True Colors
Customer service
System training
Retirement savings, and enrolling in a 401(k) or Roth
Accessing the company clothing and apparel store
186 WSCU Course Completions
Work Environment
The WOS employee handbook contains several employment policies and practices aimed at providing the best possible work environment for all employees. In efforts to sustain a safe, equitable and accommodating workplace we have standards for employee behavior, ethical practices, equal employment, disability and religious accommodations. We have a commitment to provide a workplace free from harassment and discrimination, free from workplace violence, and free from retaliation, and illegal drug and alcohol use. We welcome all employees to report concerns and utilize our open-door policy for suggestions to continually improve the workplace.
Lunch & Learns
Lunch and learns are offered bi-monthly through the Training & Development function of the HR organization. The topics provide employees with business knowledge within our family of companies (finance, strategic planning, etc.) and interpersonal skills that improve operational performance. Eight hybrid Lunch and learn events were hosted in 2024.
True Colors
True Colors® is a personality assessment used to boost interdepartmental and team dynamics/understanding. Each employee completes a survey inside employee onboarding and is provided their results that include their strengths, weaknesses and strategies for communicating with people of different personalities. This improves employee selfawareness and conflict resolution. Three members of our support staff are certified True Colors practitioners and can provide department workshops to teams who request it.
Training & Education Opportunities (cont.)
Individual Development
Our training & development staff offers numerous individual development options. These can include team workshops, individual coaching, and mentoring, depending on the need.
Ascend First Level Leader Program
Ascend provides opportunities to develop the mindset and skills to lead teams.
The program was designed with first-level leaders in mind. The content focuses on building leadership competency in the following areas:
Improving skills in executing strategic plans
Understanding your team’s role within the business
Learning to communicate effectively
Developing emotional intelligence
Developing personal accountability
2024 was the inaugural year for the program.
Career Development
WOS is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of its employees through ongoing training and development opportunities. Team members have expanded their knowledge in areas ranging from permeable concrete pavers to orchid cultivation by participating in formal trainings, earning certifications and attending industry conferences. This investment in skill-building has strengthened internal promotion pathways, making it common for crew members to advance into leadership roles. By prioritizing career development, WOS has enhanced employee loyalty, improved morale, and fostered a culture where individual growth is encouraged and celebrated.
Women of Wright
The Women of Wright program mission is to increase hiring and retaining a diverse workforce by empowering, developing and supporting employees at all levels to reach their fullest potential and equip them with the tools to excel as leaders in our industry.
Female employees are nominated by leaders or colleagues to participate in the annual, two-day workshop. The program agenda includes learning opportunities, exchange of ideas, and application of new skills.
In 2024, one WOS employee participated.
2024 Women of Wright
Health and Wellness
Indoor/Outdoor Working Hours
WOS provides a unique working environment for its employees, offering an opportunity for employees to work in a mixture of both indoor and outdoor settings during working hours. Many employees desire to work in this nonconventional environment, and WOS is committed to finding solutions to appeal to a diverse and evolving workforce.
According to a study in Nature, individuals that spend at least 120 minutes a week in nature are associated with good health and wellbeing (Nature, 2019).
Benefits Programs
WOS employees are offered a comprehensive benefits program. Based on employee classification and union status, employees may select benefits coverage aligned with their individual and family needs. Coverage offerings include medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance and disability plans, retirement savings
plans (401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership), identify theft protection, an employee assistance plan, and wellness incentives. Additionally, various time off and leave plans are available for paid holidays and vacation and leaves for parents, caregivers, and for employee’s own illnesses and injuries.
Medical
Qualifed WOS employees are eligible for medical with prescription coverage, dental and vision insurance. Coverage may be selected for an individual or family.
Employee Assistance & Mental Health
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a professional and confidential, short-term counseling service available to the employee and their immediate family. This is a company paid benefit.
Immediate telephone access to a counselor is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Resources are available for mental health, legal services, financial consultation and eldercare needs.
