TCIA Podcast

En el segundo episodio en español del podcast de TCIA, hablamos con el estimado Mauricio Gonzalez Muñoz tambien conocido como Mao Ropelombia, arborista, trabajador del cuidado de los árboles y escalador de competencia colombiano. Como Director de Formación e Instructor de arboricultura de la Escuela de Poda en Altura de La Casa del Arborista, y el único Embajador de habla hispana de Notch Equipment, tiene una perspectiva diversa, especial y mundial. Challenges and Accomplishments in Latin American Arboriculture with Mauricio Gonzalez Muñoz In the second Spanish-language episode of the TCIA podcast, we speak with the esteemed Mauricio Gonzalez Muñoz a.k.a Mao Ropelombia, a Colombian arborist, tree care worker, and competitive climber. As Director of Training and Arboriculture Instructor at La Casa del Arborista's High Pruning School, and Notch Equipment's only Spanish-speaking Ambassador, he has a diverse, special, and global perspective.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk with one of our past Marketing Excellence Award winners, Jeff Wilson, about how Ronin got started at TCI EXPO and the importance of tradeshows in their marketing plan. Jeff is highly experienced with CPG, Retail, Semiconductor, Veterinary Hospital, and Product marketing communications. In addition to generating outstanding creativity, Jeff has deep expertise in business planning and analysis, new product or service development, team development, sales performance management, brand analysis, and future forecasting. Jeff co-founded Deulofew Wilson Advertising, a specialty 4-A agency that provided marketing communication solutions to market challenges for multi-unit, small to mid-sized businesses. Deulofew Wilson was acquired by DDB Worldwide Group, where Jeff held senior creative and management positions. He developed integrated MarCom programs for accounts, including Weight Watchers, Michelin Tires, Olympus Camera, Tandy Corp, Sears, Computer City, IKEA, and The Incredible Universe. To learn more and to get involved with the TCIAF, please visit them at tcia.org. To learn more and to register for EAW, visit us at eaw.tcia.org.

On this episode of the podcast Jill Golden, Project Manager, Corporate Communications at The Davey Tree Expert Company, joins us to talk about Davey’s podcast and ongoing video series that led to them being selected as a winner of 2022 Marketing Excellence Awards. Jill Golden is a project manager in corporate communications for The Davey Tree Expert Company, an employee-owned corporation that provides tree, utility, lawn care and environmental consulting services in the green industry throughout the United States and Canada. Golden is a graduate of Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, and holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She resides in Cleveland, Ohio, and can be reached at jill.golden@davey.com. To learn more and to get involved with the TCIAF, please visit them at tcia.org. To learn more and to register for EAW, visit us at eaw.tcia.org.

On this episode of the podcast Eric Petersen, President of Arborisk, joins us to talk about risk management, insurance, and what it means for your tree care business. After graduating with a Forestry degree from Univ. Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2003 and working as an arborist for a parks department, Eric joined his family’s insurance agency and began helping tree care companies grow and properly protect themselves. Seeing a need for a more specialized approach for the tree care industry, Eric and his team created the ArboRisk program around two basic principles: 1. To help every arborist get home safe each night. 2. To help tree care companies grow and professionalize. Eric is a past president and recent recipient of the Wisconsin Arborist Association’s Honorary Life Membership Award as well as a member of TCIA, ISA and multiple ISA chapters. Check out the IndusTREE podcast here. To learn more and to get involved with the TCIAF, please visit them at tcia.org. To learn more and to register for EAW, visit us at eaw.tcia.org.

In this episode, we are joined by Korey Conry to talk about his experience as a trainer. Korey Conry is a Field Safety Supervisor/Trainer at Mountain F Enterprises and has been in the tree industry for over four years. He found his home in the safety and training department onboarding helping develop the safety culture with new hires. He is a certified arborist and qualified TRAQ through the ISA, California Flagger instructor, CPR/First Aid instructor, TCIA instructor, and OSHA Authorized Trainer. Korey has since November 2020 has been an instructor of a 5-week utility line clearance arborist class through Butte College. Korey has worked in wildland firefighting, as an emergency room technician, and has a love for the outdoors. When he is not working, you can find him sitting under a Blue Oak in Northern California turkey hunting or watching Star Wars/Harry Potter with his family on movie night To learn more and to get involved with the TCIAF, please visit them at tcia.org. To learn more and to register for EAW, visit us at eaw.tcia.org.

