Meet
Our Staff
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DAVID
NORDGAARD
Owner/President
ISA
Certified Arborist
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| I
have been lucky enough to be surrounded by excellent staff since
starting Top Notch in 1982. All our personnel have shared my love
of working with trees, and embraced the never-ending quest for knowledge
on how to better care for our community's forests. I thank them
and you for your trust in our company. Return
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CHRIS
ROMER
CEO/Consulting Arborist
ISA
Certified Arborist |
As
CEO of Top Notch Treecare, my main responsibility is to keep the
company on track with its company mission and vision. I'm currently
in my 11th year with Top Notch, and definitely have found a home
with this company. I'm a Certified Arborist and Certified Minnesota
Nursery and Landscape Association Professional. In addition to
trees, I have background in management and restoration of prairies,
wetlands, woodlands, and, of course, urban landscapes. The most
rewarding part of my job is helping clients understand and appreciate
their trees and landscape. Return
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JAY
GOUGH
Plant Health Care Supervisor
ISA
Board Certified Master Arborist |
| As
supervisor of the Plant Health Care division of Top Notch Treecare,
the main focus of my job is to achieve results for clients that
maximize the health and beauty of their trees. As the oldest living
things on earth, trees have a remarkable ability to withstand stress,
yet our expectations for their appearance are sometimes unrealistic.
My goal is to help people make informed decisions when dealing with
insect and disease stresses so we don't overuse chemicals, but optimize
their benefits. I am proud to work with the dedicated arborists
and staff at Top Notch Treecare. Return
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ERIK
PAULSEN
Consulting
Arborist
ISA
Certified Arborist |
I
grew up around the lake Minnetonka area and currently I live in
Excelsior with my wife Jennifer and daughter Ella. I received
my forestry degree from the College of Natural Resources in 1996.
My interest in working with the public and trees first led me
to the City of Minnetonka Forestry Department. I then came to
Top Notch Tree in the spring of 1998 and became a Certified Arborist
the summer of 1999. After experiencing every aspect of the company
in the past 8 years, I am now responsible for sales and consulting
in the west metro. I feel very lucky to work with a group of people
that are as passionate about the trees in our community as I am.
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JOSH
PLUNKETT
Consulting
Arborist
ISA
Certified Arborist |
| Will
Rogers once said, “The trouble with land is that they're not
making any more of it”. This is one of the reasons why I chose
the field of arboriculture. I believe land can be properly managed
for productivity and beauty. Hi my name is Josh Plunkett and I am
one of the consulting arborists available to help twin cities residents
manage their land. I attended the University of Minnesota and have
a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture; I also have
a second degree in Urban Forestry with 8 years of experience in
the field of arboriculture. My experiences have led me down many
paths and given me the opportunity to practice and work with mighty
and majestic trees. Return
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BILL
MASTERMAN
Consulting
Arborist
ISA
Certified Arborist |
I
came to Top Notch Treecare after receiving my forestry degree
from the U of MN. Over the years, I have been a part of the office
staff, a field production worker, and now I am a consulting arborist.
One of my biggest enjoyments is educating clients on not only
the “how”, but also the “why” behind the
care that is recommended for their trees and shrubs. It is very
rewarding to help people create plants and landscapes that are
healthier, safer, and aesthetically pleasing. Return
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MANUEL
JORDAN
Consulting
Arborist
ISA
Certified Arborist |
I
am a graduate from the University of Minnesota Urban Forestry
program. I have experience working for locally (Assistant City
Forester for St. Louis Park, City Forester and Contract Manager
for the City of New Hope) at the state level (Regional Urban Forester,
Texas Forest Service) and internationally (England, Spain and
Mexico). Top Notch Treecare's stellar reputation is a reflection
of the quality of people that have worked here, both past and
present. It is a privilege to work with people who share the same
passion for environmentally-sensitive ethical tree care, while
creating a family atmosphere that is uncommon in today's workplace.