Health and Wellness (cont.)
Wellness Program
WOS employees are automatically enrolled into Navigate, a wellness portal application, implemented by Mercy, a Des Moines hospital. The Navigate portal allows employees to earn rewards for completing activities throughout the year individually or through group activities. Navigate offers many tools for employees to utilize to help them live well including; individual challenges, event participation, and educational sessions on topics like nutrition and eating well, reducing stress, sleep, exercise, financial well-being, community involvement, and more. In addition, to year-round programing the company offers: annual biometric health screening at the start of each year and in the fall, a flu shot clinic is available for all employees and adult family members who are enrolled in the company’s health insurance program.
Longevity
Years of Service
ESOP
EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP
WOS is a proud employee-owned company. Through shared ownership, the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) helps promote a positive, unique organizational culture and supports company success. The ESOP is also designed to assist our employees with their retirement and provide them with a financial stake in the company. For our customers and partners, we are empowered to provide exceptional service and innovative solutions.
OF SERVICE -
YEARS OF SERVICELONGEVITY
We have many employees who have been with WOS for 5+ years. Six of our employees hit milestones this year with 5 and 10 years of service.
YEARS OF SERVICELONGEVITY
The ESOP enables employees to directly affect profitability and value and see the results. The ESOP has also allowed the company to protect jobs and support the communities we work in.
Only non-union employees who are at least 18 years of age, worked for the company for one year totaling at least 1,000 hours are eligible to enter the plan. Employees are automatically enrolled in the ESOP after meeting the qualifications on April 1 or October 1, following their 1-year anniversary date with the company.
Longevity
(cont.)
EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP COMMITTEE
The committee’s mission is to contribute to the success of our family of companies by advancing and strengthening our culture of ownership through education and communication. Members often present to divisions throughout the company the benefits of being an employee-owned company and hold Employee Ownership Month festivities. Subcommittees include the historian, education/communication, ownership/contests, and the Deferred Share Unit (DSU) committee to focus efforts and expand membership to more field staff. Our committee continues to support the Central Iowa ESOP Networking committee where our objective is to plan local events with other employee-owned companies where we can have fun, network, learn from each other and develop meaningful relationships.
Retirement
401(k) CONTRIBUTIONS
WOS offers a comprehensive 401(k) retirement savings plan with the same eligibility requirements and entry dates as the ESOP.
WOS has a Safe Harbor Match Program to the 401(k) offering, matching 100% of the first 3%, plus an additional 50% of the next 2% employees would contribute to their retirement savings. The matching funds are placed in the ESOP account. Meaning, employees should contribute at least 5% annually to receive the full company match. These company-matched contributions are 100% vested.
The Automatic Enrollment Program is an automatic 3% pre-tax 401(k) enrollment process for all eligible employees which increases contributions from salary pay by 1% each year until 10% is reached with an opt-out available. This was enacted to ensure employees were taking steps for their financial security in the future.
CONTRIBUTIONS
401K CONTRIBUTIONS
Numbers are out of 41 employees who are contributing. 71% of those contributing are receiving full-match potential. *Numbers can change daily.
Employee Well-being Goals
GOAL
2024 PROGRESS
Diversity & Inclusion: Evaluate options to improve communication to all team members without email communication capacity.
Employee Well-being: Promote indoor/outdoor working hours and both personal and professional training and growth opportunities available through employment at WOS.
Environmental Sustainability
As an eco-friendly landscape services company, we strive to protect and preserve the ecosystems where we live and work. In 2022, we began the process of cataloging and quantifying key impact areas to support the development of greenhouse gas accounting. This includes an overview of electricity, fuel, waste and water. We are also committed to pursuing efficiency within our fleet. Geotab and Lytx software track driver safety and fuel and maintenance metrics, supporting improved resource use. Our work also allows us to support the sustainability strategies of our clients, providing top of the line management while remaining cognoscente of environmental impact.
