Staff

Leadership Team

Peter Girardi

Integrator(CEO)

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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.

Scott Turner

Visionary(Owner)

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US Navy 1989-1994
Master of Physics, VCU 1999
ISA Certified Arborist MA-4460AT
CVNLA Certified Horticulturalist

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.

Mike Mather

Client Solutions Manager

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ISA Board Certified Master Arborist MN 0307BM
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
Bachelor’s degree Biology University of Northern Iowa 1990

My path to Truetimber began in the Midwest. After graduating college in Iowa, My wife and I headed to Northern Minnesota where I worked at an environmental learning center teaching kids in the forests and lake country of the North Woods. In 1997, I moved to St. Paul and it was there that I learned arboriculture and tree climbing while working for a small tree company. In 2003, we moved to Richmond where I joined a local tree company and experienced my first hurricane, Isabel. In 2006, I was hired as a Richmond city arborist where I worked for 10 years managing city trees. In 2016, I joined the Truetimber team. When I find time to slip away from work and family, I can frequently be found on or near the James, running trails or paddling the river.

Alex Shaw

Operations Manager

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Lucky dad to three kiddos and husband to one rockstar wife. If we go missing, send the search party to our garden (corn “forist”), the Falls, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rodanthe, or any local playground and you’ll likely find us!

Jeff Inman

Risk Manager

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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 in the hills of West Virginia and have been hopelessly addicted to a life at height for the last 17 years.

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 halfway 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.

Our son was born in August of 2018. I am thankful for the ability to be a husband and a father to these beautiful people. It’s truly the greatest thing I’ve done in my life.

Savanna Dixon

Employee Care Manager

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I was born and raised in Powhatan County, the place I call home. I graduated high school in 2008 and immediately enrolled at John Tyler community college. After just two semesters, I realized that I did not have a strong passion for a specific profession, and decided to seek out a career instead. I joined the Truetimber family in 2009, just one year after graduation, and immediately felt at home. As a Pisces, I have always loved nature and the outdoors, so it seemed a natural fit. I am proud every day to help build our mission to become the best workplace in the arboricultural world. When not at work, you will likely find me outside with my boyfriend and our dog Millie, exploring a new state park, fishing, or floating the mighty James River.

Client Solutions

Aidan Stewart

Tree Care Advisor

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ISA Certified Arborist MA-6082AT
Certified Tree Care Safety Professional CTSP 03624
B.A. History, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2015
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 and hanging out with my wife, as well as playing Dungeons and Dragons and various other tabletop games.

Joel Nolting

Tree Care Advisor

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ISA Certified Arborist MA-4464A
Former Owner, Horizon Tree Care

Native to Richmond with the exception of a brief period of time in the Bay Area, I’m still fascinated by the number of old growth trees located in and around the city. Since about the time I could drive I’ve been working in and around Richmond’s urban forest. Between classes at VCU, I would always get drawn back to the trees and eventually made a decision that I would make it my career.

When I’m not talking about trees I can be found hanging out with my son or somewhere in the woods on a dirt bike or perhaps somewhere pretending to be a musician.

Greg Crews

Tree Care Advisor

#client solutions

ISA Certified Arborist MA-5012A
TRAQ Qualified
B.S. Landscape Design, Penn State

I am extremely excited to be a part of the Truetimber Team. I come from a 13 year background at Bartlett Tree Experts where I started my career in Charlottesville climbing and performing plant healthcare after graduating from Penn State with a landscape design degree. I spent two and half years in the field in Charlottesville and then moved to Richmond in January 2011 to begin selling for the Richmond office.

Production Specialist

Justin Grabosky

Production Specialist

#Production Specialist

Certified Arborist
TTA Climber 1
ISA Certified Tree Worker

I love treework for the teamwork it brings to my day. There’s nothing better professionally than being on a project where everything is just working, everyone is happy and working as hard as they can for the person next to them. I like Truetimber for being the only company I know of that is willing to change literally anything if it means a better workplace for it’s employees. Safety is not impossible to find in an employer but caring for the employees is very hard to find. When I’m not at work you would probably find me working on my home renovation. I also enjoy automotive mechanic tinkering. I am into anything computer related. I am currently working on whole home automation and setting up and upgrading my home server and networking. I think my passion in life is learning new things so I am always looking for a new skill to learn.

Team Leaders

Chris Scott

Team Leaders

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ISA Certified Arborist
TTA Climber 2P
TTA Feller 2

Torry Miller

Team Leader

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TCIA Groundworker

Drew Wilmink

Team Leaders

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TTA Climber 1
ISA Tree Climber Specialist

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

Jared Swainston

Team Leaders

#Team Leaders

ISA Tree Climber Specialist
TTA Groundwork Specialist

My favorite thing about arboriculture is getting to see many different beautiful trees up close! I especially love to see how trees in different places will grow to adapt to their unique surroundings in Richmond’s urban forest. When I’m not at work I enjoy backpacking, going to concerts, and rock-climbing.

