Staff

Scott Turner

Founder / Visionary


US Navy 1989-1994
Master of Physics, VCU 1999

I am a lifelong Richmonder and love the simple life I live with my wife and two daughters in a lush urban forest near the banks of the ancient James River.

After travelling the world for five years as an enlisted member of the United States Navy, I earned a Master’s Degree in Physics before deciding that trees and nature had become my passion. I started Truetimber in 1998, and started an outdoor outfitting business called Riverside Outfitters in 2005 to share my love of our river, our trees, and the tree climbing experience.
In 2014 I was named a “River Hero” by the Friends of the James River Park for my stewardship of the great Richmond Outdoors.

When I am not working(rare) I am running Richmond’s streets and trails, hanging out with family, or reading and writing.

Leadership Team

Wesley Bowers

General Manager

US Army 2015-2018

ISA Certified Arborist MA-6258AT

Truetimber Academy Grandis & Terra Level Graduate

I’ve lived in Richmond most of my life. I started working as an Arborist right after high school and have loved every minute of it. Taking care of our environment in a sustainable way is important to me and a big reason I landed at Truetimber. I took a break from arboriculture in 2015 to pursue an opportunity with the United States Army. While that was very exciting and quite the adventure, Scott’s vision for a good natured tree company has always been something that excited me and I had to come back. After holding several other positions at Truetimber, I now have the honor of leading the Truetimber team which is extremely fulfilling. When I am not working I enjoy taking advantage of the James River Park System and spending time on the water with my family.

Peter Girardi

Client Solutions Manager

US Army 1989-1992
ISA Certified Arborist, MA-0657AT
VNLA Certified Horticulturist #: 2325
B.S. Forestry and Wildlife, Virginia Tech 1996
I love everything about Richmond including my high school sweetheart and my 3 children who all attended the same high school I attended. After high school I joined the US Army where I served as an Infantry soldier. I fortunately spent my duty close to home, stationed in Arlington, VA with the ceremonial unit, The Old Guard. Directly after the military, I pursued and completed my degree in Forestry and Wildlife Science, realizing my true passion was in trees. My first stop as an Arborist was with a company here in Richmond where I learned most of my tree climbing skills and was a salesman for that company. After Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and climbing a lot of trees, I was hired as one of the City of Richmond Arborists and was quickly promoted to Urban Forester. Shortly thereafter, when I met Truetimber through recreational tree climbing events in the City, I realized I could combine my enthusiasm for the natural world and my passion for trees and call Truetimber my home. Having ridden my bike all over the city as a youth along with my past experience raft guiding the James, I continue to find new and unexplored gems in RVA. In addition to my passion for trees, if you want to have a long conversation with me, get me talking about cycling, mountain biking, alternative medicine and real food.

Jeff Inman

Risk Manager

ISA Certified Arborist

CTSP

Truetimber Academy Director & Chie Level Graduate

My passion for the outdoors runs deep. My mothers side of the family is rooted in the mountains of West Virginia and it is there where this passion was cultivated. My grandfather taught me about trees and how wood reacts in different ways in his woodshop. Later in life, I found rock climbing at 17 in the hills of West Virginia and have been hopelessly addicted to a life at height ever since.

After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2011 with a degree in Natural Resources Conservation, I met my beautiful wife, Kelsey, and we began a life in the trees. Tree climbing has taken me around the world and back. This life has been one I never anticipated and am reminded on a daily basis that I have been truly blessed to be in this community and industry. I say it often, tree people are the best kind of people. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with these fine Red Shirts and hope that we are inspiring the next generation of tree climbers. If you don’t already know, we have a special aerial playground here in RVA, matched by few places across the globe. I’m darn proud to swing around in our tree tops.

More than all of that though, I am blessed to be a husband and father. To share life, specifically a life lived outside, with my family. We are raising our children to know what it means to work hard and follow your dreams.

Savanna Dixon

Employee Care Manager

Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, Red Cross

Born and raised in Powhatan County, I graduated from Powhatan High School with an advanced diploma in 2008. After just two semesters at Brightpoint Community College, I realized that I did not have a strong passion for a specific profession, and decided to seek out a career instead. I joined Truetimber in the summer of 2009, and immediately felt at home. As a Pisces, I have always loved nature and the outdoors, so this place seemed a natural fit. I am proud every day to help build our mission to become the best workplace in arboriculture. When not at work, you will likely find me outside with my other half Anthony and our dogs Millie and Cashew, exploring one of our many state parks, gardening, fishing, or floating the mighty James River.

Client Solutions

James Luggen

Tree Care Advisor

ISA Certified Arborist 5926AT
ISA Tree Climber Specialist
TCIA Aerial Lift Specialist

I’ve worked for Truetimber since 2015 and it’s the best job I’ve ever had. I never thought getting a high from the work I’m doing would take me all the way to the tree tops! It’s been a great time meeting new people in the city and helping them to make the best decisions for their trees. I consider myself a steward of the trees and I find beauty and purpose in all of them, even the Ailanthus! In my spare time I like to go down to the river, hang out with my dog Lil Bill and ride my chopper across the city with not much for a destination, pulling over whenever I might see a neat tree!

