Chris Hohenstein will be running City Tree Delivery for 13 years this winter. What started as a rebellious business idea challenging the city’s composting norms has grown into a beloved holiday tradition for many Chicago families.
After quitting his accounting job, Chris could have re-entered the corporate world. Instead, he turned around, driving his longtime frustration at Chicago’s recycling his initiative being lost to the inspiration for a new seasonal business: Christmas his tree delivery and composting. . What started as an online-only store has since grown to include annual pop-up his trees around the city.
“It had nothing to do with my love of Christmas or growing up on a farm,” Chris said. “Purely because I didn’t want to throw his tree away for Christmas in January. The city had limited recycling options.”
Passionate about the driver’s seat
Chris started by talking to a local city councilor to understand why a formal Christmas tree recycling program was so lacking. It was through that connection that he learned of the department’s grant to the environment.
“We’ve worked with the Chicago Department of the Environment to expand our recycling of Christmas trees,” says Chris. “That’s where it all started.”
He attended local government events focused on environmental issues and took care to promote the importance of tree recycling. Since Chris had no experience owning his own business, he started by discussing business ideas with groups he met at events such as environmental breakfasts, and repeated accordingly.
“Actually, I originally wanted to do potted plants, but the more people I talked to, the less realistic it became. [seemed]that’s why I chose the full service and recycling option,” said Chris. It’s something.”
City Tree not only maintains its commitment to the environment by promoting proper disposal of trees, but also contributes to various environmental initiatives and charities each year. In the past, we have donated to Trees for the Future, Climate Cycle, Terrapass and more.
Bring your holiday cheer
Through partnerships with local arboretums, City Tree serves residents of Chicago and its suburbs. However, a nationwide Christmas tree shortage has made it difficult to find vendors for the past two years.
A typical delivery consists of a visit to the client’s home during which two to three employees carry the tree into the home and complete the set-up if the customer chooses additional assistance. The team completes a thorough cleanup and returns at the end of the season to remove for proper recycling.
“We take them to the recycling facility ourselves, or if the suburbs provide [a program]we’ll leave it for them,” said Chris. [in the city]If you don’t remove it, it will end up in the landfill, so we started all over again. ”
The pandemic has caused a tipping point in Chris’ business methodology. What used to be just phone and email inquiries turned to online ordering, and the desire to avoid crowded spaces spurred an influx of new customers.
“I just accelerated [online ordering] We used to do tree lots, but this year we’re offering three pop-up lots, most of which are pre-sale only, and that’s the big difference,” said Chris. “It really accelerated the online aspect. That’s what my business was really based on, convenience.”
Celebrate the (adoption) season all year round
Chris’ sales season doesn’t start until after Thanksgiving, but the hiring process is an ongoing effort. Early preparation is important. Most of his employees will be elected and approved by October at the latest.
“Start with the people who were there last year and reach out over the summer and ask if they have any friends,” Chris said. “I’ll follow him up every few months until October. Then we’ll have to get a firm commitment. That’s the challenge.”
From artists to police officers, college students to neighborhood kids, people of all backgrounds work with City Tree Delivery. A lot of people come back every year, which makes Chris’ job a little easier.
Whether you’re a local business owner or in the early stages of starting your own business, Chris leaves the following tips to help make your journey smoother.
- Learn how to tell the difference between a slow starter and a non-starter. It’s no secret that starting a business presents many obstacles for leaders, many of which are unforeseen. But if you really believe in your product or service, sustainability is paramount. “If people are happy with the service and you believe in it, you have to stay on course,” Chris said.
- Get ready early. Preparation is especially important for seasonal businesses, but planning ahead pays off regardless of the form of business. “Vendors, clients, employees, it’s a lot of things that need to be planned in advance to make sure the season runs smoothly,” he says. Staying in touch with potential vendors and employees throughout the year helps you maintain relationships you may need in the future.
- The unknown is scary, but it’s also an opportunity. What differentiates your business also makes it special. Don’t limit your choices to what has been done before. “There is no rulebook,” said Chris. “One change triggers another. All the pieces have to come together for it to work.”
City Tree Delivery Photos on Yelp
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