Going into Business?

Looking at the possibility of going into business for myself. What considerations do I need to take into consideration for starting my own tree service?

 

Oh boy. This is going to be involved Jack. Adequate Insurance, experience, equipment, demand for services, overhead, etc. Safety. Safety. Safety. Are you thinking of doing all kinds of trees? Large, small? Close to wires, structures? How much of an investment/overhead do you think you will need for your business plan?

Tell us what you have, what you will need, what you are thinking of doing, etc., etc. Would you look into a small business loan? Sending yourself to some training? I don't know your experience. So bear with me.

 

I am considering everything and anything gassy. Less concerned about safety training as the information is online, but still something I'd like to have a cert for. Definitely looking at a business loan and will need to get specific equipment for this type of work, bucket truck or at least access to one may be invaluable. Insurance is a must. I would like to do 95% of jobs, but the top 5% may be deemed to risky for a start up.

I am working on getting my finger on the pulse of this market, not just diving in. Been thinking quietly about this for about 3 months.

 

I do have three people that can help as needed, so that is a blessing. Going to a meeting that may decide my future, wish me luck.

 

Prayers up.

I've been a self employed solo practitioner for 18 years. I used to love it but with all the changes in healthcare I'm really hating it. I took a part time job in the hospice industry recently, completely outside of my speciality, and could easily walk away from private practice.

Unfortunately there are no simple answers in the current economy and it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better. I don't even know how to advise my three children ages 21, 19, & 17 on how to prepare to survive in this economy.

 

Some annoying changes, but everyone's job are safe. For now. It would be dumb to just sit and wait to see what comes next.

 

Disability and life insurance

 

Thanks Dex. Going to talk to my brother about it over the weekend, he's the monkey of the family. His boss is a good guy, wood cutter that runs his own construction company. Might be able to find an interested partner there.

 

Main one would be to not fall out of the first tree you climb............................................LOL

 

Do you climb or have someone to hire that does? A tree service is about useless if they don't have a good climber. Or a bucket truck at least.

 

My brother just might fit the bill, Clem. Not experienced with climbing equipment, but has always been a monkey. That's why he has spent so much time as a roofer. We could make it work if we can line things up right, not ready to pull the trigger at this point, though.

 

I think that if I was younger, not that I'm old, but I think I'm late to it I would like to do tree work on the side.

There was a tree company run by an adjunct professor when I was in college. He employed students and another guy. I wish I had worked with him so I could of gotten experience, when I was in school. One of my friends worked for him and then went to work for Bartlette tree company. He was their guy to do all the really technical stuff. He was abused by them and never got what he deserved. Ended up falling off a rotted branch and hitting the tree when his line swung him into the tree. Company fired him saying. he was not following procedures. Its a long story but he was doing what he was told and was tied how he should: of been.

 

To be clear, I liked the first half of that post.

 

Culinary school maybe? You won't be left stuck up a tree!
If you employ anyone outside your family in a tree cutting business the cost of insurance and OSHA fines just might be so much you never see daylight. I would think you would get certified, then work FOR someone with a good reputation before you go out on your own. So much experience needed with things other than putting the chain to tree.

 

Jack I hope our replies haven't been too negative. I admire your desire to start your own business. If this is something you really want to do, find a way to make it happen.

 

Haha jack.

The guy is OK now no long-term damage. Was just rode hard by big corporation. He said every tree removal he ever did was a giant tree leaning. over a house no gravy jobs ever. Every tree was a technical nightmare. He said he figured it out after a while. They have sales people that bid jobs then crew s come cut it. Well his sales guy was bidding on the hardest jobs and everyone that other companies turned down once he realized that my buddy could do the work. I guess its like other commission jobs in that if he makes so much over cost he gets a decent bonus if they do job. So he was bidding uncompetitively on huge nightmare trees and put my buddies crew on them all. That guy was making tons of cash on his back as well as the company.

 

As said before. Talk to Scotty. I'm sure you have but maybe get his number and call him sometime when y'all both have some time to chat.