Southern California’s Trusted Brush Clearance Experts
SoCal Brush is a leading provider of brush clearance, weed abatement, and wildfire mitigation services across Los Angeles, Ventura, and surrounding areas. With decades of experience, we specialize in fire hazard reduction, defensible space creation, and large-scale land management to help homeowners, businesses, and government agencies comply with strict fire safety regulations.
As a licensed and insured contractor, we are trusted by major organizations, including the LA Rams, County of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles, City of Thousand Oaks, United States Navy, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Las Virgenes Water District, Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD), Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA), and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA). We work closely with fire departments, municipalities, and private property owners to ensure compliance with Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), CAL FIRE, and Ventura County Fire Department regulations.
At SoCal Brush, we are committed to public safety, environmental responsibility, and effective wildfire prevention. Whether you need commercial land clearing, residential defensible space, or large-scale fuel modification, our expert team provides efficient, professional, and cost-effective solutions to reduce wildfire risks and keep your property fire-compliant. SoCal Brush is licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) with a B – General Building and C-49 – Tree Service classification and is proudly recognized as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). License Check
🔗 SoCal Brush is an Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). View our BBB Profile Here.
SoCal Brush is a licensed contractor through the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and is proudly listed on their official Brush Clearance Contractor List.
SoCal Brush Team
Wendy Schmelter
President
Wendy began her career in the construction industry with Gonzalez and Sons Construction, where she managed large-scale multi-level framing projects. During this time, she gained expertise in prevailing wage compliance, building codes, permits, project planning, and staff management.
Her leadership skills led her to oversee the company’s landscape division, where she further expanded her expertise in commercial and government projects. Driven by her passion for construction and land management, Wendy launched SoCal Brush, establishing herself as a leader in large-scale commercial and municipal projects with over 15 years of experience.
Having lived in Ventura County her entire life, Wendy has personally witnessed the devastating impact of wildfires on local communities. Motivated by the need for effective wildfire mitigation, she founded SoCal Brush—a company dedicated to wildland fire hazard reduction and defensible space solutions. Her mission is to protect communities, businesses, and public lands from the growing wildfire threat through expert brush clearance and fire prevention strategies.
Jared Schmelter
Vice President- Operations
Jared brings over 15 years of experience in public safety, combining his expertise in wildfire mitigation, large-scale operations, and emergency response to help homeowners, businesses, and government agencies reduce fire risks.
As a former wildland firefighter with the Ventura County Fire Department, Jared worked on some of California’s largest wildfires, gaining firsthand knowledge of fire behavior, defensible space strategies, and brush clearance operations. His time on the fire crew provided him with extensive experience in weed abatement, hazardous vegetation removal, and wildfire prevention, directly impacting his work in fire hazard reduction and land management.
In addition to his firefighting background, Jared spent 15 years as a police officer, with 10 years on a SWAT team, where he led high-risk operations, managed large-scale tactical deployments, and coordinated resources under extreme pressure. His ability to assess risks, manage logistics, and oversee high-stakes operations gives him a unique edge in the brush clearance and fire mitigation industry. His experience in situational awareness, resource allocation, and crisis management translates seamlessly into strategic wildfire prevention and large-scale land clearing projects.
Jared is a Licensed General Contractor (B), Tree Contractor (C-49), and a Licensed Timber Operator (LTO) through CAL FIRE, ensuring that all brush clearance, land management, and wildfire mitigation projects are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with state regulations. His commitment to fire prevention and public safety drives his mission to help communities, businesses, and property owners protect their land from the increasing threat of wildfires.
Carey Everhart
Project Manager
Carey Everhart brings decades of expertise in brush clearance, wildfire mitigation, and personnel management to SoCal Brush. With 20 years of experience managing large-scale brush clearance and fuel modification contracts, he has worked extensively with government agencies, municipalities, and private property owners to reduce fire hazards and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Carey’s background as a sawyer on the Ventura and Santa Barbara Fire Department Wildland Fire Crews gave him firsthand experience in hazardous tree removal, wildfire suppression tactics, and defensible space management. His role on active fire lines has provided him with critical insight into fire behavior, vegetation hazards, and effective mitigation strategies.
In addition to his fire prevention expertise, Carey has served as a police officer for 15 years, including a leadership role as a Sergeant in charge of hiring and personnel management. His experience in team leadership, resource allocation, and operational planning makes him an invaluable asset to large-scale brush clearance projects.
Since joining SoCal Brush in 2014, Carey has played a key role in overseeing projects, coordinating crews, and ensuring efficient execution of fire mitigation strategies. His combined background in wildfire operations, law enforcement leadership, and land management gives him a unique edge in delivering effective and compliant brush clearance solutions to homeowners, businesses, and government agencies.
James Kitka
ISSA Certified Arborist