Should I start a business????

[swyman]

Doing some more research and asking more questions that you guys have brought to my attention.. I asked my mentor if he ever used a climber as all of you have informed me about. This is one thing he has never mentioned during any of our conversations and the answer was yes. There is a fellow in Toledo that he would call when he needed a climber and would use him on a regular basis. SO in asking more questions and research I found out that a freind of mines brother is a climber and does a little tree work and has been doing it for 15 years (just moved here from Florida) so I will be paying him a visit and see if I can do some jobs with him and see if he can help me. Only problem is he is a major pothead and only wants to do enough work to get by (has no family to support) so I hope he would be someone I can count on? I know this thread has been all over the place and I have been quick tempered but the more you guys have responded the more I am learning. I know the importance of pruning trees from growing up on my grandpa's farm. We had 50 acres of apple trees and went to many classes on proper tree care at Michigan State Universtity and no that does NOT qualify me to try to trim trees which is why I would like taking horticulture classes. Maybe I could also be a ground man part time for a local established tree service to give me some more experience. I have also found a partner to which I can fully trust that was layed off last summer and worked for a climber. I am still a little spearm swimming around but I believe I will evetually find an egg and start to grow. This has been a very helpful thread to me. I found a local arborist supply store today that I never knew was there and found all kinds of cool stuff! I think I am going to get some gear and go back to grandma's woods and just climb trees. Anyone live around Toledo and want to climb some trees? Ariel Arborist, I feel your pain but these guys are not that bad, I was pissed to but they are right, respect must be earned. They told me everything I didn't want to hear and it pissed me off but after reading back through, they all have their points. I guess it's better to be brutally honest than tell some newbie that starting a tree service is so easy a caveman could do it! I have a lot to learn and am looking forward to the challenges! Still open for sharing some coldies (Miller Lite, rifled barrells)

 

[tree md]

Good post. FWIW, everyone told me I would not make it in the beginning either. Watch who you hang with... Not saying you can't learn from the druggie that has been there but watch them. Choose your mentors wisely. If you've got money, time and desire you can accomplish a lot. Just remember there is no such thing as a free lunch... If your in it for quick money that is exactly what you'll get... Quick money and maybe run out of town on a rail. Learn the right way and always standy by you job and your word.

Wrots of wruck wrelroy...

 

[jefflovstrom]

Doing some more research and asking more questions that you guys have brought to my attention.. I asked my mentor if he ever used a climber as all of you have informed me about. This is one thing he has never mentioned during any of our conversations and the answer was yes. There is a fellow in Toledo that he would call when he needed a climber and would use him on a regular basis. SO in asking more questions and research I found out that a freind of mines brother is a climber and does a little tree work and has been doing it for 15 years (just moved here from Florida) so I will be paying him a visit and see if I can do some jobs with him and see if he can help me. Only problem is he is a major pothead and only wants to do enough work to get by (has no family to support) so I hope he would be someone I can count on? I know this thread has been all over the place and I have been quick tempered but the more you guys have responded the more I am learning. I know the importance of pruning trees from growing up on my grandpa's farm. We had 50 acres of apple trees and went to many classes on proper tree care at Michigan State Universtity and no that does NOT qualify me to try to trim trees which is why I would like taking horticulture classes. Maybe I could also be a ground man part time for a local established tree service to give me some more experience. I have also found a partner to which I can fully trust that was layed off last summer and worked for a climber. I am still a little spearm swimming around but I believe I will evetually find an egg and start to grow. This has been a very helpful thread to me. I found a local arborist supply store today that I never knew was there and found all kinds of cool stuff! I think I am going to get some gear and go back to grandma's woods and just climb trees. Anyone live around Toledo and want to climb some trees? Ariel Arborist, I feel your pain but these guys are not that bad, I was pissed to but they are right, respect must be earned. They told me everything I didn't want to hear and it pissed me off but after reading back through, they all have their points. I guess it's better to be brutally honest than tell some newbie that starting a tree service is so easy a caveman could do it! I have a lot to learn and am looking forward to the challenges! Still open for sharing some coldies (Miller Lite, rifled barrells)

That was a good post. Good question. TV is in Ohio, and Dave probably could be. Thanks for saying we are not that bad. I mean, we are, but thanks.
Jeff

 

[treeslayer]

You walk in a bar you've never been in before and before you even get a drink one of the regulars slaps you in the face. What would you do?

I'm not talking blindly, I've been attacked by a guy I don't know and for no reason. If there's an @ss here it isn't me. If that's how the "regulars" are on this forum then I'm in the wrong place.

And I'll ask again, why the hell is someone who's not a climber criticizing someone who is? He's the one that should watch his mouth.

