The Arborist

The example.

Perry watched as the arborist hired by his parents effortlessly moved throughout their trees without touching the ground by advancing his rope between the canopies. He would go on to work for the same arborist and buy enough gear from him plus a car to start on his own in Milwaukee.

The Sentinel.

In 1991, William Janz interviewed Perry and captured the unique combination of talents. The accompanying photo featured his signature leather saddle and knee-high leather boots.

The shift.

From 1969 to 1993, Crawford Tree and Landscape would co-exist with Perry’s acting and modeling work. But in 1993, he retired from the stage and camera and fully invested himself in his business.

The growth.

In 2003, the Milwaukee Business Journal interviewed Perry again, documenting a decade of development for the business. What started as a side business became a premier provider in Southeast Wisconsin, distinguishing itself by becoming one of the state’s very first TCIA-accredited companies.

The retirement.

Perry’s vision of working through his golden years was curtailed by his illness. In a difficult decision, he entered retirement and gave the reigns of the company to Jon Welch as President and his son, Joseph, as the lead salesperson.

The legacy.

The company took the solid foundation and incredible client relationships built by Perry for 50 years and augmented the organizational leadership and energy of Jon and Joe to bring the company to new heights.

Special thanks to the Wisconsin Arborist Association for sharing this in their newsletter.