Root Force (Kurt)

For 25 years, I worked in web development, building sites, writing code, and solving complex problems for big companies and small ones alike. Then I got stumped. Literally. After dealing with problem stumps on my own land here in Tennessee, I realized how few reliable, efficient options were out there. So I started Root Force. I just bought a remote-controlled Carlton 6016 and am getting started grinding stumps for a living. Will I love it or hate it? Can't say for sure, but I'm excited as hell. It's not just the stump grinding - I love building businesses. This is my fourth. All successful so far. Now I'm focused on growing Root Force and sharing the journey with like-minded folks. Speaking of which, hat tip to Tyler Mumford, The Stump Guy — @StumpGuyTy. A great success that I hope to learn from.

Serious Email Studio: studio.serious.email

In 2016, I built my first SaaS: Serious.Email. It's an ESP. I never fully opened it to the public because mass email sending is a messy business, but my clients have used it for years to send legitimate email. Today I'm opening up one piece of it. Studio.Serious.Email is an HTML email builder for creating attractive emails that work across the major email clients, including Outlook for Desktop. If you've ever built HTML emails, you know why that matters. I've made good money doing this work for clients. It's not glamorous. Most developers are bored by it. But my min charge is $400 for a simple email and up to $4k for more complex Pardot or HubSpot templates. Not bad for 20 minutes to a few hours of work. Serious Email Studio is built on 10 years of real email-sending experience. The goal is simple: make HTML email creation faster, easier, and more reliable. It's always all about efficiency. It's free, but the paid plan($12/month) includes things like test emails, image upload, ZIP export, and other features. If you need marketing emails for your company, or you build emails for clients, this is an inexpensive tool that can generate pretty massive returns. Link below in the comments.

@lightningstumps NOICE!

@rootforcegrind I got my first tip today. Thought of you!

I seem to get tipped on almost every stump grinding job. Not sure if that means customers are happy with the work, or if I just look like I need help. Either way, I’m grateful.

@AaronZimmer123 Exactly.

@rootforcegrind Have to play the long game: Do good work Leave people happy Keep building my brand

Back on track yesterday and today, with leads just coming in and quotes that were sent out weeks ago being accepted after getting no response to my follow ups. Also, I think the residual low-grade nonstop headache that I had from a new dental crown last week was playing a big part in my mindset. A little bit of around the clock Motrin solved that.

@AaronZimmer123 Thanks Aaron. As I told Luke, I'm leaning more towards they're concerned! 😅

@rootforcegrind Very nice! It’s only about 1 in 15 for me. And they almost always just add a little bit to the check. My impression of you is that it’s because of your character, for whatever that’s worth.

@NC_state_parks @grinditstumps @RootedGrace @StumpGuyTy @EBikeMikeVA Seriously no bueno.

@rootforcegrind @grinditstumps @RootedGrace @StumpGuyTy @EBikeMikeVA There must be some international shortage for the yellow jackets or something going on!! This is everywhere ive looked!

Have ya'll bought stump grinder teeth recently? I have been buying ~110 yellow jackets on ebay at a time- Its almost like they don't exist anymore - have ya'll noticed this? The price has tripled! What have ya'll been doing? @grinditstumps @RootedGrace @StumpGuyTy @EBikeMikeVA

@Well_Done_Adams Thank you Luke! I was leaning more toward "customers see me sweating and think this man needs help."

@rootforcegrind Definitely is a testament to your character, Kurt!

@lightningstumps Great start Drew. Subbing seems to be the way.

Job 3. One monster stump, four regulars, and two hedge lines. 3 jobs from 3 different contractors. Let’s go!

@HunnidMedia It was indeed a good day.

@rootforcegrind Can't complain about a good day

@FrontierBDesign 😂

@rootforcegrind Probably, yes.

@Well_Done_Adams It's a mix. Today was +60 added to the check. Totally unexpected and very kind.

@rootforcegrind Cash in hand or tipping via credit card or both?

@BlueCollarInvr Big beastly stump grinders are a joy.

I’m loving this new stump grinder.

@BlueCollarInvr Some people have too much time on their hands

The boomer entitlement is real in my hometown.

@realnaholmes That sounds like fun! Congratulations Nate!

Did get confirmation on a 36k project today. Paving a walking trail. A little something different. Looking forward to it.

@GeoffOliverATX No issues here. Just grind it.

Alright Tree folks - curious how you stump grinders handle uprooted trees like this. Arborists don’t want to touch it since it’s covered in dirt and rock. Do you grind 100% or sacrifice a chain and cut close to grade first?

@AaronZimmer123 That's good news. The fluctuations can be a wee bit unsettling.

I have new feeling a little off recently. I had a record March and close to another record in April but then it went quiet. But I quoted a job today and the gentleman said he didn’t need to hear any more quotes and booked my services. He called 3 companies this AM all based on google reputations, only 2 answered or returned his call. I was the first to set up a time and showed as agreed. I guess he liked what I had to say and said I’ve got the largish job without getting any additional quotes. And I’m confident I didn’t underbid. It felt good. The later today I heard from a repeat business customer that had been silent for a couple months and he had a largish job for me and I had another guy I had quoted 5 months ago reach out and say he was ready to go for quick and simple job. It’s nice when past efforts pay off and you have validation of your current processes all on the same day. Especially when you had been questioning yourself.

@OneLegchris I did not know this. Once again, thank you.

@rootforcegrind Way easier, and better imo. You can also send back links to your Google my business profile

Just buy a press release.... Not that hard