Two Tree Guys

Kris Kiser, President & CEO of OPEI and Equip Expo, shares how Equip Expo has grown beyond a traditional trade show into a place where innovation, education, and community come together to move the outdoor industry forward. From cutting-edge equipment and emerging technology to hands-on experiences and meaningful industry connections, Kris explores how staying curious, adapting, and investing in new ideas can transform a business.

The conversation also looks ahead to the evolution of the Tree Care Arena and Academy Trained’s role in creating more hands-on climbing, chainsaw, and real-world training opportunities, bringing together the people, tools, and knowledge that can inspire the next generation of tree care.

Lisa McCoy, VP of Sales and Operations at J.J. Mauget, breaks down the evolution of tree injection—from Mauget’s pioneering micro-injection system in 1958 to the creation of the MXT (Mauget Xylem Translocator). Designed over three years with help from Cal Poly Pomona, the battery-powered MXT delivers precise treatments directly into a tree’s xylem, reducing waste, plastic use, and environmental impact while saving arborists serious time.

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Chris Phelps shares his journey from growing up in historic Williamsburg, VA to becoming Owner and CEO of Paramount Tree Services. From early loss and leaving high school to starting a lawn care business, facing major setbacks, and finding mentorship in tree work, this episode is about resilience, hard lessons, and building a business by figuring it out one step at a time.

Jordan Tielmann shares how her background in running nearly 90 trade shows led her into the tree industry and, alongside her husband Hans, to taking over Arborfest. More than a trade show, Arborfest is an experience built by tree people, for tree people, focused on education, networking, and culture. With 65+ sessions over three days, hands-on demos, competitions, and an intimate layout designed for small and mid-sized companies, Arborfest aims to spark learning, safety, and long-term growth in the arborist industry.

Kansas native Ulrich Baumgardner found the tree industry through cutting firewood, hunting from trees, and falling down a YouTube rabbit hole. Inspired by arborist creators, he joined Wellnitz Tree Company after seeing them bid a job at his home, starting as a groundie and quickly embracing climbing. With a National Guard background, Ulrich continues to sharpen his skills through coworkers, trade shows, and YouTube, often climbing just for fun.

Kevin Hamm’s passion for trees began in high school and grew into a lifelong career. After years of tree work on a college campus and at a federal prison, often while working two jobs, he launched Hamm’s Arbor Care following a major 1998 storm. Kevin weathered the 2008 downturn without filing for bankruptcy and rebuilt over the next decade. Today, his company runs on a strong employee-first culture, family involvement, and education, while his Game of Trees YouTube channel and work in Guatemala highlight his commitment to the arborist community.

Zach Czirr of HAIX Boots shares his journey from beer marketing to building premium footwear brands for first responders in the U.S. Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Zach has always been a marketing guy with a passion for elevating strong brands. After a life-altering cliff-jumping accident at 29 that shattered his heel, quality footwear became deeply personal. Now based at HAIX’s North American headquarters, Zach helps grow a European-established brand in the U.S., highlighting why HAIX boots, built with bull leather and top-tier craftsmanship are made to last.

Jalen Rocha joins Innovation Talk to discuss Husqvarna’s latest battery-powered top handle chainsaws and the shift toward electrification in the arborist industry. Covering the Central Valley, Bay Area, and Northern Nevada, Jalen shares his journey from ArborWorks to becoming a passionate advocate for innovation in tree care. The episode highlights the new T542i XP, featuring a true clutch (a key industry differentiator), quieter operation than gas, easier startup, a digital oil sensor, optional heated handle, and smart battery technology with ActiveCool. Built to stay in the cut without overloading the motor, the saw, and the precision-focused 540 model, is ready for California’s battery-powered future.

In this episode, we dive deep into OSHA, safety culture, and what it really takes to build a safer tree care company. Chris Phelps, owner of Paramount Tree Services in Williamsburg, Virginia, and Bob Lehman of Academy Trained break down Paramount’s “Year of Safety,” the role of TCIA, and why cutting corners isn’t worth the risk. From OSHA 10 & 30 training to job site analyses, tailgate meetings, aerial rescue, and fire mitigation planning, this conversation covers how certifications, JHAs, and documented safety programs create accountability and protect both crews and companies. A must-listen for anyone serious about arboriculture, compliance, and long-term success in the outdoor industry.

Kevin Hamm’s passion for trees began in high school and grew into a lifelong career. After years of tree work on a college campus and at a federal prison, often while working two jobs, he launched Hamm’s Arbor Care following a major 1998 storm. Kevin weathered the 2008 downturn without filing for bankruptcy and rebuilt over the next decade. Today, his company runs on a strong employee-first culture, family involvement, and education, while his Game of Trees YouTube channel and work in Guatemala highlight his commitment to the arborist community.