Setting Up Shop
Tom Eremondi
SETTING UP SHOP
by Tom Eremondi (Saskatoon Sun, Sunday, April 18, 2010)
Entrepreneur likes to spend time up a tree
Hang loose may not
want to be a term you
use when you’re 50 feet up
a tree, but John Wright’s
OK with it. He’s the owner
of Hang Loose Yard and
Tree Services.
Wright has been pruning and trimming trees and hedges through Hang Loose for more than a decade.
“I’ve also expanded my services and now do underground sprinklers with no trenching, and install maintenance free metal fencing.”
He says the business keeps him busy nine months of the year.
“I’ve thought of expanding but, every time I do, it adds a little more so I’m pretty happy with what I’m doing now and for how long. So I think I’ll keep it that way. I prefer to keep my current clients happy and would rather have that personal touch than add any more services.”
Hang Loose has been around since 2000.
“I formed the business about 10 years ago with my father-in-law. We were originally just called John and Earl’s tree service and after the first year decided to keep doing it.
“We realized a different name would be better. We’d been to Hawaii and he really liked the surfing expression because he’s an easy-going guy, so we went with Hang Loose.”
“I’ve been doing things like rototilling since I was 16 and I just enjoy doing yard work. Then I noticed birch trees in the city were dying and I started by cutting down my aunt’s tree.
“People saw that and asked me to do theirs. The business just grew from there.”
Wright points out that he’s not an arborist.
“I don’t deal with trees that are diseased. I either trim trees to shape them or cut them down to remove them altogether. My specialty is trees that are in tight spots.”
He doesn’t have a bucket truck because he prefers to climb or use hoists and pulleys.
Wright really enjoys the work.
“I’m not a sitting on the couch kind of guy. I prefer to be outdoors. I also like meeting with the public and making them happy with the work I do. I like seeing the same clients year after year.
“I enjoy being a small business, keeping it personal and being honest with my customers. I’ve had two complaints in 10 years and have settled them both. I think that’s a pretty good track record and I’m proud of it.”
To contact Hang Loose call 270- 9123 or visit hanglooseyard.com .