Jordan Upcavage is a seasoned leader in the arboriculture industry and the Vice President of Independent Tree Service Inc., a family-owned tree care company based in Tampa. With over 48 years of experience in the industry, Independent Tree Service has been a cornerstone of the community, and Jordan has been a driving force in the company’s success.

He began his career in arboriculture as a high school and college student, mastering the foundational skills of the trade—raking, dragging brush, and learning to climb trees. His passion for the field led him to compete in the Florida Chapter Tree Climbing Championship during his early years. Jordan earned his B.S. in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida and holds professional certifications as an ISA Certified Arborist, TRAQ, and PPQ. He believes in the power of continuing education to elevate the industry, transforming what was once seen as a labor job into a respected career.

Under his leadership, Independent Tree Service has grown to include 5 additional ISA Certified Arborists and a Plant Health Care division. As a dedicated advocate for the arboriculture profession, Jordan currently serves on the Florida Chapter of the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) as the Chapter President, where he has contributed for a total of 7 years. His past roles include serving as the Consulting Arborist Representative, two terms as an At-Large Board Member, and Vice President. He also chaired the Trees are Cool License Plate Task Force, and is an active member of the Trees Florida Planning Committee and the Florida Chapter Finance Committee. Jordan has also had the privilege of speaking at multiple industry events, including three Trees Florida Conferences.

Jordan’s approach to leadership is rooted in experience and observation, and he believes in leading by example. Outside of work, he is also an avid saltwater angler and cherishes time with his wife and their three young children: 8-year-old twins (a boy and a girl) and a 2-year-old son.

Award-winning landscaper and owner of SkyFrog Landscape Jason combines deep industry knowledge with a hands-on approach, transforming outdoor spaces precisely. Recognized by the Gator 100 and UF’s 40 Under 40, he leads with a passion for growth and excellence in the landscape industry. A regular outdoorsman, you’ll probably find Jason out on an alligator hunt when he’s off the clock.

Megan Townsend is COO and Co-Founder of Altitude Arborist in Broomfield, CO. Megan and her husband, Hunter, started Altitude Arborist in 2016 and have experienced at least 25% growth each year with a 72% increase in 2021, the year Megan left her career as a dermatology PA behind to go all-in with Altitude Arborist. Megan delights in sharing her business knowledge and passion with others and comes from a long line of successful entrepreneurs. Megan’s presentation experience includes community workshops and business events in addition to conferences and at universities. Topics include business growth strategies, employee retention, marketing without breaking the bank, and more. She is also knowledgeable in wellness and nutrition for the industrial athlete due to her 11 years in healthcare as a PA with a degree in Human Nutrition. Megan is deeply involved in the industry, serving as chair of the leadership team for the Colorado Tree Care Sector Partnership and recently serving on the TCIA Dues Taskforce among other volunteer roles. Her presentations are engaging and infused with humor. Her goal is to inspire and arm audiences with actionable tips to strengthen and grow their business for ultimate personal and financial wellness.