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Rising Stars: Meet Simon Acuna of Lenexa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Simon Acuna.

Hi Simon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Simon Acuna, and I’m the proud founder of Patagonia Tree Service. I grew up in Argentina—so the name Patagonia might sound familiar—and moved to Kansas City with my family, carrying a dream to build a life I could be proud of. Kansas City became home in more ways than one: it’s where I met my wife, where I found my calling, and where my journey in tree work began.

I started as a part-time climber, taking on jobs whenever I could, absorbing every lesson about proper techniques, safety, and respect for the trees and the properties I worked on. It wasn’t just the physical challenge that drew me in—it was the art of doing it right, the craft behind every cut, every climb, every decision on the tree.
Over time, that passion became a full-time business. I dedicated myself not only to honing my skills but also to building a company grounded in honesty, high-quality service, and clear communication. Every job we take on is done with care, safety, and pride—no rushing, no shortcuts.

Today, Patagonia Tree Service proudly serves homeowners and businesses across the Kansas City area. Looking back, I’m proud of how far we’ve come, grateful for the trust our customers place in us, and excited to keep growing—one tree, one job, one community at a time.

A unique fact about us is that we are a family run business – My wife is the CEO and I the COO, we own and run this company as a team.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No one will tell you that running a tree company is easy… it’s been far from a smooth road. Growing the business came with constant challenges. There were slow seasons when work was scarce, financial struggles that made it hard to keep equipment running, and breakdowns that could throw an entire day—or week—off schedule. I faced moments when I seriously considered giving up, especially when unexpected expenses piled up or jobs didn’t go as planned.
But I kept going. Long hours, perseverance, and a deep belief in the value of doing the work right pushed me forward. Every challenge taught me lessons about planning, problem-solving, and resilience. Those obstacles shaped how I run the business today: with careful preparation, a focus on quality over speed, and a genuine appreciation for every customer who trusts us with their property.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve always loved spending time outdoors, tackling high-adrenaline work, and knowing that what I do helps my community. That passion led me to start Patagonia Tree Service, where every day brings a new challenge—whether it’s removing a massive tree, pruning for health and safety, or grinding a stubborn stump.
What I love most is that this isn’t just a job—it’s a craft. We’re known for our reliability, strong work ethic, and attention to detail. I’m most proud of building this business from the ground up, growing it through hard work, persistence, and a commitment to doing things the right way. What sets us apart is our hands-on approach, clear communication, and professionalism—making sure every job is done safely, efficiently, and with pride in the work we leave behind.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve always thrived on stepping into the uncomfortable—pushing myself to learn, grow, and take on challenges that scare me a little. The biggest leap I ever took was leaving a full-time job, walking away from college, and going all-in on building Patagonia Tree Service. At the time, it felt like standing on the edge of a cliff with no safety net—but I knew I had to take the chance if I wanted to build something meaningful.

Every day in this business involves risk. It’s not just the financial side of running a company—it’s the work itself. Climbing tall trees, rigging heavy limbs, and operating equipment in unpredictable conditions keeps you on your toes. But I’ve learned that risk isn’t something to fear; it’s an opportunity to grow. It forces me to stay sharp, stay focused, and do everything the right way—protecting myself, my team, and every client who trusts us with their property.

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