Members of the media, industry influencers and a collection of robotic mower dealers were all on site this spring as Sunseeker debuted its latest autonomous lawn mower in Charlotte.

The new, wireless Orion X7 is the latest machine from Sunseeker, which was founded in 2009.

“This is truly the iPhone moment in outdoor power equipment,” says Justin Novosel, executive vice president and general manager of Sunseeker US. “Especially when it comes to robotic lawn mowers. It is a culmination of years of innovation and research.”

Not only does the latest model from Sunseeker have improved obstacle avoidance and customized path planning, but the collection of multiple technologies allows the Orion X7 to perform even better as a boundary-free robotic mower.

The technology includes RTK (real-time kinematics), Wi-Fi and dual AI cameras, something Sunseeker is introducing as AONavi — a proprietary technology.

“This allows us to centimeter of accuracy using a very innovative app,” Novosel says.

Sunseeker says that not depending on just Wi-Fi or solely RTK technology can improve the mower’s reliability.

“The three technologies together blend a complete picture of the yard,” says Matt Moore, director of sales (robotic) of Sunseeker US. “Instead of having a 75% coverage, the goal here is to have 99% coverage.”

The mower’s AI capabilities also allow for AI-assisted mapping to clearly map lawns and assists with multi-zone management so multiple lawns can be mapped and mowed together.

The Orion X7 is also improved for operating on tough terrains like under trees or narrow passageways corners, where robotic mowers normally see signal loss.

“All the systems are working simultaneously so there are no interruptions or drops in service,” Moore adds.

Navigating tricky terrain is also improved with the design of the mower and its wheels. The all-wheel drive system is slightly different than other models and includes three-wheel turning.

The Orion X7 can climb up 70% incline slopes and the rubber treads on the tires have a safer grip and offer less damage to the grass.

The mower also includes Custom Path Planning with three options — traceless, standard (stripes) or custom.

A rain sensor is also included on the machine, where users can choose to operate in the rain, or sensors will recognize the rain and keep the machine from running while it is raining.

Currently, the Orion X7 is a 0.75-acre machine. However, 1.5- and 3-acre models are coming soon.

Other packages including anti-theft and Super Wi-Fi are also available. The Super Wi-Fi includes antennas that help expand the mower’s range.

When it comes to the technology behind autonomous mowing, Moore says the Orion X7 is just the beginning.

“The advancement of wireless is just going to continue to grow,” Moore says. “Smarter systems will continue to evolve throughout the industry. We’ll get more fine tuning with RTK and the vision system and AI mapping will start having a lot more thinking process on the machine to make it smarter. If you put cell chips or SIM cards in the machines with 4G, eventually you’ll be able to do exact positioning.”

A 4G module is expected to be available on the 1.5- and 3-acre models.

Novosel adds mowers are only the first thing in the industry to go fully autonomous, but he expects more to follow.

“We see this technology evolving into AI zero-turns or snow throwers,” Novosel says.

Davey announces market expansions, promotions

The company has promoted three new district managers in the expanding markets.

The Davey Tree Expert Company has expanded its residential/commercial (R/C) operations in Annapolis, Md., Tacoma, Wash., and Downers Grove, Ill. It’s also promoted district managers Robert Dallmann of the Annapolis R/C office, who transferred as a district manager from the Chesapeake R/C office, Tyson Geldseth of the Tacoma R/C office and Matt Hess of the Downers Grove R/C office.

“Our R/C operations have experienced extraordinary growth, and the Pacific Northwest, Chicago and mid-Atlantic regions are of no exceptions, so the addition of these new offices will continue to expand the Davey brand and better position us to serve our clients with Davey’s proven solutions,” says Jed Day, executive vice president and general manager of U.S. Residential Operations. “Robert, Tyson and Matt’s talent for client service and genuine consideration for their clients and fellow employees, as well as their drive to succeed, will help them lead the new offices to success.”

Dallmann started his Davey career in 2011 as a trimmer in the Gaithersburg office. In 2016, he was promoted to sales arborist in the Chesapeake-Western Shore office. In 2018, he was promoted to assistant district manager of the Chesapeake office and in 2019 was promoted to district manager.

Dallmann is a 2014 Davey Institute of Horticulture Sciences (D.I.H.S.) graduate and a 2015 Davey Institute of Tree Sciences (D.I.T.S.) graduate, which is Davey’s flagship training program in biological sciences, safety, tree and plant care and management techniques. Dallmann is also an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist and a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert.

Geldseth started his Davey career in 2007 as a trimmer trainee at the Southeast Seattle office. In 2014, he was promoted to sales arborist, then in 2016 to assistant district manager of the Southeast Seattle office.

Geldseth is a 2014 D.I.T.S. graduate and is an ISA Certified Arborist and a Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP). He also holds an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).

Hess started his Davey career in 1998 as a trimmer trainee in the South Chicago office. In 2011, he was promoted to assistant district manager of the Northeast Chicago office. In 2012, Hess was promoted to district manager of the Northeast Chicago office before becoming assistant district manager of the South Chicago office in 2013.

