Davey Tree Flipbooks

Davey People Rod Soderstrom, vice president and general manager of Davey Tree Services, Canadian operations, retired in June after 45 years of service. In 1969, Rod founded High Tree Services in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Soon after, he decided to explore utility line clearance and earned contracts with B.C. Hydro—he even brought in the first insulated bucket truck for tree trimming in British Columbia. Rod expanded operations to the northern Vancouver Island in the mid-1970s. A little more than 10 years later, he sold High Tree to Davey and became vice president and general manager of Davey Tree Services, Canadian operations. Growth was significant to Rod's success. After joining Davey, he expanded operations in Alberta, introducing the province to insulated bucket trucks for the first time yet again. In the early 1990s, Davey acquired Vancouver Tree People and several other private tree services to expand R/C operations. By the end of that decade, Davey utility and residential services were working in all western provinces. Not only did Rod have a passion for increasing Davey's presence in Canada, but he also had the vision to professionalize the industry by initiating the Western Utility Arborist Association and the Utility Vegetation Management Association of Alberta. Rod earned internal recognition for his efforts when he received the John Davey Award at the 2013 National Managers' Meeting as well. As Rick Ramsey, corporate vice president of Canadian operations, says, "Without Rod's leadership and pioneering with operations as he and his people joined Davey, the company wouldn't have the strong presence that exists in western Canada today." Rod Soderstrom receives a proclamation from Karl Warnke dur- ing his retirement celebration earlier this year. September/October 2014 | 31 Two Brothers Share More Than 80 Years of Service Combined Doug Soderstrom retired in January following 40 years of service. He was vice president of Western Canadian utility operations. In 1973, Doug left his mechanic and instructor position to work alongside his younger brother, Rod, at High Tree Services. He continued working for his brother's company until 1986, when Davey bought the company. At that time, Doug became vice president of operations. "From the time he joined the industry until his retirement, Doug was always highly regarded by his friends and colleagues," says Rick Ramsey, corporate vice president of Canadian operations. When looking back, Doug says his career has always been about the people, those he has worked with and for, from both companies. "Working with clients to solve problems and initiate innovative solutions has always been a very rewarding experience," he says. Doug Soderstrom A s Rod and Doug Soderstrom enter retirement this year, their Davey colleagues reflect on the Soderstroms' long-term careers and contributions to the company's growth in western Canada. "Rod and Doug Soderstrom will most certainly leave a legacy that has already enriched the Davey company through the expansion of our brand throughout western Canada," says Karl Warnke, chairman, president and CEO. "They accomplished this as brothers and as dedicated members of the Davey management team, and we are very thankful for their enormous contributions to the Davey company over the past 28 years." High Tree Services crewmembers and some office staff members gather for a group photo in 1975. Rod Soderstrom founded the company in 1969.

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