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May/June 2019
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THE DAVEY BULLETIN
every year other than 2012 when we barely broke even,"
Covey said. "Our operating results have always been
seasonal. To not start the first quarter with negative
operating profit is a significant achievement."
Covey said this success is because of several factors.
Residential operations have improved their sales of dormant
pruning and other work during winter months. A southern
acquisition strategy in recent years has seen Davey acquire
firms in the southeast region, where weather permits
more year-round work in high-density population areas.
And collaboration on large projects have all bolstered
first-quarter sales.
"Employee recruiting efforts also impacted this," Covey said.
"This year, we're fully 1,000 people above our employee
count compared with the same time last year. We're going
into the busy season with 1,000 people more than we had
last year. We're ahead in headcount everywhere."
DAVEY BOARD MEMBER RETIRES
Davey Chairman Karl Warnke announced the
retirement of John E. Warfel, who retired in May
following 11 years of service on the board of directors.
Warfel served on the board's audit, compensation and
governance committees, including serving as chair
of the governance committee for the past nine years.
He owns Warfel Group, Inc., a business coaching
franchise, and is president of Warfel Enterprises,
LLC, a consulting company. He's served on various
boards of private companies and was president of
Westfield Financial Corporation, a diverse group
of financial services and related companies. He
previously served as chairman of Westfield Bancorp
and of Southern Title Corporation. Prior to joining
Westfield Financial Warfel was vice chairman and
president of Oswald Companies from 1975 to 2002.
Warnke said Warfel has been a champion for
preserving Davey's employee-ownership culture.
"His personality and many contributions will be
fondly remembered," Warnke said. "John has been
truly engaged with the company and the board. His
perspective has set well with the employee-owners."
Davey President and CEO Pat Covey and Davey Chairman
Karl Warnke present John Warfel with a custom Davey logo etching,
a plaque and proclamation upon his retirement at the shareholders'
meeting. Warfel served on the board of directors for 11 years.
Above left: Davey President and CEO Pat Covey speaks during the
2019 Annual Davey Shareholders' Meeting.
Right: Davey Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary Joe Paul speaks during the shareholders' meeting in May.
