I came to work at New Way Landscape & Tree Services, after my first year of college in 1997. Growing up, I had strived and dreamt about being many things, varying from lawyer, to psychologist, social worker, business management, information technology consultant, to graphic artist…the list always kept growing. After 12 “solid” years of year-round, statewide traveling competitive fast-pitch softball - in addition to school, I was exhausted. I no work experience at all. So I asked my Father, Randy Newhard, if I could join the “family business” at age 18. He agreed, and then it began.

I started at the very bottom, being the company receptionist who answered the phone “Good Morning New Way!” My Father, Randy, started me at minimum wage. If I were going to do this, I was going to do it the way he had - from the bottom! After a couple of years handling the front desk, I ventured into the Accounting Department, where I handled the typical A/R & A/P responsibilities, then into preparing all the walkthroughs, and maintenance proposals – a good word to describe my role at that point was an assistant to each account manager on the team. But the more I learned about the company’s inner-workings the more creative I felt.  Randy began to let me run with some ideas, and I began developing and programming several databases to manage New Way’s data and information. I programmed the ‘Enhancement Maintenance Invoicing’ system, the ‘Equipment Inventory’ system, the ‘Sales Contacts & Rolodex’ system, the ‘Current Customer Database’ and later the ‘SRS (Service Request Status) System’. Reporting and Database management turned out to be something I enjoyed.  I was very innovative in developing ways to store, manage and report on this data and information. Most companies have hard copy archives, and I started the process of electronically archiving nearly every piece of information that came into the company, and creating an easy and quick way to reference it when needed. These systems provided ways to streamline tasks in administration, accounting, sales and operations.  Since I was creatively charged, I was promoted out of Accounting/Assistant to Ops, and into my own new department as the Customer Service Manager. It was then that I created the Customer Service Database known as SRS to enter, log and archive every type of work request ever made regarding a property – no matter how small or how big.  This system was created not only to log what the Property Manager, Board Members, Homeowners, Owners etc requested, but for our own team to note on as well. In house work requests have played a major role in documenting events at the property. The online capabilities of previewing those work orders via the web is just another added benefit of this system.  Not only does this allow clients to review their work orders online – they can see up to 6 months worth of requests in one summary.  I wanted this system to allow managers to stay connected to the things they asked for. And from a Management standpoint, we were able to track our own account managers work orders and hold them accountable for what needed to be done. If they fell behind in getting the request completed, all of upper management would be notified. The benefits of this system are unsurpassed.

After a few years perfecting the S.R.S. Database and the processes went hand in hand with that department, I was promoted into Marketing where I worked for about 4 years developing all the advertising, marketing pieces, post cards, newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, brochures, tri-folds, written articles, etc.. In developing materials for New Way I learned so much about Landscape & Tress. You can't write 50+ articles and not learn something and you can't prepare 20+ PowerPoint presentations without the subject becoming knowledge. In addition to these responsibilities in Marketing, I attended all the sales & event functions, from trade shows to golf tournaments, to holiday’s events and fundraisers.

Shortly after, my Father, Randy Newhard came to me and said he was looking for a “partner” and someone to eventually turn the company over to.  He wanted someone to help him grow the business, integrate new ideas , but mostly, he wanted someone who shared the same goal in ensuring the employees and clients of New Way were at the forefront of every decision made. New Way has been very successful as a result of Randy’s passion, and dedication, not just in landscape, but in the relationships he has established over the years. Randy Newhard isn't someone I could ever replace, but when it came to running the business the way he would, he knew his only daughter would carry out that task with the same veracity!  That was back in 2006. Since then, I have been the Corporate Director, managing the business’ corporate needs, and infrastructure. In 2007, my Father asked me to become President. Since then I have been acting President overseeing the bulk of each department throughout the company. My current goal is to implement the New Way University, mostly geared toward field personnel so all new employees that join our team go through an extensive training program - starting at Gardener, and moving as far up the chain as they aspire to.  I want them to be taught how to be thorough, efficient, knowledgeable, and productive on New Way’s landscape properties. No company is perfect, but I plan to get as close as I can.

It's been 15 years since I started at New Way, and I am just as passionate about this company today as I was a decade ago. ...And working side by side with my Father is a gift many daughters do not have the opportunity to experience, and I am thankful every day I am here and for the honor and the respect my father has shown me.  New Way is home to me, and always will be.

Dan Suhovecky is the CFO of New Way Landscape & Tree Services and is responsible for the oversight of all financial and accounting functions within the organization. He reports directly to the president and CEO and is a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

As Branch Manager at New Way Landscape and Tree Services, I am responsible for my Account Managers, and our Military Accounts.

