As You See It, It Will Be.

Where do I begin? Two years ago, my team and I were waiting — again — to hear from the National Science Foundation (NSF) about our Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I application. It was our fifth attempt since 2012, and this time, we finally won.

Since then, I haven’t had a chance to share all the exciting milestones, lessons, and challenges. Some of them now seem like old news, but this blog serves as the storyboard of our startup — with a few missing pages soon to be filled in. Stay tuned for a time capsule of short stories that highlight what we’ve learned, what we’ve overcome, and what’s next in our journey of science, technology, and trees.

On Vision

My official titles at TreesROI™ are Founder, CEO, and Principal Investigator. While these are true, I’m really the Visionary.

Like many aspects of this two-decade adventure, that role wasn’t one I expected to take on. I’ve often said, “Any problem can be solved using science and technology, with a great idea, a lot of work, and a little luck.” That mindset is both a blessing and a curse — it keeps me focused on the goal but sometimes blinds me to how hard the middle really is.

The blessing is that, because I don’t fully understand the enormous science and technology challenges, I get to believe — and trust — that my people will figure it out. And they always do.

On Teamwork

Our core team of four supported TreesROI™ entirely pro bono until we secured Phase I funding. We’ve now received a matching funds award from Elevate Vermont to bridge the gap to Phase II — a milestone that speaks volumes about their faith in this mission.

Visit our TEAM page to learn more about John Mangan (since 2010), Gordon Mann and Dr. Jason Grabosky (since 2013), and Greg Fanslow (since 2023).

John believed in me long before anyone else did, back when we were colleagues at IDX and I was starting to develop the idea. Gordon and Jason contributed to shaping the tree root biology aspects by citing global problems, and Greg brought fresh energy with his data science skills just when we needed it most. Their dedication inspires me every day.

I couldn’t possibly list all the others who’ve helped along the way — from the early introductions by Vermont Urban & Community Forestry staff to the many advisors, mentors, and collaborators like Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. (GSSI), who have given life to our innovation.

My gratitude runs deep for everyone who continues to support our mission to improve the quality, benefits, value, and lifespan of the trees we grow where we live – urban trees.

Voices That Guide Me

At any moment, I hear words of wisdom — from my mother, mentors, scientists, and even the trees themselves. Their voices guide me to learn from failure, stay grounded, and focus on what truly matters.

·       Dr. Ed Gilman (2010): “What you are doing IS research… Keep at it.”

·       Dr. Bonnie Appleton (2010): “Your biggest challenge will be with the industry itself.”

·       GSSI Scientist: “Your mission and purpose are inspiring, important, and yes, doable.”

·       GSSI Scientist: “It is imaginable.”

·       Scott Holson, VtSBDC Technology Advisor: “FOCUS.”

·       NSF Program Director: “This is your vision, to be told by you… INSIGHT™ is a game changer, and the NSF is rooting for TreesROI™.”

·       Guy Kawasaki, The Art of The Start: “Make meaning. Right a wrong. Don’t let the bozos get you down.”

·       T-shirt wisdom: “UNDERESTIMATE ME – that’ll be fun.”

·       Dr. David Nowak (2012): “If your research could increase the lifespan of urban trees, it would be worthwhile.”

·       Champlain College’s motto: “Audeamus — Let Us Dare.”

·       Theodore Roosevelt: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

·       Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”

·       The trees whisper: “Somebody loves me.”

·       My Family: “Follow your dreams.”

·       My Mom: “As you see it, it will be.”

Looking Ahead

The past two years have been filled with roots, risks, and resilience — and there’s much more to come.

In the coming weeks, I’ll share more stories about the people, places, and breakthroughs that keep us growing — and the trees that remind us why this work matters.

WE NEED TREES TO LIVE ….. TO LIVE, WE NEED TREES.

Thank you for rooting for us.

Marie 

This work by TreesROI™ LLC is made possible in part by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Department of Economic Development, and by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.