Rebbecca Laura

I have been working at The Davey Tree Expert Company for the past 19 years. My journey, which began as an office coordinator and led me to become an account manager, has been filled with learning, growth and stepping out of my comfort zone.

When I started with Davey, it was not a career choice; it was a job through a friend in a local office that needed administrative support. At this time in my life, I had not imagined where this new journey would take me.

As an office coordinator, I was the backbone of the office, ensuring smooth operations and providing support where needed. This role taught me the importance of organization, communication and teamwork in a professional setting.

Realizing I enjoyed talking with our customers and helping manage the crews, I knew I wanted to make this a career.

I had a keen eye for safety. This skill was noticed, and the responsibility of overseeing safety measures quickly became mine. This is a role I embraced wholeheartedly; I want everyone to go home the same way they came to work.

The path to success was not without its obstacles. As a woman in a predominantly male industry, I faced the challenge of being taken seriously, inside and outside of my organization.

I had to learn how to complete physical work typically associated with men, which required not only physical strength but also a deeper understanding of the industry.

To further my knowledge and skills, I completed extension courses and attended Davey’s D.I.G.M. program. This program, designed to develop industry-specific management skills, was a turning point in my career. It not only equipped me with the necessary skills to excel in my role but also instilled a sense of confidence and self-belief.

Despite my accomplishments, I still sometimes face skepticism from clients due to my gender. To counter this, I have adopted a hands-on approach, often dressing for fieldwork and demonstrating my skills firsthand. Seeing me pull weeds or perform other tasks typically associated with the job has helped clients trust in my abilities more.

When meeting new potential clients, I sometimes bring another manager along. This strategy not only provides additional support but also helps to establish credibility and foster trust with the client.

One of the most significant steps in my journey was attending the Dale Carnegie leadership program. Taking on the challenge of speaking in front of an audience pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me invaluable leadership skills. It was a transformative experience that shaped me into the leader I am today.

Throughout my career, I was fortunate to have a few individuals who believed in my potential and supported my growth. One piece of advice that resonated was, “If you’re going to be noticed, be noticed for the right things.” This counsel became a guiding principle, shaping my approach to my work and interactions with others.

My journey in the green industry has been a fulfilling one. It has taught me the importance of continuous learning, stepping out of one’s comfort zone and the power of perseverance. As a woman in this industry, I hope my journey can inspire others to pursue their passions and never stop learning.

Women in Landscaping is a column brought to you in partnership with the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Rebbecca Laura is an active member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals Women in Landscape Network (powered by Envu) which provides a forum for industry professionals to support each other’s professional growth. The Network is free to all industry professionals.