Rip has been in the Tree Care Industry for the past 29 years. He is co-owner of ArborMaster, a company specializing in safety, skill and productivity training for the tree care industry. Rip is an MCA (Massachusetts Certified Arborist) and ISA Certified Arborist and past president of the MAA (Massachusetts Arborist Association). After winning the International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) in 1996, he was the Head Judge and Chairman of the ITCC for the next 12 years. He remains a member of the ITCC Rules Committee and a Special Advisor to the European Tree Climbing Championships (ETCC) Operations Committee. He is a researcher and innovator of climbing, chainsaw, rigging and rescue systems, author of numerous articles and training videos and a member of the ANSI Z-133 Committee. Rip has conducted training programs extensively across North America as well as Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.