“the learning never stops” - SK
Favorite tree: subalpine larch
SCOTT KELLS - Founder - Arborist/ BCFSC Certified Tree Faller
ISA Certified Arborist PN-6135A, ITA Arborist Technician, BCFSC Certified Faller, Certified Wildlife/ Danger Tree Assessor, Forest Technician and Owner of GLTS for 17 years.
As the founder of GLTS, Scott has a contagious passion for trees and arboriculture. Scott has a diverse background spanning over 25 years in both forestry and arboriculture. He enjoys getting the chance to talk to people about proper tree care and creating lasting relationships with customers! Scott has an unwavering commitment to growing an elite team of professionals focused on the highest standard of tree care while delivering a customer-focused experience. Scott believes that every day is a chance to learn something new. Arboriculture is a very in-depth field to learn about plants, trees and also the technical skills to care for them.
“I find this work so rewarding, it gives my life great purpose and i am grateful for that” - RW
Favorite tree: pseudotsuga menziesii - douglas fir, the older the better
ROGER WATERS - Invermere Crew Leader/ Talent Development-Training
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8573A, ITA Certified Arborist Technician, HEBC Falling and Bucking endorsement, Certified Wildlife/ Danger Tree Assessor with GLTS for 11 years.
Roger has been with Green Leaf Tree Services since 2013. With ongoing dedication and passion for the trade, Roger went from doing clean-up to becoming a top-tier climber who now mentors and trains our up-and-coming team members. Roger is an ISA Certified Arborist, Industry Trade Arborist Technician, and Certified Wildlife/ Danger Tree Assessor and holds a HEBC Falling and Bucking endorsement. He believes that every day has different learning opportunities. “ I love the potential for growth both personally and professionally. ”
“safety is my number one priority” - MB
Favorite Tree: western larch
MAX BROWN - Kimberley Crew Leader/ Safety Manager
ISA Certified Arborist PN-9075A, ITA Arborist Technician, Certified Wildlife/ Danger Tree Assessor, HEBC Falling and Bucking endorsement, Level 3 OFA First Aid and Safety and First Aid Coordinator with GLTS for 7 years.
Max is a key contributor to our team, ensuring all first aid kits are fully stocked and keeping a keen eye on potential hazards. Max actively oversees and drives our safety program to maintain our Safe Company designation with the BC Forest Safety Council. Max has come a long way in developing his skills and certifications in a short amount of time. Max recently relocated to Kimberley BC to be closer to family and to run our day-to-day operations in the southeast Kootenays. Max believes that every job our team encounters is a challenge. A challenge that requires 100% of your effort and engagement. There are so many different aspects to our work, physics, biology, and mechanics to say the least.
'“I love the view from the top of the trees” - JH
Favorite Tree: Apple Tree
JAIRO HERNANDEZ - Arborist Apprentice/ Stump Grinding Technician
WCB Certified Chainsaw Operator, Advanced First Aid, Advanced Aerial Rescue training, TCIA StumpGrinder, with Green Leaf for 5 years.
Jairo brings his skills in Advanced First Aid ensuring our team is safe at all times. He is learning new skills with our team and “climbs trees like a monkey” according to our Crew Leader. Jairo and his family moved to Canada from Honduras and has enjoyed learning about our trees. He likes being outside, enjoys the sun, amazing views and climbing trees.
MAXIMILLIAN KONIG - Apprentice Climbing Arborist
WCB Certified Chanisaw Operator, Wildlife/ Danger Tree Assessor, OFA Level 1, GLTS Competency training, with Green Leaf for 3 years.
Maximillian joined our team in the winter of 2021. He is a born and raised Invermere local with deep roots planted in the Columbia Valley. After a few seasons of battling forest fires around the province he has grown a passion for trees and how to properly care for them. He is no stranger to hard work and striving for big goals as he has demonstrated through completing some insanely long bike packing trips around the continent. When not at work Max can be found running up and down the local mountain ranges on foot, bikes or skis.
Max holds certification in safe chainsaw use, Wildlife/ Danger tree assessing and First Aid. He has entered our in-house training program and is striving to become a Jedi Arborist.
GLYNNIS PHILLIPS - Accounting and Finance
Bringing her enthusiasm for numbers, Glynnis joined the team in fall 2020, filling the office administration and accounting role.
Glynnis is working towards a commerce degree in accounting and is excited for the opportunity to apply this knowledge in her new role. Glynnis has been in the valley for a number of years and is happy to be working with a growing company of professionals that are very passionate about the work they do. Although she is not as skilled as her teammates in naming tree species or climbing them, she loves to be outside in the trees and is thrilled to be learning more!
PATRICK O’SULLIVAN - Climbing Arborist Arborist
After a lengthy career as a dentist, Dr. O’Sullivan traded his teeth scraping instruments for some climbing tools. Patrick joined our team in the summer of 2021 with a keen thirst for a new challenge in life. With a solid background in mountaineering and playing amongst the mountains and forests surrounding the Columbia Valley he wanted to apply his skills in a more physical capacity. If you have the pleasure of having Patrick working on your trees you will quickly understand why he has quickly become such a valuable member of our team!
MARCUS SHERRY - Arborist Representative/ Plant Health Care Coordinator
ISA Certified ON-2434A, TRAQ 00005-TA-20, HEBC Falling #192
Marcus is often the second point of contact for our customers after calling our friendly office administrator. Filling the role of Certified Arborist Representative, Marcus is committed to solving problems and exceeding customers’ needs by providing science-based and practical consultations and assessments to help maintain safe and healthy trees in the urban environment. Whether you have trees encroaching on your house, or bugs and disease issues to address, Marcus has a diverse range of experience mixed with professional training, and certifications to help provide the right course of action to solve the problem.
NOLAN WEDRICK - Apprentice Arborist
Nolan joined our team in the spring of 2023 with a thirst to learn more about working with trees. With a background of working with the City of Regina’s forestry department for a few summers, Nolan developed a keen interest in becoming an arborist. With trade specific training in technical tree falling and chainsaw use Nolan has entered our in-house training program and is set to reach new heights.
JOSH FISHBUCH - Golden Crew Leader/ Certified Climbing Arborist
ISA Certified Arborist PN-9996A, Graduate of Olds College (Arborist Technician)
Josh joined us in the spring of 2023 bringing an enthusiastic passion for trees to our team. Graduating from the Olds College Arborist Technician program he took his skills to the coast to work in the lower mainland for a year before joining us. With an extensive background in planting and silviculture work, Josh has had a well-rounded background in working with trees. His passion to succeed in the trade and furthering his skills in being a top-level climber is a great asset to our team and we look forward to helping him grow with us. Josh is our newest ISA Certified Arborist and is currently working towards adding more certifications to his repertoire.
