I have been getting this question a lot lately, so I thought I would start off with a little clarification. Several years ago my dad read about this company that would send you Empress trees to plant and in 10 years they would be ready to harvest. Now other woods on the market take 20 – 25 years before they are ready to harvest. So naturally he was skeptical, but decided to give it a try. Well, now his trial has evolved into about 13 acres with approximately 110 trees per acre. That’s 1,430 trees already in the ground and growing strong with no signs of stopping! Not bad for a man in his mid 70’s!
My part in this story begins about 2-1/2 years ago when I moved to the Alabama/Georgia area. After years in the corporate work world trying to prove myself to people that had no idea of my true capabilities, I decided it was time for a change. I began learning how to care for these trees and the many many benefits they provide for the environment. ( yes I typed that twice on purpose…) Now during the first 1-1/2 years after moving I was convinced I still needed a full time job, so I worked for a company that demanded long hours and little to no recognition. By the time I was let go from the company, we were both ready to be done so it was rather a mutual parting. Since that time I have decided to take my MBA and use it to grow my passion and start the business I was meant to have. I have developed such a passion for these little trees that I get a thrill every time I get to talk about them! They never stop amazing me and I am supper pumped about where this business will lead.
Next time I’ll talk a little more about what we are doing and some of the exciting things that have been happening.