Davey Tree Flipbooks

26 THE DAVEY BULLETIN | March/April 2024 RETIREE HOLDS FAMILY TIES WITH DAVEY, SERVES COMMUNITY After graduating from the University of Florida's forestry program in 1975, Bob Jurgens moved to Memphis, Tennessee with three dollars in his pocket and to start working in the tree care industry. There, he met the former owner of Jones Bros. Tree & Landscape and took a job as part of a team with only five other employees. From then, Jurgens worked in sales, became an ISA Certified Arborist ® , earned the Tennessee Specific Industry Certification for Horticulture Science, and introduced plant health care and landscaping sectors to the company. After investing more time and money into the company, he was able to buy it and become owner and president in 1979. Thirty-seven years later, Jones Bros. Tree & Landscape, now the Memphis office, joined Davey due to the company's similar values and reputation to his own business. He became the office's district manager in 2016 and retired two years later in 2018 after 42 years of tree care service. Many other Jones Bros. Tree & Landscape employees including Jurgen's son, Michael Jurgens, sales arborist, Jones Bros office, and his brother and fellow retiree Bill Jurgens, also joined Davey after the acquisition. "I knew the company was going to be well-cared for from the standpoint of support," Jurgens said. "We had to learn how to operate in a new setting, but we enjoyed seeing what Davey was able to bring to the table." Throughout his career, Jurgens was able to work on interesting projects from conducting tree work on historic civil war houses and plantations to Elvis Presley's "Graceland," a property still serviced by the office today. Retirees! Have stories to share about retirement or your life at Davey? To be featured, or to nominate a fellow retiree, call 800-447-1667 ext. 8615 or email bulletin@davey.com. "I was called in to do the initial tree survey of Graceland when Elvis died so they could open it for tours," Jurgens said. "I was the first person out there because they wanted to make sure there weren't any hazards before the public could visit the property." In his retirement, Jurgens continues to interact and com- municate with Davey and his past clients. Beyond that, he hasn't stopped giving tree care-related advice, as he assists his neighborhood as a homeowners association member. "I'm retired, but I'm not completely out of service. I still like to help when I can," Jurgens said. In addition to continuing his legacy and love of providing tree care, he likes to spend time with his seven grandchildren, two of which live with him and his wife. The Jurgens also like to make it down to the south of Florida when they can to visit with friends. "I've planted hundreds and thousands of trees around the city of Memphis during my career," Jurgens said. "Whether you're planting trees or taking care of them, you know, you're leaving a mark on your community and that's made for a rewarding career." ADVICE FROM BOB JURGENS: 1. For current employees, look out for each other and always be aware of your surroundings. 2. Give back and stay involved with your community. 3. For fellow retirees, stay busy and share your wisdom with the younger generation. Left: Bob Jurgens at Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska during a visit there he and his family took after his retirement. Center: Bob and his wife Donna at a friend's wedding at the historical Pink Palace Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. Right: Bob's son, Michael Jurgens (left) sales arborist, Memphis office and Nathan Baker, district manager, Memphis office, at Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, after servicing the area. RETIREE CORNER

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