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May 2025 Edition

Check out highlights from the inaugural GF School, see where to find us on social media, catch the latest IT training, and learn how GF Tyler Wolak stepped in to help during a car accident!

Empowering Our Frontline: The New GF School Leads the Way

The Learning and Development team has officially launched a new leadership initiative: the General Foreperson (GF) School. The inaugural session took place in Norfolk, VA, bringing together 25 enthusiastic participants, including GFs and Supervisors, for an immersive four-day experience. With the support of 20 corporate team members who spoke and helped facilitate activities, the event was a resounding success.

Throughout the week, attendees explored critical topics such as hiring best practices, compliance, coaching, safety protocols, and operational technology. They also had the opportunity to tour our Norfolk office and engage with teams from Business Development, Finance, HR, IT, Legal, Marketing, and Resource Readiness—broadening their understanding of how all departments contribute to our mission.

Feedback from the session was overwhelmingly positive. One participant shared their appreciation for the experience and the work of Joy Lacher, Assistant Director of Learning & Development, and her team, writing “Thank you so much for all of your diligence and expertise! You have made this a very entertaining and interactive week. A lot of information was covered, and your planning and precision allowed it to all be presented in a successful manner. This was great for an inaugural week!

We’re proud of this new chapter in professional development and look forward to future sessions that continue to support and strengthen the leadership of our GFs.

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Boost Your Tech Skills with Quarterly “Know-How” IT Trainings 

All computer and tablet users are required to participate in quarterly “Know-How” IT training sessions. Each training covers key IT topics that keep you up to speed with the latest tools and best practices. Plus, by participating in KnowBe4 cybersecurity training, you're helping to build a workplace culture focused on awareness and proactive online safety. 

This quarter's training focuses on Multi-factor Authentication and Creating Strong Passwords. You’ll need to complete training by May 30. Look for an email from “KnowBe4” with instructions.  

Stay Connected!

Don’t miss out on company updates, event highlights, staff kudos, and stories from the field —follow us on social media! Like, share, and stay in the loop with everything happening across our teams.

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Between the Branches

Congrats to our Newly Licensed Commercial Drivers!

Congratulations to the employees who participated in our most recent training classes in Union, IL and to the following three team members who obtained their Commercial Driver’s License last month:  

  • Class A: Pintle Hook Restriction: Dylan Cash

  • Class B: Michael Ramsey, Rayden Chassereau

 

We applaud these three employees for successfully completing the classroom session, field training course, and skills test to achieve these qualifications! 

Our next training sessions will be held in Somerset, KY on May 23-24, Hamlet, NC on May 30-31, Mt. Jackson, VA on June 13-14, Myrtle Beach, SC on June 20-21, MD on July 11-12. For more information about the CDL program, contact Tim Haynes at thaynes@xylemtree.com

Tyler Wolak's "Good Catch"

While en route to a job site, General Foreman Tyler Wolak came across a car accident unfolding in real time. Thanks to his quick thinking and fast action, Tyler jumped in to prevent further damage and protect those involved – potentially stopping a much more serious situation.

 

Join us in giving a big shoutout to Tyler for his incredible awareness, courage, and commitment to safety. This is what leadership in the field looks like!

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Compliments for the Crew

A customer from Earlville, IL called to called in and stated Pre-Planner Judd Miller and the crew (Lucas Herrera, Rual Flores, Angel Chavez, Andres Arreola, Armando Sosa, and Felix Martinez) did an outstanding job. He said that he has 22 evergreen trees that are his privacy fence. He said Judd was a fantastic person who took the time to walk the property line with him and make sure everything was in order. 

Compliments for the Crew

Mary W. from Osceola, IN called because she wanted the crew (Ryan Real, Elliot Mendez, Carlos Gonzalez, Carlos Bentcourt, Steven Cancel, Gilberto Yanez) to get the recognition they deserve. She spoke in great length about the crew, their kindness, and hard work. She stated this crew worked out in the rain, cold, and snow without stopping or complaining and were so nice and polite. She specifically said Gilberto Yanez is an absolute angel. The whole crew treated her with respect and kindness. 

Compliments for the Crew

A customer from West, MS called to thank GF Fabian Donato. He stated that Fabian was very thorough when he explained everything to him over the phone. He stated he would give Kendall 2 thumbs up!

Compliments for the Crew

Scott J. from McKee, KY called to say how fast the response was from GF Nathaniel Everage. He said that Nathaniel was top notch and the respect and professionalism that Nathaniel showed was excellent. He said he has done similar work in the past and the amount of courtesy Nathaniel showed was very unexpected but much appreciated.

Compliments for the Crew

A customer from Murrayville, GA called in and stated that we should be very proud to have an employee by the name of Junior Carter. He stated that he was very professional. There was a monster pine tree in his yard and said the crew did an immaculate job.

Compliments for the Crew

A customer in Denham Springs, LA called in saying our one of our Region 4 crews (GF Eder Maldonado and his team) was very nice and professional. He said they communicated everything to him and did a great job.

Compliments for the Crew

Britney B. from Terry, MS called in to let us know about how polite our crew (Bonifacio Velazquez, Leonel Cedeno, GF Mario Womack, Supervisor Carl Dixon) working in her area has been the last two weeks. She stated before they go on her property, they always knock on the door to make sure it's OK. She stated one gentleman even brought her trash can back to her house. She said you don't see that sort of kindness often. Thank you, thank you for all the hard work they have done!

We Want to Hear from You!

Do you have suggested article ideas or pictures to share? Email us at marketinghelp@wakendall.com!  

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