Dave Deese

Team Leaders

#Team Leaders

TTA Groundwork Specialist
TCIA Groundworker

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.

James Luggen

Team Leaders

#Team Leaders

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

In every town there’s a man and there’s a plan, and around Truetimber everybody knows it’s James Luggen who’s got it all figured out. The climbers climb, the whiners whine, and this man gets it done right on time. Legend status, mic drop.

Spencer Hughes

Team Leaders

#Team Leaders

#Team Leaders

TTA Climber 1
ISA Certified Tree Climber
TTA Feller 1

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.

Nathan Salle

Team Leaders

#Team Leaders

TTA Climber 1
ISA Tree Climber Specialist
TTA Feller 1

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.

Sebastien Carpentier

Team Leaders

#Team Leaders

TTA Climber
TTA Feller 1

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.

Andrew Ellis

Team Leaders

#Team Leaders

TTA Climber 1
ISA Certified Tree Climber
TTA Feller 1

Project Management

Danielle Lockwood

Project Manager

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I love nature and spending my free time near the water, whether it’s fishing, at the beach or just relaxing. I have 3 spoiled cats and 5 chickens. I am a twin and my family and friends mean the world to me.

Olivia Garber

Project Manager

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My name is Olivia! I enjoy my free time at home playing with my two pups! If I’m not at home, you can find me at Target or Hobby Lobby!

Project Management

Sonja Sims

Client Care Team Leader

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Proud mom of daughter Riley and wife to Dusty. 7 year employee of Truetimber. Hobbies include running, reading and floral design/crafting. I can usually be found with my sidekick and BFF Jed tagging along.

Quality Tree care

Connor Bowen

Tree Climber

#quality tree care

ISA Certified Arborist MA-6005AT
ISA Certified Tree Climber
TTA Climber 1

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!

Caroline White

Tree Climber

#quality tree care

ISA Certified Arborist 6129A
TTA Groundwork Specialist

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

Wesley Bowers

Tree Climber

#quality tree care

ISA Certified Arborist
TTA Climber 1
ISA Certified Tree Worker

Passionate about safe and productive tree care and climbing. Always interested in discussing new climbing and tree care techniques and gear.

Adam Baggett

Climber Apprentice

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TTA Groundworker Specialist
TTA Feller 1

I really enjoy the ability to work outside everyday as well as having to come up with creative solutions to large and difficult problems. I appreciate how the people at TT are incredibly passionate about what they do. Outside of work, I love whitewater kayaking and rafting. I still guide raft trips for Riverside outfitters when I can.

Ray Pettway

Climber Apprentice

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ISA Certified Arborist MA-5600
TTA Groundworker
VNLA Certified Horticulturalist 2610

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.

Allen Blevins

Assistant Equipment Manager

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Jack Shade

Climber Apprentice

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TTA Groundwork Specialist
TCIA Groundworker

Chloe Eakle

Climber Apprentice

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TTA Groundwork Specialist
TTA Feller 1

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.

Sam Walters

Climber Apprentice

#quality tree care

TTA Groundwork Specialist
TCIA Groundworker

In my time at Truetimber I have developed an even deeper appreciation for our planet and environment. The opportunity to spend every day outdoors is one I never wish to take for granted. I couldn’t be more thankful for the growth I’ve gone through while surrounded by such incredible people! Truetimber has helped me grow as not just a tree worker, but as a human being.

Christopher (Dingo) Martin

Climber Apprentice

#quality tree care

TTA Feller 1
TTA Groundworker Specialist

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.

Ross Metcalf

Climber Apprentice

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TTA Groundworker Specialist

Leland Woodcock

Climber Apprentice

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Alex Van Noland

Climber Apprentice

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I am a second generation tree guy from California. I moved to Richmond in 2018 and started working in this industry full time. I’m excited to be here at Truetimber and become the best arborist I can be!

Ryan Munday

Climber Apprentice

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I’m Ryan and I have an awesome family. I’m a boxer and I love climbing trees.

Taylor Priddy

Climber Apprentice

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I grew up working outside and can’t imagine spending my days anywhere else. I also can’t imagine my life without ice cream, and I don’t want to!

Reilly Meng

Climber Apprentice

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I love tree work.

Gareth Vaughan

Part Time Climber Apprentic

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I love nature, animals, and the Green Bay Packers! I love to spend my free time outdoors, whether that be at the the James River kayaking/paddle boarding with my friends, playing basketball, or kicking it at granite pool.

We Have the Credentials