Tracy Temple…..what can I say except I have know her for over 25 years. My first encounter was at an outdoor flea market in Mississauga. At the time, her then boyfriend and herself were selling baseball cards, while myself and a friend were selling t-shirts. