Our SOLitude Family

sustainable-management-lake-pond

Hunter Poland

District Manager (VA)

Hunter Poland is an Environmental Scientist and Operations Manager at SOLitude. In addition to developing effective lake and pond management solutions for clients, Hunter works to incorporate ecological sustainability and natural resource preservation in to each of his projects. Hunter has professionally installed numerous fountains and submersed aeration systems of varying styles and sizes and has successfully treated several undesired aquatic, upland, and invasive plant species.

Hunter earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Ferrum College in southwestern Virginia. While at Ferrum, he participated in water quality testing and the Vessel Pump-Out program on Smith Mountain Lake and Save Our Streams monitoring in Franklin County, VA. Hunter also held an officer position in the Ferrum College Agriculture Club.

Before joining SOLitude Lake Management, Hunter worked in a nursery as well as in the construction and excavating fields. He also worked on his family’s farm in Fauquier County, Virginia. These experiences along with his life-long interest in aquatic environments on the Rappahannock River led him to join the SOLitude team.

In his spare time you will likely find Hunter fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, or doing one of many other outdoor activities that he enjoys. His favorite activities include smallmouth bass fishing, waterfowl hunting, and bow hunting whitetails.

Matt Kramer

District Manager, Aquatic Biologist (NC, SC, GA)

Matt Kramer is the District Manager and an Aquatic Biologist for our North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia markets. He is responsible for water and algae sampling, bathymetric mapping, midge fly/mosquito surveys, sport fisheries management, and scientific surveys and reporting. Additionally, Matt helps lead lake restoration projects, aeration installations, wetland mitigation plantings, and lake monitoring programs.

Matt earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Marine Science from the University of Tampa. His goal is to employ the most sustainable, ecological management methods available for achieving his client’s goals.

Jackson Minnich

Field Operations Manager, Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist

Jackson Minnich is a wildlife and fisheries biologist with an extensive background managing aquatic ecosystems for public and private entities. Since 2016, he has worked directly with SOLitude’s clients to help restore ecological balance to their waterbodies and ensure all applicable state, local and federal regulations are met.

Jackson graduated from University of Tennesee with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries and a minor in Foresty. Before joining SOLitude, Jackson worked for the Parks and Recreation Department in Knoxville, TN. During this time, he managed city-owned aquatic facilities, worked with youth programs and guided canoe trips on several East Tennessee rivers. Jackson also performed contract work for the Fort Loudoun Lake Association, where he worked to map a 16-mile section of Turkey Creek in Knoxville. His work included mapping the section of the creek, collecting water samples for E. coli testing, collecting Fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) samples, and recording the locations of fish barriers and other stream blockages. Jackson’s work with the Fort Loudoun Lake Association gave him first-hand experience in coordinating with private and public entities to help manage aquatic ecosystems. Jackson is also a certified first responder and also holds certifications in Wildland Fire Management.

Jackson was born and raised in Knoxville and spent much of his early life in the Great Smoky Mountains and on the many lakes surrounding Knoxville. This led to a love of nature and a desire to be outside whenever possible. This desire turned into a passion for bass fishing and he eventually joined the University of Tennessee Bass Fishing Team, and was elected president of the team during his senior year. Jackson still loves to bass fish, and is looking forward to expanding his knowledge in the area of saltwater fishing.

When not working, Jackson enjoys fishing, hiking, hunting, watching various sports, and spending time with his loving wife. Jackson actively volunteers with many fishing related events, and enjoys volunteering with organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project.  

Trent Batson

Operations Manager, Environmental Scientist

Trent Batson is an Operations Manager and Environmental Scientist in the Hampton Roads area, stretching from Williamsburg, Virginia, to the Outer Banks, North Carolina. He is passionate about helping our clients receive efficient and effective service. Trent has several years of experience helping lake and pond owners and managers reach their goals of beautiful, healthy water.

Trent is originally from Lewes, Delaware, and graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University with a degree in Environmental Science. In his free time, Trent likes to spend time with his family and friends. He also enjoys spending time outside where he likes to hunt, fish, kayak, and hike.

