Tree of Life

The way a tree provides an ecosystem for other organisms to flourish, a sustainable busines rooted in the principles of Democracy provides an economic ecosystem for others to flourish under its canopy.

Planning for the best, Preparing for the worst.

At the beginning of 2024, the forecast was looking pretty bleak for The Tree Guys and Gals, as it was (and still is) for a lot of the world. Four years after Covid, the ship had hit some quicksand and one big blow could have ended the show. As we approach the end of 2024, it has proven to be one of our best years yet with a forecast of even better years to come.

Disillusioned by Capitalism, which seems to bring out the worst in everyone by putting profit above, well, everything. We went back to the essential principles of Democracy to guide us in formulating a new business model based upon sustainability. Everything within a tree’s ecosystem is mutually beneficial creating a self-generating system of symbiotic inter-dependency. The tree can survive without the lichen and fungi and birds but together they thrive. We create a forest.

None of this is possible without a dream crew. This became my first priority. For three years it had been a revolving door of employees. Bringing in an extraordinary climber and empowering him to build his own crew was instrumental. They don’t just show up early each day. They rise to the occasion of every day. They don’t just work. They work hard, giving their all (in sun, wind, rain and snow!) with joy and purpose. We have never had such a happy crew and such an efficient crew before. This is a rare and powerful combination, the very fusion necessary for sustainable development.

(Business Model for Sustainable Development)

The ancient Greeks were the first to discover Democracy. However, they didn’t actually invent it. Democracy is the natural order to the disorder of things and the ancient Greeks were able to translate from nature and implement Democracy by way of their devotion to logic heavily influenced by Pythagorean geometry. Geometry simplifies complex problems into tangible solutions producing transformational results grounded in reality.

A. The triangle represents the pyramid of power which relies upon three pillars of strength: Logos, Ethos and Pathos.

B. The outer circle represents community and local sphere of influence (Whatcom County)

C. The inner circle is where the power comes from. The circle is the great equalizer. Each point on the circumference represents a person and is equidistance from the center, giving everyone a voice. If everyone remains equal to the center, if everyone has a voice and all answer to the greater good, this anchors the energy event to the center, enabling momentum to gather. The circle begins to resemble a wheel. The cloud becomes a disc and begins to turn. Things start to happen. In turn, each point becomes related to every other point creating (in our case) an octagon, elevating the circle into a spiral which ascends into the pyramid through the three pillars of strength.

Sustainable development relies upon harmony and balance within the inner circle. It also relies upon healthy communication with the outer circle of influence which keeps us all accountable to The Greater Good. When you have nothing to hide, it’s exciting to share it with the world and so much to be grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving.