Thanks Tim. Basically got a degree in commercial arboriculture and urban forestry at UMass, working all the while. Continued working for a company in western MA for some years. Got my MA arborist cert, isa cert. Though, I think I'm going to let the isa one expire. Doesn't do anything for me except cost money and the MA is more legit, feels like a better community. Met a lot of people and learned a lot. Started doing a bunch of side work and realized that I could climb on my own and make better money working less. Ended up renting chippers and turned my f350 into a dump truck. The f350 turned out to be a ridiculous money pit, but I wouldn't have been able to purchase anything else out of the gate, so all's well that ends well. She taught me a lot! Can't sell it now--out of pride. Made enough cash to buy a pretty nice wood chipper then a few months later a 99 intl chip truck for cheap, which turned out to be an awesome investment. The next year I bought a 31' knuckle boom, which turned out to be a bad investment and I was able to get rid of it at a loss, which I was happy to do.
Have two employees on the books, slowing down big time now, though. Gave them about 30hours a week on average since March. Have a guy I used to work with who has insurance I can sub in if I need a pro on the squad for the day. Probably used him 12 days this year. Just renewed my liability and workers comp... two full years so far! Wouldn't believe it if you told me three years ago!
I am lucky to have a good relationship with a logging company just down the street from where I am. I can line a week of removals, then ride along with an operator on a Saturday morning to pick up all the big wood. The guys an old friend and a pro operator with a fancy log truck. Charges me $100 an hour. Beats the hell out of using a knuckle boom with a hook to sling logs. Did that for awhile, which was what my old boss did, but was losing money doing it.
I've been real indecisive about what to do next. Was real jazzed up about the mecanil grapple saw 100' K-boom for awhile. Even went out to ohio to check them out and meet the folks there. Really impressive machines. Economically speaking, I think it would be a fantastic decision. I put a business plan together and was working with a local bank to get the cash for one. The amount of money that you could bring in is pretty serious. I've decided that I would rather stay small and have a clearer head. Got a pretty relaxed crew, no debt, plenty of good work, and really enjoy the challenges of climbing, technical rigging, etc. It's neat to do it low impact. Makes a man feel good!
Then I was thinking about spider lifts. Talked to a company in MA that makes an 83' that fits through a 3' gate. Pretty badass machine and can tow with my pickup truck. I just don't want to drop 120k for one.... Some trees I really wish I had an aerial lift, and rigging wood would be nicer, but not worth it for me to own one I don't think. I wish I could rent one, but the only lifts around here that go that high are not built for tree work and have, in my experience, turned out to be more trouble than they're worth.
I've realized that once I see my bank balance going up, I start thinking about buying tons of stuff. From the knuckle boom incident, I've learned that streamlining is the best. Own the things that make money for me day in and day out. Rent everything else. Less things to store, worry about, and pay for. Never going to be a millionaire running a tree crew, so no reason to sit around scheming about ways to try every night....which we're all tempted to do!
I've got a couple other ideas in the oven, but right now I like the size I am. Got a good, flexible crew. I pay them well for what they're doing. I'm not providing for any families, and don't have one of my own--just a needy lady friend!! Plenty of wood to split/sell to give the boys something to do for winter with a couple jobs here and there.
Let's be honest, we pretty much have the coolest job ever. It feels good to do good work and treat people right, while having some cash to have some fun after work.
...I got a little carried away there, but that's the story! Just getting into the forum game, so you'll be seeing me around here a bit I would imagine.
