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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.

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Caitlin Knox

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.

Credentials: BS in Environmental Science from Western Washington University, ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified

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.

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Ian Case

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.

Credentials: BA in Communication Studies from Whitworth University, Journeyman Tree Trimmer, ISA Certified Arborist, TCIA Qualified Crew Leader

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.

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Gary Johnson

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.

Credentials: Journeyman Tree Trimmer, First Aid & CPR, Class B Commercial Driver’s License, 30 Year Service Award in 2020

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.

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Kari Hakso

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.

Credentials: BA in English Literature from Western Washington University, Journeyman Tree Trimmer

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.

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Joel Fuller

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.

Credentials: Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician AAS from Lake Washington Technical Institute, First Aid & CPR, Class B Commercial Driver’s License, 10 Year Service Award in 2017

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.

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Cale Cassidy

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.

Credentials: ISA Certified Arborist, Journeyman Tree Trimmer, WA State Traffic Control Supervisor, First Aid CPR, Class B Commercial Drivers License

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.

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Dave Gratton

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.

Credentials: Journeyman Tree Trimmer, WA State Traffic Control Supervisor, WA State Flagger’s Certification, WA State Pesticide License, First Aid & CPR, Class B Commercial Driver’s License

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.

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Rick Jolley

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.

Credentials: Journeyman Tree Trimmer, WA State Traffic Control Supervisor, WA State Flagger’s Certification, WA State Pesticide License, First Aid & CPR, Class B Commercial Driver’s License, 30 Year Service Award in 2018.

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.

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Sarah Lamaire

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.

Credentials: Notary Public

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.

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Crystal Hudson

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.

Credentials: Notary Public of Washington