Forest Kirk: Professional Growth
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
SANTA ROSA — Thanks to an early introduction to the tree service industry, Forest Kirk was able to achieve uncommonly rapid professional growth. “When I was growing up, my mom’s boyfriend owned a tree service business,” he explains. “When I was 11 years old, I started working with him after school and during the summer. I’d also go with him to Fort Ross, where we’d clear out forested areas and process the timber into firewood. Following high school, I started working for another tree service company and trained with a certified arborist. A couple of years later, I decided to start my own tree service business. I got my contractor’s license when I was 22 and earned my arborist certification a year later.”
Today, as owner of Forest Tree Services Inc., Forest says his favorite part of his job is watching his business grow. “Success drives me, so it’s very rewarding to see how much the business has grown since I first started it. I’ve invested a lot into getting the best equipment and providing excellent service, and I’m happy to see that it has paid off.”
A resident of Santa Rosa, Kirk spends most of his time outside of work with his daughter. “I homeschool my daughter, so between her school and my career, I stay very busy,” he says. “I also like extreme sports like snowboarding and motocross. I love to ride my motorcycle and I’m also partway through getting my pilot’s license, although that’s on hold for the time being.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Forest says it’s all about the basics. “In order to run a successful business, you need to make sure your customers are getting what they want at a price they’re willing to pay, and that they’re happy with the end result. Of course, when it comes to tree service, the other important thing is safety. As long as you can keep your customers happy and perform the work safely, that’s a recipe for success.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Forest says he’d take to the skies. “I’d finish earning my pilot’s license, buy a Cessna and fly around the world.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Thailand.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: A night owl, although I also get up early. I just don’t sleep very much in general.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Stay inside and watch a movie.
Q: What’s your favorite kind of food?
A: Mexican food.
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