|
10 Questions & Answers – Interview Format – Vito Milano, Vice President, General Manager
Updated: August 2006
VITO MILANO
Vito Milano is the Vice President and General Manager of Preserved TreeScapes International (PTI), and since 1991 has been a partner in PTI with President Dennis Gabrick. From towering pines to exotic palms, PTI's award-winning manufactured trees and interiorscapes grace some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts, shopping malls, airports, and casinos.
1.) QUESTION: In recent years, PTI has turned its experience and multiple talents toward concealment applications for wireless communications providers. How many of PTI's famous "tree towers" are hideouts for cellular antennas?
ANSWER: PTI's wireless communications department has installed more than 225 sites to date.
2.) QUESTION: What's the tallest replica tree that you have used as a tree tower?
ANSWER: A pine tree at 190 feet!
3.) QUESTION: How long does it take once a wireless provider hires PTI to complete in-house design and replication for a new site installation?
ANSWER: Once the carrier has obtained zoning approval, the fabrication time required for the average site is six to eight weeks. However, PTI works hand-in-hand with our clients to meet special delivery date requirements.
4.) QUESTION: Does PTI help clients with compliance requirements for zoning codes and the approval process?
ANSWER: Yes, we provide the typical approval process items such as product information, test data, photography and samples. A more unique way PTI helps clients with the approval process is through visits to our manufacturing facility in Oceanside, Calif. Several of our clients have invited city officials and building department staff to tour the facility. Seeing our manufacturing process, quality control and completed tree towers answers many of the questions that government agencies may have. These visits have been the deciding factor on several installation sites.
5.) QUESTION: What kinds of trees have you used for wireless concealment applications?
ANSWER: We use several variations of pines, fan and date palms, Italian cypress and elm trees.
6.) QUESTION: Are all the materials for replica trees made in-house? Why use a PTI tree tower over other competitors?
ANSWER: With the exception of one or two components requiring specialized manufacturing equipment, all manufacturing is done in-house. From the molds used to create branches, palm foliage and bark, to the last application of paint, the process is all completed on-site.
I think the best reason to choose PTI over a competitor is our attention to detail. PTI has been in the business of replicating trees and plants for more than 12 years. It is all we do and we have refined our skills very well. This experience shows through in our tree tower products. Not everyone can turn a galvanized steel pole into an old, majestic 75-foot pine tree! In addition to our superior design, we provide tested components. All of our products have been wind tunnel tested for strength and durability. Also, we have completed extensive testing to document that our materials do not interfere with cellular transmission.
7.) QUESTION: How much do these tree towers cost?
ANSWER: This is a difficult question to answer, based on the huge variations in site specifications. The overall height, location, soil conditions, number and size of the antennas to be concealed all are calculated into the cost of a tree tower. Tree design is another large factor of the cost. Take a pine tree tower for example. In many cases we are contracted to design a tree to match the living trees around the proposed site. Certain pines have branches that begin very close to the ground. Others are sparse and start to branch much higher up the trunk. Branch quantity and placement may double from site to site. I would estimate that we have produced tree towers that range in price from $15,000 to more than $100,000.
8.) QUESTION: Where can I go to see one of your tree towers installed?
ANSWER: The best place to see one of our trees is right here at our Oceanside, Calif., headquarters! We have a working 73-foot pine tree tower located right on our property. With a trip to see the pine, I'll show you around the entire manufacturing facility.
9.) QUESTION: What "checklist" should providers request before they contract for a concealment application?
ANSWER:
Providers should use the following items as a checklist:
- What level of concealment will I receive?
- Will the design resemble a living tree or match surrounding trees?
- Does the steel pole section of the tree tower meet all codes and city requirements?
- What test results are available to document product quality?
- What is the fabrication lead-time?
- Will copies of client and installation lists be provided?
- Will a history of the manufacturing company be provided?
10.) QUESTION: What are PTI's goals for this marketplace in 2006?
ANSWER:
Of course, ongoing quality control and superior customer service are always our goals. We'll also be creating a wider variety of "tree" types for this marketplace. The availability of high-quality concealment applications is relatively new. Many people in the telecommunications industry are unaware that there are alternatives to using an unconcealed steel pole. So continual education within the marketplace is also a goal. See our Web site under "PRODUCTS" for some examples of concealment applications.
Click here to view the Question
& Answer - Interview Format for Dennis Gabrick, President and
CEO of Preserved TreeScapes International, Inc.
Preserved TreeScapes International • www.treescapes.com
4039 Avenida de la Plata • Oceanside, CA 92056
(800) 527-8884 • (760) 631-6789 • Fax (760) 631-6780
Contacts: Vito Milano vito@treescapes.com
(800) 527-8884 • (760) 631-6789
Cathy Pham (760) 631-6789 |