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STEVE
SCHUMACHER
Consulting
Arborist
ISA
Certified Arborist |
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I believe I bring a unique perspective to Top Notch Treecare with
more than 20 years of experience in turf and grounds maintenance,
caring for trees in a nursery setting, and diagnosing and treating
tree problems. I also spent several years on the Sherburne County
Tree Board-so if you want to talk about Oak Wilt, let me know. In
different roles, over the years, I’ve seen and treated many
of the tree problems that we commonly encounter. My degree is from
Iowa State in Forest Resource Management with a minor in Silviculture/Forest
Biology. I enjoy helping people with out of the ordinary tree problems
that can necessitate unusual treatments. My passion is finding and
using “environmentally-friendly” treatments as often
as possible for common tree problems. I believe it’s our job
as stewards of the trees to use the least invasive treatments whenever
possible to minimize the impact on our precious natural resources.
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TAMARA
MARTIN
Urban
Ecosystems Ecologist |
| The
development of the Urban Ecosystems department at TopNotch Treecare
has provided me with an opportunity to help people make responsible
land-use decisions and correct landscape problems using ecological
principles and native plants. As an Urban Ecosystems Ecologist,
my responsibilities include designing, planning, and executing the
installation of native plantings. Lakeshore buffers, raingardens,
prairie and wetland plantings are all examples of sustainable native
ecosystems. Return
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JENN
MORROW
Urban
Ecosystems Ecologist |
| I
am one of the newest members of the Top Notch team and the newest
part of our growing family of ecosystem care. I was drawn to the
strong sense of ecological accountability I found here and am confident
that I have joined a circle that shares my personal passion for
plant communities! I received a B.S. in Environmental Studies with
an Emphasis in Water Resources from the University of Minnesota.
I have experience in the public sector as a technician for Dakota
County Soil and Water Conservation District. I most recently came
from a rewarding career managing a native plant nursery. After more
than five years nurturing my seedlings and wondering about their
permanent homes, I am excited to bring that experience full circle
to the design and implementation of Urban Ecosystems! Return
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MARY
FONTANA-RYAN
Customer
Service Manager
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JEN
MASTERMAN
Office
Manager
Graphic
Designer |
I
owe most of my tree knowledge to my husband, one of Top Notch
Treecare's consulting arborists. His contagious love of trees
has made me see our urban forests in a new light. My responsibility
at Top Notch is to manage the daily operations of the office,
including human resources, marketing, and customer service. I
have found that daily interaction with clients makes every day
unique. . Return
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SARAH
MYTKO
Accounts
Receivable
Customer
Service |
I
have been with Top Notch Treecare since the summer of 2004 and
have found the experience to be educational and informative.
I try to help answer questions that arise whether they are billing
related or general concerns. Preserving the beautiful trees
in the Twin Cities is one of the things I love most about my
job. Return
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CRAIG
THEIDICH
ISA
Certified Arborist |
In
over 15 years of working with trees, I have learned that we must
respect this resource whose care has been entrusted to us. Trees
are so much more than just ornaments in our landscape. Trees are
living organisms that save our fuel, improve our air, shelter
us, and provide homes for a multitude of other inhabitants that
share our community. Return
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JEFF
ROTH
ISA
Certified Arborist |
I've
been doing tree work for over 5 years now. I enjoy the sense of
accomplishment of making the tree look great when I am done and
knowing it is done the correct way. I enjoy a challenge.
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KEVIN
MYTKO
ISA
Certified Arborist |
After
graduating with a degree in Urban Forestry from the University
of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in May 2004, I began my career in Arboriculture
at Top Notch Treecare. Since then, I have had the opportunity
to gain a lot of field experience and knowledge while caring for
one of our most valuable resources...trees. My passion has always
been to help preserve and care for trees so that future generations
can enjoy the beauty and serenity they have offered my generation
and previous generations. Return
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PATRICK
CUNNINGHAM
ISA
Certified Arborist |
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SEAN
LAFONTAINE
ISA
Certified Arborist |
I
started my employment with Top Notch in 2003 knowing nothing
about urban forestry. Now I am an ISA Certified climbing arborist
with a never ending thirst for knowledge and a passion for my
occupation. I have also developed a true appreciation for our
surrounding ecosystem. I feel privileged to be able to go home
at night knowing I have positively impacted our clients, urban
forests, surrounding ecosystem, and society as a whole. Return
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