Traveling contract climber

[prentice110]

Do you think a guy could wander around the country in a pickup with a climbin rig and pull enough contract work to not go hungry? Just quirious. Always wanted to see the great U.S. of A. and never had a chance. But the sawchips are in the d.n.a. and cant sit still for long.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I did for eight years, before I got married.

The trick is to get contacts so you have a referral behind you.

Who have you worked with who knows someone in another state? Go to trade shows to meet people, shamelessly promote yourself on the web...

 

[prentice110]

john, I dont know ya but your knowlage is golden. I just hate people . my dad was a df'ed jehovas witness who thought that keepn us away from the world was a good thing. turned out he made some pretty anti social weirdos. dont know what else to say right now. kinda stewin over love sit's. shes driven me nuts. Im ready to go anywhere but life crap demands i keep head kinda strait. Any one else?

 

[lacky]

Where in Illinois are you?

Chris

 

[JNGWC&Tree]

Business licenses may be an issue if you are "legit". Can't imagine trying to do taxes this way.

 

[prentice110]

Where in Illinois are you?

Chris

mchenry county 50 miles or so northwest of chicago

 

[Hddnis]

I knew a guy who did this. He was a little shady on the tax end of things, he got paid in cash only. We paid our share of the taxes and ran him through payroll, but I know others didn't. He was from Texas and had worked all over the south, NE and then the PNW. He declared he had found the best trees in the world and was there to stay. Last I heard he was doing ultra-high risk takedowns in Seattle. His name was John and he was one of the fastest and most careful climbers I've seen. He was a fanatic about safety.

He brought his own saws. A mix of Stihl and Husky and Echo. He used only his own ropes, even for rigging. We were paying $85.00 an hour and he worked for at least three other outfits in the Portland area. His work truck was an old Chevy hippie van with dirty carpet inside, even on the walls. We called it his shaggin' wagon.

While an overall decent character I can't be sure he is still working under the same name.


Mr. HE

 

[treemandan]

john, I dont know ya but your knowlage is golden. I just hate people . my dad was a df'ed jehovas witness who thought that keepn us away from the world was a good thing. turned out he made some pretty anti social weirdos. dont know what else to say right now. kinda stewin over love sit's. shes driven me nuts. Im ready to go anywhere but life crap demands i keep head kinda strait. Any one else?

Well, at least you told before you got the job

 

[treeslayer]

He's mad at me.

 

[TimberMcPherson]

Never to late to see more of your country, I think I would get a blackberry and email or call ahead to companies in the next town/city, most will have an email listed somewhere. Have a GOOD email cv with pics of you, your gear and jobs you have done.
Travel in something you can sleep in, maybe even get a cheap caravan. You could get some magnetic signwriting done. (good to be able to hide the fact your loaded up with expensive gear).

 

[treeslayer]

not running out of work are ya matt?

 

[prentice110]

who do i quote first?

not running out of work are ya matt?

Ive had 4 days off since I got back from Boston on September 3rd. only reason for 2 days was I was so sick I couldnt move , still am. Other was too hungover on a bender cuz i was sick of puttin in 70hr weeks. Im on a clearing that will not end. no matter what , sumtin breaks or someone aint showin up. A week over due and the developer wants to kill me. Almost 8 acre clear cut. Hopefully will be done b4 the fall rain. stump grinder will be fixed by tues, soi can finish up.

 

[prentice110]

Well, at least you told before you got the job

Please explain , I dont understand your reply.