About Us:

When Richard Sampson was handed the ball, he ran with it to success. The ball, a lawn service company, and his success is Sampson Tree Co.

Mr. Sampson, who's lived in the area for 30 years, was given the opportunity to own a lawn service company while he worked at a local auto body shop. The man who cared for the grass at the shop died and the auto shop's owner was looking for someone to cut the grass.

Borrowing his grandfather's lawn equipment, Mr. Sampson took care of the lawn at the auto shop. That lead to other job offers from neighboring businesses and the business was born, Mr. Sampson said.

"I was doing 10 to 20 yards on the weekends," he said. "It was I and my brother Joey, who was 7 or 8 at the time. And it was a good five years that I worked by myself with my dog, and sometimes my brother helped out.

That was in 1989 and the business has grown since. Mr. Sampson has 100 full-time employees and a fleet of heavy-duty equipment. But hiring that first employee was not something Mr. Sampson took lightly.

"I was scared to make that step," he said. "I would be responsible for their bread-and-butter. Then one guy led to two and it grew from there."

Then in 1994 Mr. Sampson was seriously injured and was unable to work in the field. To keep the business going, Mr. Sampson hired the two best guys he could find and they ran the business.

The two men are still with the company, Mr. Sampson said.

Over the years, the business evolved from lawn care to specializing in tree care, a business Mr. Sampson takes seriously. He's currently working to become a certified arborist by the end of the year.

"It's something I feel I need because certification and knowledge is power." Mr. Sampson said. "Everything is worthless without knowledge."

Since the company started focusing on trees, Mr. Sampson said he's read all he can get his hands on about trees and tree pruning. He also makes sure his workers are well trained, as well.

The company uses arbor standards for tree trimming, and all of the employees are trained in work site safety.

Mr. Sampson also provides insurance and workman's compensation for all his employees, something he feels is very important to have in the tree business.

"My biggest thing is safety because everyone has to go home at night," he said. "I want to keep my guys safe and protect the homeowner from paying for any injuries that might happen. If a company doesn't have insurance on its workers, then the homeowner pays for the injury."

Employees at Sampson Tree Co. have a complete health insurance package and a 401k program.

"I put my money back into the business," Mr. Sampson said. "I live comfortably and I believe in putting my money back into the company."

Mr. Sampson is happy where his business is in 2005. There are no current plans for expanding anytime soon and he wants to continue working on contracts with various municipalities. Sampson Tree Co. currently hold a contract with the City of Port St. Lucie and will soon begin clearing drainage ditches throughout the city.

"I love being in business for myself and I love the business," Mr. Sampson said. "I love it all."

Sampson Tree Co. is located in Port St. Lucie on Florida's beautiful Treasure Coast.

For more information call (772) 336-3456.