RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE

Right Out

of the Carter Conradt

Gate graduated from Southland and hit the ground running with Conradt Tree Service

Carter Conradt has quickly built a successful tree service since graduating from Southland High School in 2017.

Photos by Rocky Hulne

By Rocky Hulne

When Carter Conradt graduated from Southland High School in 2017, he didn’t look to run off to college or take some time to find himself.

Conradt went right to work and he did so by becoming his own boss right out of the gate. He started Conradt Tree Service in August of 2017, and business has been good so far.

His company provides clean up duties in yards and it also takes down trees for anyone looking to make some space.

“I’ve built some pretty good contacts through word of mouth over the last couple of years,” Conradt said. “I love the work and I love the people. I’ve had a lot of really good customers and I can’t thank them enough.”

Conradt had two employees working for him as of mid-January and he’d like to have some more help, but he has been able to keep up with jobs in residential areas, commercial areas and business areas. He even took on the task of clearing the streets of Brownsdale over the summer.

“We need trees and we need people,” Conradt said. “Finding people is the hardest thing, but that’s everybody right now. I’ve been fortunate enough to have good people with the ones I do have.”

Conradt has spent a lot of time bidding jobs and corresponding with customers. He’s also come to appreciate storms a little more than he once did as it means he will have some yards to clear out.

“Storm work is good and bad at the same time,” Conradt said. “It was good for business right before Christmas and people got stuff done that they may have put off.”

Conradt’s parents run the Rose Creek Lockers, which has stood in Rose Creek since 1956. Conradt was able to get the courage to start his own business thanks to the advice of his father.

“My dad said, if you’re going to fail, then now is the perfect time to do it. So far it’s worked out,” Conradt said. “I’ve learned a lot and I’m always learning. If you’re not learning, you should be in a different business or doing something else. Going to work and thinking you know everything is not the way to get it done.”

To reach Contract Tree Service, you may call 507-438-6621. P