Two Tree Guys

#157: Innovation Talk - Tom Smith and Sonia Coyle - Century Products

Tom and Sonia dig into the power of handheld trenching with the GeoRipper and the impact of smart root barrier installation. From minimizing trip hazards in public spaces to preventing costly foundation and sidewalk damage, they share real-world insight on root control, equipment innovation, and what actually works in the field.

#156: Innovation Talk - Jennifer Walker and Laura Ahac - Schaeffer's Specialized Lubricants

From dirt tracks to dive bars, Jennifer and Laura share their unlikely paths to Schaeffer’s, North America’s oldest lubrication company. Hear how a 19th-century candle and soap maker evolved into a modern lubrication powerhouse—and why they’re finally embracing marketing after nearly two centuries of boots-on-the-ground success.

#155: What’s Your Story? - Sam Finco - Academy Trainer & The Arborist

Sam Finco, trainer with The Academy, shares his journey from art school to arborist. Growing up between Wisconsin and Iowa, Sam found early inspiration in the outdoors. After dabbling in art and rock climbing, a photo of a crane removal changed everything—he dropped out of forestry school and dove headfirst into tree work. From learning to drive a 26K lb bucket truck in the desert to building rope systems to preserve massive oaks, Sam’s story is one of grit, creativity, and growth. Now a contract climber and mentor, he’s on a mission to be the guide he never had.

#154: What’s Your Story? - Joe Wightman

Joe Wightman’s journey from a rough start in Loveland, CO, to becoming an Academy Trainer in arboriculture is one of resilience and purpose. After early run-ins with the law and setbacks in construction, a friend’s suggestion led him to tree work—where he found not just a job, but a calling. Now 11 years in, Joe is passionate about safety, hands-on training, and helping others grow in an industry that’s as mentally demanding as it is physical.

#153: Training Talk - Emily Inman and John Wayne - Finding the Next Generation of Arborists

Emily Inman from Charlotte’s Landscape Management Division and arborist John Wayne share their paths into tree care and the growing need to train passionate newcomers. With an aging urban forest and a wave of arborists set to retire, they talk about the importance of early education, hands-on training, and changing perceptions of arboriculture as a skilled, essential trade. From climbing trees to community outreach, it’s all about planting seeds for the future.

#152: What’s Your Story? - Omar Martinez - Pro Select Construction Services

Omar Martinez shares his journey from childhood laborer to project manager at his family’s business, Pro Select Construction Services. Raised in San Diego, Omar reflects on early jobs, lessons in leadership, the challenges of managing older crew members, and the grind of cold sales. Now helping expand the company’s construction division with EV charging stations, Omar also opens up about balancing work with self-love.

#151: Innovation Talk - Jim Depolo - VP Racing Fuel

Jim Deplo joins us to talk about VP Racing Fuels' high-performance blends made for small engines like chainsaws. Learn how their ethanol-free, synthetic fuels improve reliability, reduce maintenance, and keep your equipment running cleaner and longer.

#150: What’s Your Story? - Jalen Rocha

Born in Fresno, CA, Jalen grew up in a blended family and learned early lessons about setting boundaries and offering support without enabling. After leaving home at 18, a series of tough breaks — including flipping a truck and a night in jail — taught him resilience. He eventually found his footing at ArborWorks, where he grew from inventory management to climbing and training others in safety and utility work. He helped the company scale smartly, standardizing gear and improving operations, until changes after a private equity takeover led him to a new chapter at Husqvarna. This is a story of growth, grit, and finding your lane.

#149: What’s Your Story? - Ryan Swederski

From corporate America to concert stages to climbing trees, Ryan Swederski’s path has been anything but typical. After helping his dad run an indoor putt-putt business in Arizona—and picking up DJing and concert booking along the way—Ryan stumbled into the world of arboriculture. One inspiring day watching climbers changed everything. Over the next 15 years, he climbed, led crews, mastered utility line clearance, and eventually launched his own company: Swederski’s Independent Consulting, LLC. Now, Ryan is on a mission to train, consult, and raise the bar for safety in tree care—especially for smaller, growing companies.

#148: What’s Your Story? - Sonia Coyle

From growing up in California’s Imperial Valley with farming parents to running eight marathons, Sonia Coyle’s journey is one of grit, reinvention, and strength. After dropping out of San Diego State, she entered the aerospace world, raised three boys, navigated divorce, and chased joy through dancing and new adventures. Her path took her all the way to England, where she became an accountant, before returning to the U.S. and stepping into the world of tree care with her partner, Tom. Recorded live at the ISA Western Chapter Conference, this episode is about resilience, new chapters, and finding your place—no matter how unexpected.