Hire & Recruitment News: Green Industry Roll Call

Autonomous Solutions, Inc., Scythe RoboticsAutonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI) acquired Scythe Robotics, the Colorado-based developer of advanced, commercial-grade autonomous solutions for the landscape industry. The deal brings Scythe's industry-leading onboard intelligence and proprietary computer vision system, Scythe Sight, to ASI's established product offerings in industrial environments, like construction and agriculture, while further bolstering Scythe's rapidly growing deployments of M.52, its all-electric, autonomous commercial mower.

Scythe, located in Longmont, CO, was founded in 2018 with the mission to build the tools needed to more sustainably care for our outdoor spaces. Its electric, autonomous commercial mower, Scythe M.52, achieved its highest productivity yet in 2025, mowing nearly 2 billion square feet for dozens of customers across 30 states. Scythe and its team will continue to operate as an equipment brand within ASI Landscaping, while Scythe leadership will assume roles within ASI to facilitate technology integration and accelerate both commercial visions. ASI will maintain Scythe's Longmont office alongside its growing footprint in Utah and Texas.

Virnig Mfg. Expands in Iowa

Virnig Manufacturing, manufacturer of attachments for compact equipment, purchased a new facility in Fort Madison, Iowa. This expansion marks another significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and long-standing commitment to serving the equipment industry.

Head of Syngenta Retiring, Names Dave Ravel as New Leader

Scott ReasonsSyngentaSyngenta Professional Solutions (SPS) announced that Scott Reasons, head, Syngenta Professional Solutions North America, will retire effective May 31, 2026, concluding a distinguished 40-year career with Syngenta and its legacy companies. Dave Ravel, currently head of sales for Syngenta Professional Solutions, will assume the role of head, Syngenta Professional Solutions North America, effective June 1, 2026.

“Scott’s legacy of leadership, passion for winning and commitment to our people and customers has shaped Syngenta Professional Solutions into the leader it is today,” said Simon Elsworth, global head of Syngenta Professional Solutions. “Over the past 16 years, Scott has led extraordinary growth, built a strong and enduring culture and positioned SPS as the partner of choice across our professional markets. 

Dave RavelSyngenta"At the same time, I am excited for Dave to step into this role. His deep understanding of our customers, his commercial leadership and his ability to inspire teams make him the right leader to continue our momentum and lead SPS into its next chapter. Dave's commitment to this business is unparalleled. He constantly pushes us all to be better for our customers and distributor partners, and that drive will be invaluable as we move forward.”

Ravel brings over 30 years of experience within the turf, ornamental and pest management industries and has spent more than 25 years with Syngenta and legacy companies, having held leadership roles across sales, marketing and key accounts. Since becoming head of sales in 2012, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening customer relationships, advancing the Syngenta solutions-based approach and supporting growth across golf, lawn care, ornamentals and professional pest management.

Weed Man Moves into Augusta, Georgia

They have been rapidly expanding their reach over the last few years and now have over 240 franchises in the US and Canada.

The expansion is a homecoming of sorts for Weed Man’s David Boyle, who has deep ties to both South Carolina and Georgia after earning degrees from both the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech. 

LawnStarter Hires Blue Apron Exec as COO

LawnStarter appointed Gary Kliegman as its first Chief Operating Officer. Kliegman brings more than 15 years of operational leadership at high-growth, venture-backed companies including pivotal roles at Blue Apron, Uncommon Goods, and Candid. Kliegman will lead the company's operational functions as it expands into more home service sectors.

Kliegman joins LawnStarter having spent his career building the operational infrastructure behind some of America's most recognized growth-stage companies. As an early executive at Blue Apron, he helped scale the meal kit pioneer from a $25 million startup through its 2017 NYSE listing.

Kliegman considers himself as an operator at heart, he has spent his career operating businesses across lots of different industries – from consumer goods, to food, health care, and more:

My expertise lies in building processes and systems, leading teams and solving complex problems. So, when the opportunity came about to bring that to the lawn care and home services industry — which is new for me — I couldn't help but get excited about that challenge. The LawnStarter team has built an incredible business. I see a huge opportunity to continue to amplify the mission by bringing the company to even further scale.

If you have a recent promotion or update that you would like to see included in an upcoming Green Industry Roll Call, send us the details and a high-resolution photo at [email protected].