Companies interested in storm work should establish a network before showing up to the epicenter of the storm.
Having the right equipment and tools is an obvious necessity but nothing beats having enough personnel. Photo by Kipp Teague @ Flickr.com.
Dan Mayer, president of Mayer Tree Service, a Northeast tree company that services parts of eastern Mas- sachusetts and New Hampshire, also suggested those interested in storm work, establish a network before show- ing up to the epicenter of the storm. “Establish relationships with the com- munity, even the parts store,” Mayer says, explaining how equipment can break down at an inopportune time and knowing someone who can help with repairs will be beneficial. “Have relationships with those out- side your area,” he continues, adding, “So many times, tree companies get overwhelmed answering storm calls, and we will bring in other companies outside the area.” While some tree service individuals may get into “storm chasing” with a competitive mindset, simply to make a quick profit off storm work, it doesn’t
always pan out, Mayer cautions. “Get- ting out there and taking care of the customer is key,” he says, noting that companies in the same network will oen work together, much like fire and police departments offering each other mutual aid. “There are always work and opportunities for every- body,” Mayer says. If traveling outside of one’s typical service area, Mayer suggests having a broader network of companies who can triage and communicate with one another increases a company’s chanc- es of actually having a job to do upon arrival. “Don’t be the company that sits there waiting for work. Have that relationship. Connect with people first,” says Mayer. Mike Zimmerman, owner of Zim- merman Tree Service, also stays prepared year-round and prefers to stay local. Located in Lake Worth, FL,
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