ACRT Services Announces CFO Brad Schroeder as Successor to CEO Michael Weidner Upon Retirement

ACRT Services Announces CFO Brad Schroeder as Successor to CEO Michael Weidner Upon Retirement

Feb. 21, 2025 – Stow, Ohio – ACRT Services announced this week that Michael Weidner, Chief Executive Officer, has retired, effective Feb. 18, 2025. The Board of Directors has appointed Brad Schroeder, currently serving as Chief Financial Officer, as the interim CEO, effective immediately. 

For nearly three decades, Weidner has been a driving force behind ACRT Services, leading the organization with vision, integrity, and a commitment to its employees and customers. Under his leadership, ACRT Services has significantly expanded, cementing its reputation as a leading provider of independent vegetation management, field services, and environmental consulting. 

Weidner was instrumental in the creation of the ACRT Services family of companies, leading ACRT as an independent utility vegetation management consulting company when the ESOP was established. He then spearheaded the company’s growth strategy, including: 

• 2015: Acquisition of Bermex, expanding capabilities in smart meter transitions, meter reading, field operations, and damage prevention. 
• 2018: Formation of ACRT Services, Inc., along with the creation of ACRT Pacific, broadening vegetation management expertise. 
• 2021: Acquisition of EnviroScience, strengthening environmental consulting, restoration, and compliance solutions. 
• 2024: ACRT celebrates 40 years of industry leadership, remaining the largest independent, employee-owned utility vegetation management company in the nation. 

His leadership propelled ACRT Services’ growth across multiple service lines, ensuring financial stability, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability. His commitment to employee ownership has empowered employees to take ownership of their work, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and best-in-class service. 

As ACRT Services embarks on this transition, Brad Schroeder steps into the interim CEO role, bringing extensive financial and strategic expertise. Since joining ACRT as CFO in 2012, Schroeder has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial strategy, driving operational excellence, and fostering long-term growth. His deep understanding of ACRT Services’ mission and values will ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum as ACRT Services advances its commitment to independence, innovation, and service excellence. 

“We are deeply grateful for Mike’s leadership and the foundation he has built for ACRT Services,” said Don Esch, Chairman of ACRT Services Board of Directors. “His legacy is one of strategic growth, employee empowerment, and industry leadership. As we look to the future, Schroeder’s financial acumen, leadership experience, and dedication to ACRT Services’ mission make him the right person to guide us in our search for the next CEO.” 

This leadership transition reflects ACRT Services’ ongoing commitment to independence, innovation, and service excellence. As the company moves into its next chapter, it remains focused on delivering best-in-class solutions to its customers while ensuring a smooth transition for employees, customers, and partners. 

About ACRT Services 

ACRT Services offers expert independent consulting solutions to utilities and associated organizations throughout the United States, including vegetation management consulting, ecological consulting, damage prevention, arborist training, utility metering services, and more. ACRT Services supports four wholly-owned subsidiaries — EnviroScience, Bermex, ACRT Pacific, and ACRT. To learn more about ACRT Services, visit services.acrt.com.