In this episode, we are joined by Katie Petrikas and Virginia Gregoire and talk about their involvement in TCIA's education space. Katie has been with TCIA for four years. She has worked in a variety of roles over that time, including member experience, where she developed a deep understanding of member needs and how to meet them. Katie leverages this knowledge to develop courses specifically tailored to the needs of the industry. Katie's educational background in graphic design and user experience and interface design allows her to create engaging and interactive materials that facilitate effective learning. Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and their son, going for walks in the woods, and caring for her small forest of house plants. Currently, Virginia serves as the director of curriculum and course design at TCIA, where she leads a team of instructional developers and subject matter experts in developing and implementing programs that meet the evolving needs of students and employers. Virginia utilizes her expertise in the development of competency-based training programs and adult learning theory to offer a blended approach to employee development, combining online learning and on the job skills training. Her passion for education and commitment to excellence make her a highly respected leader in the field of curriculum and course design. Most recently, she was the chief architect in designing a custom learning platform infrastructure which has modernized the educational landscape for the tree care industry. To learn more and to get involved with the TCIAF, please visit them at tcia.org. To learn more and to register for EAW, visit us at eaw.tcia.org.

In this episode, we celebrate Women in Tree Care Month with Amy Tetreault and talk about her new role as Executive Vice President of TCIA. The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) is a trade association of 2,300 tree care firms and affiliated companies worldwide on a mission to advance tree care businesses by developing standards of tree care practice, safety programs, and continuing education that promotes the safe and appropriate practice of tree care. In this newly formed role, Amy is responsible for helping TCIA teams translate strategy into actionable steps for growth, as well as implementing organization-wide goal setting, company operations, and employee productivity. She has served in roles of increasing responsibility and authority within the corporate engagement, development, and marketing teams. During her tenure at TCIA, Tetreault also helped launch the Women in Tree Care initiative (now headed up by TCIA’s own Erin Demers). To learn more and to get involved with the TCIAF, please visit them at tcia.org. To learn more and to register for EAW, visit us at eaw.tcia.org.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Kristoffer Rasmussen, CTSP, QCL, Manager of Urban Forestry for the City of Dallas, to discuss the benefits the blended learning model of education that TCIA is utilizing.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Bill Hickman, Training Director of Heartwood Tree Service, to discuss the benefits of becoming an arborist apprentice. About Heartwood: For over 40 years, Heartwood Tree has cared for the trees of the Charlotte area and have expanded our services to Asheville as well as the Lake Norman area. As the first tree service company in North Carolina to be accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association, we have grown our business by practicing the science and standards of keeping trees healthy, and performing services safely. Heartwood views their Purpose as “Empowering people as tree stewards.” They empower them by creating emotional connections through people to trees. This is an experience and a service they provide to their employees, clients, and community. Their passion is the driving force to our relationships with each other and their surroundings.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Elizabeth Schulte, VP of Marketing at PlanIT Geo, to discuss how to enter the tree care industry with a love of technology. Elizabeth is the VP of Marketing, PlanIT Geo developers of TreePlotter Software. She is an experienced marketing, communications, and branding professional with a demonstrated history of working in the urban forestry and tree care industry. Elizabeth is also skilled in project management, urban forest management, arboriculture, communications, budget, inbound marketing, technical writing, education, and outreach related to the industry. Additionally, she has a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) focused on Urban Forestry from Western Illinois University and an Associate of Science Degree in Arboriculture. About PlanIT Geo: PlanIT Geo™ is a global urban forestry consulting and software development company. They are a passionate bunch of tree and technology nerds committed to expanding their client’s ability to map, manage, and protect green assets. Since 2012, their ISA Certified Arborists, GIS professionals, planners, and software developers have led hundreds of projects, including urban tree canopy assessments, field-based tree inventories, strategic urban forest management, and master plan development. Their TreePlotter™ software is often integrated with their consulting services and used by urban foresters, arborists, park managers, and tree care companies worldwide.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Jeff Kish, Assistant Division Manager at Bartlett Tree Experts, to discuss what kind of person is perfect for the tree care industry. About Jeff Jeffrey Kish is a true lover of trees and plants. An employee of Bartlett Tree Experts since 1988 and is currently Assistant Division Manager that works directly with 13 local offices in North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Jeff is resident of Raleigh, NC. A passionate arborist, he enjoys all types of gardening and spends most of his spare time in his personal garden and landscape. A Board-Certified Master Arborist since 2007, TRAQ, CTSP and graduate of the ASCA academy, he takes pride in the professional credentials offered in the Tree Care Industry. Jeff received his Bachelors of Science from Virginia Tech University. He is past board member of Tree Across Raleigh and is the current Board Chair of the North Carolina Urban Forestry Council. Married with 3 beautiful children and most importantly enjoys spreading the good word about benefits of trees. About Bartlett Tree Experts Bartlett Tree Experts is a 100+-year-old tree and shrub care company with over 125 offices in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Ireland. Built on family values and the pursuit of scientific tree care, they are proud of the quality of their work, level of service, award-winning safety record, and, most of all, their people. With services including pruning, fertilization, insect and disease management, cabling and bracing, and removal, they strive to keep trees healthy and beautiful. They believe every tree deserves a champion and are always looking for new champions to join their team.

