The Aging Arborist

On Episode 25 of The Aging Arborist Podcast, we sit down with longtime arborist and competitive climber Jim Roach.
Jim takes us back to the beginning of his career, from learning tree work the hard way to finding his place at John B. Ward, where he’s spent the last 30 years building a career based on loyalty, effort, and constantly getting better.
We get into his years competing alongside some of the best climbers in the industry, the influence of Mark Chisholm, what competition taught him beyond winning, and why he believes climbing competitions are one of the best learning environments a young arborist can experience.
But this conversation goes deeper than climbing. Jim talks about mentorship, safety, family, work ethic, leadership, and why giving back to the next generation has become one of the most important parts of his career.
From competitor to mentor, this one is about what a lifetime in the tree industry can teach you. 🌳🎙️
The Aging Arborist Podcast — Episode 25

In Episode 24, we sit down with Tony Tressel, an arborist, trainer, author, veteran and cohost of the Tree Action Podcast.
Tony shares his journey from military service and studying philosophy to building a lifelong career in arboriculture. We get into the importance of truly listening, setting clear expectations, creating nonnegotiable safety standards and knowing when someone is no longer the right fit for your team.
We also discuss leadership, creativity, mentorship, tree climbing competitions and the experiences that shaped Tony’s approach to work and life.
This conversation is packed with practical lessons for anyone looking to become a stronger leader, a better communicator and a more intentional professional.

In Episode 23, Glenn Riggs joins the podcast for a raw, funny, and honest conversation about growing up in the tree industry, learning the hard way, and helping shape the craft long before social media made everything visible. From climbing in the late 70s, working under old-school standards, innovating rigging techniques, competing in tree climbing, crane work, family legacy, and mentoring the next generation, Glenn brings the kind of stories that only come from actually living it.
This episode is about grit, connection, thick skin, loss, growth, and the roots of an industry built by people who figured it out in real time.

In this episode of The Aging Arborist Podcast, Paul and Brick sit down with Joe for a conversation that goes far beyond tree care.
The episode opens with an important discussion on Lyme disease in the arborist industry, especially for those working outdoors on the East Coast. From there, the conversation moves into Joe’s work at Meadow Lakes, the responsibility of caring for historic trees, the value of community, and what it means to lead with purpose in arboriculture.
This episode touches on mentorship, gratitude, work ethic, New Jersey’s arborist standards, and the deeper meaning behind showing up every day for the people, trees, and industry you care about.
A powerful conversation for arborists, tree care professionals, and anyone who believes this work is about more than just the job.

After a few months away, the Aging Arborist is back — new look, new chapter, same depth. In this episode, Paul sits down with his daughter Michaela and co-host Brick for a conversation that goes way deeper than tree work.
Michaela grew up with the shop literally attached to the house, loading firewood as a kid and eventually running ropes on real jobs. Paul opens up about what it means to balance the grind of owning a business with being present for the people who matter most — and Michaela shares what it was actually like growing up on the other side of that.
The conversation winds through first competition nerves, the power of being pushed outside your comfort zone, what "community" really means in the tree industry, and why the second generation has an edge that most people underestimate.
Brick also reflects on personal changes this past winter and the beauty of leaning into new chapters rather than fighting them.
Whether you're a business owner trying to balance provision with presence, a second-gen arborist finding your footing, or someone who just needs a reminder that life begins outside your comfort zone — this one's for you.