Hess is a 2005 D.I.T.S. graduate, as well as an ISA Certified Arborist and TCIA Aerial Rescue & Electrical Hazards certified.

EverSmith Brands appoints Ken Hutcheson as its new CEO

Hutcheson most recently worked as president of EverSmith’s landscaping and snow segments, U.S. Lawns and its Canadian sister brand, Clintar.

EverSmith Brands, a business-to-business franchise platform in the commercial facilities sector, has appointed Ken Hutcheson as its new CEO. The move was made effective May 6.

With a network of roughly 290 franchised locations across the U.S., Canada and South Africa, EverSmith Brands has posted nearly 9% compound annual growth rate over the past few years.

Hutcheson was most recently as president of EverSmith's landscaping and snow segments, U.S. Lawns and its Canadian sister brand, Clintar. He was responsible for leveraging their combined strengths for enhanced market presence and operational efficiency. Hutcheson has nearly three decades of experience leading U.S. Lawns.

"I am honored to lead EverSmith Brands as we embark on this exciting journey," Hutcheson says. "With our aligned values, dedication to franchise owners, and proven model for success, I am confident that we are well-positioned for continued growth and innovation."

"Under Ken's visionary leadership, we're poised to enter an exciting new chapter of growth and service excellence," says Tom Silk, operating partner overseeing EverSmith Brands. "Our commitment to providing outstanding support to our franchise partners remains unwavering, and we are confident that Ken is the right person to elevate our offerings to even greater heights."

“Under Ken’s visionary leadership, we’re poised to enter an exciting new chapter of growth and service excellence.”

— Tom Silk, operating partner

Fairway adds Dr. Jack’s in Orlando

The move strengthens Fairway’s lawn care and pest control offerings in Central Florida.

Fairway continues its expansion in Central Florida with the addition of Dr. Jack’s, strengthening not only its lawn care business but also its pest control offering.

Founded more than 50 years ago in 1972 by Dr. Jack Reinhardt, Dr. Jack’s offers pest control and lawn care in the Orlando area. Jack’s sons, Rick and Jim, have run the business for more than the last 20 years, growing and expanding their father’s legacy.

“Dr. Jack’s exemplifies Fairway’s values of service excellence and employee culture. Rick and Jim have grown their business consistently the right way,” says Fairway CEO Greg Harbison. “Even in our early conversations, we could tell Dr. Jack’s was a natural fit with Fairway.”

“We had many others approach us, but Fairway was different,” says Rick Reinhardt. “They were most concerned with how we treated customers and employees. That’s what’s most important to us too. Simply put, joining Fairway just felt right.”

“Dr. Jack’s exemplifies Fairway’s values of service excellence and employee culture. Rick and Jim have grown their business consistently the right way.”

— Greg Harbison, CEO of Fairway

The Greenery to expand services in Charleston

The growth plans include an experienced executive leadership team and a new branch office.

The Greenery has revealed its commercial landscape expansion plans for the Greater Charleston market.

Advances to landscape operations and services, an experienced executive leadership team and a new branch office in North Charleston are part of the announced plan for growth.

“We have been serving the Charleston market since 1999,” says Lee Edwards, CEO of The Greenery. “It’s the second-largest market that we are in, and we think it’s going to be a huge part of our future through our strategic plan and our employee-owned leadership.”

The Greenery offers commercial landscape services to resorts, municipalities, industrial and commercial businesses, HOAs, POAs and planned communities.

The Greenery currently has commercial landscape operations in Greenville and Spartanburg in South Carolina as well as Jacksonville, Amelia Island and Daytona in Florida. The Greenery continues to serve communities in the Lowcountry including Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Palmetto Bluff, Beaufort, Savannah and Charleston.

“It’s the second-largest market that we are in, and we think it’s going to be a huge part of our future through our strategic plan and our employee-owned leadership.”

— Lee Edwards, CEO of The Greenery

Mullin purchases new Baton Rouge Facility

Mullin’s expansion plan includes doubling its current team in Baton Rouge from 25 to 50 employees by 2025.

Mullin is opening its newest location in Baton Rouge. This expansion marks a strategic move to broaden its presence in the region.

Over nearly 20 years serving South Louisiana, Mullin has worked on noteworthy projects like Amazon’s new facility at the former Cortana Mall, Audubon Aquarium, Oak Alley and the State Capital Gardens.

“We’re excited to solidify our commitment to doing business in Baton Rouge by purchasing what will ultimately be a first-class facility. Our presence here has been well-received, and we’re thrilled to create the same lasting impact on the Baton Rouge community as we have in New Orleans,” says Founder and CEO Chase Mullin.

Mullin's expansion plan includes doubling its current team in Baton Rouge from 25 to 50 employees by 2025.

“Our presence here has been well-received, and we’re thrilled to create the same lasting impact on the Baton Rouge community as we have in New Orleans.”

— Chase Mullin, Founder & CEO

Landscape Workshop acquires Green Simple and maintenance operations of Tree of Life

Tree of Life will continue to run its construction and installation services.

