A1 Tree & Stump Removal hones vision for growth in HR Next

A1 Tree & Stump Removal hones vision for growth in HR Next

Alex Gebru’s journey began in a Sudanese refugee camp, born to Ethiopian parents and raised in Minnesota. Entrepreneurship was always in his sights. He spent years building businesses, including a trucking company.

When global events, like the war in Ukraine, made trucking unsustainable, Alex pivoted. A conversation with a friend’s sister revealed the potential in tree care, and with guidance from mentors and government contracting contacts, he launched A1 Tree & Stump Removal. Soon after, he bought out his initial partner, fully committing to the venture.

The company quickly grew, employing six full-time staff and dozens more seasonally. The company’s reach expanded across the south metro, with projects in Richfield, Bloomington, Edina, and even a months-long MnDOT project in Forest Lake.

Alex’s leadership style is hands-on. He’s often the last to leave a job site, setting an example for his team.

“Even though you're the owner, it doesn’t mean you don’t work. You work harder than everybody,” he says.

This philosophy shapes the company culture, encouraging excellence and dedication.

Despite his leadership instincts, Alex entered the industry without a corporate background. Participating in Elevate Hennepin’s HR Next program was transformative. He learned the importance of human resources, building systems for onboarding, offboarding, and hiring.

“Human capital is everything and it will really make or break your business,” he said.

The program also taught him that interviews are a two-way street, broadening his perspective. Additional training through MnDOT’s Pathways to Success and Knutson Construction’s Alliance Program expanded his skills and network.

“I would say entrepreneurship is a self-development journey hidden as business. It's like the better you get, the better your business gets,” he said.

Beyond business, Alex invests in youth through the New Leaf Initiative, a nonprofit focused on mentorship, credit education, and soft skills training. He also speaks at Bethel University’s B3 Business Youth Camp, sharing his experiences with aspiring leaders.

“It’s about working one-on-one with the youth, helping build up those soft skills and their confidence,” he said. “Giving them proximity to other entrepreneurs and just exposure, I think is critically important at a young age.”

Looking ahead, A1 Tree Services is preparing for a major marketing push, including new photography, video content, and features in community magazines.

Alex’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Get a mentor. And keep at it. Entrepreneurship is a long game.” Breaking big goals into smaller tasks keeps him motivated, and he encourages others to celebrate small wins.

Through his business and nonprofit, he’s creating jobs and pathways, helping others write new chapters in their stories as he continues writing his own.