2008....

This year has been a milestone in my history and Forest Application's. It's scary to know that just a second in time or a prolonged illness can effect not only you but your family and business. I have experienced a lot this year and in it one thing for sure - GOD I.N.C. (God is in control).

I want to thank all my readers and training attendees for making 2008 a blessed and profitable year. It's so great to know that people respect your business and even more- they think enough of you to add you to their thoughts and prayers!

May you all have friend's and business' that are prosperous and profitable in 2009! - Tim

Thank You!

I want to say thank you for your thoughts and prayers over the past few months regarding my health. Colin Cancer has not been fun for my family and me. But....

I had a CT Scan last week and the doctor announced this morning that I am presently Cancer Free. I will not have any other treatments and can return to a full training schedule soon. They will monitor my blood and scans quarterly to keep an eye on any cell growths but at present - ALL CLEAR! A great time for Thanksgiving! Your prayers and a Great God have granted me a new season of chain saw training classes. I hope to see you soon! Tim

In Memory...

This past Tuesday (Nov 18th) we lost an Icon of the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry. Richard Burchett passed away after coming down with a rare disease that effects the brain. Richard was 75 years old. He went from working constantly, as he always did, to passing away in just a few weeks.

Richard has been working with chain saws, mowers and trimmers since 1956. He has influenced and trained a great number of today's industry leaders.

I owe so much to Richard and his wife Betty for taking me under their wings and mentoring me. Richard was my mentor, teacher and friend. Working with and knowing Richard since 1981 has been the highlight of my career. He introduced me to Soren years ago and to my relationship with Dave Zerfoss and Husqvarna.

Richard Burchett will be greatly missed. - Tim

Husqvarna Demo's

We have just returned from a great week of chain saw workshops for a couple of Husqvarna Dealers in the south.

Our first stop was with Revell Hardware and Husqvarna's Dustin Smith. They did a super job organizing the training day with city and county workers around Clinton, MS. We had over 35 attending the session. Inside we covered PPE, maintnence and the felling plan then over to a park after lunch where we cut two dead oaks that needed to be removed. Great group! (pics are from Clinton, MS session. The group in Pensacola were inmates and we can't show pictures)

The next session was with Dutchman's in Foley, AL organized by Ron and Husqvarna's Mike Thrower. This is the second trip to train inmates working at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL. The home of the Blue Angels.... they were practicing overhead during some of our training. Noisy... but amazing.

The group was very attentive and interested. They operate all Husqvarna Equipment in their work.

Great week! Thanks to Revell, Dutchman's, Mike and Dustin!

Honolulu Forestry and Nursery

While in Hawaii we had three days of training with the city of Honolulu. 28 of the Forestry and Nursery department employees went through chain saw safety and felling class. The group did a super job cutting Hawaiian Mesquite trees. Tough cutting but all successful. - Tim

Hawaii Construction Career Days

We had the pleasure to attend the 2008 Hawaii Construction Career days held at the Honolulu Community College. This event was organized by industry and the Hawaii LTAP program. 1200 students from high schools attended the event to learn about job opportunities in construction. The students could drive about all equipment used in construction. We set up a little saw maintenance timed competition. The students loved it! - Tim

Sunbelt Expo 2008

Every year one of my favorite weeks takes us to south Georgia. Moultrie, GA is the home of one of the largest farm shows in the US. The Sunbelt Expo....

Sponsored by Husqvarna we do three chainsaw safety presentations a day and carve like crazy... eagles, bears, etc.... Oh MY!

This year the attendance seems a little low. Usually about 250k people attend the show. We were swamped anyway and a local dealer sold almost everything they brought.

It's a blast working with the southern US team from Husqvarna! Thanks for the opportunity! - Tim