Russell Simpler joined Smith Lawn and Tree in 2006 as a managing partner. Russell studied horticultural business at Tarleton State University which has excelled his knowledge of plants, turf, and landscape design. His entrepreneurial drive has helped in growing Smith Lawn and Tree into a large landscape management company serving the DFW metro area.
Russell is a licensed commercial pesticide applicator, and has over 13 years of green industry experience. His focus at Smith Lawn and Tree is on landscape management, employee development, and managing all financial aspects of the company.
David Yonis has been a staple of the Dallas/Fort Worth landscape scene since 1996. A 2005 graduate of Tarleton State University with a degree in Horticulture and Landscape Management, he combines formal education with decades of hands-on experience—including three years at a tree farm in Stephenville and 10 years at a premier Dallas design/build firm.
A highly credentialed professional, David is a Licensed Irrigator in the state of Texas and a Texas Certified Landscape Professional through the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA). His commitment to the industry is further highlighted by his leadership history with the TNLA Region IV Board of Directors, where he served as Landscape Director, Vice-Chairman, and Chairman (2013–2014).
Though originally from Massachusetts, David has built his life and career in Texas. When he isn’t overseeing projects, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Marla, and their two children, Riley and McKenna.
Michael Strauss joined Smith Lawn and Tree in 2019 as our new Business Developer. He has been working in the green industry for the last 16 years. Prior to Smith he worked for a Dallas based company as the Director of Landscape Maintenance for 6 years. Michael holds an Irrigation Tech License with the state of Texas. He is well rounded in every aspect of landscaping which makes him a perfect fit for this role. Michael loves meeting with clients & building long lasting relationships.
Kevin Hixon joined Smith Lawn and Tree in 2023, serving as the Human Resources Manager and Safety Coordinator. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and relationship management fields, Kevin brings a unique perspective to his role, where he manages various HR responsibilities while leading key initiatives for employee culture and safety.
He is deeply committed to building a workplace culture where safety is not followed out of fear, but out of respect and shared ownership. He focuses on connecting with field crews to ensure they feel supported, often emphasizing that “people never care how much you know, until they know how much you care”.
When he is not at work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife, Kristy, and their twin sons, Cade and Bryce
Glen Jennings is a veteran of the tree care industry with over 35 years of dedicated experience. A proud alumnus of Kansas State University, Glen earned his Kansas Certified Arborist credential in 1989 and shortly after achieved his certification through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). His decades-long career is fueled by a deep-rooted commitment to arboriculture and a genuine passion for preserving the health and beauty of our clients’ trees
Brandon Byrd joined the Smith Lawn and Tree team in 2018, bringing a unique blend of business acumen and field expertise to his role as Commercial Account Manager. Brandon holds a degree in Business Administration from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he also spent four years working at a landscape firm to master the fundamentals of the industry.
Following graduation, Brandon spent several years in the construction industry, where he honed his skills in Management and Human Resources. His return to the landscape industry several years ago allowed him to merge these disciplines, excelling in operations and account management while maintaining a high standard for team development and service quality.
Brandon is deeply committed to building strong, long-lasting relationships with his customers, a quality that makes him a perfect fit for the Smith Lawn and Tree philosophy. When he isn’t ensuring his clients’ properties look their best, Brandon is an active father who loves spending quality time with his son and daughter.
Neal Colley joined Smith Lawn and Tree in early 2025, bringing an impressive background of over 25 years in sales and customer service. For the past eight years, he has dedicated his expertise to the green industry, previously serving several Dallas-based firms as a high-end Residential Account Manager. Neal’s career is defined by a “can-do” attitude and a commitment to professional growth, leading to past leadership roles as Irrigation Manager, Director of Maintenance Sales, and Director of Landscape Maintenance. He is a Licensed Commercial Applicator with the state of Texas and possesses a comprehensive understanding of every facet of landscape maintenance. At Smith Lawn and Tree, Neal focuses on building long-lasting, trust-based relationships with our commercial clients. When he isn’t managing properties, you’ll likely find him fueled by a great cup of coffee and connecting with the local community.
Brent Talley joined our team in 2025, bringing over 20 years of expertise in detailed landscape and lighting installation. Having previously owned and operated his own landscape and maintenance business, Brent possesses a deep understanding of the industry and a true passion for outdoor beautification. He prides himself on his meticulous attention to detail and enjoys collaborating with clients to brainstorm creative enhancements or solve complex landscape challenges.
A native of Alabama, Brent is a dedicated Crimson Tide fan. When he isn’t transforming outdoor spaces, you can find him cheering on Alabama football or following the Supercross and Motocross seasons.
Paul Preston joined Smith Lawn and Tree in the spring of 2022, bringing a diverse and disciplined skill set to his role as Account Manager. A proud United States Army Veteran, Paul transitioned to civilian life in 2012 following an honorable discharge, initially becoming a certified mechanic. His career path eventually led him to a major theme park, where he mastered a wide array of trades—including fiberglass work, upholstery, and carpentry—before being promoted to lead the facility’s landscaping and grounds management. It was there that Paul discovered his true passion for the green industry.
Driven to pair his hands-on experience with academic expertise, Paul is currently pursuing a Horticulture degree at a local university while serving the Smith Family full-time. He takes great pride in building long-term relationships with clients and vendors, utilizing his multidisciplinary background to help every client achieve their property goals.
Tray Bodiford joined the Smith Lawn and Tree team in the spring of 2023, bringing a wealth of technical knowledge to our account management team. He is a Licensed Commercial Pesticide Applicator with 17 years of experience in the landscape industry.
Tray’s deep understanding of the science behind turf and landscape maintenance allows him to maximize the health and beauty of every property he manages. He is driven by a genuine passion for enhancing outdoor spaces, ensuring they reach their fullest aesthetic and functional potential through expert care.
Before finding his calling in the landscaping industry, Tray spent time as a semi-pro bull rider, a testament to his grit and focus. An avid outdoorsman at heart, he spends his free time seeking new adventures and enjoying quality time with his wife and two daughters.