In This Section
25 Sustainable Services
27 Energy
29 Environmental Sustainability Goals
Sustainable Services
Arbor/Vegetation Management
Healthy trees promote healthy ecosystems. Trees offer essential benefits to our planet including air purification, oxygen production, erosion control, natural cleaning of surface and groundwater, temperature control in urban areas, and more. Trees are home to numerous insects and animals that improve biodiversity in our ecosystems. By providing proper care and maintenance to trees; disease, damage and removal can be postponed and/or prevented.
Our team of International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborists are proud to play a part in protecting and caring for trees in our community through the following services:
CABLING – As a supplemental support, hardware connecting parts of the tree to one another is installed in the upper third of the canopy. The connected limbs are stronger together and help support the tree against environmental stressors.
BRACING – Often done in conjunction with cabling, bracing is an additional support measure used to reinforce trees with a weak union near the central leader, or trunk. Metal rods are strategically drilled into the tree near the weak union to relieve tension and build strength and stability.
PRUNING – Selective removal of branches to promote proper growth and remove diseased and pest infested branches.
SOIL/TRUNK INJECTIONS – Used to treat a variety of tree diseases and nutrient deficiencies.
Biophilic Design Through Landscaping & Interior Plantscaping
The practice of incorporating plants and other natural materials into built environments, both indoor and outdoor, is known as biophilic design. Our team of landscape and plant designers not only focused on beauty when selecting plants for home and property owners, but also sustainability and biodiversity.
When selecting plants for outdoor environments, native plant species and pollinator friendly species are at the forefront of consideration. Through use of native plants, home and property owners can reduce the use of resources such as water and energy as well as chemical fertilizers and pesticides which can damage our natural ecosystem. Pollinators are essential to our ecosystem as they pollinate plants, causing them to produce seeds, fruit and new life.
Our interior plantscaping team brings plants indoors. Wright Outdoor Solutions (WOS) offers personalized interior plant design through moss and living wall installations, interior plantscaping, seasonal fresh floral displays, interior holiday plant arrangements and more.
Sustainable Services (cont.)
Responsible Resource Use
WATER
WOS strives to continuously improve water efficiency at our facilities. Additionally, we provide our clients with services to help them improve their impact on the water ecosystem. Some of these service offerings include irrigation, xeriscaping and rain gardens.
PAPER
WOS has become 100% electronic with timecards, reducing the need for paper processing. The work-order system used for everyday project management is also 100% electronic. An effort is made for the majority of proposals and invoices to be electronic.
WASTE
WOS is committed to reducing our environmental footprint when possible. A key component of our sustainability programming includes the information technology (IT) support staff. Our IT staff works to prioritize redeployment of technology over purchasing additional devices. Once the electronics are no longer functioning, an e-cycler properly recycles and disposes of the various components of the electronics.
Vegetative Byproduct
Producing and using mulch allows WOS to give trees a second life. We use a tub grinder and coloring machine to make quality lawn ready mulch products thus reusing and repurposing this organic waste material. This sustainable option to wood waste keeps organic matter out of our landfills and offers many environmental benefits which may include:
Erosion control
Absorption and filtration of stormwater
Nutrient pollution reduction
Carbon emission reduction
Carbon sequestration and replenishment back to the soil
Improved soil health
Habitat restoration and more
PLANTS PROVIDED TO OUR CLIENTS
23,394 annual plants
9,555 Spring & Summer Annuals
Including: Pansies, petunias, impatiens, coleus, lobelia, verbena, geranium, salvia, vinca vine
3,240 Fall Annuals
Including: Mums (951), kale, cabbage, purple fountain grass, ornamental peppers
10,215 House/Tropicals
Including: Pothos, dracaena, bromeliad, sansevieria, ficus, jasmine, hibiscus
384 Winter Poinsettias
8,651 of trees, shrubs and perennials
6,249 Perennials
1,812 Shrubs
590 Trees
Energy
Building Energy Use
Electric and natural gas usage at the two WOS facilities, including the West Des Moines and Grimes, Iowa facilities, are currently being tracked and incorporated into annual Greenhouse Gas Accounting assessments. In 2024, WOS utilized 218,689 kWh of electricity and 8,252 therms of natural gas. WOS continues to be cautious of energy usage across facilities.
