Change was in the air during a massive wind storm in central Newfoundland in 2018. Dustin Power, then a rope access technician working in the offshore oilfields, got a call from a friend who had a big problem - a massive tree threatening to damage his house. 

Dustin - who also had experience removing trees as he was clearing land and building his own log cabin - headed over and helped out.  

“Word began to spread that I had removed a tree for someone near their home,” Dustin says. “It wasn't long before I was getting multiple calls per month, that's when I recognized the need for the service in our area.” 

Rock to Top Tree Service was born in Grand Falls-Windsor in the months following that storm and business hasn’t slowed down since, Dustin says.  

“I love the work itself,” he says. “Reading the wind and setting up rigging to fell a piece of wood can be rewarding when it all works out. I've always loved cutting wood and now I get to do it for financial gain. But my favourite part of the job is meeting all the customers and seeing how appreciative they are once they see what we can do for them. Most customers are pretty excited to watch us work at height.” 

Barking Up the Right Tree 

Of course as the business has grown, Dustin has added training and more equipment, but safety has remained the biggest priority from day one. Further, he says, the business is as environmentally sustainable as possible, with as much timber repurposed as possible and all debris removed from the properties he works on.  

Rock to Top serves people looking to clear areas for construction or landscaping, those dealing with water and sewer issues as a result of overgrown roots, or dead or dying species, which can cause a significant amount of damage with a single strong gust of wind.  

“To me, being a small business owner means I have to be there for my customers whenever they need me. I try to help everyone out the best I can,” he says “I feel like as a small business owner I can communicate with my customers better because of the one-on-one we establish. There's no need to call an office. When they call, they get me!” 

The Cutting Edge 

Whether pruning or felling, Dustin shares photos of his view from the top on his social media accounts and explains the work he’s doing to share it with others. Perhaps it was that first long look into the horizon in 2018 which helped him choose his new career path as an entrepreneur.  

“I feel like my business has made a difference to our community. Aside from removing trees all over Central Newfoundland, I know for a fact that we have removed some very large, dangerous trees that were leaving home owners worried sick to sleep in their own homes during wind storms,” Dustin says.  

A recent investment in new equipment has helped Dustin and Rock to Top expand, and that’s meant a successful expansion of clientele into more westerly communities.  

Seeing the Forest for The Trees 

“CBDC gave me the opportunity to grow and expand my business by providing financial support that allowed me to purchase equipment which has increased productivity,” Dustin says of his CBDC General Business Loan, making his work safer and more efficient. “CBDC also connected me to a business consultant who was amazing at helping me write a business plan. The one-on-one support … was great! All giving me the ability to become a better business owner.” 

Has a business idea ever just come to you like an unexpected storm? Are you ready to take the next step and make your dream job an entrepreneurial reality? Get in touch with your local CBDC and discover all the resources you need to get to work!