Should I learn with a large or small tree co?

juniorgilman · 3rd August 2007, 09:50 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

Ekka · 3rd August 2007, 01:08 PM

People still advertise topping in the Yellow Pages?

Smaller is better I think

a_lopa · 3rd August 2007, 02:21 PM

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 · 4th August 2007, 11:29 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 · 4th August 2007, 06:02 PM

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

3rd August 2007, 09:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
juniorgilman Sappling Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maidens, VA Posts: 38	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

3rd August 2007, 01:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 6,606	People still advertise topping in the Yellow Pages? Smaller is better I think __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

3rd August 2007, 02:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
a_lopa Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Drouin Posts: 865	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. __________________ Free Tree Industry Link Directory Drouin tree lopping, land clearing and stump removals

4th August 2007, 06:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
JohN Dee Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 729	How long has their company been in service, how many years xp does the climber have, any referrals... etc etc... __________________ Climber with slow climbing speed, must make up with mighty chainsaw roar. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Red : Green : Blue

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