For nearly 15 years, Brown’s Tree Service has been tackling the dirty jobs. Based in the Sarasota/Bradenton area of Florida, the tree care company has evolved through dedication to employees, and most importantly, customers.
John Brown started Brown’s Tree Service in 1999. He was self-employed at an early age and learned what he wanted out of a business, and how to function in order to be successful.
“I kind of learned at a young age how I wanted to be treated and how I think that people should be treated. With my employees, I take that same approach,” Brown says. “If they’re happy, then I’m happy and the customers in turn are happy.”
According to Brown, of his 13 current employees, nine have been with the company for over a decade. This symbiotic loyalty between Brown and his employees has bred a culture of success for the company and earned respect with customers.
Being in Florida, Brown’s Tree Service primarily focuses on palm tree care, which can be particularly problematic, especially with diseases affecting the trees. The challenges have prompted education not only for Brown and his crew, but also home and business owners.
Ganoderma has developed into a major issue. Once the tree has contracted the disease, there is no cure and the tree must be removed. Additionally, the diseased soil must be removed and new soil must be replaced so future growth is possible.
A myriad of other issues — Syrian Wilt, white flies, pine beetles — highlight the list of problems Brown and other tree care professionals in the region need to address. Brown has learned how to handle these issues, but he makes it a point to show customers what they can do to alleviate the problem before having to call in the professionals.
“I try to educate clients as best as possible on things they should and shouldn’t do,” Brown says. “A lot of the disease issues can be taken care of and controlled by cleaning the tools they use. People just don’t follow the right protocols.”
Brown’s dedication to each and every customer is part of his overall theme of loyalty. And his ardent belief in staying true to people and products has helped his business flourish.