For an entrepreneur today, $150 may not go very far. However, in the mid-1980s it was all Michael Baird needed to begin chasing his dream as a business owner.
“I bought a pickup truck for $150, and 26 years later, we are the largest distributor of firewood to all of Rhode Island,” Baird says.
Based out of Coventry, R.I., Mike’s Professional Tree Service specializes in tree removal, with experience in land clearing and industrial capabilities. Barrett estimates that 75 to 80 percent of his business is from residential clients. To maintain his leading role in the state, Baird employs 30 people spread throughout three offices.
“We have some employees that have been around 15 to 20 years. I’ve got a mechanic that’s second to none and an office staff that’s unstoppable,” Baird says.
The crews understand the role safety plays in success. With the inherent risks that come with handling trees, Barrett and his team take the necessary steps toward compliance with all safety standards and practices. He stresses the importance of paperwork and certification. From Tree Care Industry Association certification to numerous state operator and contractor licenses, Barrett makes sure that customers know they are working with an accredited and responsible company.
These quality standards extend beyond the workforce; they apply to his equipment fleet. Most of the tools in this lofty lineup feature the Vermeer logo.
“Vermeer equipment has been a milestone in every single aspect of my business; we would never be where we are today without them. From stump grinding to land clearing to making bark mulch, they really help drive my company,” Baird says.
“We run Vermeer chippers and stump grinders. We bought a TG7000 tub grinder about five years ago and that machine has just been remarkable for us. When you go out to someone’s house and you’re able to use the equipment that we buy from Vermeer, it really sets us apart from our competition,” Baird says.
Baird uses three 21-inch (53.3 cm) chippers and one 18-inch (45.7 cm) chipper. “The 21-inch chippers are my favorite and they process two times the amount of wood of any other competitor that size.”
Reliability and customer service have stood out to Baird. He has hassle-free calls to the parts and service center and regularly receives parts within one day of ordering.
Baird has come a long way since the early days of Mike’s Tree Service. Through his use of reliable equipment and the support from the dealer and manufacturer, the Rhode Island professional has taken the necessary steps to creating one of the state’s leading tree care companies.