Tree Surgeon's Podcast with Henri Ghijben
Ep 11 What's the Real Reason Behind Poor Leadership Growth: Crimson Kings Share Hard Truths
Published: 4 March 2025 at 08:01 Europe/London
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In this episode of The Tree Surgery Podcast, we sit down with Jack and Luke from Crimson Kings, a thriving tree surgery business near Nottingham. Jack and Luke share their journeys into the industry, how they built Crimson Kings, and why they are passionate about apprenticeships and training the next generation of arborists.
We dive into the challenges of running a tree surgery business, from managing a partnership to ensuring strong company culture. They also discuss why they started Crimson Academy, their training division, to help improve industry standards while creating an additional revenue stream.
If you’re a tree surgery business owner, thinking about scaling your team, or struggling with recruitment and retention, this episode is packed with insights on building a skilled and motivated workforce.
Topics Discussed:
- How Jack & Luke got into tree surgery – F - Starting & growing Crimson Kings – The journey from subcontractors to a 10-person team - Biggest challenges in tree surgery businesses – Managing partnerships, scaling, and staying profitable - The importance of company culture – Why a strong team dynamic is essential for success - Training and apprenticeships – Why they invest heavily in training and how it’s paid off - Crimson Academy – How their training business is helping develop the next generation of arborists - Pricing & profitability – Why raising prices didn’t hurt their business and how others can do the same - The future of tree surgery – Challenges in the industry, the role of ARB accreditation, and improving industry standards
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Jack & Luke from Crimson Kings 01:00 – How They Got Into Tree Surgery 03:00 – Early Work Experience & Building Skills 04:30 – Launching Crimson Kings in 2019 05:00 – Jack’s Journey from Electrical Engineering to Tree Surgery 06:00 – Challenges of Running a Business & Managing a Partnership 10:00 – The Importance of Company Culture & Team Development 12:00 – Why They Started the Crimson Academy 18:00 – Training Apprentices & Growing Future Tree Surgeons 22:00 – Pricing & Profitability – Raising Rates Without Losing Work 27:00 – Industry Challenges: Low Standards & Cowboy Operators 33:00 – Best Books & Resources for Tree Surgeons 35:00 – What’s Next for Crimson Kings? Growth Plans & Goals 36:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Follow
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About the Guests
Luke Johnson and Jack Copley, founders of Crimson Kings, have spent over a decade refining their tree-climbing skills and deepening their expertise as professional arborists. Since launching Crimson Kings in 2019, they’ve built a strong, dedicated team delivering high-quality tree services across the East Midlands and beyond.
With international experience spanning Canada, Sweden, and Germany, Luke and Jack bring a diverse range of skills and innovative methodologies to every project—whether in tranquil rural landscapes or fast-paced urban environments.
At Crimson Kings, their priority is the health, safety, and sustainability of trees. Their team of expert arborists offers honest, professional advice, ensuring the best possible outcome—whether it’s pruning, removal, or preservation—so that every tree continues to thrive in its environment.
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Contact the Guests:
Website: https://crimsonkings.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-johnson-88a27822a/ ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-copley-a30286285/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimsonkingstreeservice/
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Connect with the host:
Website: http://tsba.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treesurgeonsbusinessacademy/ ; https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben
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This episode is sponsored by Greenline Arb (GLA) - a powerful digital platform created by tree surgeons, aimed at taking the stress out of tree work. Focussing on the main pain points in the game, such as; finding tip sites, connecting workers with employers, responding to emergency situations and locating services that are required to run a tree company. Green Line is allowing professionals to operate with more freedom. Solving multiple problems in one fell swoop.
Download the app today or check out the website for more information.
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/greenline-arb/id6448873784
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greenlinearbapp&hl=en_US&pli=1
Website: https://www.greenlinearb.com/
