Davey Tree Flipbooks

Davey Bulletin Mar-Apr 2023

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides residential and commercial tree service and landscape service throughout North America. Read our Flipbooks for helpful tips and information on proper tree and lawn care.

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28 THE DAVEY BULLETIN | March/April 2023 front EAST DUNDEE SHOP EMPLOYEES ARE ENJOYING RETIREMENT Bob Simms started a lifelong connection to Davey in 1977, when his brother, Jim Simms, Kent Shop employee at the time, said there was a position available at the shop. Jim said he'd put in a good word with then shop manager, Don Sellman. Sellman hired Bob as a mechanic, which kicked off Bob's 42-year career with Davey. Eleven years later, in 1988, Bob Simms transferred to the East Dundee Shop. He, along with his wife, Kim, made the move from Ohio to Illinois, and they still live there today. Bob was promoted to shop manager in 1989, and the following year, Kim Simms joined Davey as a clerk in the East Dundee Shop. In 2015, Bob was promoted to regional shop manager of the Davey fleet shop in Wheeling, Illinois, and the East Dundee Shop. On the same day in 2020, both Bob and Kim retired together, Bob as regional shop manager, and Kim as a coordinator. Over Bob's career, he traveled to a total of 26 U.S. states to work in areas where Davey needed truck repairs, assistance on start-ups for new Utility accounts, aerial inspections, and DOT inspections. These travels also took him to states hit by storms and hurricanes. "I traveled to Florida after both Hurricane Charley and Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and to Texas after Hurricane Rita in 2005, and Hurricane Ike in 2008, making sure the equipment was right," Simms said. Kim Simms said everyone looks out for each other at Davey. "The morale and camaraderie at Davey are great, 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. and the company wants you to succeed," she said. Bob and Kim are enjoying retirement by spending time with their family and traveling. They have two children, Robert, who was an East Dundee Shop employee, and Rachel, and two grandchildren, Adaline and Quentin. "We go to the grandkids' soccer games and cheerleading events, and we enjoy camping with the whole family," Simms said. The Simms made many friends while at Davey. They went on a cruise to the Caribbean with Eugene Briggs, supervisor, Kent Shop, and his wife, Jen. The Simms are hoping to go on a European cruise soon. Left: Kim and Bob Simms are pictured on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Above: Eugene Briggs, supervisor, Kent Shop, and wife, Jen Briggs (pictured left) with Kim and Bob Simms on a cruise to the Caribbean. Bob met Eugene while they were working together in Michigan. RETIREE CORNER ADVICE FROM BOB AND KIM SIMMS: 1. Be open to new ideas, so you can teach others what you've learned. 2. Enjoy what you do and be open to changes. 3. Do your best, and the company will reward you. 4. Spend time with your family. 5. Buy stock – that's why we were able to retire when we did. Start early, the investment will grow over time.

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