Travis is the owner and founder of The Exotic Tree Surgeon, a professional tree service company specializing in safe, precision tree care and removal. With more than a decade of hands-on experience, Travis officially launched the company over five years ago after turning his long-standing passion for arboriculture into a full-time career.
Travis began his journey in tree work as a weekend side business, quickly developing advanced skills in tree climbing, rope access, and technical removals. Although he once feared heights, he now routinely climbs over 100 feet, using industry-approved safety systems and professional arborist techniques.
A native of Westfield, Massachusetts, Travis graduated valedictorian of his high school class and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2011). His professional background includes engineering roles at Apple and elite NASCAR Cup Series teams, including Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske. He applies the same precision, risk analysis, and problem-solving mindset to every tree service project.
Today, The Exotic Tree Surgeon is known for expert tree removal, pruning, emergency storm response, and arborist-led tree care. Travis’s commitment to safety, professionalism, and tree health ensures reliable results for residential and commercial clients alike.
Carson takes on many roles at Exotic. He handles all of the sales and quoting before the job begins. On the day of the tree job, he switches roles into the ground crew foreman while operating a compact mini skid steer that assists us in hauling branches to the chipper. Any and all stump grinding is also handled by Carson. When he is not leading Team Exotic, you can find Carson on his bass boat entering fishing tournaments all over the Southeast.
Tyler and Travis first met while working at Joe Gibbs Racing in 2011. They immediately bonded after learning they both grew up on farms; Tyler in Kansas and Travis in Massachusetts. Tyler has been around heavy machinery his whole life both as an operator and as a mechanic. On larger tree projects you’ll find Tyler helping out running his skid steer or mini excavator. His fabrication and repair skills have been invaluable keeping all the machinery at Exotic running smoothly. When away from the tree office Tyler can be found camping with his family or restoring classic cars/trucks in his large shop.
Malachi was born and raised in NC. We consider him an extension of the Exotic team when we sub contract his services from Triangle Crane out of Raleigh. Their specialty equipment is essentially a remote controlled robotic arm that can clamp, cut, and place a branch from over 100′ away. This machine is extremely valuable for reducing turf damage, removing specific overextended branches over a house, or working near powerlines more safely. What sets Malachi apart as an operator is his years of experience tree climbing. This allows excellent brainstorming opportunities with Travis and the rest of the crew when tackling technical removals. When away from the tree office, you can find Malachi reading classical literature or baking a new flavor of sourdough bread.