Transforming Vendor Support into a Strategic Partnership for SECO Energy

The Bottom Line

ACRT evolved from a traditional vendor relationship into a trusted operational partner for SECO Energy by improving collaboration, increasing transparency, and adapting to the cooperative’s highly engaged management approach.

The result: expanded scope, contract extensions, and exclusive partner status.

The Challenge

• SECO operates with a highly involved, hands-on management approach
• Early in the engagement, ACRT needed to adapt to SECO’s operational style and expectations
• Leadership changes created an opportunity to redefine the relationship around collaboration and accountability

ACRT’s Approach

Collaborative Leadership

• Established bi-weekly leadership meetings to review performance, track progress, and proactively address issues
• Built transparent communication processes focused on accountability and problem-solving

Flexible & Responsive Operations

• Adapted workflows and staffing to align with SECO’s evolving needs
• Delivered the lowest-cost solution while maintaining strong operational support
• Provided hands-on supervisory presence in the field, unlike competing vendors

Embedded Support & Training

• Dedicated an ACRT resource to help design and launch SECO’s new planning process
• Supported implementation and field training to ensure successful adoption
• Conducted ongoing benchmark-style field training alongside SECO teams

Results

Expanded Partnership & Scope

• Became SECO’s exclusive pre-planning partner
• Expanded support beyond trimming to include mow planning
• Earned top scores in SECO’s latest Customer Satisfaction Survey

Long-Term Client Confidence

• Secured contract extensions
• Increased operational integration with SECO leadership and field teams
• Replaced competing vendors through strong performance and collaboration

Operational Improvements

• Improved alignment between planning and field execution
• Increased issue visibility and proactive problem resolution
• Enhanced field supervision, oversight, and training consistency

What This Means for You

A Partner That Adapts to Your Utility
ACRT aligns with your operational culture, leadership expectations, and program goals, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Greater Accountability & Transparency
Frequent leadership engagement and proactive communication help identify and resolve issues before they impact operations.

Flexible, Scalable Support
ACRT evolves with your needs, expanding services and operational support as your program grows.

Improved Execution in the Field
Hands-on supervision and embedded support improve consistency, training, and operational performance.

Proven Long-Term Value
Strong utility relationships lead to expanded scope, contract growth, and long-term trust.

Why ACRT

ACRT combines operational flexibility, field expertise, and collaborative leadership to help utilities strengthen vegetation management programs, improve execution, and build long-term operational success.