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About Us

Our commitment to our clients is to determine the best possible solution for their needs then surpass their expectations

Our clients are served by HMI’s talented team of industry experts and national network of fully credentialed and licensed contractors. HMI services feature proprietary methods and protocols that have become the industry standard. These services include reliable emergency tree removal programs, loss prevention assessments, replacement cost calculations, loss analysis and repair or replacement services. Our commitment to our clients is to determine the best possible solution for their needs and to offer a service that not only meets but surpasses expectations.

We assess our clients and their needs

We collaborate with our clients to analyze their needs, create individualized plans to meet those needs, and provide the best possible service through our dedication to Accountability, Quality, Knowledge, Integrity and Standardization.

Accountability
Quality
Knowledge
Integrity
Standardization
Why HMI

HMI is a Trusted Partner

For more than two decades, HMI has served as a trusted partner for residential and commercial property owners, managers, insurance carriers, and organizations of all size.  We have worked on more than 50,000 properties during that time, including:

  • Single family homes
  • Multi-family homes
  • Luxury resorts
  • Championship golf courses
  • Estate properties
  • Corporate campuses
  • Farms
  • Wineries
  • Government properties

Our outdoor property experts are highly trained in a multitude of trades and are ready to serve our clients with the highest level of customer service.

Over 2 Decades

History of HMI

hello world!
In 2003

HMI established a standardized method for property owners, insurance carriers, and others to understand the value of plant material. Shortly thereafter, the company developed a standardized hazardous tree identification protocol that complemented its data-collection work in support of its valuation services.

In 2008

HMI began providing claims support services to over 50 insurance carriers. These services included both a national emergency tree removal program as well as consultative services for the assessment of losses on residential and commercial properties.

In 2020

HMI bolstered our consulting expertise to provide additional solutions to our clients. This included an enhanced spectrum of services that include emergency response and disaster recovery, risk management and damage mitigation, and litigation claims consulting.

HMI Today

HMI now offers services in all 50 states, the Caribbean and Canada and is recognized as a leader for green industry solutions. As the company has expanded services, we have remained true to our focus on high quality, professionalism, and exceptional customer service. Standards that have always been the hallmark of the HMI advantage.

One Tree Planted

Our Dedication to Preservation

When HMI was formed in 2003, our founders envisioned a database of replacement costs for trees and woody shrubs that would enable the insurance industry to develop policies providing property owners with coverage. In this way, we hoped to increase awareness about the intrinsic value of trees and shrubs as well as the efforts to acquire and preserve them. Today, much of HMI’s business revolves around helping property owners recover from the loss of their valuable trees. HMI is proud to contribute to the One Tree Planted foundation to play a small part in the global effort to restore tree canopy lost by storms and wildfires.

Leadership

Meet our executive team

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Doug Cowles

President/CEO

President/CEO

Doug Cowles

Mr. Cowles has been HMI’s President/CEO since 2004 and has been responsible for establishing the company’s information systems, business development and fulfillment strategies. In his role, he has also been directly involved in the assignment, review and estimating of thousands of claims involving damaged plant material. Prior to joining HMI, Mr. Cowles held executive level positions in a wide array of industry sectors, including financial services, manufacturing and emerging technology. His previous roles developed the strategic planning, critical thinking and leadership skills that have enabled his success at HMI. He is a graduate of Purdue University where he received a B.S. in Agricultural Economics.

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Doug Malawsky

COO

COO

Doug Malawsky

Doug brings over 25 years of operational, legal and risk management experience to his role as HMI’s Chief Operating Officer and head of the consulting and contract services divisions. Doug managed HMI’s acquisition of Marquee Consulting, which significantly expanded the spectrum of services the company offers, such as solutions ranging from property renovation, enhancement and maintenance to disaster recovery and damage mitigation. Doug handles large and complex losses and has consulted on numerous large losses involving some of the most prestigious commercial and hospitality properties in the US and the Caribbean. Prior to joining HMI, Doug served as the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of a publicly traded technology company.

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Gretchen Piechottka

Director of Program Services

Director of Program Services

Gretchen Piechottka

Gretchen Piechottka is the Director of Network Membership overseeing recruitment, onboarding, training and development of HMI’s Green Industry Professionals Network. Her mission at HMI continues by growing and administering HMI’s national network with the intention of providing our clients with world-class service every time. Before joining HMI in 2013, Gretchen served on a large NPO utilizing her skills and experience in overseeing large-scale fundraising special events and membership satisfaction.
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