Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander Satoski.
Hi Alexander, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Just before the pandemic in 2020, I had sold all of my belongings, ended the lease at my apartment, and quit my job as a bartender at Antonio’s Maitland. I had set my sights on New York City and knew I wanted to work at the botanical gardens there. I had a month-long Airbnb booked and interviews lined up. However, all flights were grounded two days before my departure, and the country was shut down in the “two weeks to slow the spread.” I decided to wait it out at my parent’s house with my family and sister, who chose to do the same. I had always been into gardening, and with the stay-at-home order, the best thing to pass the time was just that. As things became more hectic, my sister and I decided it would be good to try to grow some of our food. And so, Sherwood Gardens came into existence with the help of my sister, Kathryn. We started increasing vegetable starts and propagating plants to help our local community grow their food. Selling plants leads to installing plants, which leads to designing gardens. As we followed the path of least resistance, we inevitably had to remove a small tree to let light into the garden. With a Milwaukee battery-powered pole saw, we removed a whole tree and caught a lot of lucky breaks. After this, we decided we needed some professional training, and it happened upon my future mentor at a Vermeer Arborist training class. I was offered a job with him as a groundsman, learning the basics of tree work. As time passed, I learned to climb and safely prune and remove trees. The work was much more exciting and demanding than the gardening I had become accustomed to and bored with. I was hooked. With two years of training and the support of other more experienced arborists on my crew, I decided it was time to go it alone. And so, Sacred Tree Service came into existence and just celebrated our first year in business.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a smooth road when you focus on the blessings. With one year in business, we haven’t had a single injury while working in one of the most dangerous industries in the country. Every one of our employees has made it home safely to their families each night, and we have paid our bills on time and kept food on the table while steadily hitting our goals. Slow and steady wins the race.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are a born and raised Orlando local tree company specializing in pruning and removals. Known for our detailed pruning, we are most proud of our desire to do everything possible for a tree before even considering removal. Having certified arborists on staff who are dedicated to continued education and the latest techniques in plant care sets us apart from many tree companies in our area.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis led me to start my first business in the green industry. I started from seedlings and slowly progressed to full-grown trees. The first thing I learned was that people will come together in a crisis and do what needs to be done to keep going. No matter how many supply lines shut down or borders are closed, people will find a way to put food on the table and enjoy the little moments. Don’t listen to the doomsayers.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sacredtreeservice
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Sacred-Tree-Service-100092987485731/?locale=mt_MT
Image Credits
Climber out on limb pictured: Owner & Operator Alexander Satoski, Person Holding Rope: Tyler Bowers, Person in spider lift: Glenn Peroni, Person climbing palm tree: Alexander Satoski, Person cutting next to grapple truck: Alexander Satoski
