Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Torres.
Hi Gabriel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I received a bachelor’s in science from NMSU, in natural resource management (wildlife science). As a sophomore, I obtained seasonal work with the U.S. Forest Service where I served as a Forestry Technician and a Wildland Firefighter. During my 5 seasons with the USFS, I developed a huge love and appreciation for our natural world and its resources. I saw a huge need for management and preservation and made it my mission to make an impact where I could. Due to seasonal work not being a great long-term choice, I decided to move into urban forestry.
Here I became a Certified Arborist working under one of the big, national tree companies. After many frustrations with practices, employee/employer relationships and wages, and large-scale company political restraints, I decided to start my own company to correct all of this. My main focus is protecting and preserving trees that need protecting, protecting the people around these trees, prioritizing client and employee relationships, and spreading the word about how critical it is we protect our planet.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been many things, but a smooth road. In order to start a business like this, you of course need education and knowledge. I had a thorough understanding of the science and craft of my field but lacked business and economical knowledge, business setup procedures, taxes knowledge, and very importantly, a large chunk of change for the expensive equipment required. We started by purchasing the tools and dump truck and cutting all the brush in the bed of the truck (rather than chipping it), which is incredibly strenuous and time-consuming.
As time progressed, we were able to acquire an old chipper (which used equipment comes with its own set of headaches). No matter how tough it got, we had the desire and motivation to make Bare Nature Tree succeed. The largest struggle, however, has been leaving the security and certainty of a large company. Not knowing if there is going to be enough work or calls has definitely been the largest struggle. We know our value, and the quality that we bring is incomparable, but having a mechanism of allowing the public to see this as well has been very difficult.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bare Nature Tree Surgeons?
We are a Tree Service company serving South Texas. We take a unique approach to tree care because we understand the urgency of protecting our limited valuable natural resources (trees). We use science and best industry practices to prolong and protect old, valuable, historic trees.
We also focus on restoring and replanting our urban areas, since tree removals are an inevitable part of the job. We have the area’s best tree climbers, with the knowledge to back up their skills. In the end, we just want to do what is right for our planet, our clients, and our employees.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and are any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, the world as we know it can change in what seems overnight. We need to value our loved ones and show our appreciation daily because they might not be around the next day.
As many people did during the pandemic, I lost my grandmother. She was one of the best role models I had in life and one of the closest people to me. Among all the duties and responsibilities never forget about those who helped shape the person you became.
Contact Info:
- Website: barenaturetree.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barenaturetreesurgeons/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barenaturetreesurgeons
