What does it take to transform specialized skills into a thriving business while maintaining your sanity and creating a workplace people actually want to join? Spencer from Coastland Tree Works reveals exactly that in this candid conversation about his entrepreneurial journey.
After honing his craft through a comprehensive apprenticeship in Germany, Spencer returned to America with technical expertise and a vision for a different kind of tree care company. Three years into business ownership, he shares the unexpected challenges that technical proficiency couldn't prepare him for: "Just because you're good at one thing—being a good arborist or a good salesperson—does not mean you will be good at running a business."
Spencer's approach to growth focuses on customer relationships rather than aggressive marketing. "Once you have a customer, that customer can easily turn into 10 customers if you do things right," he explains, highlighting how word-of-mouth has become his primary growth driver. But what truly sets Coastland Tree Works apart is its deliberately cultivated company culture. Drawing from his international experience, Spencer has created an environment that contrasts sharply with industry norms—prioritizing open communication, respect, and inclusivity in a field often characterized by rough attitudes and high-pressure environments.
Perhaps most refreshing is Spencer's commitment to work-life boundaries in an entrepreneurial landscape that often glorifies burnout. "For me to be functional at work, I need to have personal life and space," he shares, describing specific practices like not answering calls after certain hours or on weekends. This balanced approach, combined with his philosophy that "the more knowledgeable and educated you are, the more passionate you're going to be," offers valuable wisdom for anyone building a business in a specialized field. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or already in the trenches, this conversation delivers honest insights about creating sustainable growth without sacrificing your vision or wellbeing.

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