horticulture at University of Florida.
Over the past 30 years, Dr. Gilman has authored numerous essential publica- tions and developed comprehensive academic programs that blend theory with practical training for future pro- fessionals. Through workshops, com- munity programs, and advising local governments, he has advanced both professional practice and public under- standing of urban forestry. What makes Dr. Gilman so passionate about the industry — and particularly pruning — is sharing his knowledge with budding arborists. “When the lightbulb goes off in some- one’s eyes, that’s what does it for me,” he shared. “That’s what gets me up in the morning.” Though now focusing more on his wood- working and glass working, Dr. Gilman has plenty of knowledge still to share. His most important piece of advice for new arborists: “Read. Read equipment books, pruning books, rigging books. When you read those books, that’ll start you on your journey.” GREG DANIELS Following Dr. Gilman was Greg Dan- iels, vice chairman and chief business development officer at Bartlett Tree Ex- perts . Through Daniels’ leadership, the company gained more than 20 acquisi- tions, 31 new office openings, and the establishment of Bartlett operations across the U.S. and internationally. Along with his contributions to the expansion of the company, Daniels is frequently described as a “champion of tree care,” known for generously sharing knowledge and opening Bart- lett’s research resources to benefit the broader industry. For Daniels, his pride stems from the sheer number of arborists he has re- cruited, influenced, and witness flour-
From left to right, Scott Hughes, Eastern Division Sales Manager with ALTEC Industries, Greg Daniels, Vice Chairman and Chief Business Development Officer at Bartlett Tree Experts, and Jim Ingram, President and COO of Bartlett Tree Experts.
amantly shared that this is far from the end of his contributions to the tree care industry and that there was still much to accomplish, including writing a suc- cessor to his influential book, Arborist Equipment , co-authored with the ISA. More than that, Blair hopes that the next generations of arborists will con- tinue to uphold the passion and dedi- cation that he and his colleagues have demonstrated. “I’d like to see worthy successors to what we’ve done,” he shared.
ish throughout his time, as well as the chance to care for “nature’s most beau- tiful structures.” “There’s nothing better than seeing a mighty tree standing there,” he said. This award was especially important to Daniels, who credits his dedication to the industry to his mentor, Robert Bartlett. Daniels most admired how the third-generation arborist managed to expand his company in a “family-like manner” while also reaching global heights.
“He is a visionary,” Daniels concluded.
DON BLAIR The final recipient of this year’s Life- time Achievement Award was Don Blair. During his career, Blair has in- vented and introduced many indus- try-defining tools and founded Sierra Moreno Mercantile Company (later Blair’s Arborist Equipment ). Blair also helped pioneer modern rigging through innovations alongside his col- leagues, such as the Hobbs Lowering Device and Hobbs Blocks. On the safe- ty side, he has served three decades on the committee responsible for the ANSI Z133, including 15 years as co-chair.
Don Blair - One of three recipients of the Robert Bartlett Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award
A jack of all sides of the trade, Blair ad-
50 | Spring 2026 ArborTIMES ™
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