Davey Tree Flipbooks

7 July/August 2023 | THE DAVEY BULLETIN MISSION TWO-POLE REMEDIATION AIDS GRID MODERNIZATION Davey Resource Group (DRG) is working with long-time client Duke Energy on an expanded two-pole remediation program in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest, including Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, to meet the utility's need for grid modernization and substation optimization. Old and rotten poles need removed for safety reasons. This is critical in areas hit by hurricanes. The poles can weigh 1,500 pounds. "If a pole breaks and falls, it can hit a person, a pet, vehicle, or building," said Chad Snyder, operations manager of construction services, Utility Asset Management services, Davey Resource Group. When a utility company installs a new pole next to an old pole, the lines and communication attachments from the old pole need transferred to the new pole. DRG Utility Asset Management services (UAM) teams go from pole to pole, and either inventory or remove the old pole. They also audit telephone and cable communication attachments and lines on the old pole and transfer those to the new pole. DRG UAM also manages the process of recycling the old poles with a material management firm. "The poles are treated with chemicals, so the recycling process is important to help protect the environment. Handling the old poles properly means they're not going to the landfill," said Travis Willhite, area manager, DRG UAM. Eighty-one Davey employees were working on this project as of spring. Chad Snyder, operations manager of construction services, DRG UAM, leads the team, along with John Barrera, project developer; Scott Anderson, project developer; and Jay Martin, project developer. The operations are managed by Willhite. In addition, there are auditors, GIS support staff, and crews. Each crew consists of three individuals – a foreman, lineman, and groundperson. Rotten pole bases pose a safety hazard (left). When the crew arrives, they take a "before" picture of the two-pole set-up. Once the work is complete the crew takes an "after" picture (right). In this case, the pole has been removed. A crew can remove 2,000 poles per year. 1. When did you join Davey? I started in 2017 as a project manager. 2. What is your role in the two-pole remediation project? I manage all operations and client relations. I add crews where needed, move crews around, and make final decisions with my managers on what needs to be done. 3. What advice would you give to others for being successful at Davey? You're going to be rewarded based on the amount of effort you put into Davey. If you're not trying, you're not going to be successful. But, if you stay motivated and continue to push to do more, you'll be rewarded. I can't say enough about our management, how everybody helps everyone. You can Travis Willhite area manager Utility Asset Management services Davey Resource Group Meet Travis Willhite After call anybody and ask questions if you need guidance or assistance, suggestions – anything. They don't have to be on the same project. There's plenty of avenues to reach out to within Davey for assistance or guidance. 4. What is a tip or trick you might use on a project to get it done? Prioritize what the clients' needs are – that's what we'll tackle first. Then we can get back to the business-as-usual work. And that's where good managers come into play. When you have good people working for you, good things happen. I have three very good managers working with me and I can't say enough about Charles Burnette, Gary Lawrence, and Ian Wolter. Before

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