Today we’d like to introduce you to Russell Hodge.
Russell, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am actually the third generation of our family in the tree care business. My grandfather did tree work on the side back before WW2. He and his brothers were all drafted and made it back. In 1948 he restarted as a side business, while he worked on the EJ &E Railroad. Sometime in the 60’s, it became the full-time family business. All 6 of the sons (my dad and uncles) worked in the business at one time or another. I actually started in 1979 at 10 years old working summers and days off school. By 15, I was climbing trees, and by 19 I was a crew chief. It is something that is in the family blood, along with a good dose of saw dust. I learned a lot from my dad and uncles before me.
Along the way, I really developed a strong interest in more of the “tree care” aspect of the business, as opposed to tree removal. About 14 years ago, I obtained my ISA Certified Arborist certification and really began a concerted focus on tree care and preservation. In 2004, I began writing a column focused on tree care for 2 of our local newspapers. That column ran for 4 1/2 years.
37 years in, we do residential and commercial tree care. I also do urban forestry consulting, tree and plant appraisal, insurance and legal consulting, tree disease and pest diagnosis and treatment, along with some occasional public speaking mixed in there.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The one constant in life is change. Just when you think you have all the answers, life changes all the questions. Our business is economy sensitive. Over the years, we have seen the ups and downs of the economy. When a family has a choice of making the house payment of getting the trees pruned, you can easily guess which one will have to wait.
I am not one that really dwells on the struggles. They come, you deal with them, you move on. That’s life. We have work to get done
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We do residential and commercial tree care. I also do urban forestry consulting for municipalities, tree and plant appraisal, insurance and legal consulting regarding tree cases, tree disease and pest diagnosis and treatment, along with some occasional public speaking mixed in there.
Most tree services, do mostly tree removal. Our focus and specialty is tree care. We aim to be on the very leading edge of tree care practices and procedures. This takes a concerted effort to stay educated on the latest in research and practices. I attend conferences and seminars 3-6 times a years to both maintain 2 certifications and stay out front. My goal has been to be the one to call when others don’t know, and the problem needs solved.
What were you like growing up?
I was a very normal kid. I stayed out of trouble most of the time. My parents sacrificed a lot to send me and my brothers to a great private school. Our school had soccer and wrestling. I participated in both. There is also a very good music program. I started on trumpet in 5th grade and switched to tuba in 7th grade. 36 years later, I still play concert tuba in our church orchestra and brass ensemble. During that same time, I was fortunate to have been able to play with 3 other community orchestras and participate in about a dozen CD recordings done by our church.
I started working at 10 years old, which probably sounds a little strange today, but here is how it started. I asked my dad for a new Schwinn, 10 speed bike. He said “If you want a new bike, get a job. I said “I’m 10 years old, what I am I supposed to do?” He said “I can take care of that.” I spent the first summer, at 10 years old, splitting firewood with an older teenager for $5 a day. It took me all summer to save enough to finally buy that new bike. Some may think it harsh on my dad’s part, but it was one of many great life lessons my dad taught me. Don’t expect a hand out. Work hard. You will appreciate what you have much more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.RussellHodge.com
- Phone: 219-942-2213
- Email: rhodge@RussellHodge.com
Image Credit:
Cody Beagle
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