Employee Ownership

 

 

 

FOUNDED IN 1880 AND EMPLOYEE-OWNED SINCE 1979.

 

Strong brands. Engaged employees. Exceptional service.

With operations throughout North America, our branches have expanded, but our commitment to scientifically-based horticultural and environmental services and outstanding client service has never wavered.

Davey Tree is Ohio’s largest employee-owned company and the ninth-largest in the nation.

  • 1977: Alexander M. Smith, CEO of Davey Tree and husband of Evangeline Davey, announces plans to sell the company.

    1978: Davey Tree’s board of directors approve the employee’s purchase offer.

    1979: Ownership of the company officially transfers to the employees.

    1981: The company buys 62,000 shares from Martin L. “Brub” Davey, Jr. Brub delayed selling his shares so the employees could more easily afford the acquisition.

    1982: The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is established, allowing employees to buy stock through payroll deduction at a 15-percent discount.

     

     

  • 2009: Davey celebrates 30 years of employee-ownership.

    2014: Then Davey CEO and President Karl Warnke speaks at the Ohio Employee Ownership Conference.

    2018: Forbes names Davey 294th on its Top 500 List of Best Employers in America for 2018.

    2019: Davey celebrates 40 years of employee-ownership.

    2020: Davey partners with Certified Employee-Owned (Certified EO), the leading certification program for employee-owned companies in America.