I've done this quite a few times with my dad. Rented a stump grinder once, and it sucks, I'd still have someone come out and do that part.
Depending on the tree, it it's smaller, just pull it out with a truck then cut it up on the ground. Or if its bigger, watch a few episodes of "Ax men" in order to learn the proper back-cutting and wedging procedures with the chainsaw, and go to town.
Generally pretty easy, just hard work sawing and splitting larger trees.
As far as recommendations, Arbaughs is who we've used, with good results.