Ian Hunt of Mississippi Valley Stihl earns Certified Arborist designation

Ian Hunt, product application specialist for Mississippi Valley Stihl, a branch of Stihl Inc., received the designation of Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

The purpose of the ISA certification program is to improve the level of knowledge and standard of practice within the tree care profession. It is designed to assist the public in identifying those professionals in arboriculture who have demonstrated — through a professionally developed examination and education program — a thorough knowledge of tree care practices.

With 14 years experience in the outdoor power equipment (OPE) industry, Hunt began his OPE career at Marysville Hardware, a Stihl dealer in Marysville, Ind. He then joined Stihl Inc. in 2006 as a field engineering technician. In his current position as a product application specialist, he is responsible for working with arborists, fire departments, municipalities and landscapers, as well as local, state and federal organizations, to ensure that they are following proper work practices and maximizing their efficiencies and effectiveness from their handheld outdoor power equipment. His new designation will give him additional insight into how these groups use their Stihl products on a day-to-day basis.

In addition to being an ISA Certified Arborist, Hunt’s other certifications include Stihl MasterWrench Service technician and several other industry certifications by multiple small engine manufacturers. Hunt has also earned his certified six-sigma black belt from Villanova University.

At Mississippi Valley Stihl, Hunt is responsible for the Iowa and northern Illinois territory. He is also very active in many local organizations, including Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, Illinois Arborist Association and Midwest Ecological Landscape Association.

Hunt graduated from Indiana University Southeast with a degree in management and marketing.