The Family Tree

It’s all about relationships, and here at NPHC, Inc. we are fortunate to have a very talented group of people who call us home. In fact, we employ more International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists than any other tree service in town. And like any business family, we have some characters living under our roof who keep things interesting. Meet some of us here.

Leadership

JOE ZUBALY
President
ISA Certified Arborist
Landscape Division Manager

Joe is an ISA Certified Arborist with 20 years of experience. His education and dedication to the care of trees have made him an expert in the Green Industry and his love for trees is evident in his proactive and environmentally sensitive approach. Joe trains other landscape professionals and frequently speaks to interested community groups. His experience and utilization of research-based techniques gives you the best care for your trees and shrubs. As the president of the company, Joe’s titles include CEO, Landscape Division Manager and Barbecue Chef extraordinaire for the company party. He and his wife Kate love the outdoors and continually seek out local getaways to unwind. When not working, Joe enjoys watching his 3 boys at their various sporting events.

back to top

KATE ZUBALY
Vice-President
Marketing Manager

Don’t let the title “Vice-President” fool you. Kate is busier than most when it comes to raising her three boys and working in the business at the same time. Kate usually works from home but is still in charge of the marketing efforts and contributes towards many of the business and managerial decisions. Telecommuting suits her as she would rather be home with the boys. Kate has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Penn State University. Her greatest joy is being a mother but she also likes swimming, kayaking, hiking and cooking.

back to top

BEN KAPPEN
Tree Care Division Manager
ISA Certified Arborist
ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor

Ben has been an arborist at NPHC, Inc. since 1999. He has a well-rounded knowledge of theory and the practical application of all areas of Tree Care and has performed/managed all work services at NPHC. Ben’s knowledge of trees and the environment, his customer service skills, and his dedication to ethical tree sales and care make him an extraordinary employee and dedicated professional. Ben is also a landscape designer, using AutoCAD to bring his visions to life for our landscape clients. Ben loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking, fishing, gardening, the Art of Bonsai and playing “This Old House” with his wife and son.

back to top

BECKY PHILLIPS
Plant Health Care Manager
ISA Certified Arborist
ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor

Becky has been with NPHC, Inc. since 2006 and is one of the most passionate plant people you will ever meet. She has 3 AAS degrees ( Landscape/Turf, Greenhouse Nursery, Floral Design) and is an ISA Certified Arborist, a PHC Specialist and a Licensed Pesticide Applicator. As the Manager of the Plant Health Care division, Becky performs health assessments and makes disease and pest diagnosis and treatment decisions every day. Her other responsibility includes management of the trees at the local golf clubs where we create and maintain inventories and management plans. In the industry since 1998, Becky has excellent tree identification skills and is an expert in the evaluation and treatment of trees in the Inland Northwest. Her favorite thing to do in her off time is gardening. When not thinking about plants, (which is not very often) Becky loves to go camping and spend time with her husband, children and grandchildren.  

back to top

SHAUNA HOGAN
Office and Client Service Manager

Shauna has many years of customer service, office management and bookkeeping experience, and has been with NPHC, Inc. since 2002. Her duties include financial reporting, tax accounting and AR/AP. Shauna’s passion for organization keeps the office running smoothly and she does it all from her home in Seattle! She moved there with her husband several years ago and was so indispensable we didn't want to let her go. Well, we did let her go, but she still works with us full time and visits Spokane monthly. Whether it’s service or numbers, Shauna’s got your answer! When not telecommuting, Shauna and her husband are usually fixing up their home or loving on their adorable four-legged kids.  

back to top

Field Experts

BEN LARSON
ISA Certified Arborist
Tree Care Foreman

Ben joined NPHC in 2003 with a Biology degree and experience in both farming and the care of orchard trees. His hard work and willingness to learn new things has made him a tremendous asset. Ben is Lead Foreman of our Tree Care Division and our top climber. His job duties range from removing large scary trees with a crane to artistically pruning a weeping Japanese Maple. He can do it all! His current focus is training the other field experts, and he is doing a great job. Off the job he enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, gardening and spending time with his family.

back to top

LOWELL THOMPSON
ISA Certified Arborist
Tree Care Crew

Lowell is a climber on our Tree Care crew and an ISA Certified Arborist. Going into his fifth season with NPHC, Inc., he is well respected for his pruning skills and clients appreciate his attention to detail. And you can’t miss his infectious smile! Lowell has a wonderful family, including 4 children. If you see Lowell outside of work he will be racing motorcycles, so look out!

back to top

RANDY CENELL
ISA Certified Arborist
Plant Health Care Expert

Randy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Horticultural Science from California Polytechnic State. Prior to joining NPHC, Inc. he spent 7 years in various phases of golf course operation and was a Head Grower for a local commercial green house. As a Plant Health Care Technician and ISA Certified Arborist, he implements detailed tree and turf health assessments and makes diagnostic and treatment decisions every day. He truly cares about doing the very best quality care for his clients. Randy enjoys his four day week because it gives him more time on the links or slopes!

back to top

ALAN FLAKE
ISA Certified Arborist
Plant Health Care Expert

Alan has been in the Tree Care/Green Industry for 22 years and first realized his passion for plants while taking Horticulture classes at Spokane Community College. A self-proclaimed “tree hugger," he loves working with other tree loving professionals who understand and strive for the highest quality care of plants. As an ISA Certified Arborist, Alan has excellent tree identification skills and is practiced in the evaluation and treatment of trees in the Inland Northwest. And his love of plants isn’t limited to just trees as he is also skilled at creating beautiful floral arrangements. Did we mention he sings a mean Karaoke?

back to top

KEVIN KEOGH
Arborist Apprentice

Kevin was recently selected to work on our General Tree Work (GTW) crew as an Arborist Apprentice. Following high school graduation from Deer Park in 2005, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan and achieved the rank of Sergeant. His interest in the arboricultural industry, his practical work experience, and dedication to achievement in his military service make him ideal candidate for this position. He is currently attending the Introduction to Tree Climbing Course at Spokane Community College. Kevin has been married for 2 years and he enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time in the outdoors in his free time. We look forward to working with him as he develops as an Arborist.

Support Staff

ALBERT FERGUSON
Shop Manager/Head Mechanic

Albert is our Mechanic extraordinaire. He has worked as a mechanic most of his life and earned his Associates Degree in Heavy Diesel Mechanics. Albert can truly fix anything and whenever we need something done he is always ready and willing to help. When not beneath one of our trucks, stump grinders or spray rigs, Albert loves to be outdoors. He enjoys fishing and hunting but prefers to ride or work on his motorcycle. Albert has also built his own Jeep 4x4 and likes to get it dirty.  Albert is a proud daddy to four kids and loves his role as father.

back to top