For over 20 years I have been a New Way team member and over time I have worn many hats.

In 2004, my task was to improve our Safety Program. I thought it would be a "piece of cake", but I was sorely wrong. New Way's standard of safety requires a lot of research and hard work. With my efforts, our company immediately began receiving star awards from both ALCA & Planet's safety programs. In 2007, we received a prestigious award from the Artisan Group Safety Program resulting from having zero workers compensation claims. Very few companies receive this award as it is very difficult to obtain in the service and contracting industries. We have custom-designed our Safety Programs to suit New Way's strict safety procedures and policies.

In 2006, I was promoted to the position Branch Manager & Safety Coordinator.

For 25 years I've been husband to my first love – we've raised three beautiful children. In my spare time, I work in my personal garden and play hardball. My favorite time of the year is winter; when snowboarding season is in. I also love to sit on my back patio next to my fire pit, smoking a good cigar and sipping a fine glass of wine.

Cathe Baird is a Regional Branch Manager of New Way Landscape & Tree Services and oversees all of San Diego County - from the U.S./Mexican Border to Temecula.

“What I look forward to most, everyday, with my co-workers, is being the one responsible for ensuring that our promise to our clients is kept.  Our company has so much value that we provide, in addition to the exceptional service that our clients have come to expect.”

Cathe's career in the Landscape Industry spans over 15 years and her knowledge  consists of not only operations, but also  business development.  Dedication to client needs is her priority, and getting issues resolved in the most cost effective, immediate and organized way is what she strives for.  This is the standard that she works diligently to ingrain into her team. 

She was born in San Diego, raised in Oceanside, and now lives in Vista with her husband, Tom, where they raise their 5 children.  She is a graduate of the University of Texas, San Antonio, where she pursued her degree in Communication & Media Studies. Though, living in Texas made her the NFC Dallas Cowboys fan she is today, the San Diego Chargers are still her hometown AFC team.

With her love and passion for tennis, she was able to compete in both academics and athletics.  Now, she plays several matches per week with organizations that play for charities throughout San Diego.

Cathe’s skills and expertise in New Business Development, Contract Negotiation, Contract Management, Operations Management, and Strategic Planning will be put to great use with her career at New Way!  She is a seasoned professional who shares in our New Way Culture.  She is a dedicated leader that will contribute greatly to the success of New Way Landscape.

Mike Atkinson is the new Regional Branch Manager for New Way Landscape & Tree Services overseeing Inland Empire & Orange County.  His landscape, horticulture, and arbor care skills, as well as expertise have been accumulated over 30 years and will be put to great use during his career at New Way.

His career in landscape began in 1981 after graduating from  Cal Poly Pomona where he received a BS in Ornamental Horticulture.  Through the years, Mike has made it a priority to continue his education by receiving and maintaining his QAL, QAC, and PCA (Pest Control Advisor) for application/use and advisement.  Mike is also a certified arborist and a licensed landscape contractor.

Mike was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley where his interest in  Ornamental Horticulture originated; specializing in landscape care and construction.  This was also where he met Margaret, his wife of over thirty years.  After they were married they moved to the Temecula Valley where they currently reside and have raised their children.  Mike’s been busy with their four boys by staying active with them in sports, family activities, and by spending a lot of time outdoors.

With unparalleled industry experience, a comprehensive understanding of client needs, and over 3 decades of commitment to excellence, Mike will bring great success to New Way.

Vernon Wengeler grew up in East San Diego County and went to high school at El Capitan. During his adolescent years he enjoyed playing baseball, riding bikes, and just being outside with his friends.

Not much has changed, he still loves baseball, likes to mountain bike, enjoys spending time with his family and friends (especially his wife and two young sons), and has developed a passion for nutrition and fitness.

Vernon has been at New Way Landscape and Tree Services since he was 16 and is going on 9 years with the company. During those years he has held many positions, beginning with washing the fleet of vehicles for the company on the weekend, then moving to the field, and eventually working his way to Account Manager. While at New Way, Vernon received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mathematics and has become a Certified Landscape Technician through the California Landscape Contractors Association.

He plans to continue to better his knowledge to help ensure that the best job gets done. He enjoys his job at New Way because it allows him to use the skills that he has learned while continuing to grow and become better in an ever-developing industry.

"I was born here in San Diego and grew up in the east part of the city of Jamul. I enjoy spending time with my family and screaming across the dessert dunes. My children are very active in all types of sports and I find myself coaching many of them. My wife and I have been married for almost eight years and I couldn’t make it in life without her.

Bill brings to New Way a diverse background including project operations, construction, and maintenance management for all phases of residential and commercial landscaping.  He is primarily focused on serving the customer as a dedicated and responsible advocate for best practices in landscape. 

His co-workers, peers, and clients respect him as he has been serving the Southern California landscape industry for over 25 years.  Bill says that "he is often praised by customers for his effectiveness in project management, landscape kwowledge and expertise, quality control, cost consciuosness, and ability to get the job done right and on time." 

Jody has an Associates Degree in Landscape Technology/Horticulture from Broward Community College.

While growing up, Jody lived all over the United States, and began his career in South Florida, where he worked as Director of Landscaping at a Five-Star, Five-Diamond resort after graduating with a degree in Horticulture and Landscape Technology. His work appeared in Travel+Leisure magazine and on the Golf Channel.

He owned his own landscape firm in North County San Diego for several years before joining New Way in 2009. Jody enjoys the opportunity to help his New Way clients achieve their goals, while spending time outdoors every day.

"I was born and grew up in San Diego and spent most of my life in Santee.  My hobbies include golfing, playing pool, and swearing at the Padres. 

Chuck has been working over 4 years with New Way Landscape & Tree Service.  He truly enjoys working with Lincoln Military Housing as an Account Manager. 

Chuck has about 40 years of landscape industry experience.  Most recently, prior to New Way, Chuck worked with The Brickman Group for 8 years as an Area Account Manager and Superintendent.  Before that he worked with AAA Landscape in Tuscon, AZ for about 8 years.

His first taste of the landscape industry came from working at his family's nursery, Hanna's Nursery and Hanna's Services, in Joshua Tree, California.  Chuck gained a lot of experience from his 25 years of working as Owner, Salesman, Grower, Serviceman, Area Account Manager, and Superintendent.

Still today, if you find yourself driving through Joshua Tree, keep your eyes peeled for Hanna's Nursery. 

“Maintain…protect…enhance - three small words that can make or break any-sized project. My job is to make sure that your investment in landscaping not only holds its value, but encompasses and beautifies each community. This is the philosophy that I work by and work with my team to embrace.”

Bob brings to New Way over 30 years of experience in the Southern California Landscape Industry; serving the commercial, homeowner association, and government markets.

His most recent industry experience includes 12 years with Heaviland Enterprises, Inc  with areas of responsibility including; Regional Account Management, Business Development, and Director of Business Dev. Bob’s area of responsibility included San Diego, Riverside, Inland Empire, and Orange County

Previous to that, he spent 18 years with Valley Crest Landscape – Environmental Care Inc., serving San Diego and the Riverside market.  Bob’s experience at Environmental Care started as a Forman, and progressed upwards to Account Manger, Operations Manager and Branch Manager with responsibilities in Landscape Management, Arborist Services, Water Mgmt and Interior Plantscaping.

Bob maintains the prestigious “Landscape Industry Certified Manager – Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) and is a graduate of Rapport Leadership International, School of Leadership Development. He has also attended San Diego Community College, SDSU, and UCSD Extension participating in the Sustainable Business Practice program.

He is also active in the following industry associations:

• Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
• Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
• Community Association Institute (CAI)
• Professional Landcare Network (PLANET)
• California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA)

Away from work, Bob spends his time with family, surfing and gardening.  He maintains a passion for travel and the environment.

Sam Cadwallader graduated from Texas A & M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Sam started at New Way in 2003 and focuses his time on sales, marketing and business development. He is active in local industry organizations such as BOMA Community Service Committee, IREM Young Professionals council, CAI Membership Committee and the BIA Cares Board.

In his role as Human Resources and Accounting for New Way, Aaron Grubbs is responsible for HR related issues, payroll, and various accounting functions.  Aaron began his career with New Way in 2000, after graduating from SDSU.  He has held roles with New Way as Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Collections, and Accounting Assistant. 

His background includes several years of experience working within the company.  He has attended several HR related seminars to further his education.  Aaron holds a Bachelor Degree in Accounting from San Diego State University.

Micala has over 10 years experience in Accounts Payable (A/P).  Being born and raised in West Valley City, Utah; she got her start in Accounting at Fanzz Sports Apparel where she worked for 5 years.  She met her husband and eventually moved out to San Diego in July of 2008 where she accepted a position as A/P Specialist with Equity Based Services.  At the end of March 2011, when this company was sold and moved out to L.A., Micala found herself searching for a new place to call her work home.  In November of 2011 she found herself joining the New Way team.  She quickly learned the accounting systems used and made the A/P department her own.  In October 2012, she took on new responsibilities that included the billing of all enhancement/irrigation/proposals to all maintenance clients. 

