Looking for business expansion advice

[Quintano65]

Hi all.

I'm new here. I have been a hotshot wildland firefighter for 4 years and have spent the last two years tree climbing and trimming. I got climbing training from a smokejumper friend. The have tree climbing skills to get their shoots out of trees during bad landings. So, I am great with Sthil chainsaws, comfortable dropping trees up to 55 dbh, and I feel comfortable and safe while climbing. I have been working for myself but keep running into clients who want me to be licensed and insured. Totally understandable. Can some one make some suggestions Insurance wise and license wise for me. I'm just one guy and I might have some skilled friends help out as ground guys once in awhile. Should I get licensed with ISA? What sort of liability insurance do you guys/gals recommend? Cheers.

 

[ATH]

1) Licensing is a legal issue. What does your locality require? Get what the law says you need...
1a) ISA offers Certification. I think it is well worth pursuing as soon as your are eligible. This Certification is optional and it shows clients that you meet a minimal standard. Those without Certification may or may not meet those same standards, but the client often has no way of knowing...

2) Insurance - talk to several local agents to ask what they recommend and offer. Clients want at least liability to know that they are not out anything if you screw up. At least 1-2 million.
2a) Figure out if your are required by the state/county/city to meet any minimal coverages. For example, we do pestiside applications. The State Dept. of Agriculture requires an additional endorsement on the insurance policy for pesticide licensing. That really limits who offers the insurance I need. Without pesticide application, there are no legal requirements for liability insurance.
2b) Obviously you will need auto.
2c) Probably want something to cover fire/theft/vandalism of equipment and facilities.
2d) If you hire anybody, you will need worker's comp (probably legally required, a good idea if it is not law).

Enjoy!

 

[Quintano65]

Ok. Thanks, that gives me a few things to research.