Should I learn with a large or small tree co?

juniorgilman · 4th August 2007, 03:50 AM

I have a question for you experienced guys. I know that your advice for starting out in the business is to get some experience with a good company before going out on my own. My question is whether I should go with a smaller company that many only have one or two crews or a larger multi-state operation? A larger co. may not let me climb as soon as a smaller operation would. I am already doing some climbing on my own. What do you guys think? Who is capable of getting me up to speed quicker? I am a quick learner, and just want to get some experience under my belt. I called an insurance company the other day and before I can get ins. he told me that they like to have 2yrs experience before insuring a tree care business. I went through the yellow pages last night and crossed out all the companies that listed topping as one of their services. I have talked to a larger company that said they don't hire part time. I do have a full time job that pays the bills. I will most likely have to start out on the ground, but $9/hr isn't going to cut it with a wife and kid. I am sitting behind a desk most of the day and want to be outside. A career change will be tough when starting pay is usually lower than what I am used to.

Matt

Eric Frei · 4th August 2007, 07:08 AM

People still advertise topping in the Yellow Pages?

Smaller is better I think

Drouin Tree Service · 4th August 2007, 08:21 AM

Both,having been at companys from 2-3 employees to 200+ its good to know both IMO,bigger companys expose you to alot of equipment quickly and diffrent work methods.

juniorgilman · 5th August 2007, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

People still advertise topping in the Yellow Pages?

Smaller is better I think

About a third of them do, I was surprised.

Are there any questions that I should make sure that I ask?

JohN Dee · 5th August 2007, 12:02 PM

How long has their company been in service, how many years xp does the climber have, any referrals... etc etc...

4th August 2007, 03:50 AM	#1
juniorgilman Sappling Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maidens, VA Posts: 37	Should I learn with a large or small tree co? I have a question for you experienced guys. I know that your advice for starting out in the business is to get some experience with a good company before going out on my own. My question is whether I should go with a smaller company that many only have one or two crews or a larger multi-state operation? A larger co. may not let me climb as soon as a smaller operation would. I am already doing some climbing on my own. What do you guys think? Who is capable of getting me up to speed quicker? I am a quick learner, and just want to get some experience under my belt. I called an insurance company the other day and before I can get ins. he told me that they like to have 2yrs experience before insuring a tree care business. I went through the yellow pages last night and crossed out all the companies that listed topping as one of their services. I have talked to a larger company that said they don't hire part time. I do have a full time job that pays the bills. I will most likely have to start out on the ground, but $9/hr isn't going to cut it with a wife and kid. I am sitting behind a desk most of the day and want to be outside. A career change will be tough when starting pay is usually lower than what I am used to. Matt __________________ Husky 385xp Husky 334t

4th August 2007, 07:08 AM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,995	People still advertise topping in the Yellow Pages? Smaller is better I think __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

4th August 2007, 08:21 AM	#3
Drouin Tree Service Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,728	Both,having been at companys from 2-3 employees to 200+ its good to know both IMO,bigger companys expose you to alot of equipment quickly and diffrent work methods. __________________ Drouin Tree Services \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland \| Landclearing Melbourne

5th August 2007, 12:02 PM	#5
JohN Dee Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Climbing around the world Posts: 848	How long has their company been in service, how many years xp does the climber have, any referrals... etc etc... __________________ We are what we repeatedly do... Excellence then, is not an act, but HABIT... Red : Green : Blue

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