In this episode, Dwayne, Tony, and Brian discuss their first experiences and memories of feeling a connection to trees. Brian shares his childhood memories of climbing trees in his mom's and grandparents' backyards. They also discuss the importance of tree identification and how it can be a secret art. Brian talks about his journey into the tree care industry, starting with working for a Parks district and eventually starting his own business. Tony shares his perspective on the decision to be a business owner or a tree worker. The conversation explores the evolution of climbing systems and the impact of tree work on personal and family life. Brian shares his experience with different climbing systems and the restrictions and options available to Bartlett climbers. The conversation also touches on the big companies in the industry and the process of approving new gear and equipment. The conversation explores the process of bringing new ideas and innovations into the tree care industry. It discusses how climbers within an organization can propose new configurations or deviations from the norm and how these ideas are evaluated and implemented. The conversation also touches on the importance of relationships, empathy, and self-awareness in leadership, as well as the challenges of managing dissenters and maintaining a balance between innovation and safety.

Takeaways

• Childhood experiences with trees can create a lasting connection and love for them.
• Tree identification is an important skill for arborists and tree enthusiasts.
• The decision to start a business in the tree care industry depends on personal circumstances and goals.
• Being a business owner in the tree care industry requires balancing tree work and business management. The evolution of climbing systems in the tree care industry has led to the development of various options and configurations.
• Tree work can have a significant impact on personal and family life, with children often showing interest in the industry.
• Bartlett and other companies have protocols and restrictions in place to ensure the safety and consistency of climbing gear used by their employees.
• The process of approving new gear involves collaboration and discussion among regional safety managers and a voting committee.
• The big three companies in the industry are often considered to be Davey, Bartlett, and Asplund. The process of bringing new ideas and innovations into the tree care industry involves climbers proposing deviations from the norm and having them evaluated and implemented.
• Safety coordinators and managers play a crucial role in relaying innovative ideas from climbers to higher levels of the organization for evaluation.
• The evaluation process involves vetting the proposed ideas by regional teams, trainers, and skilled climbers to determine their feasibility and potential risks.
• Maintaining a balance between innovation and safety is essential, and it requires considering the potential risks and benefits of new configurations or equipment.
• Building strong relationships, practicing empathy, and being self-aware are important skills for leaders in the tree care industry to navigate challenges and manage dissenters.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Welcome

15:09
Brian's Journey into the Tree Care Industry

36:28
Balancing Tree Work and Personal/Family Life

48:20
Gear Approval and Restrictions in Bartlett

54:55
Balancing Innovation and Safety: Considering Risks and Benefits

01:06:14
The Importance of Relationships, Empathy, and Self-Awareness in Leadership