Two Tree Guys - Audio Podcast

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Apr 2026

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About the show

Pro tree-industry veterans Phil Rogacki & Jared Abrojena are hanging out, sipping a cold one, and talking about the day. Come along as Phil & Jared expand your view of what the tree service industry is about and how it infinitely intertwines with innovation, history, adventure, the great outdoors, the future, and, oh yeah, beer.

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60 recent

April 10, 2026Episode 18618 min

#186: Gear Talk - Lisa McCoy - Mauget MXT

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. 📧 lmccoy@jjmauget.com 📸 @caringfortrees

April 3, 2026Episode 18546 min

#185: What’s Your Story? - Chris Phelps - Paramount Tree Services

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.

March 27, 2026Episode 18436 min

#184: What’s Your Story? - Jordan Tielmann and Arborfest

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.

February 6, 2026Episode 18319 min

#183: What’s Your Story? – Ulrich Baumgardner

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.

February 2, 2026Episode 18233 min

#182: What’s Your Story? – Kevin Hamm

Kevin Hamm’s passion for trees began in high school and grew into a lifelong career. After years of tree work on a college campus and at a federal prison, often while working two jobs, he launched Hamm’s Arbor Care following a major 1998 storm. Kevin weathered the 2008 downturn without filing for bankruptcy and rebuilt over the next decade. Today, his company runs on a strong employee-first culture, family involvement, and education, while his Game of Trees YouTube channel and work in Guatemala highlight his commitment to the arborist community.

January 30, 2026Episode 18129 min

#181: What’s Your Story? – Zach Czirr (HAIX Boots)

Zach Czirr of HAIX Boots shares his journey from beer marketing to building premium footwear brands for first responders in the U.S. Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Zach has always been a marketing guy with a passion for elevating strong brands. After a life-altering cliff-jumping accident at 29 that shattered his heel, quality footwear became deeply personal. Now based at HAIX’s North American headquarters, Zach helps grow a European-established brand in the U.S., highlighting why HAIX boots, built with bull leather and top-tier craftsmanship are made to last.

January 26, 2026Episode 18022 min

#180: Innovation Talk - Jalen Rocha - Husqvarna New Battery Powered Top Handle Chainsaw

Jalen Rocha joins Innovation Talk to discuss Husqvarna’s latest battery-powered top handle chainsaws and the shift toward electrification in the arborist industry. Covering the Central Valley, Bay Area, and Northern Nevada, Jalen shares his journey from ArborWorks to becoming a passionate advocate for innovation in tree care. The episode highlights the new T542i XP, featuring a true clutch (a key industry differentiator), quieter operation than gas, easier startup, a digital oil sensor, optional heated handle, and smart battery technology with ActiveCool. Built to stay in the cut without overloading the motor, the saw, and the precision-focused 540 model, is ready for California’s battery-powered future.

January 19, 2026Episode 17929 min

#179: Safety Talk - Chris Phelps of Paramount Tree Services and Bob Lehman of Academy Trained - OSHA and Safety Programs

In this episode, we dive deep into OSHA, safety culture, and what it really takes to build a safer tree care company. Chris Phelps, owner of Paramount Tree Services in Williamsburg, Virginia, and Bob Lehman of Academy Trained break down Paramount’s “Year of Safety,” the role of TCIA, and why cutting corners isn’t worth the risk. From OSHA 10 & 30 training to job site analyses, tailgate meetings, aerial rescue, and fire mitigation planning, this conversation covers how certifications, JHAs, and documented safety programs create accountability and protect both crews and companies. A must-listen for anyone serious about arboriculture, compliance, and long-term success in the outdoor industry.

January 13, 2026Episode 17827 min

#178: What’s Your Story? - Jason Numemacher

Jason Numemacher talks about his path from a hardworking upbringing with a single mom and three brothers to leadership in the tree care industry. After burning out in debt collection, he moved into tree service management, where his skills in systems, communication, and sales helped grow companies and advance him to general manager. Now a partner at Elite Tree Service, Jason focuses on coaching, sales, and helping tree businesses grow through better leadership and strategy.

December 31, 2025Episode 17724 min

#177: Innovation Talk - Kyle Ellis and Boel Hammarstrand - Solidur

Kyle Ellis and Boel Hammarstrand share their arborist journeys and dive into Solidur’s evolution from a post-WWII French footwear company to a modern, eco-responsible PPE manufacturer. The episode highlights Solidur’s newest tree climbing boot, designed specifically for SRT, featuring an innovative rope-through-the-sole system, EU-made materials, waterproof construction, and customizable fit—built and tested by working arborists for real-world climbing.