En este episodio del TCIA Podcast, nos acompañan Daniel Aburto de Bartlett Tree Experts y Robin Kennedy de TCIA para hablar sobre la importancia de la educación. Daniel Aburto ha trabajado en la industria verde desde 2005. Ha trabajado en Bartlett como Groundsman/Operador de suelo por 2 años, Climber/Trepador por 2 años, Foreman/Jefe de cuadrilla por 3 años, PHC Specialist por 6 años y durante estos mismos 6 años fue miembro del Comité de seguridad de la oficina de Raleigh NC. Actualmente trabaja como coordinador de seguridad, reclutamiento y capacitacion de Bartlett en Mexico ya 5 años ahora, Conductor LCC (CDL), con licencia de Aplicación de pesticida de Carolina del Norte, con certificacion de Arbolista, Tree Worker, CTSP, QCL, OSHA 10 y 30 hrs. Su inspiración y motivo para salir adelante y buscar oportunidades y aprovecharlas es su familia: su madre, su esposa y sus hijas. On this episode of the TCIA Podcast, we are joined by Daniel Aburto of Bartlett Tree Experts, and Robin Kennedy of TCIA, to discuss the importance of education. TCIA is making this episode exclusively in Spanish to celebrate Spanish heritage month. Daniel Aburto has worked in the tree care industry since 2005. He has worked with Bartlett as a Groundsman for 2 years, Climber for 2 years, Crew Leader for 3 years, and PHC Specialist for 6 years. During those same years, he was a member of the Security Committee in the Raleigh, NC office. He has been working as Safety, Recruiting and Training Coordinator for Bartlett in Mexico for the last 5 years. He is a certified CDL Driver, licensed in North Carolina for Pesticide Application, Certified Arborist, Tree Worker, CTSP, QCL, OSHA 10 and 30 hrs. His inspiration and reason for striving and seeking opportunities and taking advantage of them are his family: his mother, his wife and his daughters.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Kieran Hunt, Stephen Hilbert, and Geoff Kempter of Asplundh, to discuss utility arboriculture. Asplundh is an international, family-owned company that has specialized in safe, efficient and cost-effective vegetation management since 1928. As a full-service utility contractor, Asplundh performs scheduled and emergency tree pruning and removals, right-of-way clearing and maintenance, and integrated vegetation management with herbicides. Company employees are encouraged to take advantage of ongoing training, which includes a rigorous best-in-industry curriculum on safety, arboriculture and herbicide application. In addition to vegetation management, Asplundh has a division of infrastructure service companies, Asplundh Infrastructure Group, which provides design, construction, maintenance and other engineering services to utilities, municipalities, government agencies, departments of transportation, telecommunication companies and developers. Asplundh employs more than 34,000 service professionals throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Rollin Heassler and ShayLynn Ager to discuss what you should look for when applying for a tree care industry job. Rollin Heassler has been the Human Resources Director at Rainbow Companies since August 2021. He brings more than 20 years of human resources experience to the position, with the bulk of his career in the US Army. While new to the tree care industry, Rollin has long appreciated the preservation of our natural resources and beauty and enjoys working daily with green industry heroes. Above all, Rollin enjoys spending time with his family – including his wife Aicha and six children – and taking advantage of the seasons and activities available in the Minnesota metro and surrounding areas. Rainbow Tree Company was founded in 1976 with a vision to preserve the historic American elm trees in Minnesota. They have evolved into a multi-faceted company dedicated to serving clients around the world, transforming the way ecosystems are maintained. They lead with innovation and achieve predictable results through science-based practices, research, and training. They are a fast growing, team that provides innovative solutions in the green industry through Tree Care, Lawn Care, Pest Control, Vegetation Management, Research and Development, and so much more.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Ben Reince of Wachtel Tree Science to discuss how to get started in Plant Health Care. Ben Reince has spent his career in Wisconsin. Growing up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, going to school and earning a degree in Urban Forestry at UW-Stevens Point, then moving to Southeastern Wisconsin to start his career at Wachtel Tree Science. Ben has spent 19 years with Wachtel Tree Science, starting in production, becoming a Certified Arborist and a Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP), and is now one of the Owners of Wachtel Tree Science, allowing Ben to see all facets of a commercial tree care company, especially with Wachtel Tree Science a company that does it all in the world of tree care. Wachtel Tree Science has been keeping trees healthy and beautiful with the highest quality care since 1935 throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Their commitment has always been to provide outstanding service to their clients and focus 100% on the safety of their employees. They utilize the most advanced technology and best practices which provide trees and shrubs with the highest level of care.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Nathan Morrison of ArborScapes to discuss owning and running a tree care business and what it takes to get it started. Arborscapes is the trusted name in professional landscape design and tree services in the Charlotte-metro and surrounding areas. Our ISA certified arborists, licensed horticulturists and landscape designer let our customers bring outdoor living dreams to life with confidence. Arborscapes is committed to customer satisfaction and brings over 20 years of knowledge and expertise to enhance the safety, functionality and enjoyment of outdoor spaces to every project - big or small. Charlotte-area homeowners, landscape designers and builders know that they can depend on Arborscapes to professionally execute every outdoor enhancement the right way, on schedule and within budget. Our professionalism extends beyond our expertise as horticulturalists, arborists and landscape designers to the integrity of our crews.

