Interview with Tree Service Business Owner Cody Schwartz

Bartlett Arborist Supply:

Cody, we're excited to chat with you, but first can you tell us and everyone joining us a little bit more about who you are!

Cody Schwartz:

Hi and thank you for having me here to chat. I have been involved in the Tree Industry for 9 years now. My free time consists of pretty much anything Arboriculture related, but outside of Arboriculture I enjoy going to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes here in Michigan with a few modified vehicles I have, along with just vacationing to several landmarks throughout the United States, whether it's mountain ranges, caves, or even just a nice sunny beach. But other than that my wife and I remodel houses, as her career is in real estate, and I jump on as much as I can to help with that!

Bartlett:

Wow, Awesome! All of that sounds so fun! So, obviously you work with us here at Bartlett, you also do Line Clearance Tree Trimming AND you own your own business- Schwartz Tree Service, doing Residential work! Tell us what got you started in this industry in the first place.

Cody:

Well my senior year of high school my best friend's cousin ran a tree service. We were looking for something to do over the summer and ended up jumping on with him. From there I just couldn't let it go. Most of my friends have gone on to other careers and I just love this work! I couldn't imagine doing anything else. This job challenges you on a daily basis and keeps your head on a swivel in regards to safety, and just knowledge as a whole. I truly love being a part of many different aspects of the industry. 

Bartlett:

You're clearly dealing with trees and gear all the time, but in such different ways... One minute you're helping people understand new techniques and safety guidelines, next you're dealing with high volume work around power lines, and then you find yourself working 1 on 1 with homeowners. You even climb competitively! Are there certain aspects that you enjoy more than others?

Cody:

Ahh that's a tough question! I truly do love every part of this industry that I have been able to be a part of this far. But if I had to choose I would have to say that climbing competitively is my favorite part. I know, I know, "you love the non-work part of your work haha." Honestly the thing I love about it is the mass of knowledge that is held at that platform. Along with having loved sports in school it's truly one of the only jobs that you can work your normal 40-50 hours and then go and do it as a sport as well. Just a super cool thing we as an industry have going for us. 

Bartlett:

For sure! What a gift that our work is our hobby, and our hobby is our work! So back to your business- A lot of people are afraid to take that leap of working for themselves. At what point did it feel right for you to step out and also start your own business, and what has that been like for you!?

Cody:

Honestly from a very young age I knew I wanted to own my own business. I was involved in a lot of accounting/ marketing classes at school. But at that time I did not really have a grasp on what kind of business I wanted to get into. Once I got involved in the tree industry it just clicked that this is what I wanted to do. I do not run a big operation. I have stayed small throughout the years. But even with that being said it has been very rewarding. Being able to help clients care for their trees and get in there and do something a lot of people are not able to do is a good feeling. 

Bartlett:

We love the diversity you bring to the industry. What advice would you give to others in the field that are feeling stuck and looking to diversify what they do with trees?

Cody:

Well I would say if you are feeling stuck or just wanting to be more involved in the industry itself the best thing you can do is talk to people that are in the industry as well! Whether it is through social media or your local ISA group, you could find yourself down a rabbit hole you will never stop pursuing. Which is how I view myself. I never want to stop trying to do more for this awesome industry.

Bartlett:

We love to hear that! We've also seen you from time to time reppin' a head-to-toe flannel suit at events. No doubt you bring positivity and fun with you. In a career that is very serious and requires education and skills, what makes it FUN for you?

Cody:

Yes I have been known to rock a flannel suit from time to time. I find it to be a happy mix of Conor McGregor/Paul Bunyan! But honestly the fun in all of it is the comradery with people that have the same passion as you. I feel that's relevant in many other professions. But we all know tree peeps are a different breed! 

Bartlett:

Right on!! Thank you so much Cody for taking the time to share your story and tips with us! It's been awesome hearing it all! And we're excited to keep seeing and hearing more from you as time goes by!