Episode 7 of the Oklahoma Tree Guys features Mark Cafiero of Timber Tree discussing marketing for arborists and how AI can help trades businesses. They compare corporate, systems-based marketing with small-business guerrilla tactics, explain how to level out seasonal sales dips, and share practical lead-gen workflows using Google Ads, web forms, and AI-driven ballpark estimates.

Takeaways include focusing your value proposition and website to speak to homeowners, creating a standout service offering, using AI as a consultant and qualifier (watch for hallucinations and learn prompt engineering), and prioritizing business refinement and efficiency over raw growth. A hands-on AI workshop (Nov 29) is also mentioned for deeper training.

In this engaging episode of the Oklahoma Tree Guys podcast, we welcome Conner Mercer, also known as the golden child of Oklahoma City Metro Tree Guys as he is commonly called. Conner shares his captivating life journey from his career in the Marine Corps to stumbling into the world of arboriculture. Discover how he transitioned from climbing cell phone towers to establishing his own tree service business and creating a name in the region.

The episode delves into Conner's insights on small business success, the dynamics of contract climbing, and the necessities for subcontract administrative steps, including essential paperwork filings and best practices. Mercer sheds light on the network of support among tree services and the importance of professionalism in the industry.

Listeners also gain an inside look into the Oklahoma City Arbor Rescue event, exploring the significance of community events and safety in the arborist field. Conner's story is not just about business growth, but also about fostering a thriving community of professional arborists in Oklahoma.

Welcome to the Oklahoma Tree Guys podcast, where your host Shain along with guest Ben Martin, discusses the intricacies of billing insurance for tree work. Ben, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience in the tree service industry, shares valuable insights into correctly billing insurance directly to carriers rather than customers. Along the way, he details his journey from overcoming personal challenges to building the successful R&B Trees business.

In this episode, Ben highlights the importance of being prepared with the correct experience and structured processes for efficient insurance interaction. He stresses consistency in pricing and billing, regardless of whether the work is being billed directly to the customer or through insurance, to maintain professionalism and trust.

The conversation delves into the significant impact that accurate insurance billing can have on maximizing profits for tree companies, emphasizing the need for preparedness before storm events, consistent communication during projects, and thorough documentation.

For anyone in the tree service industry looking to navigate the complexities of insurance billing, this episode offers practical advice and resources, including education and networking opportunities, to enhance your business's growth and revenue potential.

Helpful Links:

emergencytreeresponders.com

Clarity Market by Mark Russell – tech-heavy, full of tools, contracts, comparables, FAQs. claritymarket.com

GIB – Global Insurance Billing – outsource your billing, helpful in unfamiliar states. globalinsurancebilling.com

Bruce Thibodeau’s PRY Logistics – individual consulting and support.