The Jonsteen Company
“Our SBDC consulting sessions broadened our knowledge of general employment law. We had an expert consultant, an HR pro who had advised all kinds of businesses, large and small, in various stages of development. This incredible access to labor law knowledge was more than affordable (free!), thanks to the SBDC. It was also an efficient approach for us, time-wise. Our capable tour guide steered us through the labyrinth of labor regulations right to what our company needed to address.” -Jonathan Claasen
BACKGROUND
Eventually The Jonsteen Company began to thrive. The company was able to gain capital and secure a job from the Muir Woods National Park. Over the next couple decades, The Jonsteen Company grew in sales and built a team of skilled arborists. The Company is known for creatively packaging its trees for a variety of markets and purposes, one of those purposes is teaching about trees and their many benefits to people and the planet. Jonsteen not only grows and packages trees but also educates on tree planting worldwide.
“SBDC consulting was incredibly helpful in our efforts to improve our HR operations and policies at Jonsteen and in creating an employee handbook and safety program. SBDC guidance helped us identify what we needed to do to be certain we were in total compliance with federal and state employment law” -Jonathan reflecting on the impact of SBDC support
Jonsteen specializes in Giant Sequoias and Coast Redwoods, but also grows many other tree species appropriate to climates and landscapes of all kinds around the world. Jonsteen works with individuals, schools, businesses, non-profits, and government to boost the knowledge and appreciation of trees. Finally, Jonsteen is the originator of an irresistible line of 100% guaranteed seed germination grow kits, which have been an interpretive staple in America’s National Parks for years, and can be found in some of our country’s truly great settings, from The White House to Disneyland!
RESULTS
As Jonsteen flourished, so did the need for comprehensive HR policies and compliance with employment laws. Navigating these complexities posed significant challenges. It was then that the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was able to help. Through tailored consulting sessions, Jonsteen refined its HR operations, crafted an employee handbook, and established a robust safety program.
