Seeking guidance for starting my own tree care business in Oregon

Sweaty Betty

Sweaty Betty

Location
Portland, OR
Hey Tree People!

I'm an ISA Certified Arborist and I have been doing tree work about 5 years. After a long ten months of working in New Zealand, and now back in the beautiful PNW I am inspired and ready to go out on my own. I've got my pickup truck, my climbing kit, a chainsaw and basic gardening tools. I can do plenty! I want to focus on small and medium tree and shrub pruning, as well as herbaceous perennial planting and garden design. I feel there is definitely a niche market for a small woman-owned and operated business that larger tree companies miss out on with their high overhead costs.

Now for the nitty gritty. It appears I will need a contractors as well as a landscapers license in Oregon. I need those first before I can do anything else, correct? Then I can register my business with the state. Should I go LLC? That seems to be the trend I notice with peers. Then a tax ID number. Then get an accountant, a lawyer, and an insurance broker. Am I missing something?

I'm trying to take a business class with Mercy Corps so I can qualify for their IDA grants for future equipment purchases. They will also help me write a business plan, which is necessary for any type of funding. What helped you write your business plan? Where did you find tree work market trend analysis?

All advice is welcome and appreciated! Sweaty Betty's Tree Care coming soon!
 
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Great questions !

but how 'bout a company name change ?

e.g. Better Trees by Betty ......................
or Better Tree Care by Betty ...................
etc :)
 
Sweaty Betty said:
Hey Tree People!...
All advice is welcome and appreciated! Sweaty Betty's Tree Care coming soon!
Click to expand...
The small business bureau (SBA) has tons of info for people starting a new business and much of the filing stuff can be done yourself without paying someone else, but having a lawyer handle the filings and reg of the business may be more efficient. An accountant will help you get the books set up and records that you'll need for tax purposes, worker's comp, etc. It's all somewhat complicated and perhaps it's easier to buy out an existing business, than build one from scratch. Insurance is another issue that may require some shopping around. Another suggestion is to work with a couple tree care services, and get your feet wet, while learning the business from the inside out. ... good luck!
 
I'm pretty sure I've met you at BIOMAS. While I don't know the details of Oregon, I'd start off with a GOOD CPA. They will help structure your business and help or file the correct paper work. You will need to get things right with the feds before you can get your state business contractors (but will need insurance first). Bank accounts etc after the feds, all need to be separate no matter how you roll.
I started simple, Sole prop, no employees, f-250 p/u and a small chipper.

I'm now running 2 part time employees
LLC
Isuzu FRR cab-over
f-250 with a dump insert
18' trailer
vermeer mini with many attachments
same small chipper.

I ate it hard on taxes last year because I did not switch to a LLC soon enough. Should have just started out that way. I haven't hired a lawyer, might be a good idea?

I know a woman owned business in seattle that might be close to your business model, I can put you in touch. There are also a few folks in poo-town that might offer some good advise, and help you out. Hit me up if you want their contact info.
 
Message Sarah at Climbing Fox Tree Care in Victoria, she's lovely lady in a similar position to yourself. I'm sure she'd be willing to chat with you on the phone and give you some ideas.

She's currently running a business very similar to yours, small jobs, small overhead, she runs it (with her husband climbing, IIRC).

Best of luck!
 
Look into a Small Business Incubator (might be the SBA mentioned).

Looking into a business mentor, possibly in conjuction with the SBI.

"Sweaty Betty" will kill it in Portland. Tree care is not indicating your target niche, IMO, if you want to do more than tree care. Maybe spin that a bit, more.

I didn't choose a name I'd want to stick with, and have thought about re-branding, but its too much time, money, and energy. Now, look at the landscape, like how Monet paints landscapes, but people thing landscaping/ landscaper. At the beginning, I was doing landscape. I've heard people have shied away from the Tree and Landscape part of the name, thinking I'm not really a tree person.

You don't need to change the name, maybe just need a good 'tag line'

"From Firs to Camelias, Cedars to ..."
 
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When I chose a business name I specifically shy'd away from my personal name. If I ever sold, it will sell the the name. That way Jon isnt the owner of Joe's tree care
 
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