Expanding in the biz

KevinS

KevinS

Branched out member
Location
ontario
I am a lead manager under the boss to make the crews run smooth (I try). I also run a cutting crew pruning, removing cabling, etc. We have a thc department, a hiab truck for wood pickup, tree planting and stumping, then 2 chipper truck crews.
Lately I've been getting to do more estimates (every other thursday) because I'm still a lead climber and need production to keep a move on.

My question is What are some aspects of the biz that I'm missing out on. I'm going on a solid 8 years with this company, and as you know it's different at every job, but I don't want to let myself plateau in my position.
Any ways you guys go that extra to bring your personal and professional worth up that peg while still running the crews?
 
I think getting some credentials can go a long way. (I have no idea what you do or don't have already) Not only with current and future employers, but for your own self satisfaction. I just did the tree risk assessment qualification through ISA. And it was really rewarding, I feel more confident in my assessment process. Which helps with estimates, risk assessments, as well as day to day pre climb inspections. That said it was expensive as all hell.

The CTSP course through TCIA is also a great one that keeps on giving. After the initial investment you don't even need to renew it monetarily, just do your ceu's. It totally changed the way I view safety in my day to day life and the way I approach training as well.

Those are two credentials that really helped my confidence levels as a tree worker. My employer also just sent me to a management training seminar through the fred pryor company. I did not have high hopes for it, but it gave me a lot of great tools for being a more efficient manager. With a minimal amount of infomercial BS. And it was only a day.
 
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KevinS said:
I am a lead manager under the boss to make the crews run smooth (I try). I also run a cutting crew pruning, removing cabling, etc. We have a thc department, a hiab truck for wood pickup, tree planting and stumping, then 2 chipper truck crews.
Lately I've been getting to do more estimates (every other thursday) because I'm still a lead climber and need production to keep a move on.

My question is What are some aspects of the biz that I'm missing out on. I'm going on a solid 8 years with this company, and as you know it's different at every job, but I don't want to let myself plateau in my position.
Any ways you guys go that extra to bring your personal and professional worth up that peg while still running the crews?
Click to expand...
Are you looking because you want to climb the ladder were you are or just don't want to have to climb and put your body through the abuse forever?
 
Macswan covered most of it. I would emphasize learning business administration to better understand the back office functions and get a better handle on the fixed and variable costs that play into your hourly rate. When you understand the business side of a tree service you'll be a much better crew leader and an even more valuable asset to the company. Sales and marketing are other elements to develop to learn to move away from just estimating and actually learn how to sell the value of the company to prospective clients.
 
Lol tree health care (thc)
Those are good points thanks guys.
I have no problem climbing and putting in the hours on crew but I don't want to limit myself in the long run by saying I just climb, that's it.
I just like to stay well rounded as I move up and don't look back in 10 years and say why didn't I look into this side of the biz years ago.
 
Actually at work we do call it phc but on the buzz I've been corrected before to use thc because we don't do flowers, ferns, etc.
I was told I was mislabling that department. Oh well live and learn
 
KevinS said:
Lol tree health care (thc)
Those are good points thanks guys.
I have no problem climbing and putting in the hours on crew but I don't want to limit myself in the long run by saying I just climb, that's it.
I just like to stay well rounded as I move up and don't look back in 10 years and say why didn't I look into this side of the biz years ago.
Click to expand...
Does the company you work for have room for you to climb the ladder without having to stall out because it is too crowded at the top . Example lots of places in 10 employee range will pay 1 person good money for 6-8 years then found the are paying a lot and think we can bump that person and get the next guy in line and pay them less
 
I've known my boss for a while now and while staying productive tries to give us every chance once you're there a while and have proved yourself. I would say as a person he rewards and holds loyalty quite high. He's had many workers cut his teeth there then go to work for a city or hydro (making the big bucks). But I would be willing to bet and what I've seen is the longer you keep pulling your weight and the more you ask the more he gives.

But staying productive means I do all my climbing then after hours, when we have some kind of interesting consults, I come home and put together as many options as I can to complete a job say without removing the tree. The less obvious often pricier option and I must say rarely chosen. But it's on my time and I learn a little more about things that make you think. A special thanks to all the buzzers that help out.

As far as the office work side goes I'm into quoting, scheduling, consulting (a bit), and am a go between for the office ladies and the crews. For work orders, time sheets wood to be picked up, mulch drop off locations,etc.

So as of right now being an employee and still under 30 I consider my self successful but I don't want that to stop me from looking at whats next.
 
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