As a natural outflow of Truetimber’s passion for personal and professional growth, in 2017 we established “Truetimber Academy.” Arboriculture is one of the best occupations in the world to fully challenge mind and body, and our academy is an intensive learning and training program that elevates its students to meet the challenge. A new hire is considered a paid student who can graduate from our academy as an accomplished tree climber and ISA Certified Arborist. Truetimber is an industry leader in jobsite risk management and arboricultural professionalism. From basic rigging and chainsaw skills to complex felling and crane-assisted tree work, we provide the hands on experience and classroom training that will jump-start your career in arboriculture. In addition to our Instructors and Production Specialists, Truetimber’s staff of Tree Care Advisors participate in delivering arboriculture training in regular night classes. Here are some of the steps along the way:

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Truetimber Academy – Ground Operations Specialist
Truetimber Academy – Feller 1 & 2
ISA – Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist
TCIA – EHAP
ISA – Certified Arborist
Truetimber Academy – Climber 1,2, & 3

Drew Dunavant

World Class competitive climber Drew Dunavant is the Founder of Truetimber Academy and serves Truetimber as our Operations Manager. Drew’s passion for climbing trees began at a young age. A native of Fredericksburg, VA, he grew up with a love of the outdoors. Drew has over 10 years of experience and is very passionate about climbing, learning, training and educating Arborists. He is a 3 time MAC-ISA champion, ISA Certified Tree Worker, ISA Certified Arborist, TCIA Certified Tree Safety Professional, and a TCIA Tree Care Academy Instructor.

Jeff Inman

Academy Director Jeff Inman is also the Risk Manager of Truetimber Arborists. Jeff has been in the industry since 2011 and has gained a great deal of experience through his life as a climber, arborist, husband, and father. He has a heart and desire for teaching that has allowed him to travel the world, training arborists on how to safely carry out the tasks experienced daily in the field. He is a two time ISA Kentucky Tree Climbing Champion, has placed second and fifth at the 2018 and 2019 International Tree Climbing Competitions, and is an ISA Certified Arborist. He is also the brand ambassador for ISC Wales, Yale Cordage, WesSpur Arborist Supply, and @Height Splicing.

Truetimber Academy also does outside speaking engagements and training demos. With a broad range of skills and experience, we are able to teach on variety of subjects. We participate in teaching at TCIA, ISA chapter, Arborist Associations, and other local events. For more information about Truetimber Academy and where we might be next please contact us. We look forward to promoting safety together.