Today we’d like to introduce you to John Mitchell
Hi John, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I was drawn to working with my hands, starting with a small car detailing and mechanic business at age 13. I was inspired by my dad’s work in the automotive industry and had a love for cars and mechanics. I earned my degree in Automotive and Industrial, and pursued a career building armored vehicles. Shortly afterward, the economy took a hit and I was faced with the recession of 2009.
This ended up being a gift in disguise, as it led me to return to my entrepreneurial roots and I discovered my passion for arboriculture.
In 2013, I officially launched JM Arbor Care with just a dump truck. I spent countless hours repairing undervalued equipment, transforming it into valuable assets for the business. This hands-on approach allowed me to grow the company steadily.
During this time, I was also restoring my grandparents’ old house, which deepened my connection to the land and nature. My friend, a professional arborist, introduced me to the world of tree services. I quickly became fascinated with the craft, diving headfirst into learning everything about climbing and arboriculture.
With my newfound passion, I transitioned fully into tree services, gradually building JM Arbor Care into a respected name in the community. Today, we have a dedicated team of seven and a vision to expand to 20-30 employees. We’re also committed to sustainability, and are planning to offer eco-friendly products like compost and mulch, created from the wood waste generated by our tree service jobs. We’re transforming what is typically considered trash into valuable, usable products. My journey has been one of resilience, growth, and a constant drive to turn challenges into opportunities. We’re excited to continue growing and making a positive impact in our community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Building and growing this company has been the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced, but each struggle has ultimately made both me and the business stronger. There have been many obstacles along the way—from dealing with constantly breaking equipment to the ongoing challenge of retaining good employees. Each step forward often feels like hitting a new wall, especially when navigating uncharted territory.
But each challenge has revealed aspects I hadn’t anticipated, showing me the difference between a dream and the reality of making it happen. Each obstacle is an opportunity to grow and improve. Facing these challenges head-on has not only strengthened the business, but has also given me invaluable lessons that continue to shape our journey. It’s been tough, but I genuinely believe that overcoming these obstacles has made us more resilient and prepared for the future.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At JM Arbor Care, we specialize in providing high-quality tree care services with a strong focus on safety, precision, and customer satisfaction. Our expertise includes everything from tree removal and pruning to stump grinding and plant health care. We’re particularly known for handling complex tree projects requiring advanced techniques and meticulous planning, often in challenging environments.
What truly sets us apart is our leadership in utilizing new technology and cutting-edge equipment in the industry. We ensure that we have the right tools for every job and customer need, which allows us to deliver exceptional results with efficiency and care. One of our core priorities is preventing property damage and leaving your property in better condition than we found it, a standard we hold ourselves to on every project.
We also pride ourselves on our commitment to understanding and exceeding customer needs. It’s not just about completing a job; it’s about ensuring our customers feel they’ve received exactly what they paid for, if not more. This approach, combined with our focus on sustainability, is what continues to build our reputation as a trusted name in the community.
In addition, we transform wood waste from our jobs into eco-friendly products like compost and mulch, minimizing waste and contributing to a greener future. As we expand these offerings, we aim to make a broader impact environmentally while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking is an essential part of growth, both in business and in life. I believe that calculated risks, when approached with careful planning and a clear understanding of potential outcomes, are often necessary to achieve meaningful progress. For me, it’s not about being reckless; it’s about being courageous enough to step outside of my comfort zone while remaining grounded in thorough preparation.
One of the biggest risks I took was starting JM Arbor Care with limited resources and an ambitious vision. At the time, I had a truck and a determination to create something of value, but there were countless uncertainties. Would we be able to find enough clients? Would I be able to invest in the right equipment to deliver the quality of work I envisioned? Despite these unknowns, I trusted my work ethic, my ability to problem-solve, and my passion for tree care to navigate the challenges.
Another significant risk was shifting from a more general scope of work to focusing solely on tree care and sustainability. This required a complete rethinking of how we operated, including significant investments in advanced equipment and new processes. It was a leap, but it allowed us to carve out a niche and become a leader in our field.
I think about risk as a balance between opportunity and responsibility. Risks that align with our core values—like investing in cutting-edge technology or pursuing sustainable initiatives—are easier to embrace because they serve a larger purpose. At the same time, I always weigh the impact of potential risks on our team, our clients, and the reputation we’ve worked so hard to build.
Risk-taking is a muscle, and the more you exercise it with intention and care, the stronger your ability to make sound decisions becomes. While not every risk pays off, I believe the lessons learned from those experiences are invaluable. At the end of the day, every calculated risk is a step forward in building something extraordinary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jmarborcare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmarborcare/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmarborcare
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jmarborcare