Tyler Meighan

Fisheries Project Manager, Fisheries Scientist

Peyton Woods

Fisheries Project Manager, Aquatic Scientist

Jay Griffin

Operations Manager

Jay Griffin is an Aquatic Specialist and Operations Manager for the southeast region. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Fisheries Science in 2003, Jay immediately got into the lake and pond management industry. He now has over 20 years of experience helping lake and pond owners or managers achieve their goals for their waterbody. Jay enjoys working on new bodies of water and improving their health and appearance.

In his free time, Jay is an avid tournament bass fisherman and competes in events across the state throughout the year. Jay also loves just spending time at home with his partner, Katrina, and their three boys. working in the yard, his garden, and playing with their dog, Brandy.

Kim Niesel, CMCA

Senior Business Development Consultant (Eastern VA & Eastern NC)

Kimberly Niesel is an Aquatic Specialist and Senior Business Development Consultant with more than a decade of experience in the freshwater management industry. She is responsible for educating communities and stakeholders about environmentally-friendly tools to sustainably manage community lakes and stormwater ponds. Kim maintains several certifications and memberships with organizations across the country, and has a unique expertise in her field; the early part of Kim’s career was spent in property management, working first with a property developer and then transitioning to the management team of a large-scale community. She has worked closely with property managers since 2008.

Trent Nelson

Business Development Consultant (NC)

Trent Nelson is an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant who helps HOAs, golf courses, and residential communities maintain healthy, balanced aquatic ecosystems. He enjoys educating them on the importance of sustainable freshwater management. Trent has nearly 15 years of hands-on experience and has developed valuable knowledge on the preservation of delicate aquatic ecosystems. Previously, he spent four years as an Assistant Superintendent managing the day-to-day challenges of some of the nation’s top golf courses.

brendon donnelly

Brendon Donnelly

Business Development Consultant (GA, AL, MS, FL Panhandle)

Brendon Donnelly is an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant responsible for educating stakeholders and helping the team build relationships with property managers and communities. Brendon earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Kennesaw State University and has more than a decade of experience helping property managers enhance their communities with sustainable lake and pond management strategies. Before joining SOLitude, Brendon worked for a leading lawn management company, where he learned about the connection between landscaping, shoreline management, and aquatic health.

Kevin McCurley

Business Development Consultant (Northern VA)

Kevin McCurley is a Business Development Consultant in northern Virginia. With over 30 years of experience in environmental consulting, Brian has a diverse background in horticulture and lake and pond management. In his early career, he worked in plant propagation, wetland management, and aquatic plant product. For the last decade, Brian has helped communities, local municipalities, businesses, and private landowners effectively manage their lakes and stormwater ponds. He has extensive knowledge of fountains, aeration, buffer management, and mosquito management solutions. Kevin studied Geography and Environmental Planning at Twonson University in Maryland.

Kevin is originally from Maryland, but now resides in northern Virginia with his wife and son. He is an avid genealogist and avocational archaeologist. Brian volunteers his time with several local non-profits as a Certified Archaeological Technician, teacher, and historic site guide. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Archeological Society of Virginia.

Colton Parker

Business Development Consultant (SC)

Colton Parker is an Aquatic Specialists and Business Development Consultant for the South Carolina region. He is responsible for educating stakeholders and building relationships with property managers and communities throughout South Carolina. In addition to providing clientele with lake and pond management solutions, Colton takes pride in truly understanding which solution will be best for the environment.

Colton has been involved in the outdoors for a multitude of years including in the Boy Scouts of America where he ultimately earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He has had a multitude of sales positions spanning from vehicle sales to telecommunication. SOLitude combines both passions, being able to build long-standing relationships and then protecting the environment with the best-known resources SOLitude can provide.

Gabby Uviles

District Support Specialist

Gabby is a District Support Specialist for our clients along the east coast. She has been with SOLitude for several years and enjoys serving our clients with efficient and effective service.

