Solid work ethic, encouraging team culture and respect for the land they work upon is what gained Whanganui’s Rivercity Tree Services recognition at the Te Manu Atatū Māori business awards.
Taking home the Environmental Excellence Award, Trade Services Award, and Westpac Supreme Award is testament to the business’s solid principles.
“Getting the Environmental Award was a real bonus for us as we try hard to leave all of our jobs better than when we get to them." says Siobhan Marshall.
"We're in this for the long haul, so we want to look after our environment for the future generations.”
The Rivercity Tree Services team work and grow together like a family
The Rivercity Tree Services team are driven to grow the business. They have high standards of workmanship and pride themselves on treating each other like family. Joe Marshall, company founder, says the business genuinely cares about people’s careers and help them to upskill, which results in a better business all ‘round.
“We try to get the basics right – treat people with respect, be honest and work hard. We also lead from the front. Although my role has changed a lot over the years, both Pete [Ashford, Rivercity Tree Services’ Civil Projects Manager] and I go out on the job where we can and do the mahi,” he says.
Personalised and proactive insurance advice
Having a knowledgeable insurance broker in their corner means Siobhan and Joe know they can focus on what’s next with the business.
Any new risks or liabilities that might arise as their business grows are catered for by their insurance programme.
“It’s about reviewing what cover they have, but also looking ahead at whether we need to adapt what we're doing for them in the next 12 months,” says Crombie Lockwood Whanganui Broker, Teresa Falk. “Our role is to help businesses like Rivercity Tree Services make sure that they can do the job that they want to do.”
“Having Crombie Lockwood sort what we need out quickly helps, and we have the confidence that all our insurance needs are met. They don't treat us like a client – they actually treat us more like friends.”
“Whenever we've needed a claim sorted, Crombie Lockwood's onto it straight away” adds Joe.
Growth on the horizon
The family-run business was founded by Joe as a 17 year old. He worked hard as an arboriculture apprentice until he could “afford to buy a truck, a chipper, some chainsaws, and climbing gear,” he says.
Today over a decade later, Rivercity Tree Services has 22 staff, with plans to hire more in the coming months to help tackle some special projects on the horizon. The team’s client base now extends beyond their own region into Manawatu, Rangitikei, Horowhenua, and Waimarino.
With a solid work ethic and a proven pedigree in their field, there should be plenty more successes ahead for Joe, Siobhan, and their team.
Published on Crombie Lockwood Sure - Spring 2021
