Expertise, Integrity, Excellence
The Kemp West Team
Learn more about how our team embodies the values we've set as an organization.
ABOUT THE KEMP WEST TEAM
The Kemp West team is a diverse, talented group of passionate individuals committed to serving our customers and each other. Now, as part of Xylem Tree Experts, we have expanded our capabilities while maintaining the same dedication to quality and safety that our clients have relied on for years.
Join The Team
Caitlin Knox
Regional Manager
Caitlin joined Kemp West in 2012 and now serves in a regional leadership role, helping guide the company’s strategy, operations, and growth while ensuring the values and culture that built Kemp West remain strong. With a background in environmental science, she brings a deep appreciation for trees and the ecosystems they support to the company’s vegetation management work. A self-proclaimed “nature nerd,” Caitlin is happiest outdoors and equally at home shoulder to shoulder with strangers at a live concert.
+ View Credentials
Caitlin Knox
Regional Manager
Caitlin joined Kemp West in 2012 and now serves in a regional leadership role, helping guide the company’s strategy, operations, and growth while ensuring the values and culture that built Kemp West remain strong. With a background in environmental science, she brings a deep appreciation for trees and the ecosystems they support to the company’s vegetation management work. A self-proclaimed “nature nerd,” Caitlin is happiest outdoors and equally at home shoulder to shoulder with strangers at a live concert.

Ian Case
Divisional Manager
Ian joined Kemp West in 2017 and now serves as Divisional Manager, helping lead the region’s operations, teams, and long-term growth. Having started his career in the field, Ian developed his expertise in powerline clearance through hands-on experience in climbing, rigging, and crew leadership. Today he works closely with crews and leadership to maintain the strong work culture and high-quality service Kemp West clients have come to expect. Away from work, Ian enjoys slow mornings with his wife, three kids, and dog.
+ View Credentials
Ian Case
Divisional Manager
Ian joined Kemp West in 2017 and now serves as Divisional Manager, helping lead the region’s operations, teams, and long-term growth. Having started his career in the field, Ian developed his expertise in powerline clearance through hands-on experience in climbing, rigging, and crew leadership. Today he works closely with crews and leadership to maintain the strong work culture and high-quality service Kemp West clients have come to expect. Away from work, Ian enjoys slow mornings with his wife, three kids, and dog.

Gary Johnson
Operations Manager
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.
+ View Credentials
Gary Johnson
Operations Manager
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.

Kari Hakso
Business Manager
Kari and his wife, Ruth Ann, owned and led Kemp West beginning in 1995, helping shape the company into what it is today. Now serving as Business Manager, Kari continues to support the organization by advising leadership and helping carry forward the values and mission that have long defined Kemp West. Kari comes from a large family and has six children of his own, with grandchildren adding up to many companions for his favorite activities of camping and riding in the mountains.
+ View Credentials
Kari Hakso
Business Manager
Kari and his wife, Ruth Ann, owned and led Kemp West beginning in 1995, helping shape the company into what it is today. Now serving as Business Manager, Kari continues to support the organization by advising leadership and helping carry forward the values and mission that have long defined Kemp West. Kari comes from a large family and has six children of his own, with grandchildren adding up to many companions for his favorite activities of camping and riding in the mountains.

Joel Fuller
Fleet Manager
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.
+ View Credentials
Joel Fuller
Fleet Manager
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.

Cale Cassidy
Seattle Area Supervisor
Cale’s journey with Kemp West began in 2011 when he started with us as an apprentice tree trimmer. Over his tenure, his thoughtful leadership and dedication to the craft has made him an invaluable member of the leadership team. Cale enjoys time with his family, including his wife, and adorable dog Kirby.
+ View Credentials
Cale Cassidy
Seattle Area Supervisor
Cale’s journey with Kemp West began in 2011 when he started with us as an apprentice tree trimmer. Over his tenure, his thoughtful leadership and dedication to the craft has made him an invaluable member of the leadership team. Cale enjoys time with his family, including his wife, and adorable dog Kirby.

Dave Gratton
Snohomish County Supervisor
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 keep up with his son's ever-changing hobbies.
+ View Credentials
Dave Gratton
Snohomish County Supervisor
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 keep up with his son’s ever-changing hobbies.

Rick Jolley
Klickitat County Supervisor / Foreman
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.
+ View Credentials
Rick Jolley
Klickitat County Supervisor / Foreman
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.

Sarah Lamaire
Administrative Operations Specialist
Sarah began with Kemp West in 2022 where she immediately fit right in. Sarah brings a unique warmth and dedication to her role. Known for her attention to detail and care in supporting the team, she plays a vital part in keeping operations running smoothly. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and staying active by keeping up with her daughter's many extracurricular activities.
+ View Credentials
Sarah Lamaire
Administrative Operations Specialist
Sarah began with Kemp West in 2022 where she immediately fit right in. Sarah brings a unique warmth and dedication to her role. Known for her attention to detail and care in supporting the team, she plays a vital part in keeping operations running smoothly. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and staying active by keeping up with her daughter’s many extracurricular activities.

Crystal Hudson
Staff Accountant
Crystal joined Kemp West as the Staff Accountant in June 2024 and has quickly become known for her thoroughness and attention to detail. Her dedication ensures accuracy and reliability in all financial aspects of the business. Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing with her two dogs and spending time gaming with her partner, Mike.
+ View Credentials
Crystal Hudson
Staff Accountant
Crystal joined Kemp West as the Staff Accountant in June 2024 and has quickly become known for her thoroughness and attention to detail. Her dedication ensures accuracy and reliability in all financial aspects of the business. Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing with her two dogs and spending time gaming with her partner, Mike.