Charisse Irvin

District Support Specialist

Charisse Irvin is the District Support Specialist for SOLitude’s fisheries management line of business. Charisse specializes in streamlining the coordination of fish stocking and electrofishing projects to ensure quick turnaround times and excellent communication. Charisse is a cheerful team member who works hard and enjoys setting up systems to ensure the team’s success.

Charisse is encouraged by her husband and daughter. In her free time, Charisse likes hiking, making earrings, and gardening.

We Work Together To Offer Exceptional Service

SOLitude Helped Us Achieve Our Community Goals

As the manager of wetlands and open water for my community, I work with SOLitude Lake Management closely. They have helped us define our vision and achieve our goals. Every wetland area and body of water has different uses and different needs. SOLitude understands that and ensures those needs are met all the while keeping the budget in mind. We have annual fishing tournaments and they come out and talk with the anglers, explaining what we’ve done during the past year and what our future steps will be. Management of wildlife and waters is an ongoing and long-term commitment, SOLitude understands this. They have a dedicated staff that not only manages these areas but also helps educate their clients.

Robert Payne

HOA Chairman, Warrenton, VA

December 8, 2014

Top Notch Service

When one of our stormwater BMPs was overtaken by phragmites, we called SOLitude for treatment. From the bidding process to the follow-up, the service we received was top-notch. A year later, the Phragmites have still not returned. Considering how invasive this species is, this is quite an accomplishment!

Leah Aguilar

Operations Superintendent, York County, VA

Improved Water Quality Significantly

Shannon and Hunter are very professional and take a personal interest in taking the best care of our pond and more importantly, our pet koi fish. They have improved the water quality significantly and we are very pleased with their customer service.

Janet Stallions

Private Landowner, VA

My “Go-To” Firm!

SOLitude Lake Management has been and will continue to be my “go-to” firm… The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to always go that extra mile. Their responsiveness to questions, concerns, or work orders is fantastic. They have taken the time to educate me and have worked to find cost-effective solutions that are sometimes outside of the box. Keep up the great work!

Sally Stamper

Newport News, VA

The Little GOBBLERS Program Is A Blessing

The ‘Little GOBBLERs’ program has been a blessing to my school for years. Donations from a community-oriented company, such as SOLitude Lake Management, allow the school system to provide additional resources that otherwise these children and their families would not receive.

Larry Hawkins

Newport News, VA

Excellent Service to Our Pond

They provide excellent service to our pond. Their reports are always comprehensive and detailed. And their customer service team is always quick to respond and friendly. A big shout out to Flo who was able to assist me when I was having issues accessing documents.

Zachary Dequilla

Chantilly, VA

Responsive & Timely

SOLitude has done an excellent job maintaining our lake here in Alexandria, VA. They are responsive and timely in their follow-up to service requests and the repairs are quick and their team members are very professional. We would recommend them to maintain your lake or pond.

Joe D.

Lake Committee Chairperson, Alexandria, VA

Turned Pond Into a Thing of Beauty

SOLitude has been servicing our large residential pond for some years now. They do a wonderful job in all respects! They took a water plant and algae-clogged mess and turned it into a thing of beauty! Work quality is superb, customer service is first-rate. We are extremely well pleased.

Hank Chase

Private Landowner, Purcellville, VA

Thanks for the Professionalism & Commitment

I’m a property manager in Upperville, VA. I maintain a 100-acre farm with an 8-acre pond on the property. We hired SOLitude in the late winter to guide, educate, and help manage the pond. We recently held an event and the pond was the centerpiece. A huge thanks to Jackson – his professionalism and commitment to producing a quality product surpassed my expectations. I will recommend Jackson and his services to any and all after my experience.

Michael Smiley

Private Landowner, Upperville, VA

Enjoy Working with Their Team

I have hired SOLitude for several different services at my work site and they have all been very successful. I really enjoy working with their team and look forward to using them in the future.

Ethan Jankowski

Richmond, VA

Pond & Fountain Looks Great

Thank you for always keeping my neighborhood’s ponds and fountains looking great. And, many times, weathering the weather to make it happen!

