CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Andreas (Rossy) Ross
ProClimb Limited
SPEAKER BIO
Andreas “Rossy” Ross is the Managing Director of Pro Climb Limited, an Auckland-based arboriculture company specialising in tree care and green infrastructure management. With qualifications in forestry, arboriculture, and industrial rope access, Rossy has built a reputation for combining practical field expertise with business leadership and systems development.
Starting as a climber and business owner, Rossy has grown Pro Climb from a small owner-operated company into a multi-crew operation focused on delivering the highest standard of service through great people, strong systems, and a culture of continuous improvement. He is passionate about developing safer work practices, building high-performing teams, and helping arboriculture businesses create sustainable growth.
TALK TITLE
Why is it so hard to grow your tree business from two crews to four?
ABSTRACT
Many arborists can build a successful one- or two-crew business through technical skill, hard work, and strong customer relationships. However, growing beyond that point often presents challenges that are rarely discussed within the industry.
In this presentation, Andreas “Rossy” Ross shares lessons learned while scaling Pro Climb Limited from a contract-climbing service into a systemised arboriculture company. Drawing on real-world experience, Rossy explores the operational bottlenecks, leadership demands, staffing challenges, quality-control systems, and financial pressures that emerge as businesses grow from two crews to four and beyond.
The presentation will examine why the skills that make a successful arborist do not always translate into those required to lead a growing organisation. Attendees will gain practical insights into building systems, developing leaders, maintaining company culture, and creating accountability without sacrificing service quality or profitability.
This session is designed for arborists and business owners who are considering growth or are currently navigating the often-overlooked transition from skilled climber and business owner to effective business manager of their own organisation.