Sitka Entrepreneur Purchases Longstanding Tree Care Business
When the owner of a long-standing Sitka tree trimming business decided to retire, it opened the door for Jared Hazel to step in and carry on its legacy. Jared saw the opportunity as the right time to transition from public service into business ownership, building on more than two decades of hands-on experience in the tree care industry.
Purchasing an established business comes with its share of complexity, especially when navigating financing, valuation, and a tight timeline to ensure a smooth transition. To move the process forward, Jared worked with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where he partnered with an advisor to evaluate the opportunity, review the business in detail, and develop a clear strategy for completing the purchase, including support with the sales contract and securing seller financing. With this support, Jared was able to move forward with confidence and successfully complete the purchase.
Jared then put together a highly skilled and experienced crew. His background as a journeyman faller, instructor, and former work leader for the National Park Service, combined with a team capable of handling technical rigging, emergency response, and high-risk work, positions the business to continue serving both residential and municipal clients.
Now at the helm, Jared operates the business with a focus on safety, professionalism, and reliability. Absolute Tree Care LLC continues to provide essential services throughout Sitka, including city contracts and specialized projects. Looking ahead, he is focused on expanding municipal contract work, strengthening partnerships, and increasing capacity for more specialized jobs. His goal is to build on existing relationships, expand capacity, and have long-term success in Southeast Alaska. 
“The Alaska SBDC gave me the support and confidence I needed to move forward with the business purchase. Their guidance made the entire process manageable and helped me successfully step into ownership.” – Jared Hazel
Jared’s journey shows how, with experience and the right support from the Alaska SBDC, entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of buying a business and securing seller financing. Follow Absolute Tree Care LLC on Facebook to learn more.