Mandy Berkowitz

Community Member, Virginia Beach, VA

Great to Work With From Start to Finish

I have had a wonderful professional working relationship with SOLitude for several years. It has been such an awesome experience from all departments within SOLitude that I would highly recommend them to anyone who has pond maintenance service needs. Great company to work with from the beginning to the completion of a job!

Community Member

North Carolina

Always Do Quality Work

SOLitude Lake Management is the best in Charlotte and surrounding areas. They always do quality work, communicate effectively and follow through. Can’t ask for more from them and appreciate all of the work that we have had the pleasure of partnering on!

Jordan Elliott

Community Manager, Charlotte, NC

Use SOLitude At Many of My Properties

Excellent company! I am a Community Manager and use them at many of my properties. Flo was very helpful and quick to help me resolve a communication request. Such a pleasure to find responsive people and professionals! Thank you!

Elise Uzmack

Community Manager, Calabash, NC

SOLitude Took Care of My Pond’s Problems

I had major problems with a pond before hiring SOLitude, they took care of the problem almost immediately…..highly recommend them.

Don Hamby

Raleigh, NC

SOLitude Keeps Our Lake Beautiful

We really appreciate SOLitude keeping our lake beautiful! Also, thanks to Flo for always providing great customer service when we have questions. Thanks!

Rachel Russell

Property Manager, College Park, GA

Cleared My Overgrown Pond

Great service. Our family pond was in really bad shape with overgrowth, lily pads, and other plants. Within the first few months, there was a big difference, and they were able to clear the pond without endangering the wildlife. I will definitely recommend this company.

Charelle Smith

Private Landowner, Covington, GA

James Keeps Our Lake Clean & Blue

Fantastic customer service. James does a top-notch job keeping our small lake clean and blue, and he also keeps us updated constantly as to when he’s coming and what he’s done. He is an outstanding employee.

Lori Anderson

Private Landowner, Blairsville, GA

Reliable and Quick to Respond

SOLitude Lake Management has been managing our lake/stormwater pond, and fountains since 2005. Their team has always been reliable and quick to respond to any issues. They are all very knowledgeable, able to explain what is happening with any situation and find solutions to problems as they arise. Overall, I have been very pleased with their work and would highly recommend them to anyone with lake, pond, and other BMP management needs.

Joan M. Fowler

City of Chesapeake, VA

Hat’s Off to SOLitude!

SOLitude Lake Management has consistently performed to a high standard within the three communities they currently service for my clients. Whether it is routine maintenance or a major issue, I can always be assured that when I call or email we will have almost immediate communication and actionable timelines. In a busy industry such as this one, having someone that stays in touch is critical and appreciated. Hat’s off to SOLitude for a job well done!

Lisa Wagner

Community Manager, Richmond, VA

Our Fishery Is In It’s Best Condition Ever

Thank you to SOLitude for all your help at our Fishing Club. Our hydrilla problem is practically non-existent now. The fish survey you completed for us, the recommendations on slot sizes, and the stocking and feeding program you developed are producing outstanding results. Our club’s fishery is in the best condition it has ever been! Your presentation to our stockholders at our annual meeting was extremely well received. We are getting ready to enhance our fish attractors as suggested. We appreciate that a management program was developed that fits within our budget and that you are available to talk with us when we have questions. We look forward to continuing our association with SOLitude.

John McCracken

Fishing Club President, West Point, VA

February 23, 2015

A Huge Improvement with SOLitude

I wanted to let you know how pleased we are with the results of the algae treatment. We noticed a huge improvement very quickly, and at this point, the pond looks really, really great. Also, the fish are thriving – some of the bass are over a foot, and the Bluegills have also gotten big. We are just thrilled. Thank you so much for your responsiveness.

Gwen Goodkin

Private Landowner, Charlottesville, VA

June 16, 2015

From an Eyesore to Thriving Ecosystem

In one season, SOLitude Lake Management turned the two lakes on my Virginia property from dead, weed-infested, eyesores into thriving, fish-filled, ecosystems – and they have maintained them as such ever since!