She enjoys taking pictures and hopes that one day she will be able to start her own photography business.  She loves spending time with her husband and son.  She absolutely loves the weather here in San Diego, but misses the fall season that she would get in Utah.  She has always loved taking on new challenges and was excited for the challenge. “Because I have many responsibilities every day is different for me and I truly love that about my job.  Some days can be really busy and frustrating, but the end product and seeing all that I have accomplished for that day or week for our clients gives me a great feeling of accomplishment.” 

Stacy Handles the Following Responsibilities:

• Oversees New Way Main and Branch Offices
• All Correspondence
• Maintenance Extra Proposals
• Change Order Processing
• Maintenance Walkthroughs
• Board Meeting Processing
• Processes New Maintenance Contract Property Maps
• Signed Maintenance Contracts/Agreements, & Extra Maintenance Proposals
• Policy & Procedure Coordination
• Onsite IT Contact
• New Way Newsletter & Press Releases

BIO:  

Stacy is exceptionally proficient in Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, FilemakerPRO and CorelDraw.

Sheila Handles the Following Responsibilities:

• Manages the Customer Care Department 
• Maintains the SRS (Service Request System)
• Processes all Special Requests/Work Order/Service Requests for the SRS
• Processes all Requests via Property Manager or Internal New Way Employees  
• Tracks, uploads, and manages the Online Summaries of Work Orders on the Website
• Correspondence  Relating to Customer Care Department
• Processes the Welcome Package to all new Customers

BIO:

Sheila started her administrative career in 1997 working as a Customer Service Representative in the computer industry in service and repair departments.  In March of 2010, tired of the long cold Minnesota winters and wanting to start anew in a warmer climate, she landed in sunny San Diego, California.  Once here, the search for employment took her on a path that would end at New Way Landscape in December of 2010 as our Customer Care Representative.  

At New Way she processes all work orders/service requests so that our clients and internal managers are always kept up to speed of the moving parts on every account. “I have always had an interest in the Landscaping industry and with my many years of Customer Service experience I decided this would be a great fit for me.  I am proud to be in a position that assists our customers in making their jobs easier.” 

Molly Handles the Following Responsibilities:

• Processes Enhancement Proposals
• Processes Approved Enhancement Proposals / Fully Executed P.O.'s
• Processes Initial / Updated / Completed Walkthroughs 
• Administration / Operations Support
• Client File Set-up
• Manages On-Call Emergency System  
• Updates Internal Employee Information
• Office Supply Ordering

Molly grew up in Inland Empire. She moved to San Diego in 2009 and now lives in Santee.  She is currently a student at Grossmont College and is striving towards getting her degree in business.  Before working at New Way Molly worked for three years as an administrative assistant at a medical office.  She has had a total of 4 years working in an administrative assistant position and loves it because she loves to help people.

"Working at New Way has taught me a tremendous amount about landscaping as well as the plant material that we use in our industry.  I find myself thinking or saying the names of each plant that I recognize when I'm out and about.  I never knew there were so many different kinds of plants.

Molly says that she loves to spend her time outdoors - fishing (like her dad), camping, boating...and loves going to the river or the beach.  She spends a lot of time with family.

Alex is well versed in business, and understands the needs of a growing company – both operationally and financially.  He started his career with New Way working as our Arbor Care Administrator responsible for processing all Tree Contracts, Master Plans, scheduling of work and Client Care. 

Prior to working with New Way, Alex worked as a Golf Course Superintendent beginning in 1996 - starting at Twin Oaks, then moving to Oaks North and ending at Mt. Woodson Golf Club.

He championed a number of responsibilities while working as a Golf Course Superintendent.  Not only was he responsible for ensuring the beautification of the courses entire grounds - including landscape, trees, irrigation, fertilization - Alex also managed an entire staff.

Alex has his Bachelors in International Business from San Diego State University.

With an extensive background in both trees and landscape, coupled with an extensive education in business, Alex is the "perfect fit" and a tremendous asset for New Way.

Certified Arborist #WC-7224A

"When I got out of the army in 1977 I drove a log truck in Washington state for a few months. I remember thinking these guys are a little crazy to be doing that stuff way up in the air like that..yes..it appealed to me right away. But alas it was not a calling at the time. We moved to Prescott Arizona to be close to my wife’s parents. I worked for the city an a paving crew and a trash collection crew on a temp. basis. When the work dried up we came to San Diego in late 1979. 