Aidan Stewart

Tree Care Advisor

B.A. History, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2015   

ISA Certified Arborist MA-6082AT
Certified Tree Care Safety Professional CTSP 03624

VNLA Certified Horticulturalist 3515                                                              

TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification)

Although I’m originally from California, I have lived in Virginia for just over a decade now and specifically in Richmond for most of that time! I spent my college years as a very active rock climber and outdoorsman and promised myself to choose a career that would keep me outside. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015 I worked for a brief time with the James River Park System before finding Truetimber. I am so happy to have discovered arboriculture and am proud to call myself an arborist. I cannot imagine myself in any other profession
When I am not taking care of Richmond’s urban forest, I enjoy playing and listening to heavy metal, as well as playing Dungeons and Dragons and various other tabletop games.

Phil Tate

Tree Care Advisor

Photo and Bio Coming Soon!

Client Care and Project Management

Sonja Sims

Client Care Specialist

Proud mom of daughter Riley and wife to Dusty. Hobbies include running, reading and floral design/crafting. I can usually be found with my sidekick and BFF Jed tagging along.

Danielle Lockwood

Project Manager

I was born in Richmond, VA and raised in Powhatan, VA where I met my fiancé in high school. I love nature and spending time on or near any body of water, fishing or floating, hiking trails and exploring new small towns. I have a passion for Herbology and finding natural cures. I am obsessed with my Golden retriever named Maple who is one of many red rovers here at Truetimber. We are animal lovers with four spoiled cats (we will never turn down a stray) seven ducks and working to expand our feathered flock this spring. I am a licensed cosmetologist and have a certification in dental assisting, but my love for nature won. The culture and passion here at TrueTimber is what pulled me in and I look forward to my future here.

Operations

Allen Blevins

Equipment Manager

I have worked for Truetimber since 2007. My primary role is to keep our equipment up and running, and to keep our teams fully equipped with what they need to do their jobs well.

Torry Miller

Training Coordinator

Just your friendly neighborhood stump grinder here! With stump grinding being one of my main rolls at Truetimber, I also enjoy working as a Soil Specialist and a Knuckle Boom Operator when needed. My mission is to make sure that the job is done safely, efficiently and most importantly leaving the client with a big smile.

Skye Soderberg

Training Coordinator

ISA Certified Arborist

A fresh transplant from Rhode Island, I came to Truetimber seeking out the reputation of skill and experience the company has earned and fell in love with the camaraderie and culture of teamwork. I am very excited to start a new chapter of my life in Richmond, so if I’m not at work, you’ll see me out exploring the city and experiencing the community!

Sebastien Carpentier

Training Coordinator

ISA Certified Arborist

Truetimber Academy Grandis Level Graduate

Working at Truetimber has allowed me to experience up-close the diverse urban forest of Richmond – a daily opportunity I am very grateful for! On the weekends I’m usually digging around in the dirt, skateboarding, or making “art” in my studio.

Team Leaders

Spencer Hughes

Team Leader

ISA Certified Arborist

Truetimber Academy Grandis Level Graduate

Working at Truetimber has given me a great opportunity to work with some great people and see some awesome trees!
In my free time I enjoy playing music and going to concerts.

Andrew Ellis

Team Leader

ISA Certified Arborist

Truetimber Academy Chie Level Graduate

My favorite things about working at Truetimber are being outside all the time and the unique problem solving we often face. When not at work I enjoy biking, rock climbing, and trail running.

Caroline White

Team Leader

ISA Certified Arborist
Truetimber Academy Grandis Level Graduate

I am a Certified Arborist who went to school for farming too! When I’m not working on trees I’m at home building and maintaining our little

Ross Metcalf

Team Leader

Truetimber Academy Altus Level Graduate

Chloe Eakle

Team Leader

ISA Certified Arborist

Truetimber Academy Grandis Level Graduate

I’ve always dreamed of working in National and State Parks in my pursuit of finding a job where I could just be in nature all day, working hard, learning constantly, and leaving the world a little better than I found it every day. It was hard to decide what I exactly wanted to do as a vocation, since I am not a ‘leave my work at work’ kind of person. I really love wholly investing my time and energy in to something that I love. When I found Truetimber I was so excited to have found a career/profession that seemed to suit my dreams.

Dave Deese

Team Leader

ISA Certified Arborist

Truetimber Academy Terra Major Graduate

Deese! Your wood removal guy: I pick up what they’re putting down! I started tree work a little over 3 years ago, needing part time work while I fixed bicycles and guided the James River with Riverside Outfitters, but quickly went full time with True Timber. I didn’t know anything about tree work except it looked exciting and the folks were inspiring and fun to work alongside. Also, I wanted to prove to myself that I could hack it. While, I’m a decent climber at best, I feel most confident in my ground and equipment operations. Roping is absolutely my favorite aspect of tree work besides running equipment. Knuckle booms! Though I may not be the one taking down big trees; I’ve got no problem throwing a log over my shoulder. Since my time at TT, I have not only worked with some of the best people, I’ve learned a lot about the natural life in our beautiful city.

