Celebrating Joey Bidwell’s 27 Years at Kendall

When Joey Bidwell joined Kendall Vegetation Services in 1998, he was just a young laborer on a crew. Twenty-seven years later, he retires as regional manager, leaving behind not only a career of remarkable achievement but also a reputation for loyalty, leadership, and laughter.

“I’ll Get It Off”

Robert Williams, former President of Kendall, recalls his first encounter with Joey as if it were yesterday. “The crew had a piece of equipment stuck on the edge of a cliff. A sudden eight-foot drop. The operator had jumped off; afraid it would fall. Joey stepped up and said, ‘I’ll get it off.’ And he did. That’s how we first met.” From that moment, Williams saw the makings of a leader. Over the years, Joey rose steadily through the ranks — foreman, supervisor, manager, and eventually regional manager.

Steady Through the Storms

Many of Joey’s colleagues point to his hurricane work as his defining contribution. He managed storm response operations in Florida, Louisiana, and beyond — often coordinating 300 to 400 people under chaotic conditions. Williams says Joey’s leadership left a lasting mark: “Customers trusted him so much that Kendall was often the last crew released. They didn’t want him to leave.” One longtime coworker, Supervisor Joshua Morgan, added that even in the most stressful moments, Joey lifted spirits. “He always made sure we had a good time, even on storm work. When Joey showed up, you knew things would be okay.”

Building Relationships

Joey was more than a manager — he was Kendall’s ambassador. At trade shows, he was known for remembering every face, and with customers he built bonds that went beyond business. “He’d take them fishing, sometimes even supply the fish,” Williams laughed. “He went to Alaska, Arkansas — and customers saw him more like a friend than a contractor.” Morgan remembered Joey’s gift for problem-solving and trust: “You could go to him with anything, and he’d not only listen but help figure it out. He always had a solution ready.”

A Leader People Wanted to Follow

For those who worked under him, Joey set the standard for fairness and dependability. “If you want to work for a boss, you want him to be honest and hardworking — not a bum,” Williams said. “That’s why high-quality people wanted to work for Joey.”

Family, Community, and Character

Beyond the job, Joey’s colleagues agree his heart has always been with his family in East Tennessee. His wife, daughter, and community ties remain central as he steps into retirement. Williams summed it up simply: “When I think of Joey, I think generous, friendly, honest. You could always count on him.”

A Foundation Stone of Kendall

Looking back, Williams calls Joey one of the “pillars” of the company: “He was one of the foundation stones. I could depend on him, customers trusted him, and he helped build Kendall into what it is today.” After 27 years, Joey’s fingerprints are everywhere — in the growth of the business, in the people he mentored, and in the relationships he built. As he retires, his colleagues celebrate not only what he accomplished, but how he did it: with integrity, warmth, and a spirit of adventure.

Congratulations, Joey — thank you for building, leading, and inspiring all of us.