My name is Mark Gaudet (@IAMGAUDET) and I'm a climbing arborist from Ontario, Canada. I've been working in the private tree care industry for 10 years. Tree climbing for me is a passion which extends past work into competitions and teaching. I have been competing since 2012 in local competitions and various others across North America. I am a 2-time Team JAMBO champion and placed 3rd in Notch’s Capture the Canopy event. I have been fortunate enough to compete in the ITCC and NATCC twice after winning my chapter competition in 2015 and 2016.
While winning competitions is amazing, I have gained so much besides the medals and accolades from them. They harbor a culture of safety, comradery and innovation. The moment when you win and fellow competitors are more excited than you is unlike any other competitive sport! Whether competing, volunteering or spectating; competitions have something to offer anyone willing to accept it.
I have been able to attend many training seminars presented by excellent trainers which has led me to pursue my passion to teach. I have been a teacher at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario for 7 years. I enjoy the hands-on approach of teaching the students how to safely climb, prune and remove trees. I have attended Train-the-Trainer and been able to lead Vermeer days seminars as well as present at the 2019 JAMBO. I look forward to more opportunities to spread the knowledge and techniques I have acquired in my journey.
When I’m not in the canopy or playing with ropes, I’m spending time with my wife Erikka, our daughter Macy and Bear, our Rottweiler. We spend a lot of time with our ever-growing friends and family circle enjoying the trees and the great outdoors. I enjoyed many sports growing up but have not continued to play them regularly. I'm excited to pass my sports knowledge onto my daughter as she grows. I have been able to take my Niece climbing up their Birch in the front yard of their house and can’t wait for Macy to be a bit bigger and have all the cousins up there!
Becoming part of the Notch team has been a great honour. A brand created BY arborists FOR arborists is what I look for when it comes to my gear. I'm proud to have been using Notch products prior to our partnership because I believe that good quality products should be attainable at a reasonable price. I know as a team we will make tree climbing gear SAFER, EASIER to use and more EFFICIENT.