Landscape Workshop has acquired Green Simple Landscape Management, expanding its presence in the Atlanta Perimeter. The company has also acquired the commercial maintenance division of Tree of Life Landscaping in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

These acquisitions are part of Landscape Workshop’s strategy of building critical mass in the cities it operates in. These transactions increase Landscape Workshop’s presence and route density in these two already-serviced territories.

“I see this acquisition as an opportunity for our clients at Green Simple to receive superior services and support. I am confident that our team will thrive, expanding their professional possibilities and honing their skills under the seasoned leadership at Landscape Workshop,” says Wesley Michielsen, owner of Green Simple.

“While Tree of Life will continue to run its construction and installation services, we believe our valued clients will greatly benefit from the expanded maintenance expertise offered by LW’s seasoned team,” says Baxter Mayfield, owner of Tree of Life Landscaping. “LW holds an outstanding reputation here across the Gulf Coast. We are confident that this merger will provide unmatched services and support to our team and clients.”

Both the Green Simple Team and Tree of Life’s maintenance team will be joining Landscape Workshop.

“We are proud to announce the acquisition of these two companies, which marks a strategic expansion of our services. These companies will integrate smoothly with our existing branches, enhancing our capabilities in the regions we already serve,” says J.T. Price, CEO of Landscape Workshop. “This expansion increases our resources, notably our fleet and on-site presence. As always, we extend a warm welcome to the newly joined customers and team.”

Emerald Lawns expands with new Dallas-Fort Worth location

Starting in Austin, the company has expanded its footprint, reaching San Antonio, Temple and Waco.

Emerald Lawns, a lawn fertilization and pest control company headquartered in Austin, Texas, has launched its newest location in Euless, extending its services to the communities of Greater Dallas-Fort Worth.

“We are thrilled to bring Emerald Lawns to the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth area,” says Luke Hawthorne, co-founder of Emerald Lawns. “Our team is dedicated to delivering the same exceptional service and results that have made us a trusted name in lawn care. We look forward to becoming a valued partner for residents who take pride in their outdoor spaces.”

Founded in a spare room by Luke and Mary Hawthorne in 2006, Emerald Lawns has grown exponentially since then. Starting in Austin, the company has progressively expanded its footprint, reaching San Antonio, Temple and Waco from 2018 to the present day. The company has amassed a customer base exceeding 20,000 customers.

The new Euless location will offer a comprehensive range of services to meet the diverse lawn care needs of the Dallas-Fort Worth community. Emerald Lawns will introduce lawn fertilization, weed control, home pest control, tree & shrub care, liquid aeration, organic topdressing and bed weed control services to the area.

Starting in Austin, the company has progressively expanded its footprint, reaching San Antonio, Temple and Waco from 2018 to the present day.

LandCare promotes Burnett to chief people officer

As LandCare’s first CPO, Burnett will lead efforts focused on talent recruitment, training and development.

LandCare has appointed Jennifer Burnett as chief people officer.

As LandCare’s first CPO, Burnett will lead efforts focused on talent recruitment, training and development, employee services and benefits, and the Tangerine Foundation’s TERF and LEAF initiatives.

Since joining LandCare in 2015 as the director of finance, Burnett led efforts to build the company’s regional controller team, branch administration procedures, and led its company-wide ERP implementation, updating its accounting, personnel management and production management software.

In her role as executive vice president of organizational development, Burnett has championed the alignment of LandCare’s employee services, learning and development and talent acquisition teams to improve the team member experience from recruitment to role advancement. Burnett increased the focus on LandCare’s internal initiatives, like their internship program, Management Training program (MT) and Women’s Initiative Network.

“Jennifer has been an essential partner since we started at LandCare and created a vision together of what this company can be. Her passion for creating a business uniquely focused on the team member experience helps drive every decision we make,” says Mike Bogan, CEO. “As chief people officer, Jennifer's deep industry background, thoughtful insight and dedication to our mission will continue to bring an invaluable perspective to our leadership team.”

David J. Frank Landscape promotes Dyba

Erik Dyba will manage the Madison branch of the company.

Green industry professional Erik Dyba has been promoted to manage the David J. Frank Landscape branch in Madison.

Dyba brings almost 30 years of green industry experience to the position. He began his career at David J. Frank in the late 1990s as a client service representative. He later moved to Colorado and started and managed a full-service landscape construction company. While in Colorado, he expanded his skills in project management and learned the irrigation side of the business.

Dyba returned to the Milwaukee area eight years ago to be closer to family and rejoined David J. Frank as irrigation manager. Under his leadership, the department has experienced 150% growth in revenue. Dyba will continue to manage the irrigation department while serving as Madison branch manager.

His list of credentials includes Class C, General Contractor’s license; BEST (Board of Examiners for Standardized Testing) from the International Code Council; Accredited Snow Manager from the Snow & Ice Management Association; Certified Irrigation Technician and Certified Landscape Irrigation Landscape Auditor from the Irrigation Association; Certified Landscape Technician from the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

The company’s Madison branch, which was established in 1996, is one of six company dispatch locations in southern Wisconsin. David J. Frank is headquartered in Germantown, Wis., and is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024.