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Doug Cowles, President/CEO of HMI, to discuss storm work and what it takes to do it. Doug has been HMI’s President/CEO since 2004 and has been responsible for establishing the company’s information systems, business development, and fulfillment strategies. In his role, he has also been directly involved in the assignment, review, and estimating of thousands of claims involving damaged plant material. Before joining HMI, he held executive-level positions in various industry sectors, including financial services, manufacturing, and emerging technology. His previous roles developed the strategic planning, critical thinking, and leadership skills that have enabled his success at HMI. He graduated from Purdue University where he received a B.S. in Agricultural Economics. Learn more about TCI EXPO by visiting us at EXPO.TCIA.ORG

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Peter Gerstenberger, Senior Vice President of Industry Support at TCIA, to discuss how he came to join TCIA, his work on TCI EXPO, and much more. Learn more about TCI EXPO by visiting us at EXPO.TCIA.ORG

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Jeff Blackman, Program Manager of Eyedent Insurance Services LLC., to discuss the benefits insurance brings to a tree care company. ArborMAX is the only insurance company endorsed by TCIA. The advice in this podcast is applicable to all tree care companies looking at any insurance provider. To learn more about ArborMAX visit them here.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by August Hoppe, President of Hoppe Tree Service, to discuss the benefits to workforce development and retention that an apprenticeship program can bring. August is a 3rd generation arborist and President of Hoppe Tree Service. A 21 year TCIA member company working out of the Milwaukee area. He is a past President of the Wisconsin Arborist Association, currently Senior Director of the TCIA, and the Co-Chair of the WI Arborist Apprenticeship Advisory Committee. He lives and breathes Apprenticeship. When he is not working he loves to bike, kayak, or do just about anything outdoors.