Arthur Brothers: Growing Together in the Utility Vegetation Management Industry
Arthur Brothers: Growing Together in the Utility Vegetation Management Industry
Eugene (Geno) and Matthew Arthur are more than just brothers; they are colleagues at ACRT, where both have carved out successful careers in the environmental and utility vegetation management industries.
Growing up in Upstate New York, Geno and Matthew were immersed in an outdoor lifestyle. From a young age, they enjoyed fishing, hunting, and exploring nature. These early experiences laid the foundation for their future careers and instilled a strong appreciation for the environment.
Education to employment journey
Geno pursued higher education at the State University of New York (SUNY) Morrisville, where he earned a degree in natural resource conservation and an associate degree in environmental and wildlife management. His success and rapid advancement in the field influenced Matthew’s educational and career choices.
Matthew initially studied journalism and criminal justice. However, inspired by his older brother’s career path and intrigued by the environmental field, he shifted his focus to environmental science at SUNY Brockport, specializing in biology and ecology.
Geno joined ACRT fresh out of college and within two years, he advanced to operations manager, a role that ultimately shaped Matthew’s career decision. Geno’s responsibilities now span across Upstate New York, Long Island, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. As an operations manager, Geno oversees onboarding new employees, managing various projects, and conducting field training within his region. His willingness to travel and take on diverse projects has greatly contributed to his professional growth.
Matthew’s career took a different but complementary path. Initially interested in journalism and criminal justice, he was drawn to the environmental sector after witnessing Geno’s success. He transitioned to environmental science, focusing on biology and ecology. As a rights-of-way (ROW) field biologist, Matthew works on projects completing biodiversity assessments and pollinator scorecards. His work requires extensive plant identification and fieldwork, skills he developed through hands-on experience. Matthew has also gained valuable experience through forestry work in Montana and Boise, as well as storm work.
Overcoming obstacles and acquiring skills
Transitioning from broad biology to specialized plant identification was an initial challenge for Matthew. He overcame this by immersing himself in fieldwork and learning on the job. Geno’s early career was marked by his readiness to embrace diverse projects and travel opportunities, which helped him gain a wide range of experiences and advance quickly within ACRT. Over time, both brothers have learned to navigate discomfort and adapt to new environments, contributing to their professional growth.
From brothers to colleagues
The Arthur brothers share a unique bond, strengthened by their professional roles. Their mutual understanding and support have been crucial in navigating their careers. Recreational activities like skiing and mountain biking provide opportunities for them to spend time together and further strengthen their relationship. They often find themselves discussing work, sharing insights, and learning from each other during these activities.
Advice for aspiring professionals
Geno emphasizes the importance of being a sponge — willing to learn and adapt quickly. He advises taking opportunities and saying yes to new experiences and challenges, which can lead to significant growth and diverse work experiences.
Matthew’s advice focuses on embracing discomfort. He believes that facing challenges and stepping out of one’s comfort zone is essential for growth. His experiences of adapting to new roles and environments have been instrumental in his professional development.
The Arthur brothers’ transition from outdoor enthusiasts to successful ACRT professionals shows the impact of inspiration, hard work, and mutual support.
