Creating a world filled with healthier, safer, and more resilient trees.

About Tree Guardians

Tree Guardians is building a diversified residential and commercial services organization focused on tree and plant healthcare, fertilization, pruning, tree removal, and risk protection.

What We Offer

Investment in industry-leading talent to drive organic growth
Support in driving operational excellence through investment in infrastructure and technology
Experienced team to execute strategic M&A
Wealth creation and career advancement opportunities for sellers and remaining professionals
Flexible transaction structures to meet a seller’s unique needs

Creating a world filled with healthier, safer, and more resilient trees.

Areas of Focus

Plant health care

Tree Pruning

Tree Removal

Fertilization and bio stimulants

Cabling and bracing

Pest and mite management

Deer repellants

Our Leadership Team

Charlie Haines - CEO

Charlie is the CEO of Tree Guardians. Charlie has over three decades of experience in the residential services industry. He was previously the CEO at Horizon Services, a plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical residential services business with over 2,500 employees. During his tenure as CEO, Charlie oversaw the acquisition and integration of over 35 brands nationwide. Before Horizon, Charlie held managerial positions in the sales & marketing group at US Supply, a distributor to the HVAC industry. Charlie earned a BS from West Chester University.

Michael Kinnard – Chief Financial Officer

Michael has over 20 years of experience across corporate and operations finance within Fortune 1,000 organizations. Previously, Michael was the SVP of Finance at BrightView Landscapes where he was the divisional CFO for a $2 billion revenue segment comprised of over 200 operating locations. Prior to BrightView, Michael spent over 12 years at Aramark in multiple leadership roles within the finance organization. Michael earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Temple University and his MBA from La Salle University.

Sarah Bessette – Chief Marketing Officer

Sarah has over two decades of experience leading strategic marketing programs for business services industries, with heavy expertise in digital marketing and demand generation. Most recently, Sarah was the Vice President, Marketing at Bell Partners, a national multi-family investment and management firm, overseeing the marketing of 300 properties and 85,000+ units in a heavy acquisition and integration environment. Prior, she led the US lead generation marketing efforts for global brands like Sodexo Healthcare and Rentokil North America. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communication from Northeastern University.

Clayton McKenney – Head of M&A

Clayton has over a decade of advisory experience facilitating transformative events for business owners. He was previously a Partner at a consumer services-focused private investment firm, and prior to that, he spent 9 years in investment banking focused on M&A. During his career, he has advised on and closed over 30 transactions representing over $5 billion in enterprise value. Clayton earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia.

Daniel Bechter – Vice President of Operations

Daniel has over a decade of leadership experience driving organic growth from local companies to industry leaders in the residential service industry. He was previously a Director of Operations and Sales at Strobert Tree Services, driving growth to become one of the largest locally owned Tree Service Companies in the northeast. Prior, he drove sales and operations for up to seven local plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical companies through Horizon Services, a PE-backed industry leader. He has been a critical driver of organic growth during his career, helping companies reach their maximum potential with continuous growth under his leadership. Daniel earned his two Bachelor's degrees, Business Management and Finance, from West Chester University.

Eric Goodling – Vice President, Human Resources

Eric is the Vice President of Human Resources for Tree Guardians. Eric has 30 years of HR experience in a variety of industries, including consumer services. He was previously the VP of Human Resources at Homespire Remodeling Group, a Kitchen and Bathroom remodeling business with 800 employees. Eric oversaw the full HR function at Homespire and worked to bring scalability, increased employee engagement, and leadership development enhancements to the organization. Prior to Homespire, Eric held leadership roles in other companies, including Highmark BCBS, where he was responsible for leading HR functions through various M&A activities. Eric earned a BS from Towson University and his MBS from York College of Pennsylvania.

Mark Garvin - Industry Advisor and Board Member

Mark has three decades of experience in the tree care industry. Mark joined the Tree Care Industry Association in 1996 and worked in various seats before serving as President and CEO for 9 years with the mission of advancing tree care companies’ operations. He is the past chair of the Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition and was a member of the National Task Force on Vibrant Cities & Urban Forests. During the course of his career, Mark has worked with over 2,400 tree service businesses.