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Amy Vandezande | Employee Spotlight

We have a great team in Calgary, and want you to meet them! Next up, Amy Vandezande.


Meet Amy Vandezande Amy Vandezande

Title: Utility Arborist
Team Member Since: May 2019
Certifications/Education: ISA Certified Arborist, Utility Tree Trimmer (UTT), Red Seal Journeyman Horticulturist
Industry Organizations: International Society of Arboriculture

Career Path

Q: Describe your career path. How did you get into what you do now?
A: I started out landscaping many moons ago and realized I was a natural at it. I decided to attend Olds College and became a Red Seal Journeyman Horticulturalist. From there I worked with the City of Calgary for a couple of years, and then eventually was hungry for a challenge so I came to Wright Tree Service. I started as a groundsperson and worked extremely hard to eventually become one of only a few women to be dual certified with the ISA and UTT. I have been running a truck on a utility contract and love every minute!

Q: Explain your position. Describe your role with the company.
A: As a utility arborist on a contract with a utility company in Alberta, I trim trees surrounding power lines throughout Calgary.

Life at Wright Tree Service of Canada & ArborCare

Q: What is your favourite part about your job / working for the company?
A: I enjoy doing something I know is essential to keeping the public safe. I also love challenges and learning new things all the time. I try to push myself both physically and mentally as much as possible! The company also provides wonderful development opportunities. Just recently, I attended the Women of Wright workshop at the Wright Service Corp. headquarters in West Des Moines, Iowa. During this event, women from across our family of companies came together to connect, learn and grow.

Q: What are you most passionate about professionally? What excites you most about your work?
A: My favourite part is simply being outside in the company of trees. I wouldn’t be in this industry if I wasn’t passionate about trees.

Q: Who has played an influential part during your time with the company & why?
A: Chris Paterson has always had my back and believed in me. He pushed me to continue even when I didn’t think I could.

Q: What are some words you would use to describe Wright Tree Service of Canada or ArborCare?
A: Inspiring, important, encouraging.

Hobbies, Interests & Influences

Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
A: Spending time with my girlfriend and our 4 crazy dogs! Usually going to the river or camping.

Q: Who is the most influential person in your life?
A: Definitely my mom, who is no longer with me physically but I know she is still my biggest fan.

Q: What is a value statement or quote you live by?
A: Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.

Q: What’s something about you that not many people know?
A: I went to high school in Qatar, in the Middle East. It was life-changing and such an awesome experience.

Q: Do you and/or your family have a favorite tradition?
A: Every year we go to the woods on the annual Vandezande Christmas tree hunt. We have a fire, roast hot dogs, and pick out a Christmas tree.

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