People on the Move: Promotions and hirings from Aquatrols, Davey Tree, Munro and more

Ian Grove

Aquatrols, a manufacturer of soil surfactants and related technologies, adds Ian Grove as their newest Southeastern U.S. territory manager. In his new role, Grove will be responsible for overseeing the company’s business in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

Grove joins the Aquatrols team from SiteOne, where he gained experience in industry sales. Prior to his role at SiteOne, Grove worked in sales at Harrell’s and Agrium Advanced Technologies.

“I have no doubt that Ian will make a great addition to our team,” said Aquatrols’ North American sales manager, Greg Sinner. “His extensive sales background and previous experience as a superintendent will serve his territory well. I am excited to see what he will accomplish.”

Davey promotes a pair

Gary Schermerhorn

The Davey Tree Expert Company announced the promotion of Gary Schermerhorn to market manager, mid-Atlantic operations, Residential/Commercial (R/C) services.

“To this day, Gary remains a hands-on manager, jumping in to help crews when projects run long or help meet clients’ deadlines, which shows his character as a dependable leader,” said Phil Snyder, vice president, East Atlantic operations R/C services.

Schermerhorn joined Davey in 1991 as a sales and service technician for the Albany office. In 1999, he was promoted to sales and service coordinator, then in 2002 to district manager of the same office. In 2016, he transferred to the King of Prussia office.

Schermerhorn is an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist, a Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) certified tree care safety professional (CTSP), is Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) and holds a Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification.

Christian Preziosi

In other news from Davey, the Davey Resource Group (DRG), a subsidiary of The Davey Tree Expert Company, announced the promotion of Christian Preziosi to Southeast region operations manager DRG Environmental Consulting.

“Christian has provided steady leadership by championing client care, personnel development and revenue growth across the Southeast region,” said Karen Wise, vice president, DRG, Environmental Consulting. “He has played an instrumental role in growing our markets across the Carolinas, so I’m excited to see how he brings his keen leadership, business skills and strong Davey relationships to grow and benefit our current and future clients.”

Preziosi joined Davey in 2018 through the acquisition of Land Management Group. He has over 20 years of professional consulting experience and specialized technical training in mitigation banking, stream and wetlands assessments, Clean Water Act permitting, coastal resource management and threatened and endangered species consultation.

FNGLA welcomes new CEO

Tal Coley

After a six-month national search, Talmadge “Tal” Coley has been chosen as the next chief executive officer of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA).

“Over FNGLA’s 70-year history, we have employed only four CEOs,” Sarah Spatola, FNGLA’s 2021-22 president, said. “We are confident Tal’s industry knowledge, advocacy acumen and esteemed service to our nation’s nursery and landscape industry will further bolster the strength and innovation of FNGLA.”

Coley, a Florida native, has served in Washington, D.C., as the senior director of advocacy and government affairs for AmericanHort, based in Columbus, Ohio. He has also served as executive director of the Nursery and Landscape Association Executives (NLAE) of North America.

Before his role at AmericanHort, Coley undertook leadership roles in several legislative outreach capacities over a five-year period advocating for veterans at Concerned Veterans for America. Coley also served for four years in the United States Air Force as a Russian cryptologic linguist, where he was stationed at Fort Meade, Md.

“I am humbled and honored to be the next Chief Executive Officer at FNGLA,” Coley said. “The opportunity to return home to Florida and advocate for an industry I feel so passionate about is truly a dream come true. Leading FNGLA into this next chapter and building off the incredible foundation Ben Bolusky has provided is a mission I am eager to take on.”

Coley will take the reins from FNGLA CEO Ben Bolusky, who announced plans to retire after 24 years of service to FNGLA.

Munro names new inside sales rep

Munro, a manufacturer of pumps, pump controls and pump stations for the turf irrigation market, named Missy Johnson its new inside sales representative.

Johnson will work closely with the company’s regional account managers and network of professional distributors to provide support. She brings more than 20 years of experience working in customer service and over three years working in sales.

“Missy brings a strong background in customer support. She is detail-oriented, has great communication skills and strives to provide outstanding service,” said Guy Collins, national sales director for Munro.