Building your Company Brand and Business Etiquette
This webinar is part of the webinar series called the Business of Arboriculture presented by the Georgia Arborist Association, the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, and Auburn University with generous support from the United States Forest Service. The series will be presented between October 2024 and June 2025.
February Lunch and Learn
Join us on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 1 PM to 2 PM for another FREE virtual learning opportunity. The topic is “Sales Etiquette and Building a Company Brand" presented by Matthew Searels and Jessie McClellan. 1 ISA CEU Applied For.
Join us for this two part presentation:
The first 30-minute talk is on the sales process and business etiquette, Matthew Searels will cover essential topics to enhance your professional interactions and client relationships. We'll start with the art of making and taking professional phone calls, ensuring clear and courteous communication. Next, we'll discuss setting realistic expectations with clients, emphasizing the importance of honesty and transparency to build trust. Timeliness will be highlighted as a key factor in maintaining client satisfaction and demonstrating reliability. We'll also stress the value of a no-nonsense approach, advocating for straightforward and honest communication. Finally, we'll touch on the significance of maintaining a professional appearance, not just for sales representatives but for the entire team and equipment, to leave a lasting positive impression. This talk aims to equip you with practical tips and strategies to excel in your sales role and uphold high standards of business etiquette.
In the second part of this webinar, Jessie McClellan will speak on building a company brand.
In this 30-minute talk, we’ll explore the essential strategies for building a memorable and trustworthy brand in the tree care industry. From defining your unique value to creating a consistent visual identity and cultivating a strong reputation, this session will provide insights to help your tree company stand out in a competitive market. Learn how to leverage storytelling, customer trust, and community involvement to grow your brand and establish long-lasting connections. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your image, this talk will equip you with the tools to make your business a household name.
Matthew has over a decade of experience in arboriculture, with additional expertise in ecology and botany. He holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Studies and a B.B.A. in Real Estate, and is an ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist™. Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Matthew grew up in the Appalachian foothills of North Georgia. An Eagle Scout and former exchange student in Russia, he is also a published lead author in the American Journal of Plant Sciences for his research on wild American ginseng (Panax quinqefolius). Professionally, Matthew serves as Vice President of Eocene Environmental Group is Past President with ISA Southern Chapter. He volunteers his tree consulting services to various organizations, including the Utility Arborist Association, City of LaFayette, Georgia, Friends of the Marsh House Foundation, and Missionary Ridge Neighborhood Association. An avid cyclist, trail runner, and mountain athlete, he is a multi-year participant in the TREE Fund’s annual Tour des Trees. Matthew is passionate about educating the public on ecology and collaborating with industry professionals and academics.
Jessie McClellan joined GAA as executive director in January 2024. She previously worked as the minister of culture for New Urban Forestry (2011-2024). Jessie earned her ABJ from the Grady College at the University of Georgia and also holds BA in Anthropology from UGA. She is an ISA Certified Arborist, #SO-10295A, Tree Risk Assessment Qualified and holds a drone pilot license. In a previous life she was a Braille transcriber. In her spare time, if she’s not reading, she likes to run in the woods, go on mountain bike travel adventures with her husband Jason and son, Koah, and hang upside down on a trapeze at Canopy. Jessie is also the current president of the ACC Community Tree Council and Vice President of WASE and was previously the Secretary and President-Elect of the Georgia Tree Council and is a mentor for the Little Bellas mountain bike program.
Topics/Dates for Business of Arboriculture Webinar Series
- Building a Brand and Sales Etiquette - February 27, 2025
- Taxes for the Arborist - March 27, 2025
- Managing a Productive Workforce - April 24, 2025
- Scalable Fleet Management Solutions - May 22nd, 2025
- Safety from Scratch: Building a Safety Program - June 26th, 2025
Sign up for the entire series on ZOOM here.
