People roundup: Melissa Brophy named branch manager for Savannah market

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Melissa BrophyMelissa Brophy

The Greenery, Inc. recently announced the promotion of its employee/owner Melissa Brophy to commercial maintenance branch manager in Savannah, Georgia. Brophy previously worked as a business developer in the Savannah market, and she has been with The Greenery for seven years.

The company says her new role will include the financial management of the Savannah branch to ensure successful operations, continued strategic business development to promote growth in the market, ongoing safety review and workforce development to provide consistent quality on all properties.

“We believe Melissa demonstrates the solid business insight, strong leadership abilities and great customer relations skills to be successful in this position,” says Lee Edwards, The Greenery CEO. “We are excited to watch her grow and thrive as she embarks on this new journey.”

Prescription Landscape names Tom Hougnon as CEO

Prescription Landscape recently hired Tom Hougnon as its new chief operating officer.

With a track record of success as a builder and leader of other companies in the industry, the company says Hougnon will play a key role in helping Prescription Landscape develop and grow its business base and service capabilities working alongside Ryan Foudray, chief executive officer.

Tom HougnonTom Hougnon

“Tom has extensive experience in the industry, especially on the business development and operations sides, where he can play a vital role in helping us grow our business at every level,” says Paulita LaPlante, chief strategy officer and managing partner, Prescription Landscape. “We’re very excited to welcome Tom to the company, especially now.”

“This is an exciting time for me to join the Prescription Landscape team,” says Hougnon. “The commercial landscape industry is changing rapidly, with larger players moving to consolidate the industry in the Twin Cities and throughout the country. At the same time, the industry is moving to a more professional, traditional business model that can mesh with customer needs. Prescription Landscape and our team members are leading the way on these and other industry trends, and I look forward to helping steer the company forward and taking advantage of new opportunities.”

Previously, Hougnon was president, chief operating officer and owner of Reliable Landscape Services. In 2017, he exited the company two years after its successful sale to Asplundh Tree Services.

The company says Hougnon’s professional career is firmly grounded in the golf, turf and landscape management industries. Starting out in the golf industry, he managed the business, course construction and overall development of several championship-caliber golf courses, even as he pursued college undergraduate and post-graduate studies at St. Thomas University and the University of Minnesota, in the Twin Cities.

He earned his B.A. degree in business administration from St. Thomas University in 1989, completed four years of horticultural studies at the University of Minnesota in 1993 and obtained a master’s degree in business administration from St. Thomas University in Minneapolis in 2012.

Murray Bishop named new director of sales at Stihl

Stihl Inc. announced the appointment of Murray Bishop to director of sales at Stihl Inc.

The company says that Bishop has been with Stihl for 21 years, and was most recently the branch director at Pacific Stihl. In his new position, the company says Bishop will manage the continued growth of the Stihl brand and be responsible for product sales and distribution in the U.S., succeeding Steve Meriam, who retired after a 35-year career with Stihl.

“I am pleased to welcome Murray Bishop back to Virginia Beach in his new role,” says Nick Jiannas, vice president of sales and marketing at Stihl Inc. “His breadth of operational experience coupled with his knowledge and understanding of our dealer network and product range will serve him well as we plan future growth opportunities for Stihl and Stihl dealers.”

Murray BishopMurray Bishop

“I’m looking forward to building on Stihl’s history of success,” says Bishop. “As we grow the business, we will continue to deliver the quality products and services that Stihl dealers have always relied on, while also developing new sales opportunities through innovative product launches and enhanced sales channels.”

The company says Bishop began his career with Stihl Inc. in 1999 as manager of finished goods. Since then, he has served as warehouse operations manager, senior manager of export and logistics and director of information services.

In 2017, Bishop assumed his most recent role as branch director at Pacific Stihl, where he was responsible for leading and managing the sales, distribution and service of all products, parts and accessories at the company-owned branch, as well as the advertising and marketing plans for the territory, which includes California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii and Guam.

McHale announces new director of business operations and modernization

McHale Landscape Design, Inc. is pleased to announce the creation and hiring of a new position at their corporate facility in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Barrett WolfBarrett Wolf

Barrett Wolf has accepted the position of director of business operations and modernization. The company says Wolf will report to ownership and the executive team regarding culture management, systems evaluation, financial and administrative management and developing long term strategies for modern business development and strategic initiatives.

“Barrett is a very bright young man with relevant experience, a proven track record and exceptional leadership skills,” says Kevin McHale, company president.

The company says Wolf joins McHale Landscape Design with an MBA in finance and 10 years of experience in the Private Equity Industry.

“Barrett is an intelligent, analytical thinker who not only understands the financial side of the business but also appreciates the positive impact of human capital,” says Steve McHale, company vice president.

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