Davey Tree Flipbooks

May/June 2014 | 25 Perfecting Professionalism D ressed to impress? Appearance matters. Arborists should always consider the appearance of their clothing, trucks and equipment before approaching clients and prospects, regardless of the conditions they face on job and project sites. Now, thanks to the knowledgeable presenters at the Rochester Arborist Workshop at the Rochester International Event Center in Minnesota, approximately 200 arborists know exactly what's expected moving forward—as professionals. Jay Maier, owner and founder of Maier Tree & Lawn, one of Davey's most recent acquisitions, has organized the workshop for more than 10 years. It began as a local event in Rochester. When Maier decided to invite arborists statewide, participation increased greatly. "The speakers have really helped build the workshop's reputation over the years," Maier says. Mark Chisholm, winner of three world titles at the ISA International Tree Climbing Championship, presented during this year's workshop. He first focused heavily on the importance of tree care crews' appearances on the job. "Chisholm had some great quotes that my crews brought back to the office," says Travis McDonald, district manager of Davey's South Minneapolis R/C office. "They follow those ideas now on a daily basis." According to McDonald, Chisholm's perspectives relate back to what Davey is all about, a lesson founder John Davey learned from his father and brought with him to the company: "Do it right or not at all." Kevin Smith, from the U.S. Forest Service, also presented. He explained the ideas, developments and research of Alex Shigo, a particularly influential figure in the arbori- cultural industry, who mentored and worked with Smith for years. "Smith is a leading researcher and presenter on wood decay and fungi," Maier says. McDonald sent all 12 foremen and sales arborists from his office to the workshop; the "professionalism" title caught his attention. "Professionalism is something we preach every day at Davey," he says. "It's not only important for the tree care provider to show professionalism but also the people on the job site." Arborists learned more about working in hazardous trees, how wood decay can affect trees' stability and some tree biology as well. "It's nice to show some support to Jay since the recent acquisition," McDonald says. "Although Davey didn't organize the event, attending helped us realize we all believe in the same ideas." Maier agrees. "It was fun to see guys who didn't know each other share a common employer and bond," he says, adding he has hired people he met during past workshops. "I've met people from the industry there more than 10 years ago, and I still work with them today." Although Maier says the workshops provide a "great opportunity to see the advancement of arborists' knowledge" and help develop better industry standards, the networking opportunities seem most beneficial. "There was a lot of excitement this year," he says. "It was great to see." Employees from Davey's South Minneapolis R/C office, Maier Tree & Lawn and S&S Tree and Horticultural Specialists meet during the Rochester Arborist Workshop in late February. Pictured left to right, front row: Gail Nozal, Sarah Belcher, Christian Feichtinger, Keith Karch, Jacob Burbach, Seth Huber, Robert Raymond, Jay Maier, Josh Jobes and Taylor Kunkel. Second row: Rick Hogan, Jordan Garris, Jen Morgan, Travis McDonald, Nick Hengel, Dave Hennes, Emily Sommerville, Mike Andreotti, Justin Bence, Patrick Worden, Luke Elstad and Justin Madsen. Back row: Travis Frank and Jarred Robinson.

• Cover