Question with straight commision is, do you get to do all of the bids?
1 good Salesman can keep 10 guys and 3 trucks working everyday, and grind all the stumps, doing only residential. 10% of 10 men and 3 trucks is quite a good income. But is your company that big? If not you could be stuck in the $100 or less range per day. Who could live on that? It's fun to love your job, but a good salesman can make a lot of money. Sounds to me like you need to do some serious salesmanship on that boss of yours. A salesman basically solves problems or gives solutions. It's not like you are knocking on doors (I hope). A tree salesman doesn't have to be a good talker, or negotiator. He just needs to know the work end of the business and what the boss expects to make off that work.
I may be talking out my behind here, because if I needed to hire a salesman to replace myself, I would pay him well simply because I would want a good one, and I would want him to stay.
I guess what I am saying is get your closing % up to near 98% then sell the boss on a better pay arrangement.
Sales is fun!!