Dear Valued Authorized Members,
As we close Q1 and prepare for what forecasters predict will be another active hurricane season, I want to take a moment to share some recent stories that highlight the exceptional professionalism displayed by our Network members.
Making a Difference When It Matters Most
Recently, one of our insurance partners reached out with an urgent request regarding multiple golf courses affected by storm damage. Six of our skilled arborists responded immediately, conducting thorough assessments and providing fair cost estimates for tree and debris removal.
What they discovered was telling: while some vendor pricing was appropriate, other estimates were significantly inflated—either through aggressive pricing or by including work not covered under the policies. Our team's expert analysis protected both the carrier and the golf courses from potential complications, demonstrating the invaluable role our Network plays in maintaining trust and integrity throughout the claims process.
Growth Through Service Excellence
Our consulting division, led by Doug Malawsky, continues to experience remarkable growth. For the past year, Doug's team has been working at full capacity, expanding our services into agriculture-related claims while handling an increasing volume of third-party estimate reviews.
This growth in estimate reviews highlights an important trend: more tree care companies outside our Network are submitting inflated costs for removal work. During a recent conversation with a potential partner, I was asked if we were concerned that our Network members might leave to pursue higher fees elsewhere.
My answer was simple but powerful: the fair prices charged by companies in HMI's Network "come from the companies in HMI's Network." Together, we're committed to offering homeowners quality work at reasonable rates when they need it most—not taking advantage of difficult situations to maximize profits.
After a thoughtful pause, my conversation partner responded, "That's inspirational."
The Value of Doing What's Right
Should it be considered inspirational to do right by homeowners facing challenging circumstances? Perhaps not. Yet in today's business environment, it is—and that's what makes each of you so special.
When I express pride in working with the country's finest tree care companies, it's not just business talk. It's recognition of the peace of mind you bring to thousands of homeowners each year, not to mention the insurance adjusters who genuinely want to secure quality work at fair prices for their clients.
You are the backbone of HMI's commitment to connecting property owners with elite professionals when they need them most. Never lose sight of the difference you make every day as our industry's finest tree care professionals.
Thank you for your continued dedication and professionalism. Stay safe out there.