Angus Yates

Private Landowner, Middleburg, VA

September 17, 2015

Excellent Pond and Fisheries Management Experts!

After I had to drain my pond in 2010 to fix the dam, I took the opportunity to start from scratch. I contacted SOLitude to help guide my long-term management. Two years after my original stocking, we electroshocked for the first time. Based on the electroshock survey and Dave Beasley’s advice, I restocked 10,000 larger bluegills. My friends call me when they have “Daddy day” because they know they can come to my pond and their kids will catch bluegill bigger than my hand until they get tired of it. After 4 years, the bass are reaching 6 pounds, and in an hour, enough heavy bass can be caught that would beat a full day’s fishing on any lake in the region. Without SOLitude and Dave Beasley, despite all my research, my pond would be in an ever-worsening downward spiral. Now SOLitude and annual electrofishing surveys to keep me on track are a permanent part of my pond management plan.

Marc Daymude

Private Landowner, Cameron, NC

October 7, 2015

In Awe of SOLitude’s Knowledge

I want to thank you all for coming out and for an excellent report and meeting. SOLitude’s knowledge about the industry and all of the different species, habitats, and needs was impressive. We were sitting there with our mouths open in awe of SOLitude’s command of the subject. You all really know your species and their requirements. It was excellent!

Ken Oristaglio

Fort Pickett, Blackstone, VA

June 7, 2017

The Best Choice Is SOLitude Lake Management

If you’d like to manage your waters (or watershed) professionally – then the best choice is SOLitude Lake Management. If you fish, then it’s more important. I had the good fortune to fish a property managed by SOLitude BEFORE I needed a pond management company…those excellent results made my final choice easy. I’m sure that every firm is good – but if the phrase “by fishermen for fishermen!” rings true with you – then there is one choice: SOLitude Lake and Pond Management. They care and it shows.

Carlton Howard III

Private Landowner, Raleigh, NC

June 18, 2018

No More Algae!

SOLitude has completely corrected our community pond. No more algae, which has kept the fountain running well. We have a monthly maintenance contract, and I always receive notice of when they are coming and if they found any issues.

Emily Schollian

Property Manager, VA

Keep Lake Free of Algae & Debris

SOLitude Lake Management has been the lake management company for our community lake located in Alexandria, VA, for five years now and we have found them to be very professional and responsive to our needs of keeping the lake free of algae and other debris. They also service the lighted fountains when needed. The team members are friendly, receptive, and willing to discuss lake maintenance options when signing the contract.

Carol Devine

Lake Committee Chairperson, Alexandria, VA

SOLitude Makes My Life Easy

Your professionalism and expediency in getting a job done make my life as a Property Association Manager so much easier. Thanks for the fantastic lighting job on the BMP fountain. I have had nothing but great comments from residents.

Michael Williams

Property Manager, Chesapeake, VA

Thank You from Camp Holiday Trails

Thank you for coordinating the restoration effort for our pond and donating labor for the aerator installation and watermeal treatment. This will ensure that hundreds of kids with special medical needs, and those who have the honor, joy, and inspiration of working with them, will benefit from the Camp Holiday Trails experience this year!

Tina LaRoche

Charlottesville, VA

Pond Care That Allows Me to Relax

I needed on-site pond care that the local pond management companies could not service. I gave the SOLitude specialist who comes 100+ miles 20 times per year the title, “Director of Ponds & Streams”. He is that good. They are organized and responsive to the degree that allows me to relax.

Tom Snyder

Private Landowner, Sapphire, NC

Taken A Huge Burden Off My Shoulders

We used to struggle with many different issues on holes 15, 16, and 17 at our Country Club. It was not uncommon for us to see algae blooms appear out of nowhere along one of the most important focal points of the course. Since SOLitude Lake Management has been taking care of the pond for us, we have had very few issues with the aesthetic qualities of our pond. SOLitude has taken a huge burden off of my shoulders and now I don’t even have to worry about the appearance of our pond

Keith Wood

Golf Superintendent, Greensboro, NC

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