Our Team – Graf Tree Care

Phil Graf

Owner, Company Founder, Urban Forester

Having worked in both the private and municipal sector of the tree care industry, Phil has created a multi-disciplinary approach to urban forestry. Aside from running the company, Phil enjoys educating people about trees, and also speaks to municipalities and park districts on creating a positive environment in the workplace.

Years with Graf Tree Care: 26
Years in the tree care industry: 32
Education: College of St. Francis (1995) Mathematics

Certifications:
ISA Certified Arborist (1999). Lic #IL 1553-AM
ISA Certified Municipal Specialist (2013)

Qualifications and Recognition:
ISA TRAQ Qualified (2015)
Midwest Institute of Park Executives
Associate Member of the Year (2012 & 2019)

Chris Scott

Operations Manager

Chris is a well known and respected industry professional that has been working with trees since 1990. He is a skilled tree climber with a reputation for having a tireless work ethic.

Years with Graf Tree Care: 18
Years in the tree care industry: 35

Certifications:
ISA Certified Arborist (1999). Lic #IL 1321-A

Zac King

Plant Health Care Division Manger

Zac is one of the most well-rounded arborists in the Chicago area, and can work efficiently in all three divisions of our company

Years with Graf Tree Care: 12
Years in the tree care industry: 20
Education: Northern Illinois University (2003) Biology

Certifications:
ISA Certified Arborist (2005). Lic #IL 4615-BCMA
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (2016)

Qualifications and Recognition:
ISA TRAQ Qualified (2017)

Justin Stiles

Head Crew Leader

Justin has been in the green industry for over 20 years, working in the private industry as a landscape architect. Justin has been with Graf Tree Care for 5 years and is the Head Crew Leader, he manages our crews on the larger job sites. Justin is fluent in English & Spanish, enjoys woodworking with barn wood, and is a proud father of 1 daughter.

Years with Graf Tree Care: 5

Education: Kishwaukee Junior College (1997) Horticulture

Henri Scott

Climber/Lift Operator

Henri has been climbing with a moveable rope system since he was 10 years old, assisting his father at multiple Arbor Day celebrations over the years. Henri is proficient with aerial lifts, stump grinders, and the skid steer. He lives in Elburn and enjoys hanging out with his girlfriend.

Antonio Morales

Climber/ Lift Operator

Antonio has been with Graf Tree Care for 1 year. He approached the crew on the street one day looking for work and has been with us ever since. He has made tremendous strides as a Climber, Chainsaw Operator, Lift Operator and at running the stump grinder. Antonio is one of the ‘spark plugs’ that helps the tree crew operate and is considered everyone’s little brother.

Roberto Trujillo

Ground Person

Roberto has been with Graf Tree Care for 2 years. He is married to Margarita and has 2 children, 28 and 23. At 64 Roberto is the oldest tree crew member and is revered for his incredible work ethic. In his free time, Roberto plays guitar and baseball in a men’s league.

Pedro Reyes

Climber/Lift Operator

Pedro has been with Graf Tree Care for 2 years and has been in the green industry for 20. Pedro is a Climber and can operate an aerial lift. He is proud father of 5 children, ages 10, 14, 19, 22, & 25, with wife Martha and has 1 grandchild.

Marcos Reyes

Ground Person/ Climber Apprentice

Marcos is a recent graduate of St. Charles East High School and has been with Graf Tree Care for 6 months. Marcos is a climbing apprentice, driver, and runs the stump grinder. He plays electric guitar and is one member of the father/son duos that work for the company.

Amy Martin

Plant Health Care Technician

Amy has been with Graf for 10 months and worked in forestry for 2.5 years. She helps out with the PHC crew during the busy season. Amy has her horticulture associates and is a certified arborist. She enjoys rec tree climbing, mountain biking, paddle boarding and photography.

Education:
Associates, Horticulture, College of DuPage

Certifications:
Certified Arborist #IL-10161A

Madi Jasper

Ground Person/ Plant Health Care Operator

Madi has been with Graf Tree care for 1 month. She is a member of the Tree Crew for the winter learning pruning skills and tree ID in preparation for the upcoming Plant Health Care Season. She has a BS in Environmental Science from Oregon State University and enjoys art, reading, and hanging out with her family.

Education:
BS, Environmental Science, Oregon State Univ.

Steve Shirley

Fleet and Facilities Manager

Steve has been a mechanic for 25 years and is a recent addition to the Graf Tree Care team. Steve lives in Montgomery and is a proud father of 4 children who enjoys spending time with his family.

Jessica Derrico

Human Resources Manager

Jessica has been with Graf Tree Care for 3 years, originally starting out as the Office Manager she has now moved into the HR department to better serve as the company culture ambassador. Jessica is the link between Graf Tree Care management and its employees. Jessica enjoys to sing or anything art related and is a family-oriented mother of two girls.

Maizie Scott

Office Manager

Maizie has been with Graf Tree Care for 5 years and has worked her way up from filing to the Office Manager position. Maizie has enjoyed learning the ins and outs of running a business and she is excited to take on this new challenge managing communications with our clients and keeping things running smoothly from behind the scenes.

Mark Graf

Chief Financial Officer

Mark takes care of financial matters such as payroll, accounts payable accounts receivable, and tax compliance

Years with Graf Tree Care: 12
Years in the tree care industry: 12
Education: University of Wisconsin- Whitewater (2004), Business Finance
Roosevelt University (2010) Masters Degree in Accounting