We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rockwell Stringer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Rockwell thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
We started our business in 2020 when, just like many others, I was laid off of my hospitality job due to the pandemic. I was working as an area manager when it happened. Although it was a great job, I’m an outdoor enthusiast and it felt unnatural being trapped in an office all day. Once I had the opportunity to change things up, I searched for opportunities that embraced more of my interests. That’s how I ended up with two jobs – pest control and personal training.
The timing of everything was perfect. I was able to explore these different things, but I quickly learned I wanted to be in control of my own life. I saw the need for tree services during my days working in pest control, so I started offering my services. It only grew from there, and I had to leave both jobs to keep up with the demand.
A couple of months later, my wife and I found out our family was growing. The way I see the timing of this business was “it’s now or never.” If I never got laid off, I would’ve stayed unhappy in a job I didn’t love for the security of my family. Instead, I took a risk and used the pressure of a growing family to grow the business to what it is today.
Rockwell, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
We’re a tree care business providing services throughout the San Antonio area. We do everything from tree trimming and maintenance to tree removal, hedge work, and stump grinding. Many of our clients have expressed that they do feel we are different than other tree care companies in many ways, but the biggest one is how passionate our team is. Throughout the entire process, we’re sure to have open communication with our clients to make sure we are taking care of every one of their goals for their space – whatever that means to them.
Any advice for managing a team?
This year, we began regular check-ins with each of our team members in addition to team meetings. During that time I make a point to address any concerns they may have, discuss their goals, and make a plan to get them there. We also do regular team-building activities and various training sessions (climbing, chainsaw maintenance, educational hikes, first aid, etc.).
Every single team member has an important role and knows that. Our Field Director, Joseph, has been vital in helping us stay connected to each team member’s needs and has done great in leading the day-to-day functions. Everyone is empowered to make the most of their roles, which I wanted from the start.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I’ve read a few books throughout my life that have stuck with me. All have shaped how I think about relationships and problem-solving, which I’ve found to be very important in running a business. Some of them are:
“The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
“The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy
Lastly, “Jupiter’s Travels” by Ted Simon is a book I read that has significantly impacted my sense of adventure even in adulthood.
Contact Info:
- Website: trimwelltrees.com
- Instagram: trimwelltrees
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trimwelltrees