Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Delbridge.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Bob. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Purchased 404-CUT-TREE in 2001 from its founder. 404-CUT-TREE, whose tagline is ‘We save trees, too!’ is one of the best known tree services in the Atlanta metro area. Became a Certified Arborist in 2006. Started Wholesale Wood Products, Inc. in 2005 to process waste products from the tree business. WWP’s colored mulch is used by some of the largest mulch installers in the Atlanta metro area. It is arguably ‘The finest mulch in town.’ (See www.finestmulch.com.)
Purchased land and facility for 404-Cut-Tree in 2007, and in 2011, purchased land for WWP. Now based in Norcross, GA, the business has 34 employees.
In January 2017, started the Tree Climbers Academy to train people for a career in tree climbing and arboriculture. Qualified tree climbers are the critical obstacle to growth in the tree service industry. Selected students are paid while they learn.
Prior to 2001, I enjoyed career in marketing and sales, including the industrial gas industry and in environmental engineering. Has owned two other small businesses – both scratch started and sold.
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1972
U.S. Naval Academy
Married for 35 years to Melanie
4 adult children
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I purchased the business with all the money I had July 11, 2001. Two months later (on 9/11), not many people were interested in tree trimming! The second year in business I was able to purchase my second chip truck and chipper. It was wrecked with 3,000 miles on the odometer! But afterwards the business continued with steady growth in reputation and revenue until 2007. The tree business shrank by 50% from 2006 – 2009. When you’re worried about your job, you put off non-essential tree service. Since 2009 we have grown steadily.
Please tell us about 404-CUT-TREE.
404-CUT-TREE is a well-known, full-service tree trimming and tree removal company. Our clean, yellow trucks and Pine (VW) Beetles are a widely recognized symbol of quality and high customer satisfaction throughout the northern Atlanta metro area. We take pride in helping our customers find the most appropriate solution for their tree issues, whether it is diagnosis and treatment, tree trimming or tree removal. Our arborists are trained to recognize the issues our trees frequently have, and will present treatment options to removal if desired. If the decision is made to remove the tree; why take, chances with your family and property? We are the recognized, safe choice in heavy, sophisticated tree removals. Our safe work practices help take the risk out of big tree removals; and our satisfaction guarantee takes the risk out of contracting. Fundamentally, we want to be the tree company you refer to your mother.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Start younger! Taking climbing lessons at 50 is a little strange.
Contact Info:
- Address: 585 Langford Ln.
Norcross, GA 30071 - Website: www.404cuttree.com
- Phone: 404-288-8733
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/404cuttree/
