On any given day in Tooele County, you might find Sheldon Riches and his crew working high in the trees—chainsaws running, cranes lifting, and heavy logs carefully lowered below. Later, you might see that same man helping an elderly neighbor get to the store or laughing alongside friends he serves at church. To Sheldon, it’s all part of his “calling”. Service is how he runs his business, R&R Tree Trimming and Removal, and how he runs his life.
A Business Years in the Making with Inspiration
When asked about how the business began, Sheldon doesn’t rush the story. He reflects on friendships, family influence, and a love for trees that never quite left him.
“Back in 1997, my best friend at the time in Cache County was getting a horticulture degree… and my father also taught me many things about doing things with trees, tree work, and cutting trees down and things like that.”
Tree work intrigued him early on, but tragedy put that dream on pause.
“Right before Christmas of 1998, [his friend] was killed in a car crash… He was my best friend. And so I figured, well, you know what? It’s not going to happen.”
Nearly twenty years later, that long-held interest resurfaced.
“Beginning 2017, I get the impression now is the time you need to start the tree business. I’m thinking, why now?”
At the time, Sheldon had nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience and no background in running a business. What he did have was faith, determination, and a willingness to learn.
“When I was praying… I got this impression that I need to start a business… I said, I don’t know the first thing about building a business… If that’s what you want me to do, I’ll do it. But you’re going to have to teach me.”
Learning From the Ground Up
Opportunity came through a neighbor who owned a tree business and was willing to teach Sheldon the trade.
“I knew nothing about growing a business, nothing whatsoever. He wouldn’t pay me, but he would teach me… working long hours, and he would teach me.” That mentorship unexpectedly turned into ownership.
“Middle of March, he comes to me and says, Hey, Sheldon, are you still interested in buying my business? … I said, ‘Absolutely, I’ll buy your business’”. On April 1st, 2017, R&R Tree Trimming and Removal officially began.
Today, the business continues to grow through word of mouth, family involvement, and a commitment to quality. “It’s a family-owned business… We have more than 45 years of combined experience in the Forestry and Urban Forestry industry…. We have a passion for trees.”
Holding a Higher Standard
What sets R&R apart isn’t just equipment or experience—it’s ethics.
“We follow the ISA, the International Society of Agriculture policies… We will never top a tree.” Sheldon explains why this matters not just for the tree but also for safety.
“Once you top a tree… it allows that tree to be open to diseases… and the new growth is a lot weaker… We hold ourselves to a higher standard.”
Safety isn’t optional in this industry. He recalls, “The insurance company told me… the work that you’re doing right now is the number two most dangerous career in the United States. People try to go and do it themselves without having the training, the knowledge, skills, or abilities and not having the proper equipment to do it safely. And then they get hurt,” he says with valid concern.
Safety is his number one priority for his crew and those they serve.
Why Grantsville Feels Like Home
After years of moving for work, Sheldon and his family found something special in Grantsville.
“We fell in love with this city… the small-town mentality… Just the people. We love it here.”
Grantsville isn’t just where the business operates—it’s where Sheldon chooses to invest his time, energy, service, and resources.
Giving Back, Quietly
Through the business, Sheldon has supported youth sports, schools, and families in need.
Sheldon recalls, “Since the beginning, we have donated countless hours, materials, and funding to improve the growth and safety of those in Grantsville and the surrounding areas. This includes little league, youth and high school sports, band and orchestra, church groups, and individuals of all ages.”
Rooted in Service: Sheldon Riches and a Life of Quiet Impact
Beyond running a successful tree business, Sheldon gives countless hours to his neighbors. He has been instrumental in the lives of many young people through church service. He regularly serves older people in assisted living facilities and helps strengthen young adults through service projects and activities. Much of this work happens quietly, without recognition, simply because that’s who he is.
When asked about community involvement, Sheldon downplays his impact, but his actions tell a different story. His reasons are simple:
“I just serve. I love to serve people.”
More Than Tree Removal
For Sheldon, tree care is about education, prevention, and peace of mind.
“If you take care of [trees], they’ll take care of you.”
He regularly donates his time to answer questions, offer guidance, and help homeowners make informed decisions. “I will teach them what I know if they’re willing to learn.”
And when storms hit, trees fall, and fear sets in, R&R shows up—not just to remove trees, but to restore peace of mind. “We do the best that we can do to make that chaos for them come back to order, and to relieve their stress.”
A Business Built on Trust
At the heart of Sheldon’s work is integrity.
“I give a person a quote… I will not change that price. I will eat the cost. If I can give them cost savings… I will pass on the savings to the clients.”
When asked what matters most to him, his answer is simple.
“Serving the people that call us.”
And maybe that’s the most accurate picture of Sheldon Riches’ tree business—rooted in faith, grounded in service, and quietly making Tooele County a safer, stronger place, one tree and one neighbor at a time.
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