Two Tree Guys

Kris Kiser, President & CEO of OPEI and Equip Expo, shares how Equip Expo has grown beyond a traditional trade show into a place where innovation, education, and community come together to move the outdoor industry forward. From cutting-edge equipment and emerging technology to hands-on experiences and meaningful industry connections, Kris explores how staying curious, adapting, and investing in new ideas can transform a business. The conversation also looks ahead to the evolution of the Tree Care Arena and Academy Trained’s role in creating more hands-on climbing, chainsaw, and real-world training opportunities, bringing together the people, tools, and knowledge that can inspire the next generation of tree care.

Lisa McCoy, VP of Sales and Operations at J.J. Mauget, breaks down the evolution of tree injection—from Mauget’s pioneering micro-injection system in 1958 to the creation of the MXT (Mauget Xylem Translocator). Designed over three years with help from Cal Poly Pomona, the battery-powered MXT delivers precise treatments directly into a tree’s xylem, reducing waste, plastic use, and environmental impact while saving arborists serious time. 📧 [email protected] 📸 @caringfortrees

Chris Phelps shares his journey from growing up in historic Williamsburg, VA to becoming Owner and CEO of Paramount Tree Services. From early loss and leaving high school to starting a lawn care business, facing major setbacks, and finding mentorship in tree work, this episode is about resilience, hard lessons, and building a business by figuring it out one step at a time.

Jordan Tielmann shares how her background in running nearly 90 trade shows led her into the tree industry and, alongside her husband Hans, to taking over Arborfest. More than a trade show, Arborfest is an experience built by tree people, for tree people, focused on education, networking, and culture. With 65+ sessions over three days, hands-on demos, competitions, and an intimate layout designed for small and mid-sized companies, Arborfest aims to spark learning, safety, and long-term growth in the arborist industry.

Kansas native Ulrich Baumgardner found the tree industry through cutting firewood, hunting from trees, and falling down a YouTube rabbit hole. Inspired by arborist creators, he joined Wellnitz Tree Company after seeing them bid a job at his home, starting as a groundie and quickly embracing climbing. With a National Guard background, Ulrich continues to sharpen his skills through coworkers, trade shows, and YouTube, often climbing just for fun.