Jesse Ziemienski, President
Dean Ziemienski, Vice president
American Tree Experts
2100 S. Springdale Road, New Berlin
www.atetreecare.com
Industry: Tree care/arboriculture
Employees: 13
What was the smartest thing American Tree Experts did in the past year?
Dean: “We hired a new marketing agency, The Ritterbusch Group, to assist us in developing and executing our marketing plan. This has freed up a lot of our time to concentrate on what we do best – taking care of trees.”
What’s new at your company?
Jesse: “We just completed the expansion and renovation of our main office. The new work environment has greatly improved office efficiencies and its increased comfort is a hit with our employees.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
Dean: “We are looking at new software programs that will allow our staff to access our company’s customer database through smartphones or tablet PCs while out in the field. This will lead to improved customer service and faster communications.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
Jesse: “Our main challenge will be battling emerald ash borer as we begin to see widespread damage from this invasive pest in southeast Wisconsin. Our goal is to inform and educate our customers about EAB and guide them through options for handling this threat.”
How do you overcome the challenge of finding and attracting the talent you need?
Jesse: “With a shortage of qualified arborists, we will hire people with formal education in a related field that show an interest in our profession. We then foster that interest, providing a pathway to become a talented arborist and an integral part of our team.”
How has American Tree Experts managed to stay in business for more than 60 years?
Dean: “To begin, our goal is to not only meet customer expectations, but to exceed them. That’s allowed us to build excellent and long-lasting relationships. Next, we always do what’s best for our customers and their trees, even at times when it may not be as profitable to do so.”
Why have you remained family owned and operated? What are your future plans for ownership?
Jesse: “Arboriculture is a wonderful, but often misunderstood, profession. My father, Chester, taught and inspired me to continue his good work in caring for our urban forest. My son, Dean, a certified arborist with us since 2006, will continue that family tradition and assume ownership in the future.”
Do you have a business mantra?
Dean: “Put simply, our goal is to maximize the benefits trees provide while providing the best possible customer service.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
Jesse: “Every team member has strengths and weaknesses. Find the strengths of each one of your team members and put them in a position where those strengths will be used to contribute to the overall success of your organization.”
What is your favorite kind of tree and why?
Dean: “My favorite tree is the sugar maple. I am in awe of its beauty whenever I see a large, mature one. It is native to Wisconsin, displays the best fall color, and I love putting its syrup on my pancakes.”