Two Tree Guys

Sam Finco, trainer with The Academy, shares his journey from art school to arborist. Growing up between Wisconsin and Iowa, Sam found early inspiration in the outdoors. After dabbling in art and rock climbing, a photo of a crane removal changed everything—he dropped out of forestry school and dove headfirst into tree work. From learning to drive a 26K lb bucket truck in the desert to building rope systems to preserve massive oaks, Sam's story is one of grit, creativity, and growth. Now a contract climber and mentor, he's on a mission to be the guide he never had.

Joe Wightman's journey from a rough start in Loveland, CO, to becoming an Academy Trainer in arboriculture is one of resilience and purpose. After early run-ins with the law and setbacks in construction, a friend's suggestion led him to tree work—where he found not just a job, but a calling. Now 11 years in, Joe is passionate about safety, hands-on training, and helping others grow in an industry that's as mentally demanding as it is physical.

Emily Inman from Charlotte's Landscape Management Division and arborist John Wayne share their paths into tree care and the growing need to train passionate newcomers. With an aging urban forest and a wave of arborists set to retire, they talk about the importance of early education, hands-on training, and changing perceptions of arboriculture as a skilled, essential trade. From climbing trees to community outreach, it's all about planting seeds for the future.

Omar Martinez shares his journey from childhood laborer to project manager at his family's business, Pro Select Construction Services. Raised in San Diego, Omar reflects on early jobs, lessons in leadership, the challenges of managing older crew members, and the grind of cold sales. Now helping expand the company's construction division with EV charging stations, Omar also opens up about balancing work with self-love.

Jim Deplo joins us to talk about VP Racing Fuels' high-performance blends made for small engines like chainsaws. Learn how their ethanol-free, synthetic fuels improve reliability, reduce maintenance, and keep your equipment running cleaner and longer.

Born in Fresno, CA, Jalen grew up in a blended family and learned early lessons about setting boundaries and offering support without enabling. After leaving home at 18, a series of tough breaks — including flipping a truck and a night in jail — taught him resilience. He eventually found his footing at ArborWorks, where he grew from inventory management to climbing and training others in safety and utility work. He helped the company scale smartly, standardizing gear and improving operations, until changes after a private equity takeover led him to a new chapter at Husqvarna. This is a story of growth, grit, and finding your lane.

From corporate America to concert stages to climbing trees, Ryan Swederski's path has been anything but typical. After helping his dad run an indoor putt-putt business in Arizona—and picking up DJing and concert booking along the way—Ryan stumbled into the world of arboriculture. One inspiring day watching climbers changed everything. Over the next 15 years, he climbed, led crews, mastered utility line clearance, and eventually launched his own company: Swederski's Independent Consulting, LLC. Now, Ryan is on a mission to train, consult, and raise the bar for safety in tree care—especially for smaller, growing companies.

From growing up in California's Imperial Valley with farming parents to running eight marathons, Sonia Coyle's journey is one of grit, reinvention, and strength. After dropping out of San Diego State, she entered the aerospace world, raised three boys, navigated divorce, and chased joy through dancing and new adventures. Her path took her all the way to England, where she became an accountant, before returning to the U.S. and stepping into the world of tree care with her partner, Tom. Recorded live at the ISA Western Chapter Conference, this episode is about resilience, new chapters, and finding your place—no matter how unexpected.

At just 12 years old, Sophie Arnold started her journey into the treetops—and she hasn't looked down since. Trained through an academy and known for her creative “Poor Man's Pantin” rope ascender setup, Sophie is already limb walking big trees and refining her skills with serious intention. With her sights set on competition climbing once she turns 16, she's all about learning, pushing limits, and sharing knowledge with other kids. Her motto? “Always go slow. Pay attention. Trust your gut.” This episode is a glimpse into the future of arboriculture—and the bright, fearless young climber leading the way.

Born in Newport Beach, CA, Sam Cubeiro was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 4—but that didn't stop him from embracing the outdoors. From diabetes camps to a fly-fishing trip at a Colorado dude ranch, Sam discovered a lifelong passion for nature, adventure, and purpose-driven work. His journey took him from turkey hunting in Kentucky to interning at an outdoor investment firm, working at Facebook, and eventually joining Alpine Investors. Today, he's building Canopy—a growing network of tree care companies focused on safety, training, and helping founders scale sustainably. This episode dives into how personal passion can lead to professional impact.

