Tim is an AEP Ohio forester. He oversees a team of foresters in Southeastern Ohio as they trim trees back from power lines and equipment to help keep your power on. In addition, he ensures the crew follows proper safety measures and tree trimming techniques.
We spoke with Tim to learn more about the important forestry work AEP Ohio completes every day, his role as a forester and what is important to him outside of work.
Q: Where are you from originally?
A: I was born in Northeast Ohio, right on the Pennsylvania border. It was close to Lake Erie, so I grew up running around outside and spending time by the water. It’s where I learned how to sail and where my interest in nature came from.
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Q: Why did you decide to join AEP Ohio forestry?
A: I’ve been doing forestry work since college. I’ve always loved working and being outside, so I started as a contractor for AEP Ohio in their forestry department in 2015. After a few years of doing contracting work for them, they hired me full time in 2018.
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Q: Describe your role with the forestry team.
A: I work directly with our teams to make sure they know their assignments for the day and have the information and tools they need to succeed and complete their work safely and efficiently. I address any concerns residents may have when we inform them we’ll be trimming their trees and some days I have meetings with other groups within AEP Ohio.
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Q: What is your favorite part about the job?
A: I’d say my favorite part of the job is that I get to spend time outside with my team. I really enjoy working with a big group of people and bringing them together to achieve a common goal.
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Q: What is one thing you want customers to know about the forestry team and the work you do?
A: That we actually love trees! Growing up, my family instilled in me an appreciation for nature, which is why I decided to pursue a degree in biology from Notre Dame, Ohio. As a forester, there’s a balance between respecting trees and nature and keeping the power on. It’s our job to effectively manage that balance on a daily basis.
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Q: What is something you enjoy outside of work?
A: When I’m off the clock, I spend most of my time with my two Golden Retrievers and my wife, on our boat as we fly fish. We also enjoy camping, and I got a meat smoker which has been fun to play around with the past few months. We’ve had a lot of BBQ parties since purchasing it.
Tim and our forestry team are committed to working safely and meeting the needs of customers — each and every day. Visit AEPOhio.com/Trees to learn more about the work of our forestry team.
Good to know…the very first efforts at trimming (I’m 69, goes back a ways) seemed like old fashioned Hack and Saw! I have noticed a change over the years 🙂 THANK YOU YO ALL CONCERNED, from ME AND THE TREES‼️