Franchisee Profile: Shane Morrell

Shane Morrell, 41, is bringing the nationally acclaimed franchise Monster Tree Service to the Dallas region, and will also be the first franchisee to enter Texas. Morrell first started working in landscaping while he was in high school, doing summer work for various greenhouses, landscaping and irrigation companies. Eventually, after many summers working full-time, his landscaping jobs allowed him to pay his way through college as he attended the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

After graduating with his Bachelor’s degree, Morrell made the decision to move to Houston, Texas to take a position in sales with a major property development company, but a year and a half into the position, he realized the indoors, inactive shirt-and-tie atmosphere was not for him. At that point, Morrell returned to school in Dallas to receive his associate’s degree in applied science in the automotive field, training to become a automotive technician.

In 1998, with degree in hand, Morrell launched his career working with major automotive dealerships, most recently working with the prestigious Park Place Lexus dealership—the only automotive dealership to receive the presidential Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest Presidential honor for quality and organization performance excellence, which resulted in a congratulatory call from then-President Bush.

“Park Place was big into taking care of clients, quality control, acting with integrity and doing great work,” said Morrell. “I had over 10 years of experience learning the importance of these values, so now that I’m on my own, all of these things are going to help me to build both my business and the Monster Tree brand.”

How did you learn about the brand?

I went through a local franchise broker/coach who thoroughly vets both franchisors and franchisees. He matched my interests and skills and presented me with a handful of 6-7 choices — Monster Tree ended up being one of those. After talking with Mark, Josh, and current franchisees, doing my due diligence, and making a visit to Pennsylvania, it was a no brainer for me.

What are your expansion/development plans? Number of units? Timeframe? What is your end goal?

I started with 2 turfs, so I want to develop brand name recognition before I start expanding. I’m hoping to make Monster Tree strongly known as a leading tree service in the Dallas area. 

Five on Three: Monster Tree Service of North Dallas

Monster Tree's Shane Morrell was recently featured on starlocalmedia.com in an article titled, "Five on Three: Monster Tree Service of North Dallas". In a Q&A style article, Shane's new Monster Tree Service location is described along with information on the opening date, the number of employees and the standards that will be set by the business are described. Click here to read the entire article or begin below.



Five on Three: Monster Tree Service of North Dallas
By Andrew Snyder

Shane Morrell, owner of Monster Tree Service, plans to combine years of customer service experience developed in a luxury automotive dealership with a proven business plan to make Monster Tree Service of North Dallas the leading tree care provide in Dallas.

Owner's name: Shane Morrell

Company name: Monster Tree Service of North Dallas

Business address: 1875 FM1385, Suite A, Aubrey

Year opened: Opening February 2014

Number of employees: 5

What does your business offer that is unique when compared to similar businesses?
We strive for fast and professional response. We give estimates in hours, not days. Our crews are trained and uniformed, our equipment is reliable, our company is bonded and insured, and our work is guaranteed.


Click here to read the entire article.

Franchisee Profile: Daniel Schrodt

Daniel Schrodt, 53, has a strong background in management and the horticultural industry, having worked for 20 years as the vice president of finance and then president of Jiffy Products of America and Jiffy of the Americas, a manufacturer and supplier of forestry, gardening and horticultural products. During his 20 year tenure at Jiffy, Schrodt gained experience managing five operating companies; overseeing the financial, sales, marketing, production and IT departments, and handling legal and insurance issues. 

Schrodt grew up in Canton, Ill. and studied at Illinois State University. After graduation, Schrodt passed his CPA and became an account for Coopers & Lybrand for five years before being hired by Jiffy, which happened to be one of his clients at the time. In 2012, the companies that Schrodt managed were sold and he decided to start a consulting service. 

How did you learn about the brand and why did you choose an opportunity with Monster?

I decided last year that I wanted to do something for myself and started searching for something that would make sense for me. A franchise broker introduced me to Monster and it turned out to be a great fit because I’d been in the plants business for 20 years. I liked the business model, their marketing approach, and I was very impressed by Josh and Mark.  I’ve managed a lot of vice presidents and CFOs but Josh is particularly down-to-earth in a business sense and is very skilled.

What are your end goals with Monster?

I want to grow a successful business and build a legacy for my family. I want to grow in excess of $1 million, to continue expanding employees and equipment, and build a solid reputation in Cleveland.

Are you involved with any charities or community outreach programs?

I support numerous charities and am involved in my church, my daughter’s private school and a women’s crisis center called Cornerstone.

Are there any local publications that you want us to focus on?

The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Chronicle, The Daily Journal.

'Tis the season to recycle the Christmas tree

Tim Parson was recently featured on deseretnews.com in an article titled, "Tis the season to recycle the Christmas tree". The article discussed different ways to discard of and recycle your Christmas Tree. Tim talks about mulch from trees and replanting them. Click here to read the entire article or begin below. 

"'Tis the season to recycle the Christmas tree"

By Wendy Leonard.

SALT LAKE CITY - Live Christmas trees carry the scent of fresh pine and bring wonder to the season when annual traditions of bringing one home are involved. 

Eventually, however, those cut evergreens dry up and are thrown out. And while each city might have a different set of rules for disposal, waste management officials are encouraging residents to dispose of Christmas trees properly.

Click here to read the entire article.

'Chip' your tree instead of chucking it, recyclers suggest

Monster Tree's Jim Parsons was recently featured in a segment on KSL titled, "'Chip' your tree instead of chucking it, recyclers suggest". The segment discusses the benefits from recycling your Christmas trees into mulch which in turns gives you the provides you a healthier environment for your other plants. Click here to view the segment or watch below.

Tim Parson from Monster Tree Service on KUTV

Our very own Tim Parsons from our Salt Lake City Monster Tree Service was recently featured in a great segment on KUTV discussing the proper care and treatment of Christmas trees. Check out the segment by clicking the image below.

How to Care for Your Living Christmas Tree

Now that Thanksgiving is over, all eyes are now focused on Christmas. We have found a great article on HGTV titled, "How to Care for Your Living Christmas Tree". The article describes in detail various hints and tips on how to keep your living Christmas tree alive and well. Click here to read the article or begin below.

"How to Care for Your Living Christmas Tree"

By HGTV

The best strategy for keeping your living Christmas tree alive and well is to keep it cool and well-watered and to limit the amount of time it spends indoors. Here's how to help ensure your Christmas tree will be around next year. 

Do your research

Select a tree that's right for your climate, soil and light conditions. If you plan on keeping it in a pot outdoors for more than a season, be sure to select a variety that's hardy to two zones colder than your climate.

Buy early

Most nurseries will tag and hold trees until you're ready to bring them home. 

Put the tree in a transition zone

Two weeks before Christmas, put the tree in a garage for about a week to allow for acclimation to an indoor environment. Keep it watered, but don't overdo it. 

Click here to read the entire article.