We had a bad storm Friday evening. The neighbor had some pretty serious tree damage. The market quote for cutting up and removing the trees and brush was about $3,000. A local “cowboy” who swings around the tree tops like a lemur quoted $1,500, which seemed like his normal “good deal”.

While at another neighbor’s house for a BBQ party Sunday, the neighbor mentioned the tree work that needed to be done because of the storm. One of the guests said he would do the work today for $350.

It is now 24 hours post-BBQ and the trees and corresponding mess is all gone — clean as a whistle. The tree guy was all smiles, very concientious about his work and very diligent and careful the whole day.

The immediate reaction from the neighbors: the tree guy underbid the cleanup project. The chatter was relentless. “Man, he has huge biceps.” “Wow, his tools are so cool.” “This guy never takes a break.” “Man, he really cleaned up the lot.”

Yep, he got snookered…and three more neighborhood jobs, while making $350 to market the quality of his services in a new market.

Job well done, Mr. Tree Man!