Sage Advice
PPE Series
Sage Advice Bob Mead on Finding Purpose and Reward in Tree Care By ArborTIMES™
For more than three decades, Bob Mead has been a steady and respected voice in the tree care industry. As the founder of Mead Tree & Turf Care, Inc. and an es- teemed arborist with nearly five decades of experience, he has built his career on a foundation of safety, integrity, and leadership. His background as a firefighter and paramedic has given him a unique perspective on risk management, while his role as a business owner has taught him the value of accountability, culture, and continual learning. In this conversation, Bob shares his hard-earned wisdom — prac- tical lessons and sage advice that speak to both seasoned profes- sionals and the next generation of arborists. Q : You have been in the industry for decades and have seen it evolve in many ways. Looking back, what first drew you into tree care, and what has kept you passionate about it all these years?
Q : Your background as a volun- teer firefighter and paramedic has clearly influenced how you approach safety. How has that experience shaped your perspective on training and risk management in tree care? A : It’s allowed me to build a foundation where I could become a good trainer — a knowledgeable trainer — with field experience. I even relate stories from my days as a paramedic into my trainings in tree care to open people’s eyes. It shows students that we don’t just talk about this — it really happens. I think it also lets the student see that the trainer isn’t just preaching something out of a book. They have real-life, hands- on experience. Anyone can read a book to you, but to put your own flair on it and share your life ex- periences, that’s what really hits home.
Bob Mead, Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Mead Tree & Turf Care, Inc.
A : Well, I got a job with the local government and was learn- ing the tree care trade. I thought, ‘Wow, what a great way to take care of the outside, be physical, and do something that you could be proud of.’ You have an end re- sult that’s usually positive, and it was a very rewarding career.
ArborTIMES™ Fall 2025 | 65
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