AI is here, and for the first time, it's accessible to everyone—not just programmers. In this episode, Suzanne Guzman, a certified prompt engineer and author, breaks down how AI works, why communication is key, and how anyone can start using it today. We'll explore large language models, automation, and how AI can enhance businesses—including unexpected industries like tree care. Learn how to prompt effectively, iterate, and use AI as a tool to refine your brand and workflow. AI is only getting smarter—so don't wait to get started!

Born and raised in Bucks County, PA, our guest started rock climbing before he could even walk. By age 10, he was rappelling, and by 18, he was climbing competitively. His passion for heights led him into tree climbing, where he learned the right way to climb safely with Lindsey Tree Removal. After years in the industry, he took a break before returning to climbing with a renewed mindset. Along the way, he battled drug and alcohol addiction, now celebrating 9 years of sobriety—not anti-good time, just anti-letting it run your life. Now a contract climber and instructor working all over the Northeast, he's dedicated to safety and training. Married for 8 years with a new baby, he's focused on rebuilding relationships, mentoring climbers, and sharing his journey of resilience. Tune in for stories of climbing, discipline, and the highs and lows of the journey.

With 20 years in journalism, Milly Stiles has built a career diving deep into industries that fascinate her. From newspapers to parenting magazines to marketing, her path led her to Arbor Times, where she now serves as editor. Covering everything from equipment and plant healthcare to business insights, Milly values the arborist community's respect for veterans and safety. Got a story idea or expertise to share? Reach out at editor@arbortimes.org—because every voice in the industry matters.

From semi-pro musician to entrepreneur, Dr. Jean The Results Queen has spent 24 years helping businesses grow and thrive. She dives into the realities of business partnerships, leadership, and the four key functions of every company—marketing, sales, operations, and finance. Success isn't solo; top performers build strong teams. Whether you need to change, end, or embrace a situation, Dr. Jean helps you think Z to A—start with the goal and map the path to get there.

After 17 years in the pawn industry, Rhonda Bell found a new passion in arborist gear. Now at Tree Tools USA, a female-owned arborist superstore, she helps pros test saddles, take manufacturer-led classes, and gear up for events like Pizza & PPE. Join Rhonda as she shares industry insights, gear tips, and her journey from the counter to the canopy.

Introducing Hands Up—the game-changing retention connector from Hexarope. This knotless choking device for rigging and speed lining offers unmatched simplicity and efficiency, with three sizes rated for 4, 6, and 8 tons. Designed by expert splicers in France, Hexarope is redefining rigging safety with durable, no-moving-parts innovation. While Hands Up isn't in the U.S. yet, it's set to make waves in 2025. Tune in to learn how this revolutionary tool is increasing efficiency, safety, and ease of use for arborists and riggers worldwide!

From dirtbag college groundsman to pro golfer in Hawaii, world-traveling adventure guide, and now a key account rep for Arborwear—Kevin Tierney's journey is anything but ordinary. After 12 years leading tours across 35 countries with Backroads, he found his way to Arborwear, where rugged meets functional in workwear. Tune in as we dive into Kevin's wild path, the tight-knit tree care industry, and the gear that keeps it all going.

From a curious kid climbing trees in Sonoma to a groundbreaking inventor in the arborist world, this is the story of innovation born from passion and persistence. After a near-death experience as a child and years of learning about trees, pruning, and woodworking, our guest's journey led to creating the revolutionary Akimbo climbing device. Hear how he turned backyard tinkering into a game-changing product, launched with GoFundMe and grit, partnered with Rock Exotica, and continually pushed the boundaries with new ideas like the Downrigger. This episode is all about resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of innovation.

Tom Smith, CEO of Century Products, shares his journey from Carolina to California, transitioning from metalwork to horticulture. In 1979, he launched a tree care company, working on major projects like Disneyland. Later, he founded Century Products, revolutionizing root and water barriers with innovative, durable designs. Despite legal battles, Tom's resilience led to industry-changing success. Tune in for his inspiring story!

In this episode, we talk with Sarah LeBlanc from Global Insurance Billing, a full-service company designed for tree removal professionals. Learn how they simplify insurance collections and billing, provide state-specific contracts, and support tree contractors in navigating insurance claim jobs. With a membership-based portal and a focus on building client trust, Global Insurance Billing helps tree experts save time and maximize earnings. Discover essential tips for pricing, documentation, and working with adjusters to streamline your business and get paid faster. Don't miss this inside look at transforming the way tree companies handle insurance claims!

