Running a tree care business can feel isolating. Peer-to-peer learning groups give business owners a place to connect with others facing similar challenges. What begins as professional collaboration often grows into ongoing support and trusted relationships.

TCIA currently offers three peer-to-peer groups for business owners looking to grow their companies, strengthen leadership skills and navigate industry challenges alongside others who understand the realities of the work. The facilitated, self-led groups create a confidential environment where company leaders can openly discuss successes, struggles and practical lessons learned.

Letting others see the real state of your business isn’t easy. But the moment you do, you stop carrying it alone – and that’s when breakthroughs begin. We asked some peer-group participants to share their experience and insights from being part of the program.

Chris Ahlum (Participant, Facilitator)
President, Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation
Columbus, Ohio

When you’re in a peer-to-peer group, instead of one insight from one person, you get multiple opinions from peers just like you. I love it when someone has a problem and they think it’s the largest problem in the world to overcome. Then they come to a meeting and the people around the table say, “I tried this and it didn’t work,” or “If I had to do it over again, I would do this.” They get real feedback about what worked and what didn’t. You also build lifelong friendships with people you can count on outside the group.

My father was diagnosed with dementia in 2015 and was given two to eight years to live. I was at TCIA’s Winter Management Conference in Puerto Rico, and it was the day before my peer group meeting. I walked in there in tears, feeling broken. Six friends and a facilitator helped me build a plan to make sure my family and business were taken care of moving forward. I may have gotten through it on my own, but having those people in my corner – helping me through one of the hardest moments of my life – was one of the greatest benefits I’ve ever received from being in a peer group.

Nick Simons (Participant)
Owner and Operator, HartWood Tree Care
Elkhart, Indiana

My peer-to-peer group has helped me sort out so many difficult business decisions – how to address problem employees, how to think about debt and equipment purchases. All of that has resulted in a better-run and more profitable company.

I’m a big believer in the “Who, Not How” concept. So instead of asking myself, “How can I figure this out?” I ask, “Who can I call to help me figure it out?” I started my business because I’m good at climbing and taking care of trees, not because I’m good at business. I joined the group to level up my skills as a business owner, and it has really paid off.

I encourage others to join, as long as they come with an open mind. Be ready to have your feet held to the fire when you tell the group about the crazy ways you’re running your business – and be ready to make some changes.

Jonathan Perry (Participant)
CEO, High Regard Tree Care
Haleiwa, Hawaii

The TCIA peer-to-peer group allows me to see my own problems through different lenses and use my knowledge to contribute to others. Access to a “different” room is powerful for people trying to grow their businesses. My motivation was to grow my business, and I knew I could accomplish that goal faster by joining a peer group. If you have the opportunity to be around people who have been where you want to go, why wouldn’t you take it?

Dan Dunn, CTSP (Participant)
President, SkyView Tree Experts
Santa Rosa, California

I joined a TCIA peer group because I thought it was important to reach outside my own experience, work with others in the same position and be part of a group that helps one another, without having to worry about others competing with me.

It has helped me gather ideas, processes and experience from others with the same responsibilities so I don’t have to reinvent the wheel or cut through trial and error to get to a winning idea or process.

I would suggest joining a peer group to anyone looking to grow, not just their company, but themselves. As you work with the group, you not only get ideas, but the motivation and encouragement that can truly help someone who is open to growth and success.

Seneca Eldredge is the business solutions manager at TCIA. To learn more about TCIA’s Mentoring Ecosystem, please visit tcia.org/mentoring.