Updates from Kress, Ruppert & Landscape Workshop: Green Industry Roll Call

6 Decades of Category Expertise Users in New Era for Kress

David JohnsonKress CommercialPositec Group, parent company of Kress Commercial, has promoted two industry veterans to top leadership positions as the company positions for continued growth. David “DJ” Johnson, with more than 20 years at Positec, has been promoted to president and CEO Positec Americas; and Todd Zimmerman, with 6 years as VP of product development at Positec, has been promoted to senior vice president, Kress dealer sales, operations and product. Combined, Johnson and Zimmerman bring more than six decades of category expertise – and nearly three decades at Positec – to the company that’s best known for its innovative electrification of power tools and lawn and garden equipment.

In more than 20 years with the brand, Johnson has served as vice president, President Europe and, most recently, EVP Positec Americas. Johnson was integral to the introduction of the Worx consumer brand as well as the 2022 launch of Kress Commercial, Positec’s first line of outdoor power equipment designed for landscape and lawn care professionals. Throughout his tenure, he has seen the adoption of electric equipment for homeowners as well as large-scale adoption of electric outdoor power equipment with lawn care professionals, turf managers and golf course superintendents. Prior to joining Positec, Johnson served two decades in category-specific leadership roles.

Todd ZimmermanKress CommercialWith nearly three decades of category experience and product expertise, Zimmerman joined Positec as vice president of product development in 2019. With strong credentials in power tools, battery equipment and automation, he was essential in the development of the Kress Commercial 8-minute CyberSystem, Kress’ autonomous mowers and proprietary RTK navigation network. In addition to product development, Zimmerman helped unveil Kress Commercial to dealer networks and landscape company owners as the only viable solution for professionals to grow their businesses through switching from gas to battery-powered equipment. As VP of product development, Zimmerman also introduced new battery-powered and autonomous solutions through Positec’s Worx brand, including the introduction of Landroid and Landroid Vision.

The promotion of Johnson and Zimmerman marks another step forward for the Kress brand and Positec Group as a whole. Kress has seen significant adoption over the past three years in professional landscaping, sports turf maintenance, municipalities and on golf courses — largely through Johnson’s and Zimmerman’s leadership. Their promotion signifies Positec’s commitment to developing effective and visionary leaders and comes at a time when Kress is moving into its next phase of development with big advancements to be unveiled at Equip Exposition. 

Ruppert Landscape Acquires Enviro-Scapes LLC

Rupert Landscape - Enviro-ScapesRuppert Landscape, LLC acquired Enviro-Scapes, LLC. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

Enviro-Scapes has been a respected leader in the Nashville landscaping industry for more than 30 years, servicing a diverse client base across the region. Founded and led by brothers Mark and Mike Russell, the company has built a long-standing reputation for quality work, strong relationships, and a people-focused culture. As part of this partnership, both will join Ruppert Landscape and continue to play integral roles in the business. This collaboration builds on Ruppert’s established presence in Nashville, where operations began in 2021.

This acquisition follows Ruppert Landscape’s recent growth in the South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia markets through acquisitions of Ocean Woods Landscaping, Lawnscapes, and Greatscapes Property Management. The Ruppert Landscape platform now includes more than 50 locations nationwide.

Landscape Workshop Promotions 

Landscape WorkshopLandscape Workshop has announced the promotion of Mark Pettke to Senior Vice President of Operational Excellence, reflecting the company’s continued investment in leadership development and scalable growth systems across its expanding footprint; and promoted Bill Cobb to the newly created role of chief integration officer.

In his new role, Pettke will oversee the development of leadership, management, and technical training programs designed to support the company’s operational teams. His team will coach and support newly placed General Managers and Account Managers and step into interim leadership roles when vacancies arise — ensuring consistent performance and culture across all markets.

With over 30 years in the landscape industry, Pettke joined Landscape Workshop in 2017. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University and is widely respected for his ability to lead through change and build operational strength from the ground up.

Landscape WorkshopIn his new position, Cobb will lead the integration of new acquisitions into the Landscape Workshop portfolio, with a mandate to align people, systems, and processes under a unified operational standard. His role will also include developing training programs that support newly acquired teams and ensuring consistent performance and cultural cohesion across all branches.

Cobb brings more than a decade of operational leadership to the role. He originally joined Landscape Workshop to manage its flagship Birmingham branch, later advancing to Vice President of Operations, a position he held for six years. During his tenure, he was instrumental in launching the company’s Director of Operations team, which now leads acquisition integrations across the business.

Have a hire or promotion at your company that you want part of the next Green Industry Roll Call? Email us at [email protected] with the details.