The Kemp West Team

Kari and his wife, Ruth Ann, have owned the business since 1995. Kari is responsible for shaping organizational values and moving the mission of Kemp West forward. Kari is blessed to come from a large family and has 6 of his own kids with grandkids adding up – a lot of companions for his favorite activities of camping and riding in the mountains.

Gary’s lifelong career with Kemp West started in 1990 when he left his job in the tire business and joined a tree crew. Promotions soon followed putting Gary in the position of managing field operations and crew management. Gary has earned a reputation as a caring leader who makes sure customers’ expectations are met. Gary and his wife have two children and enjoy camping, traveling and golf.

Ian joined the Kemp West team in 2017 and has loved the journey. From learning to tie a bowline knot, to advanced climbing and rigging techniques, he has enjoyed the dynamic field of powerline clearance. As the Workforce Development Manager, Ian is working with crew members, and apprentices to maintain a great work culture, and the excellent product our clients have come to expect. Away from work, Ian enjoys slow mornings with his wife, daughter, and dog.

Caitlin started with Kemp West in 2012 and works as part of the leadership team to ensure that strategic initiatives are achieved, and organizational values maintained. Caitlin is committed to the preservation of trees and brings her background in environmental science to her consulting work. She is also a self-proclaimed “nature nerd”, and her happy place is being shoulder to shoulder with strangers at a rock show.

Joel came to Kemp West in 2007 as an assistant mechanic. Supporting the large Kemp West fleet was a natural fit for Joel’s personality and talents, leading to a promotion to Fleet Manager in 2010. In 2014, Joel, received his degree from Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Diesel / Heavy Equipment Repair. Joel owns a sailboat and is happiest when he’s on the water with his family, cruising around the San Juan Islands.

Dave joined Kemp West in 2004. His background includes US Navy, and Seattle City Light as a line worker. Dave is in charge of supervising teams on Snohomish County PUD projects. Dave lives with his family in Sedro Wooley and is forever trying to train his German Shepard, Kona.

Rick came to Kemp West in 1988 from the logging industry. With his work ethic and talent for leadership, Rick quickly grew to be a key part of the success of Kemp West. Away from work, Rick can be found working on home remodeling projects or crabbing on the Oregon Coast.

Connie became part of the office staff in 2017 and supports accounting and customer care functions. Connie will tell you she doesn’t like to wear shoes and spends her free time with friends traveling and hiking as far as she can get on weekends.