Bob Mann, LIC, formerly the agronomist for Lawn Dawg, joined the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) in the newly created role of director of state and local government relations.
Mann is a graduate of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture with a degree in turf management and a 1985 graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in agricultural economics. He is also a Landscape Industry Certified Lawn Care Manager and a certified pesticide applicator in six states. He has served as president of the Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals, was on the board of directors of PLCAA, NALP’s legacy association and has been active in the association’s Lawn Care Committee and on the Public Affairs Advisory Council.
“We are thrilled to have Bob join us on staff in our expanded government relations department,” said NALP CEO Sabeena Hickman, CAE. “His technical knowledge combined with his association and political experience make him a perfect advocate for us at the state and local levels, which are so critically important.”
ACRT Chief Human Resources Officer Bob Chess was named HR Executive of the Year of the Northeast Ohio region by Crain’s Cleveland Business. Crain’s names the region’s top HR executives each year as part of its annual Archer Awards, celebrating professionals who are “building companies with the best people, talent, development and culture.” The awards are divided into nonprofit and private categories. Chess was honored in the private category.
Chess has been with ACRT since 2010 and has played a key role in the organization’s growth. During that time, ACRT’s national footprint has doubled and its number of employees has tripled, and Chess has been instrumental in aligning priorities, standardizing leadership strategies and other employee initiatives to ensure success. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without Bob’s guidance and leadership in cultivating our growing workforce,” said Michael Weidner, ACRT CEO. “Our growth has included the strategic acquisition of Bermex, a utility field services and meter reading company, through which Bob helped assimilate new employees seamlessly into our culture. He has devoted countless hours to coaching, development and mentoring across all levels of our organization.”
Ariens Co. named Larry Weyers group president–Ariens Power Equipment, effective Sept. 5. Weyers will lead all aspects of product development, manufacturing, supply chain and sales/marketing for the business unit.
Weyers draws on more than 25 years of experience in the durable goods industry. He joins Ariens Co. from an 18-year tenure at The Manitowoc Co. where he most recently served as executive vice president, tower crane division. Earlier in his career Weyers held engineering positions with Kubota Tractor Corp. and sales and marketing roles with Woods Equipment. Weyers is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and also holds Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design promoted Joe Mantkowski to general manager, landscape division. In his new role, Mantkowski will oversee the day-to-day activities of the landscape division, working closely with designers to expand their account bases and enhance existing operational systems. He also will be involved in all managerial aspects, including operations, purchasing, scheduling and customer relations. Mantkowski joined ArtisTree in 2004 and has won numerous design awards for luxury builder homes. He is also a Certified Ornamental Landscape Professional, Landscape Industry Certified Horticultural Technician and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design General Associate.
