When it comes to finding qualified employees, Ben’s motto is to “hire slow, fire fast.”
Sage Advice Arborist Enterprises owner Ben Tresselt reflects on 30+ years in tree care In this new series, ArborTIMES talks to veteran tree care professionals to uncover the hard-earned pearls of wisdom they’ve gleaned over the years. Know of someone who should be featured? Email editor@arbortimes.org.
By Kelly May
them walk, ride bikes, and take taxis to get to work. One even had a per- sonal driver. But none of them work out. “Our hindrance as a business has been and continues to be hiring and retaining a quality production staff,” he says. Employee development is key to Ben’s success. Providing employ- ees with a great work environment, competitive pay, flexible time off, and offering to pay for continuing education have all proved successful in retaining great employees. As he put it, “We try to attract good people by having a very good busi- ness.” BE RESPONSIVE Ben talks about the “Amazon Age,” where online shopping provides in- stant gratification, and suggests this has shaped client expectations in the tree care business. “We, unfortunately, are held to that to some degree [as business own- ers,]” Ben says. “So, where you can
It all began with a red pickup truck and a desire to provide high-quality tree care. Aer graduating with a degree in forestry from Pennsylvania State University, Ben Tresselt went to work for Bartlett Tree Experts as a production worker, where he gained experience in climbing, spraying, and plant health care. In addition to working full-time for Bartlett, he worked for himself on the weekends. Then, in June of 1991, Ben decided to go all in and start his own tree care company, Arborist Enterprises. These efforts have since bloomed into a successful, multi-faceted tree and plant care business for Ben, an ISA board-certified master arborist. When asked to share some of the lessons he’s learned aer 30 years in the tree care industry, here’s what he had to say. EMPLOYEES When it comes to finding qualified employees, Ben’s motto is to “hire slow, fire fast.” Training an employ-
Ben Tresselt
ee can be a laborious and taxing process, so it’s best to take your time selecting the best candidates to join your team. A great litmus test for a good em- ployee, Ben adds, is whether the ap- plicant has a valid driver’s license. This can tell a lot about a person. Moreover, employees must also pass drug screenings and a crimi- nal background check, as some state and federal contracts require this. Ben has tried to accommodate em- ployees without a license, letting
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