SavATree recognized as Forbes’ top lawn care company

Forbes names SavATree, No. 7 on the 2022 LM150 list, as one of its top 10 lawn care companies.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the top lawn care companies by Forbes,” said Carmine Schiavone, CEO of SavATree. “This is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication to providing high-quality, environmentally responsible services to our clients.”

The company serves residential and commercial customers across 29 states for more than 40 years. SavATree’s services include plant health care, lawn care and deer and tick management.

Christmas Decor honored for continual growth

Entrepreneur magazine named Christmas Decor, a Texas-based holiday decorating franchise, as one of the top franchises for less than $50,000 in its 2023 Franchise 500 ranking. Christmas Decor ranks No. 48.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Entrepreneur as a top franchise under $50,000,” said Brandon Stephens, president of Christmas Decor. “Over the past several years Christmas Decor has seen impressive growth and we’re looking forward to keeping the momentum going by partnering with even more franchisees this year.”

Authority Brands celebrates 6-percent first-quarter increase

Authority Brands, the parent company of Monster Tree Service, said it saw a first quarter of 45 new area development agreements, totaling 72 territories. Authority Brands said this exceeds the financial goals it set for the first quarter by experiencing a 6-percent increase in system-wide revenue, opening more than 18 franchises.

Highlights of the milestones in the first quarter of 2023 include Monster Tree Service signing two new franchise agreements for a total of five territories including Springboro, Ohio, and St. Charles, Mo.

“It has been a historic quarter at Authority Brands, and I am proud that our franchise owners continue to see the value in being a part of our family of industry-leading home service brands and are committed to helping us grow across the United States,” said Jordan Wilson, senior vice president of franchise development at Authority Brands.

Electric compact track loader from Bobcat receives Fast Company award

Bobcat Co. said it won Fast Company’s 2023 World Changing Ideas Awards for its T7X, the first all-electric compact track loader. These awards honor sustainable products and designs, along with bold initiatives meant to change the way people interact with the world.

The Bobcat T7X won in the transportation category and is a finalist in Fast Company’s general excellence category. It took home an honorable mention in the North American category.

“Innovation is at the core of Bobcat’s legacy,” said Joel Honeyman, Doosan Bobcat vice president of global innovation. “There is always more work to be done and contributions to make within the industry. This is why Bobcat continues to invent new concepts, create new equipment, build smart technologies and develop innovative solutions. This is to empower customers and lead the industry forward.”

Takeuchi-US showcases benefits of environmental technology

Takeuchi-US showcases its equipment at the Celebration of Construction hosted by The Association of Equipment Manufacturers on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The event aims to educate the general public, influencers and policymakers on the benefits of modern building tools.

“Since 1963, Takeuchi has believed that companies must do their part to change our world for the better,” said Jeff Stewart, president of Takeuchi-US. “And, as our world continues to evolve, Takeuchi is evolving along with it by finding ways to meet not only our customers’ needs but those of society. By focusing on efficiency and collaboration, we want to make a difference, one machine at a time. We’re looking forward to this unique opportunity to display our equipment in our nation’s capital.” 

MiniTrencher completes acquisition for drilling technology

MiniTrencher celebrates its acquisition of SiBore Drill, a portable horizontal auger that digs asphalt and concrete while not breaking the surface. Using a waterless bore, SiBore Drill allows for easy cleanup, the company said. It can pair with GeoRipper, a handheld trencher.

Stihl celebrates revenue increase in fiscal year 2022

Stihl recently announced its 2022 fiscal year results. The company said it experienced 8.6 growth compared to 2021 and finished the year with approximately $5.9 billion in revenue. The company attributes the rise to inflation-related price adjustments, stronger demand for higher-priced professional products and currency effects. Revenue exceeded the company’s initial goals, growing beyond the expected 3.1 percent.

“Our sales remained high in fiscal year 2022,” said Michael Traub, chairman of the executive board of Stihl. “However, we recorded a slight decline in demand compared to the high growth in previous years. That’s because 2022 was heavily influenced by economic and geopolitical challenges, such as disrupted supply chains, material shortages, war in Ukraine, the energy crisis and inflation — something we also felt in terms of business performance.”

Stihl said it saw a decline in its gasoline-powered equipment segment.

“The shift from gasoline to battery power is in full swing,” said Traub. “Stihl is actively shaping this transformation by focusing on dual technological leadership. We are consistently and making massive investments in battery technology while continuing to fully support the sustainable and environmentally friendly advancement of our gasoline-powered products.”

Bartlett Tree Experts distributes thousands of tree seedlings

For the celebration of Arbor Day, Bartlett Tree Experts, No. 5 on the 2022 LM150 list, said it gave away between 20,000 and 25,000 tree seedlings across the U.S. This is part of the company’s Bartlett Legacy Tree Program. Since 2014, Bartlett distributed 609,000 tree seedlings.

“Our Legacy Tree Program is all about bringing trees and people together,” said Patrick Franklin, who manages the program. “This is a great way for Bartlett Tree Experts to make a difference while giving back to our communities and improving the environment.”

Bartlett had 163 participating offices and gave away trees in more than 30 U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, in Dublin, Ireland and the United Kingdom. This year, Bartlett gave away bur oak, dawn redwood, birch and bald cypress trees.

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