When I walk in a bar for the first time, I keep my mouth shut, until I figure out who's who and what's what.
you weren't blindly hit, you walked in asking for it. c'mon, bro you posted vid's of mediocre work, suggested we could learn from it, and a pic wearing spikes in a live tree. This is the forum for EXPERIENCED climbers, you will pay for every little offensive remark you make, whether you find it offensive or not.
You seem to be a decent climber, don't run off, pay the dues and fit in. I had to do it. I got roasted years ago, too, but have learned a lot here and continue to grow. A bunch of us have been here since the beginning, almost 8 years for me. Hell I make a living travelling off this site. 12 states in 8 years, 19 hurricanes and numerous ice storms. I've met a LOT of climbers, many in bars after working, and for the most part decent guys. gotta watch the mouth though, we do a hard job and become a hard man.....

And stop picking on my beech jeffy, he's sensitive.:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[pdqdl]

... I don't know how to put it here, but it is Post #130 near the bottom...

right mouse click on the "post number" in the upper right corner of each post. You should get a pop-up diaolog; choose "copy link".

Paste anywhere you want after that.

 

[jefflovstrom]

right mouse click on the "post number" in the upper right corner of each post. You should get a pop-up diaolog; choose "copy link".

Paste anywhere you want after that.

Guess I should spend more time in the office!
Jeff

 

[HLC03]

:

I am biting my tongue!!!
Jeff

Dude, no need to bite your tounge. I can take it. I was just wondering what some guys pay the professional climbers, ground guys, and rookie climbers (guys with under 5 years experience) on the East Coast. I really would appreciate the feedback. I am in a similar situation as the OP minus the bobcat. I have run a small lawn care/maintenance business and have been in the business for 7 years on my own with the help of 1 to 2 employees during the season. I have 10 years experience in lawn care total. I realize that means NOTHING in regards to TREE WORK. I have between 95-105 lawn maintenance customers. And every year I get asked about 50x a season if I do tree work by different customers and prospective customers. I am sure I am losing $ by not being able to provide tree services. This year I started doing some small, easy tree jobs. Hell my biggest saw is a 40cc echo. I'm sure I will hear it for that. My one employee took some classes on climbing and he was my climber this past season. But, this season I wanted to hire a REAL CLIMBER with experience to LEARN from, I don't have the luxury of being able to go work as an apprentice, because I have a biz to run. I've been reading up and buying gear. I REALLY respect your opinions. I'm sure you guys will probably flame the hell out of me, but I guess that comes with the territory. I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes or piss anyone off. I just want to learn.

Thanks for any info or opinions in advance guys I do appreciate it,
Adam

 

[the Aerialist]

Fight Club! I'm in ...

My skin is pretty thick, and those who test it mean well. We all do. Here is what I mean in a way. You deny saying we could learn from you. OK, the phrase was, " a red oak removal vid that you said could be "instructional"... I think you should stay, but that's up to you.
Jeff

The comment you quoted was my response to the poster right above who claimed it was "obvious" that because I was "descending" with my spikes on that the tree was a not a removal, so he then accused me of being a "spike-trimmer"

In my defense of that obvious professional slur I posted a photo showing the damage to the trunk of the tree (and another that came down that day), then I posted a link to the series of photos of the take down proving my innocence to anyone who followed the link. (do you guys do that?)

If that wasn't enough, I the posted a video of Oak Tree Care (not removal) that records me clearly stating my position with regards to using spikes on a tree I was caring for (as opposed to killing). I did label this "instructual", but I meant this as to my position about using my gaffs for climbing a tree for trimming as opposed to removal. So Mea Culpa Jeff, my apologies for the misunderstanding.

And Swyman has come back! Well now that is a thick skin he has grown. For the most part I agreed with most, if not all, of the member's advice for him, but not so much the delivery. You guys are a tough crowd here.

But I've taken the night off to chill out (something very easy to do here in the 'burgh lately) and took the time to read over more of your guys work (and it is a piece of work) and now I think I get it. This is like the Fight Club of tree worker sites!

And I have never backed out of a fight once the first blow was thrown, so I'm in guys, you'll have to carry me out on my shield now to get rid of me! :bang:oke:

~ Doug

 

[ropensaddle]

So what's up guys and why was I recruited someone needin the onesy twosy

 

[the Aerialist]

Honest, it was self defense...

... you walked in asking for it. c'mon, bro you posted vid's of mediocre work, suggested we could learn from it, and a pic wearing spikes in a live tree. This is the forum for EXPERIENCED climbers, you will pay for every little offensive remark you make, whether you find it offensive or not...