In this episode, we talk with an arborist who transitioned from the oil field to the tree care industry, falling in love with the work on day one. With seven years of experience, he shares his journey from double-line to single-line climbing and his goal to explore contract climbing across the country to learn from different styles and perspectives—because "outside eyes are the best eyes.

Justin shares his journey from Boston to Hawaii, overcoming challenges in leadership, teamwork, and business ownership. He discusses the importance of building strong teams, putting the right people in the right roles, and leading by example to earn respect and trust. Justin emphasizes communication, coaching, and fostering a positive attitude to help teams grow, step up, and succeed—one small step at a time.

In this episode, we dive into the adventurous life of a man who's lived a journey full of physical challenges and personal growth. From his Minnesota roots to Colorado, he excelled in sports like rock climbing, wrestling, and diving, even earning a scholarship for art. After a year of college wrestling, he joined the Marine Corps, which reshaped his perspective on leadership and life. He went on to pursue ice climbing, raft guiding, and tree work, eventually becoming a foreman. After training for Navy SEALs and an injury in BUD/S, he returned to tree work and now trains others at the Colorado Academy. Tune in to hear how his diverse experiences shaped his path and personal philosophy.

Join us with The Academy Instructors after their 2023 Summit Meeting where they share their experiences with teaching and working production.

Alex, Geoff, and Ryan join us from The Academy training facility in Loveland, CO to talk about their paths into the industry, near misses, gear and more.

Join lead instructors Andy and Kyel from the CO Academy Bootcamp as they break down what it takes to run a successful three-day tree care training bootcamp. Covering everything from intense pre-camp prep—sourcing wood, gathering gear, and setting up training spaces—to hands-on training days focused on chainsaw safety, climbing operations, and working aloft, they give listeners a roadmap for hosting a safe, efficient, and engaging bootcamp. Hear tips on managing trainer-to-student ratios, engaging seasoned participants, keeping energy high, and fostering a team-oriented learning environment. Perfect for tree care professionals looking to elevate training in their own teams, this episode emphasizes the importance of investing in people, planning, and a passion for safety.

Rodlyf grew up surrounded by violence and drug addiction and spent time in and out of shelters in Brooklyn. As a child he was able to find positive adult influences that instilled in him a strong work ethic. For the past 15 years, he has worked for the Department of Agriculture, focusing on an eradication program targeting the Asian long-horned beetle. He spends much of his time climbing trees in Central Park and Prospect Park, searching for signs of beetles. Rodlyf is now dedicated to passing on his knowledge to others.

Phil Rogers discusses Clogger's high-performance chaps and the cost of ownership for various types of PPE. Their next-generation chaps feature improved attachment systems, better breathability, flexibility, and enhanced washability. He highlights how downtime due to broken gear and the need to buy multiple replacements diminish any initial cost savings. Rogers emphasizes that the real value lies in durability and performance, especially as productivity drops when the heat index rises. Clogger, a company from New Zealand, aims to address these challenges with innovative PPE designs.

Meet the 67-year-old tree expert who's been climbing for almost 50 years. He started at 17 and had to be rescued out of the tree on his first climb! Hear about his journey from post-Vietnam tree work, pruning during dormancy, and battling Dutch Elm Disease—plus his faith and commitment to preserving trees whenever possible.   livingtreecare.com

  From the forests of Switzerland to studying mechanical engineering and earning a master's degree in forestry, Greg's career has been far from conventional. After working in various roles, he eventually launched his own tree care company. Faced with tough challenges in the field, Greg invented the groundbreaking GRCS winch in 1997, revolutionizing how tree work is done. The idea came to life during a tricky job removing a dead silver maple over a tile-roofed home, where crane access was impossible. His innovative solution? A rigging system that has since transformed the tree care industry. goodrigging.com

Cameron, a tree care specialist at Sennebogen, is back on the 2TG podcast to share his journey of physical recovery and the insights he's gained along the way.

Meredith and Andrew teach us about Oath Soil Life products and how their microbes create a strong support system for trees and promote healthy growth. These powder packets, which have been in development for 30 years, contain 150 strings of healthy soil microbes which increase the microbial diversity in the soil. www.oathsoillife.com

Cortland was born in CA and started climbing trees at the age of 17 through his family owned business. He joined the army after attending Sac State and was deployed a year later. While in Iraq Cortland was a part of a 9 man QRF team. After his deployment he was looking for that same sort of camaraderie and could only find it within the tree industry. He is now running his own tree company and learning as much as he can about training.