I worked a couple of years as a carpet and drapery cleaner/ installer.  In 1983 I told a friend of mine I needed a job….any job.  I started dragging brush for $40 a day plus lunch.  The work was outside and was kinda like what I saw years earlier in Washington.  I worked for this small company for 10 years, learning my craft in a very informal atmosphere; which resulted in me moving a new direction. 

That brought me to work for Atlas environmental.  While there I studied for and became a Certified Tree Worker, # 960 - one of the first thousand to ever be certified.  I worked for them for about 5 ½ yrs, but a dispute over wages brought me New Way's doorstep in 1999. A small time after I started, I met Randy - we talked for about a half hour that first time. I liked the guy right away and told him New Way felt like a place I could call home.  He knew that someday I wanted to be 'running the show.'

I started to do a personal study for the Arborist Certification.  Not too long after that I tested and was designated with Arborist Certification #WE-7224- A.  It's been about 12 years now and the job is still very challenging and fun.  And do I run the show?  Not all of it, but I feel like I make a large contribution to the overall effort."

Certified Arborist #WE9314A
Certified Tree Worker 1932C

Evan brings 10 years in the horticulture industry, including Golf Course maintenance, Nursery, Landscape design, and Arboriculture experience.  He began his focus in trees by earning an arboriculture degree from Cuyamaca College then joining the World Famous San Diego Zoo as an Arborist.  While working at the Zoo he achieved the ISA Certified Arborist designation as well as Certified Tree Worker.  After several years of climbing and maintaining the Zoo’s trees he moved on to manage the local ValleyCrest Tree Care branch before coming to New Way.

 Evan is passionate about Tree Care and is a steward of long term sustainable solutions for Customers.  He is a big proponent of ‘The Right Tree in the Right Place’ and ‘Young tree structural pruning’ among other sustainable practices.  Customer service is of the upmost importance and he aims to provide solutions that satisfy customer needs while practicing sustainable Urban Forestry.

Daniel Quezada is a San Diego native that has been working in the landscaping industry for approximately 11 years. He has held many positions on the Operational side such as: Parts Manager, Assistant Manager, Field Operations Manager, Purchasing, and Fleet Manager. In his previous position, he assisted in implementing an award winning Employee Safety Program.  At the same time overseeing a shop that was able to keep a 100% clean safety record.

The time Daniel spends off the job is used for much enjoyed family time with his wife and two kids. Some of his most favorite activities are Little League with his son and devoted one-on-one time with his daughter. And like the rest of us, Daniel is a devoted Charger fan!

Daniel now fills the position of Building & Fleet Manager. He looks forward to overseeing, and managing a very large fleet, as well as developing a comprehensive Preventative Maintenance Program and becoming an asset to the company both immediately, and long-term.

Being born the son of a Marine, Jonathan Mathews has lived in a variety of environments from the hot desert of Barstow to the flat plains of Wetumka, Oklahoma.  After the tragic events of 9-11 stunned the nation he enlisted in the Marines as infantry to help heal the wounds of a nation.  He trained in San Diego and was stationed at Camp Pendleton while training on weaponry.  He toured in Fallujah, Iraq and lost many friends while far away from the safety and security we hold dear.  After his tour ended he opted out of re-enlistment to help his wife raise their first son, remembering the longing he felt for mentorship from his father. 

In 2007, he began working for General Coatings as a laborer but quickly transitioned into the Safety Department.  While there, received several accreditations to include but are not limited to:

·         OSHA 10 Construction

·         OSHA 30 Construction

·         OSHA 500 Construction

·         OSHA 502 Construction

·         Fall Protection Trainer

·         Scaffold Awareness Trainer

·         Respiratory Fit Test Administrator

·         EPA / DTSC Hazardous Materials

·         Ergonomics / Back injury Prevention

·         CPR. Instructor W/ American Heart Association

·          First-Aid Instructor American Heart Association

·         AED instructor American Heart Association

·         Certified Lead Renovator

After obtaining the aforementioned certificates, Jonathan continued to build his knowledge about safety and in turn was promoted to the Lead Safety Coordinator Position where he excelled.  Eventually, his desires for growth as a safety professional lead him to a new position as Safety Manager at Turner Construction. 

With the New Way management’s steadfast commitment to its employees, strong sense of ethics of always putting its employee’s Safety first and Jonathan’s background—it was a perfect marriage of sorts.  Upon this merge he states, “My intentions with New Way are simple.  I seek to utilize my experience within the Safety industry to build upon and streamline New Way’s already existing safety platform, ensuring that our employees and clients continue to receive the best possible support in matters associated with Safety.”