Meet Steve Withrington of Earthwise Tree Services
Steve operates as a sole proprietor utilizing where necessary the services of independent contractors, who, for the most part, are long-standing work colleagues engaged in their own businesses.
By collaborating as a co-operative, these contractors can collectively address the demands of larger contracts while simultaneously retaining the personal approach typically associated with local neighbourhood businesses.
In addition to his 20 years of working in tree and landscape services, Steve has a career background of 25 years in the field of Disability Services in both the UK and here in BC.
Fostering inclusivity and promoting the growth of individuals with developmental disabilities is a crucial theme in Steve’s life. As an active advocate, he has taken significant strides towards achieving this objective. Steve employs individuals with developmental disabilities at Earthwise, where he serves as a mentor and supporter for them
Customer service and satisfaction are crucial to the growth of a business,
and Steve ensures that it is an important part of Earthwise’ service delivery.
The safety and health of any staff working for, or on behalf of Earthwise Tree Services, is also of paramount importance.
Earthwise wins BC Workplace Inclusion Award
Congratulations to Steve Withrington for winning this prestigious award recognizing “his commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment”.
Steve currently employs 6 people with disabilities within a staff group of 8 people (including himself), and is also training another 2 people with disabilities. He credits their collective success to a few key things, one of which is providing training and skill-building opportunities for everyone to “get it wrong” in order to learn how to “get it right”. There is a strong commitment by everyone to the success of the team.
Attribution: Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion Facebook Page.
NATIONAL ACCESS ABILITY WEEK
Steve Withrington, a former staff of BACI, believes in inclusive hiring.
His vision was realized when he decided to start Earthwise Tree Services, committing that 80% of his staff team would be people with intellectual disabilities.
Steve’s decision not only added value to those Individuals’ lives, but also provided that people of all abilities can be successful as his company experienced a 60% growth in it’s second year and recently won the BC Workplace Inclusion Award.