Megan grew up a tomboy and learned about forestry in her vocational high school. After graduating from college with two degrees she got a job training telecom tower climbers rope access techniques. Next she joined Husqvarna and did product training with them for 3 years before going onto Wright Tree Service as a safety supervisor. She now owns her own training company - www.upward-training.com where she works with owners to be safer and more productive.

Patrick and Peter join our guest host David O'Neill to share stories and insight into rope rescue and the arborist community.

Dave White, CEO of TCIA, shares with us tips and tricks for succeeding in the tree business. He covers everything from fractional employees to effective networking and explains why it is important to avoid becoming too busy working IN the business rather than working ON the business.

Dustin joins Phil to share his experience at at TCIA Expo and talk a bit about Treepalooza in FL.

Austin came from a ski racing background and realized there was an opportunity to bring action sports safety technology to the construction industry. The helmets that they have developed are ANSI type 2 rated and are made with Koroyd which are superior from an impact perspective and breathability. They even have a helmet with a NFC chip which can store your medical profile or any other pertinent information.

Brandon got his start in the Texas oil fields and transitioned over to trees after seeing what his mom was charged for some tree work. He started his YouTube learning and never looked back. His son, Hunter, started working in trees right out of high school. He had tired a bit of construction before and decided tree work was more his thing. His first job was doing line clearance!

Justin was born in  Oxford, Ohio. He went to college for Homeland Security and Terrorism and participated in the National Guard for 6 years. Out of college he worked cyber security and IT but wasn't feeling fulfilled and missed the outdoors. He had a neighbor with a White Pine that he needed taken down so Justin started learning about tree removals via YouTube. He continued working full time in cyber security while doing side tree work. He finally decided to get a truck and dump trailer and leave his full time job for the world of tree work.

Work Safety Territory Manager for Edelrid, Josiah Georgeson, joins us in the studio to share his story about leaving school for biomedical engineering and getting into tree work. He started as a groundsman and decided he'd “rather be the pitcher than the guy in the outfield” and got into climbing. He pushed through his fear of heights and continues to climb and pursue his passion for gear and training.

Teufelberger ambassador Jacque Fink shares with us her story of working through her fear of heights and running her own LLC called Integrity Tree Care.

Todd and Jesse are hosting the second annual Rec The River event  July 11-14 on the New River in Ivanhoe, VA. They are combining their passions for river rafting and tree climbing into 4 days of learning unique skills, conversing with peers, floating the river and relaxation. Check it out on Facebook - Rec the River Group or https://www.treepeoplegear.com/rec-the-river.

David gives us some history on how he developed Branch Manager Grapples while his granddaughter Grace shares about her nonprofit which facilitates emotional support clubs that write letters of love to pediatric patients worldwide.

Eric explains his 5 key considerations when considering insurance coverage.   1 - What equipment do you own? 2 - What vehicles do you use? 3 - People that work for you: employees and/or contractors. 4 - What happen if you injure someone else? 5 - What happen if you injure yourself?

Carol is an entrepreneur who has worked as the Director of Media and Events at TCIA, owns and operates an event planning business as well as the tree care focused business incubator Arbor BC. Arbor BC is a women's owned company that helps put businesses on the right path to grow within the tree care industry.

After retiring from his military and firefighting careers Zach started exploring tree work. He quickly realized how much he had to learn and started searching for training resources. After a climbing injury he became determined to teach aerial rescue to other climbers and rescue personnel.

Mark Chisholm, Brian Noyes, and Robert Phillips stop by the studio while on their west coast pruning tour to chop it up with Jared.

Justin started climbing with his grandpa who worked in line clearance. Most of his family has worked in trees, including his grandma that drug brush! He started  running crews at 22 years old and has now been with Monster Tree Service for 3 years.

Sara joins us at the grand opening of The Academy 2 in Loveland Colorado to tell us how she came to work for Pro Lift Crain and Rigging.

Michael grew up with a love for the outdoors and always wanted to do some sort of trade with his hands. He fell a few trees for his grandma and realized this was something he wanted to do. He got on with a good company that trained him well and is now leading his crew.