After almost 2000 work orders, over 40 companies, lots of interesting work sites, 8 years, 2 cranes, 7 Crane Schools, 1 Expo, 1 Hurricane, work in 4 states, a trip to Austria, several TCIA presentations and articles, trips to train other companies, almost 8000 operating hours and some amazing and not so amazing experiences I am done. The crane has sold. The new/now current owner will take this truck to the front range on Tuesday after training. I'm not going to say who bought it. It's up to them to disclose that information, not me. I don;t know how to sum up how I feel. Sad, disappointed, relieved, excited, and like a weight is off my shoulders. The last 24 months has been very difficult on me and my family. It's taken a long time to come to terms with the demise of my business. I do accept the part I played in that happening but at the same time I realize it was not a failure I'm 100% responsible for. It was a great ride until it wasn't. When that change shifted the down slope came on quickly. I suppose the universe works things as it sees fit. I have worked for some of the best tree folks out there. I have developed friendships, learned, and shared many experiences with others in this space. Numerous climbers made their first crane pick with me at the controls. I will always appreciate those people who believed in me and supported me. I have also worked for those who would be better served in another industry. I've been set up for failure, ripped off, disrespected, and seen a level of ineptitude who thinks the money they pay me should offset risking my equipment, safety and liability to make you your income. Those same folks will not remember me figuring out impossible situations and making it happen for them when they obviously had no idea how to do the job they bid on. To them I feel a relief of not participating in their jobs but do wish them well and hope the grace thats is watching over them continues because with out that watchful eye....well........get some training. Getting away with it does not equal expertise and plays an odds game with no winners. As for me and AAS? The biz will stick around for a while to see what I want to do with it. I'm not currently providing any services through the business and we'll see how things go. I've gone back to climbing. Enough people respond with "we're not getting ay younger" or "that's a tough game for somebody your age". I'm here to tell you, I have never been older than I am now (LOL) and I have never been in the physical shape i'm in now. Going back to regular climbing in April has been the best thing that has happened for me in quite a while. I'm working for a small company in one of the most historic and beautiful areas of Virginia. We do high end Arboriculture on amazing properties. I basically just prune trees. I've worked in spikes 2 times so far and many days I don't even tough a chainsaw. Just life on the edge of the canopy. I work with amazing climbers I truly respect. My boss is a great person and an amazing climber/Arborist. I feel good about myself at the end of the day and caring for trees instead of killing them is better for my soul. After an 8 year break, i'm a tree climber again and I am so happy. The skill and ability of my coworkers keeps me humble and puts that ego in a constant state of check. Every time I feel like I need to project I just look around and realize its pointless. Ego is a terrible thing. I have returned to a deeper place of learning. Seeking the knowledge of others and a deep diver into attempting to progress in this amazing craft. Its a good thing. In closing, i'd like to thank EVERYONE who supported AAS financially and though the support a business owner's needs with resources, repairs, vendors, and friendships. Each and everyone I have come in contact with through AAS has touched my life in some way and I appreciate all those experiences, Yes even the not so positive ones. I really don't know what else to say other than thanks for being there on this trip with me. It's been somthing.......To my Melinda and Jack.......I love you and thank you for always supporting me even when it was difficult and stressful.. I couldn't have done it without you............ I have so much more to say but i'll save it for another time.....Be well
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I’d love to get into some big trees. I mostly get vine strangled, salt air stunted, half dead heartbreaks. Ash is under pressure. Beech is under pressure. Oaks are doing the best they can.
