Snowden Kindler

Snowden Kindler’s path to arboriculture began with a diverse array of jobs, including bartending, substitute teaching, and farm labor. These varied experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and adaptability. His formal journey into tree care started in Charlottesville, Virginia, with Bartlett Tree Experts, where he advanced from a groundsman to a climber and crew leader. This role provided him with hands-on training in tree care, safety, and risk assessment.

After relocating to Durango, Colorado, Snowden joined the Southwest Conservation Corps, working on a chainsaw crew. This experience further honed his skills in tree maintenance and conservation. Currently, he is a valued member of Momentum Tree Experts, contributing his expertise to the team.

Snowden holds a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), enabling him to transport heavy materials and equipment essential for tree care operations. His training has been predominantly on-the-job, allowing him to develop practical skills in real-world settings.

His passion for the outdoors drives his dedication to arboriculture. He finds that tree work offers both physical activity and mental engagement, requiring focus and precision. Snowden views arborists as intermediaries between nature and the community, addressing challenges that arise from living near trees while enhancing natural aesthetics.

In his free time, Snowden enjoys exploring back roads, skiing, kayaking, and backpacking. He is also a music enthusiast, spending time discovering and learning about various musical genres.

Committed to providing tree care that prioritizes tree health and meets the needs of tree owners, Snowden stays informed about best practices to ensure his work benefits both the environment and the community.

Gabe Hughes

Gabe Hughes has always had a strong connection to nature. He expressed a strong desire to be a “worker-man” from a young age, spending time outdoors with his older brother, climbing trees, and exploring nature. Gabe’s appreciation for nature deepened during his education at a Waldorf school, where he spent a lot of time outdoors. In college, he gained hands-on experience with tools and machinery while working for a small-scale construction company.

Before joining Momentum Tree Experts, Gabe worked for over three years as a guide for Open Sky Wilderness Therapy. He also taught Kindergarten at a Waldorf-inspired preschool in Mancos. After realizing teaching wasn’t his long-term passion, Gabe transitioned into tree care and joined Momentum.

Gabe loves tree care because it combines fun, challenge, and connection to nature. He enjoys climbing into the canopy and positioning himself safely for tree work. The physicality and complexity of the work are what keep him engaged. Gabe stays up-to-date with the latest arboriculture practices because he is considering tree care as a long-term career. He is eager to learn as much as possible.

In his free time, Gabe enjoys mountain biking, paddling on the river, running in nature, reading, and practicing yoga and meditation. He recently completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training, deepening his commitment to personal growth and wellness.

Gabe believes tree care has a profound impact on the environment and community. By supporting the longevity of trees and educating clients, Gabe helps create a ripple effect that extends to the broader community.

Harmony Bird

Harmony Bird is a passionate Arborist who discovered her love for tree care after working in food service and customer service. In Michigan, she connected with Charity Barnes, owner of Daisy Tree Care, who hired and mentored her. This opportunity sparked Harmony’s passion for the field. After a few months, she moved to Guardian Tree Experts for more consistent hours. There, she met Moses, the owner of Momentum, who played a key role in the company’s growth.

Although Harmony isn’t currently certified in arboriculture, she actively stays updated on the latest practices. The evolving science behind tree care fascinates her, especially the intricacies of how trees grow and function. She enjoys the physicality of the job, the exercise, and working outdoors, even in challenging weather.

In 2023, Harmony won the Michigan State Tree Climbing Championship in the women’s division. This victory allowed her to compete in the 2024 International Tree Climbing Championship in Atlanta, Georgia. Outside of work, she enjoys hammocking, hiking, reading, and spending time with friends.

Harmony’s approach to tree care emphasizes respect for both the environment and the community. She believes healthy trees benefit not only the ecosystem but also the people who live around them. Her goal is to continue growing as an Arborist and ensuring the long-term health of the trees she cares for.

Oaken Oles

Oaken Oles is a skilled and passionate Arborist with a strong foundation in safety and tree care. His journey began with training at San Juan College’s Fire Academy, where he became a certified structural firefighter and Rope Rescue Technician, specializing in high and low-angle technical rescues. These early experiences fostered a commitment to safety that has guided his career in arboriculture.

After completing his training, Oaken worked at Davey Tree Experts in Denver for two years, where he gained hands-on experience as a climber and foreman. During his time at Davey, he participated in several advanced training programs, including Precision Tree Felling (removal) and Aerial Rescue, further honing his technical skills. His dedication to continuous learning led him to Academy Trained’s Climber Boot Camp, one of the leading training programs in the tree climbing industry. Currently, Oaken is working toward his ISA-Certified Arborist certification, showcasing his commitment to professional growth and expertise.

Before entering the tree care industry, Oaken explored various careers, including working for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and selling flagstone at Eagle Block. However, it was his time at Davey Tree Experts that sparked his true passion for arboriculture. Today, as a team member at Momentum, he plays an active role in developing training programs and sharing his knowledge with the crew.

In addition to his work in tree care, Oaken has a variety of hobbies, including restoring vintage chainsaws, leatherworking, blacksmithing, building model cars, and learning to train horses. He believes in fostering a deep connection with nature, both in his professional life and personal pursuits. Oaken views trees as vital, enduring elements of the environment, and he is dedicated to ensuring their care and safety for future generations.