Leaving a Legacy: A Succession Planning Guide for Tree Care Business Owners
What does it mean to leave a legacy? For tree care business owners, it’s about more than just financial success; it’s about building something that lasts—something that continues to thrive for your family, employees, and customers.
In a recent webinar hosted by SingleOps, Mark Chisholm, a third-generation arborist and industry icon, shared powerful insights into the art of succession planning. Whether you’re years away from stepping back or just starting to consider your options, these strategies are essential for ensuring your hard work and passion endure.
Key Lessons
Start Planning Sooner Than Later
Succession planning isn’t something you do at the eleventh hour. Mark stressed the importance of starting the process early, even while you’re still fully immersed in running your business. “You don’t plan from the start; you plan from the finish,” Mark explained. “Think about what the end result should look like and build backward from there.” This thoughtful approach mirrors the careful strategy needed to remove a large tree—one wrong move could jeopardize the entire process.
Know Your Business Inside and Out
If your business were a tree, its financial health and metrics would be the roots. Mark highlighted how critical it is to maintain clean financial records, track performance indicators, and truly understand your profit margins. “Planning for succession is planning for a strong business,” he noted. “Understanding your numbers not only helps you today but positions your business for a successful future.” These foundational elements can attract the right buyer or prepare the next generation of leaders.
Keep Your Customers in the Loop
Your customers are at the heart of your business. Whether you’re preparing for a leadership handoff or an outright sale, maintaining customer trust is non-negotiable. Mark shared an example of a family-owned business that sold to a larger company without proper planning: “Their customers started reaching out to us because they weren’t happy with the new service.” He explained that a thoughtful plan ensuring continuity of service can reassure your customers and preserve your legacy.
Engage Your Team Early
Let’s face it—change can be unsettling. That’s why transparency and communication with your employees are vital. Start conversations early, involve them in the planning process, and, when possible, offer opportunities for growth within the company. When your team feels invested in the transition, the process becomes smoother for everyone.
Explore Your Options
Succession isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re considering a family handover, an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), or selling to an external buyer, take the time to explore what aligns with your goals and values. Mark’s advice? “Don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision. This is likely the most significant business decision you’ll ever make—it deserves careful thought.”
Succession Planning: Setting Your Business Up for Success
“If you don’t plan for it, it won’t happen,” Mark explained. “Planning for succession isn’t just about stepping away—it’s about building a resilient business that thrives.” He likened it to removing a large tree: “You need to start with the end goal in mind and work thoughtfully toward it.”
By creating a detailed plan, keeping your financials transparent, prioritizing your customers, and fostering leadership within your team, you’re not just preparing for a transition—you’re building a stronger, more resilient business.
Take the First Step Today
“The sooner you start, the better,” Mark reminded us. Even if you’re not ready to step away, beginning the conversation now gives you more options and flexibility for the future. Want to dive deeper into succession planning? Watch the full webinar recording for more practical advice and insights. And remember, tools like SingleOps are available to help you streamline operations, track your metrics, and set your business on the path to long-term success.