WOS therms/year | All Facilities
kWh/year | All Facilities
Fleet & Equipment
As a company, we have had the opportunity to be front and center to several exciting opportunities with Geotab. With the support and guidance of our Geotab reseller, Gridline, we were the first company in the world to see and experience, pilot and deploy a Geotab/Lytx integration that allows the Lytx user interface to be visible and interactive within Geotab.
WOS was selected as a participant for the Geotab Signature Advisory Group. This group meets quarterly to “take a peek under the hood” of Geotab roadmap initiatives and strategies, with opportunities to contribute and collaborate with their product and service developers, other business partners, Geotab leadership as well as other Geotab clients around the world.
The mobility program team is responsible for these relationships. As a team they collaborate with users to conceptualize capabilities, gather report requests, and complete troubleshooting. They quarterback conversations with subject matter experts for system enhancements, product and service recommendations, along with ensuring daily tasks and usual business within those systems can be completed unimpeded.
The WOS fleet is comprised of bucket trucks, chip trucks and chippers as well as specialized equipment including wood recyclers, tracked lifts and specialized crane mounted grapple saws.
*Data collection expanded in 2024 to include the Omaha facility, resulting in an observed increase in energy usage compared to previous years.
As electric equipment becomes more available and effective, WOS has worked to integrate these lower emission alternatives into our equipment fleet. Electric equipment alleviates the dependency on gasoline and diesel while providing a safer worker environment for WOS’s workforce. WOS has integrated one electric saw, one electric weed trimmer, two electric hedge pruners and one set of augers into their equipment fleet. Employees have found them quieter and easier to use.
Electric Equipment Integration:
1 chainsaw 1 weedeater | 2 electric hedge pruners 1 set of augers
Fuel Usage
Geotab together with WEX allows for the tracking of fuel efficiency. WEX is a fuel card that helps companies save costs with automatic fuel expense tracking, employee spending controls, purchase alerts and exclusive discounts.
Of the 107 vehicles equipped with Geotab technology, the fleet traveled 621,753 miles in 2024. Unproductive idle time is currently being tracked along with miles per gallon efficiency.
Environmental Sustainability Goals
GOAL
GHG Accounting: Conduct scope 3 screening and develop processes for related data collection by emissions category.
2024 PROGRESS
Fuel Use: Adopt battery-powered mowers in our fleet of equipment.
Community Engagement
The company actively sponsors activities that benefit our employees and add value to the communities where we live and work. Through monetary and in-kind donations such as labor and education, we’re able to support various causes and organizations that align with our values. Over the years, as our company has grown, so has our community outreach. We take pride in building and developing relationships with our employees, clients and communities.
Volunteer Efforts & Contributions Reputation
Volunteer Efforts
Wright Outdoor Solutions (WOS) recognizes the important role that charitable and nonprofit organizations play in our local communities. In the past seven years, WOS has devoted volunteer time, financial contributions and in-kind resources to several organizations. WOS encourages employees to lend their voluntary support by offering eight hours of paid volunteer time per calendar year, per employee. Organizations and company-sponsored events employees volunteered for in FY2024 include but are not limited to:
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Iowa:: Golf Outing
Blank Children’s Hospital: Festival of Trees and Lights
Friends of Des Moines Parks: FORE! Our Parks Golf Outing
Meals from the Heartland: Annual Hunger Fight
Donations
In addition, we partner with organizations by making financial contributions or in-kind donations including:
Iowa Arboretum & Gardens
Des Moines Water Works Park
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Blank Children’s Hospital
Awards
WOS earned the award for West Des Moines Chamber’s Best of the West award for Best Lawn Care/Landscaper, an award voted on by the community. We have an amazing team and we’ve enjoyed serving this greater Des Moines community since 1928.
