Ruppert Nurseries Expands, Kelly Lewis Joins as General Manager
May 12, 1999

Ruppert Nurseries, Inc. of Laytonsville, MD is pleased to announce the staff additions of Kelly Lewis, general manger; Reid Altavilla, fleet manager; Cheri Baker, public relations/special projects; Stephanie Bayly, executive assistant; and Lee Clarke; information systems manager. In addition to growing its staff, the company has considerably increased first quarter sales and is expected to achieve significant growth by year-end.

As general manager Lewis' role will be to oversee all nursery operations,including daily production, sales, new plantings, personnel, and landscape enhancement activities. He was previously employed with Ruppert Nurseries from 1994-96 in the same capacity and left to pursue a golf course superintendent position which offered him the opportunity to work with his brother. "I'm thrilled to be back with Ruppert Nurseries and with the management team of Craig and Chris Ruppert and Chris Davitt. My goal is to continue on the path of becoming one of the premier Mid-Atlantic suppliers of high quality, landscape- and large-caliper size trees to the industry. In part, my return was prompted by the quality of the tree stock I saw growing in our fields. I'm extremely confident about our ability to reach this goal based on field conditions and our growing number of new and returning customers." Lewis is a Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) and has worked 20 years in the nursery industry.

Craig Ruppert, company owner and president, notes that "with Kelly's return to the company, we are able to retain a well-qualified, highly motivated manger who has already been steeped in the Ruppert culture. This allows us to eliminate the learning curve and move immediately forward. We work well together and are happy to have him back."

Ruppert Nurseries, Inc. is a 250-acre wholesale nursery specializing in large caliper (2.5-8") shade, ornamental, and evergreen trees. In addition to growing, selling and installing tree stock, the company performs landscape enhancements and small installations.