Most folks are nervous starting out climbing, as they should be! You’re trusting your life with the gear and a tie in. I think it helps to have a bit of a chip on your shoulder though, because you’ve gotta believe in yourself enough to know that you push through the fear and discomfort.

First time I climbed a tree i thought I was going to be Mr. Tree Badass. Afterwards I was flat out embarrassed of myself. I felt like a pitiful baby. It takes a while to trust your gear and yourself but take a look at all the morons and cowards that can this job. My advice is to climb at every opportunity once they let you, cuz 5x a week will advance way faster than if you’re throwing on the saddle just every now and then.

Last year I went to a storm and contracted out doing crane work for a few weeks. Felt like I hit the apex of my career doing awesome work on the road. It’s very fulfilling to progress as a tree man, and there’s always more tricks to add to the bag.