Social Media
WOS recognizes that social networking platforms can be powerful digital communication tools for sharing ideas and exchanging information. We are committed to using social media to promote our brand and maintain communications with current and prospective employees, customers, business partners, vendors and suppliers, and the general public. WOS is focused on ensuring that our use of social network platforms serve our need to maintain our brand identity, integrity and reputation while minimizing risks to the company, our customers and employees.
Vendors
Policies such as the Supplier Code of Conduct and Supplier Diversity Policy that our suppliers or service providers are required to follow were finalized. We seek out those that share our vision and follow a similar mission to reach our goals. We strive to work with local providers in our community. We understand that those we choose to work with will uphold our reputation in the community and with our current and future clients.
Company Memberships & Certifications
Many WOS employees are active members of industry and professional organizations. We encourage our employees to get involved in the industries and communities we serve.
American Society of Landscape Architects
Better Business Bureau
Building Owners and Managers Association
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association
DMACC Horticulture Advisory Board
Greater Iowa City
Home Builders Assocation
Iowa Nursery & Landscape Association
Omaha Chamber of Commerce
National Association of Landscape Professionals
North America Home Builders Association
Tree Care Industry Association
Waukee Chamber of Commerce
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
Conferences/Events
BOMA International Conference Kansas City Career Fair
DMACC Agriculture & Horticulture Career Fair
DMACC Agribusiness Career Fair
IowaWorks Veteran Career Fair
IowaWorks CDL Career Fair
IowaWorks Recruiting Fair
Reputation (cont.)
Online Compliments
WOS utilizes a third-party online review platform to gain insights into client satisfaction. The Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a calculation based on a client’s likeliness to recommend your company’s services to a friend or colleague.
Thank you, guys, for another great job. Once again, I appreciate the first-rate quality of your work and your promptness and attention to detail!
Many thanks for the storm cleanup job the guys did for us, kudos to their supervisor!
I noticed this morning the planter was “refreshed.” It looks fantastic!! Thank you for noticing it needed it and getting it taken care of. It looks SO fresh and the dark green pineapple looking plants are so cool.
9.3
FY2024 Net Promoter Score
After 50 years of supervising 22 salesmen over eight states, I somehow can tell well trained workers. Great job from talented people.
Just a note of gratitude for the crew’s work on my maple and ash trees. They sure worked hard.
8.4
FY2023 Net Promoter Score
Kyle and his helper did a great job removing the three large trees. It was a lot of work and climbing, and clean up, but they were very careful in such tight spaces. Much appreciated!
I would like to thank you and your crew for the excellent work done. The professionalism and courtesy extended to us by everyone was most appreciated.
The flowers and plants look great! Thanks so much!
Love the work your guys did all around my yard.
Thanks! You did a great job!
Community Engagement Goals
GOAL
Reputation: Increase NPS in 2024.
Vendors: Implement Vendor Code of Conduct and Supplier Diversity Policy.
Vendors: WOS will track and report diverse spend on vendors and partners for our headquarters to better understand community impact areas and opportunities for investment.
2024 PROGRESS
Closing
Wright Outdoor Solutions and our employees strive to live out our values and will continue to improve our sustainable practices to ensure a safe and bright future for our employee owners. We’re committed to a better world for all, by investing in the communities we serve through innovation, integrity and teamwork. We want to ensure that the decisions we make today make a positive impact on our employees, clients, community and the environment.
Appendix
An evaluation by EcoPractices®, a sustainability risk management tool from Eocene Environmental Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Wright Service Corp. (WSC), in partnership with WSC. This report is intended to showcase the sustainability journey of Wright Outdoor Solutions, dedicated to recognizing their responsibility toward their mission, vision and values for their employee owners, partners, clients and the public. 35 Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) Appendix