Please see my response to Jeff above. You did't follow the links did you? Here they are again, they rather prove my innocence if you really care.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Aerial.Arborist.Service/ThreeBigOaks#

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnAWiu3-FWw

... You seem to be a decent climber, don't run off, pay the dues and fit in... And stop picking on my beech jeffy, he's sensitive.

Wait there's dues here? Sorry but I've paid mine. I guess you missed my post about breaking 12 bones in the last year. Maybe you should follow the advice you gave about checking things out before you shoot your mouth off?

I'll be your beech, but first I'll cut your penis off, OK?

 

[ropensaddle]

Start a business hell yeah I think 27 years of tree work gots me thinking nuclear physicist is more in line so I am off to start a new business

 

[pdqdl]

...Paid mine. I guess you missed my post about breaking 12 bones in the last year. ...

Myself, I'd like to hear about that a little more.

Doing what you do for a living while recovering from a car wreck is admirable, but necessary. Doing the same while recovering from a serious tree-work related incident gets a little more respect.

Continuing to work in trees while continuing to break yourself up in many smaller, work related accidents gets no respect; it invites some introspection into career choice.

 

[the Aerialist]

I don't get no respect ...

Myself, I'd like to hear about that a little more...

Well 11 of the broken bones came all at one time on Nov 8th of 2009. I don't deserve much respect for that one 'cause I was riding my 1200cc motorcycle with my wife on the back and she broke her ankle too.

I was life flighted by helicopter ($10,488.00) and spent four days in the trauma ward with a crushed chest and 3 more in a room on the same floor trying to get released. Once they took the morphine pump and spinal block off me I wanted outa there.

The 12th broken bone was a fracture of the L1 vertebra in my back. It was far more painful, (because I wasn't knocked out) and happened in June of this year. A work related fall, but not out of a tree. First lost time tree work related injury in four decades, so you couldn't call it habitual.

That I can still climb at all after that, regardless of my age, is somewhat miraculous. So when you watched me inch my way painfully slowly up the big Pine I was just doing my rehab exercise. Overhead pulling is very painful for the broken shoulders.

 

[the Aerialist]

Hired Gun Huh?

So what's up guys and why was I recruited someone needin the onesy twosy

I know Clint and you ain't no Dirty Harry, maybe Dirty Dingus McGee though... and Huskys ain't #### compared to a Stihl.

:chainsawguy:

My name's Doug and I'm pleased to meet you.

 

[pdqdl]

I don't know about miraculous. I have read a lot of war stories in the arboricultural injuries forum. There are quite a few tough old birds in this business.

I think it is a trait of the industry. We must have a willingness to take risks, and putting up the consequences of risky behavior generally involves tolerating the discomfort of injuries.


BTW: I was looking at your videos, and you have the most beautiful barber chair video I have ever seen. That is a classic, and should be posted as a sticky in arborist 101.

Check out the post I will put there on "Barber chair theory", I have some new ideas on that topic, having seen your video.

 

[the Aerialist]

This here ain't no Rocket Science ...

Start a business hell yeah I think 27 years of tree work gots me thinking nuclear physicist is more in line so I am off to start a new business

My major in college was Aerospace Technology, that's how I got into tree work.

 

[ropensaddle]

I know Clint and you ain't no Dirty Harry, maybe Dirty Dingus McGee though... and Huskys ain't #### compared to a Stihl.

:chainsawguy:

My name's Doug and I'm pleased to meet you.

A husky is a fine instrument of wood devastation. Stihl is a gadget full of defective parts including flippy caps and inferior air filtration. No I ain't Clint, I'm rope and dirty harry is after Clints real works.

 

[ropensaddle]

My major in college was Aerospace Technology, that's how I got into tree work.

Neil is that you:monkey:

 

[the Aerialist]

Barber Pole

I don't know about miraculous....

What was miraculous about the bike wreck was that it didn't kill me. The helicopter ride saved my life, I was bleeding out internally with a lacerated spleen.

I was looking at your videos, and you have the most beautiful barber chair video I have ever seen. That is a classic, and should be posted as a sticky in arborist 101.

Check out the post I will put there on "Barber chair theory", I have some new ideas on that topic, having seen your video.

You mean this one?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWMOM3tEkvs

You can download the video if you like, just change the names to protect the guilty. That barber chair was a result of my leaving a piece at the back for "more control" by using plunge cuts. It snapped off before I could complete the cut. I thought I whacked it off pretty quick though, I hoped no one would notice.

 

[pdqdl]

..., I was bleeding out internally with a lacerated spleen.

...

I have a former employee climber that nearly died when a falling branch ruptured his spleen.

Yes. He came down out of the tree with the branch when the trunk broke. He was working for a hack on a cash-only basis, so he was on his own for the massive medical bills.

Just a reminder to the guys considering opening a business, the title of this thread...