A Little Bit About Able Tree Service
Able Tree Service was started in 1975 by Jim Cook, an ISA Certified Arborist and a member of ASCA (American Society of Consulting Arborists). Jim began his career with trees in the 1950s and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a Master’s Degree in Forestry. He spent over 20 years working for the US Forest Service and then decided it was time to use his expertise and knowledge of Forestry and start his own business, and he opened Able Tree Service in Missoula, Montana, to offer professional tree services.
Jim’s son, Martin (Marty), grew up with a passion for the business as well. In 1995, he began training with his father and learning the ropes. Martin became a partner, which allowed Jim the opportunity to provide consulting and other services to their clients. In 2001, Beverly Cook took over the day-to-day operations in the office and also began learning the business. She graduated from the University of Montana College of Technology with a degree in Business Administration.
Able Tree Service has grown through the years and is blessed to employ several exemplary and highly trained staff who are as passionate about the business as the family who started it.
In December 2012, Marty’s life was taken in a tragic snow machine accident. Although Marty is no longer a part of the business, the business remains a family affair, with each day dedicated to Marty’s memory.
Staff
Jim Cook | Founder, Co-Owner ISA Certified Arborist
Jim Cook is an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist and a member of ASCA (American Society of Consulting Arborists). Jim began his career with trees in the 1950s. He received a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Oregon State. He spent two years in the Peace Corps in Ecuador, helping local farmers lay the groundwork for a reforestation program. Later, in 1965 he returned to college and obtained a master’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1972. Jim spent over 20 years working for the US Forest Service in California and Montana. During that time, Jim was a smoke jumper and an economist in the regional planning department. In 1975, Jim decided to start his own business, and he opened Able Tree Service in Missoula, Montana. For over 40 years, Jim has been known around Missoula as the tree doctor. Some people even refer to him as the Lorax. He is passionate about trees and his work. His favorite part of his profession is working with clients and sharing his knowledge. Consultations and tree appraisals are his specialties. We would like to end this with a list of Jim’s hobbies, but trees are his only hobby.
Beverly Cook | Co-Owner ISA Certified Arborist
Beverly Cook grew up in Butte Mt. and graduated from the University of Montana College of Technology with an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. Beverly worked for the conservation corps throughout Montana and Idaho, building trails, removing invasive weeds, and rehabilitating public use areas. She is an avid outdoors woman, rock climber, and occasional tree climber. Believe it or not, she met the love of her life, Marty Cook, because of a silver maple tree (one of the biggest and oldest silver maples in Missoula). One look at Marty in that Tree, and she was hooked! Beverly soon became Marty’s partner in 2001, joined Team Able, and gave birth to their son Trystan in 2002. Since Marty’s untimely passing in 2012, Beverly has taken the helm in leading the team to always strive for the same high standards that Marty had always instilled.
A Tribute to Martin (Marty) Cook
Great people are attracted to great challenges. Born in November 1974, Martin Ben Cook was climbing before he could walk. Always passionate about the outdoors, it wasn’t long before he was climbing trees with his dad, Jim.
He had a zest for life that was contagious. Marty was always laughing and always had a smile on his face. He was an amazing father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He had a generous soul and heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His greatest joy in life was sharing his experiences with his son and his family. He was very patient, kind, and caring. He was the type of man that never gave up and always pushed forward. He was loved by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Martin began working at Able Tree with his dad in high school. He studied and learned the ropes of the business and became the president of Able Tree in 2000. He was a well-known and respected tree expert throughout Missoula and the surrounding areas. His reputation with clients was impeccable, and he retained a repeat clientele for over 12 years. Martin’s knowledge and love of trees and pleasant demeanor kept clients coming back, most of which became close friends.
While Martin will be greatly missed and cannot be replaced, he passed along his knowledge, love, and passion for trees to Team Able, who worked tirelessly to maintain the legacy of Martin Ben Cook.