Terry Tree Service, LLC

About Terry Tree Service, LLC: Tree care, land clearing and wood recycling service provider.

Rank on Top 100: 4

Top Executive: Thomas Terry III

Employees: 50

Website: www.terrytree.com

We asked Thomas Terry III, president, to talk about his business.

Question: What does it mean for your business to be on the Top 100?
Terry: We're very fortunate to rank that high, and there is pride that comes with the raking. A lot of the credit goes to our people. We're very fortunate to work with good people who are qualified to do this type of work.

Question: What has driven your growth to earn you the No. 4 spot on this year's Top 100?
Terry: The storms are the driving force that makes us do it. If you don't have the revenue you can't qualify. We've been fortunate - a couple good jobs have increased our growth. Also, equipment - state-of-the-art equipment, personnel and very good management. We're a lot more diversified - we're storm chasers and provide matts for utility companies to work underneath the power lines, on wetlands and construction sites. We also do a lot of land clearing. We just don't cut down trees anymore.

Question: What advice do you have for someone interested in starting a small business?
Terry: Be sure to surround yourself with good people and make only one decision - what's best for the company. Do not take your profits. Keep building up the business until everything is paid for because a rainy day is around the corner.

Question: Who or what inspired you to start your own business?
Terry: This is a third-generation business - my grandparents and parents. My grandparents started Monroe Tree Surgeons in 1936 before my dad took over. I've always been inspired by my grandparents and parents and the people I've worked with growing up in the family business.

Question: What notable storms has your company followed with recovery work?
Terry: We're storm chasers - numerous hurricanes, including Andrew, Ivan and most recently Katrina. The October snowstorm in Buffalo. We pulled all our resources from other areas. They never experienced that much damage in that period of time, which we were very, very experienced with.

Question: What are the best things about doing business in Rochester?
Terry: Rochester people are loyal. If you do a good job for them they will continue doing business with you.

Question: What are the worst things about doing business in Rochester?
Terry: Loss of population and middle management jobs which equates to loss of customers.