Nathan Salle

Team Leader

ISA Certified Arborist

Truetimber Academy Grandis Level Graduate

I love riding bikes!

Drew Wilmink

Team Leader

ISA Certified Arborist

Truetimber Academy Ascendo Grandis / Terra Grandis Graduate

My Favorite thing about arboriculture is seeing the trees from an angle few people ever get to. I also love the challenge of difficult removal

Christopher Martin

Team Leader

ISA Certified Arborist

Truetimber Academy Altus Level Graduate

Working at Truetimber really immersed me in the field or arboriculture with solid training and depth of experience from my co-workers.
I’m and amateur Bonsai enthusiast, and I love to bike and climb trees or rocks in my spare time. I was once tasked with becoming Parker J Redfox, the official mascot for the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Jack Shade

Team Leader

ISA Certified Arborist

Truetimber Academy Grandis Level Graduate

Team Members

Ray Pettway

Aerial Lift Operator

ISA Certified Arborist

Truetimber Academy Altus Level Graduate

Born and raised in Virginia, and I have lived in the RVA for over twenty five years. I’ve been with the company since September 2014 & am fiercely proud to work for the greatest tree care company on the planet. I am a five year member of the safety committee, certified arborist, certified horticulturalist, & Heartwood team member. I enjoy the challenge and camaraderie of the field, teaching new hires, & storm damage.

Connor Bowen

Aerial Lift Operator

ISA Certified Arborist

Truetimber Academy Grandis Level Graduate

My favorite thing about tree work is finding creative and safe ways to remove the massive amounts of material we need to remove and finding my way through tree canopies to the perfect work positions. The problems are new and interesting every day.

At Truetimber I feel like I’m not just in a great work place but I’m also in a great family. Everyone is always trying to help one another achieve goals in work and in life.

Outside of work I love doing just about anything with my friends and family, and sports.

HTTR!

Samantha Heffner

Tree Climber

Reilly Meng

Tree Climber

I love tree work.

Jaden Busching

Tree Climber

I like to work hard, and play hard. Preferably at the same time!

Roberto Gorjon-Andujar

Tree Climber

I was raised in Virginia and moved to Richmond in 2020. I love spending my time outside. When I’m not working you can find me on the river, on the trails, or in the park slacklining.

Reilly Flynn

Tree Climber

I’m Reilly! I just graduated from JMU where I studied and English and philosophy, and I came to True Timber with a desire to combine my love of doing cool things at height and serving the Richmond community. Everyday I’m proud to be apart of a team that values constant learning, hard work, and environmental service. When I’m not wearing a red shirt I love reading, playing my guitar, and pursuing the perfect loaf of sourdough bread 🙂

Sean Forte'

Tree Climber

I’m a Virginia native from Doswell, where I grew up surrounded by woods. After many years out-of-state for education and work in the humanities, Virginia’s beautiful forest-scapes and seasonal cycles called me home, to my roots in nature and a new career-path as an arborist. I love getting to work outdoors and with trees, and with incredible team members who also enjoy tree-work and the physical and mental challenges it provides. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and backpacking, reading, movies, gardening, and good old-fashioned wood-chopping.

Miron Honer

Tree Climber

Introduced into forest management working as a backcountry wilderness ranger in the boundary waters of Minnesota has placed me in an eternal path of working outdoors on the land. I’ve since worked for conservation corps removing invasive trees along Utah water ways and spent the rest of my time farming all over the west coast and a bit in the Midwest. Excited to explore all the new flora and fauna Virginia has to offer!

Tyler Rogers

Tree Climber

I love working outside with a great team. Having the opportunity to climb and care for the trees of our amazing city is a bonus! Outside of work, I like to play bass, go backpacking, and ride my bike.

Marcony Ajualip

Tree Climber

First of all, I am grateful to God for the privilege and gift of living in Richmond, Va. A few years ago I realized that climbing trees is incredible! I know it is dangerous, but at the same time it feels good to share time with nature and appreciate everything beautiful that God has created for us to appreciate. I am also very happy to be part of Truetimber. I realize that I have a lot to learn and a lot to improve on, but I feel very satisfied to share with this group. I love safety on the job site and I can say that I am super happy.

Ryan Olsen

Tree Climber

Born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I fell in love with Richmond while attending VCU, where I graduated with a biology degree in 2015. All my passions in life are rooted in the outdoors, and from a young age I knew I’d pursue a career that kept me immersed in nature. My love for trees developed over years of working as a horticulturist, but I was always jealous of the individuals who could access a tree with a harness and a rope. I am so grateful to True Timber for providing the culture and space for me to hone my skills as an arborist. My hobbies include bonsai, mushroom foraging, and backpacking. I live with my beautiful wife Jenny and our two pups, Zeke and BeeMoe.

Jacque Fink

Tree Climber

Daniel Mondak

Tree Climber

Bradley Huber

Tree Climber

We Have the Credentials