Solutions by the ‘bush’elful
Experienced logger enters world of self-employment
BY HEATHER KENDALL
Staff Reporter
With the backing of friends and family, Erik Bush of Round Lake has taken the plunge into self-employment. He is now owner/operator of Bush Solutions, a name that not only incorporates his moniker, but the type of service he offers. He’ll do lot clearing, brushing, forest management and danger tree removal; not willing to limit himself however, he also offers lawn maintenance, snow removal and cotta maintenance. He says he can handle a job of any size.
“There is no job that I would be afraid to do,” he says. “My grandpa used to say the only way to get anywhere in life is to work at it and that’s what I do.”
His grandfather was Basil Visneskie and he operated his own logging company for many years. His sons Glenn and Dale are also in the business. Bush learned about logging through his grand father and uncles.
“I’ve been working in the bush since I was 13,” he says. “My grandpa and uncles are well respected in the industry and I learned from them. Grandpa had an excellent reputation — that’s what I strive for.”
He spent his summers as a teenager working beside his Uncle Glenn, learning how to cut.
“Uncle Glenn says the job has to be done right, so that’s how I learned to work,” he says.
A chat with Township of Madawaska Valley Community Development Officer Craig Kelley encouraged the 25-year-old to contact the Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation in Pembroke; he submitted a detailed business plan to its Self Employment Benefit Program and was accepted by the organization. He attends meetings and seminars regularly.
“They teach you everything about how to operate a small business,” he says. “The support system is tremendous.”
He has to submit monthly reports; his business will be re-evaluated in October and his involvement with the program will end no later than January 2009.
Bush offers selective, low-impact logging. He prefers to walk through a lot with the landowner to discuss the job and the expectations to make sure “we’re on the same wavelength.”
His past work has earned him four awards from the Algonquin Forest Authority: two for cutting and two for skidding.
“The awards are based on safety, environment, attitude and how the bush looks when you’re finished,” he says.
As his fully insured company becomes better known, he would like to further expand the business; he already has his heavy equipment licence. He’s aware the logging industry is sluggish right now and high fuel costs don’t help. He says there are a lot of people in this industry so he has to prove that he is capable and his work is good. He says he has a lot to offer and is committed to doing the job right.
“There is something about the bush,” he adds. “It’s in my blood. The work is hard, but it’s very satisfying.”
Bush can be reached at 613-757-2470.
| 
