Need Advice !!!

[mextripper]

Hey Tree People,
I own a small tree service business in Westminster Colorado and need some help. I'm going into my 5th year and the business is growing like crazy, looks like it's time to expand. So far it's been just me and a few regular ground crew guys to help with swinging cuts and cleaning up. I'm thinking about hiring two full timers next season; big step involving lots of new variables. My biggest obstacles thus far are the following:
1.) whom to hire
2.) necessary insurance
3.) how much to expect to pay them.
I'm thinking a certified arborist first of all because I'm not. I stick to basic trimming jobs and take outs and that's done well for me up to now. I'm getting into bigger jobs and a few small commercial accounts, one requesting a certified arborist. I would like to become certified through ISA myself, but no time to deal with that yet. Also for a second person just a cutter / climber / rigger. I need ideas on what the going rate is so I can start working on a budget for next year, obviously including workmen's comp insurance and any other necessities. Any help / advice would be greatly appreciated.......
Thanks much,
Andrew

 

[treeseer]

for going salaries check the classifieds on tree care industry magazines.

"I would like to become certified through ISA myself, but no time to deal with that yet." I would find the time this winter; how can you sell tree care or judge the work of a cert arb if you have not had the training yourself?

http://www.isa-arbor.com/certification/tests.aspx

Albuquerque is not too far for you.

 

[PTS]

workmans comp

Do you 10-99 your other employees or do you just not carry workman's comp on them? That is scary if thats the case. One of the first things I did going into tree work was good insurance for the business and workman's comp for my employees. It sucks to pay because it is big money ($26 on every hundred I pay the guys) but in the event of an accident, I appreciate it. My understanding is if you 10-99 your employees and they don't carry their own insurance than you could still be responsible. I really should find out if that is true. Anyway, you will need to carry it if they are full time employees. One thing I am tossing around is making my a couple of my head full timers salary. This works out well for them, because of the dead of winter here they generally get laid off for a month or two, salary would drive them straight through. Plus rain days, I wouldn't feel so bad about keeping them in the shop working on stuff especially when I am paying them one way or another. The ones that I have discussed this with have mixed feelings.... No overtime but guaranteed money on the other hand. One week of all rain makes for no work. If I have stuff for them to do in the shop than they work but if it is all done than they don't so salary could guarantee the paycheck. Its a thought. As for the money goes, you got to pay them just enough to get them and not a cent more.... Why because they might suck and why pay more than you need to to find that out. I start them off small with big pay raises and they no that from the start. Then they have something to work for. Generally they work hard to achieve that.

 

[trimmmed]

My understanding is if you 10-99 your employees and they don't carry their own insurance than you could still be responsible. I really should find out if that is true.

It's true in NY.