Description:
This workshop provides resources, expert advice, and reflective stories to strengthen your own
tree care company and business acumen. Instructor Scott Clifton will share his tree care industry
tool box of business tips with you. Join Scott and fellow small business owners for this day of
learning and sharing best business practices for tree care companies.
You will learn how to set up your small business, the details, insurance, and choose carefully
your business advisers (taxes, accountant, and partners). Scott will spend some time discussing
licensing, what type of insurance you need and how much you should carry, workers
compensation insurance, how to keep track of your payables and receivables, accountants,
bonding, whether or not you need a good lawyer (good idea).
This workshop will address the tough issues of employee safety, disciplinary policy, financial
management and business ethics. Scott will share how he solicits and commutates with clients.
Scott recommends developing relationships with colleagues and mentors (other business owners)
to help with difficult business decisions. Whether you are new to managing a tree care business
or experienced and want to see how another business owner operates, this workshop will be of
value to you.
Workshop Agenda
9-9:30am - Introductions, Scott business story
9:30-10:15am - Setting up your small business, the details, insurance, your business advisors
(taxes, accountant, partners). Provide resources and other workshops for setting up a business.
10:15-10:45am - Employees, hiring practices, benefits, building the team, drivers and DOT
10:45-11:15pm -Company safety manual, training programs, maintaining credentials,
disciplinary policy, drug testing
11:15-12pm – Financial management BMPS, Quick books
12-12:30 – Lunch break
12:30-1 – Report writing and client communications
1-2pm – How to Solicit Business from the internet to cold calling
2-3pm - Ethics and Business ISA code of ethics
3-3:30pm – Questions and open forum for discussing small business best practices
Instructor:
Scott Clifton began his professional Arborist career in Phoenix, AZ trimming trees and palms at
various properties such as The Ritz Carlton, The Princess Resort, The Biltmore Hotel and
various Del Web properties. He then went to work for Arizona’s largest power company,
providing power line clearance in the Prescott and surrounding areas, where he honed his skills
for working in extremely hazardous and difficult situations. He continued his education and
became an I.S.A. Certified Arborist and a former ANSI z133.1 Safety Standards board member
to help regulate and govern rules and regulations in the tree care industry. He has mastered the
art of managing tree care accounts at large, complex projects as well as many hi-profile
properties in the Portland, Oregon area such as the Nike Headquarters, Intel, and Coca Cola for
the past five years with a national landscape and tree care company. Scott’s experience,
leadership qualities and commitment to education and training supports his past success and
provides a solid foundation for TreeWise, LLC. he has been running for the last 5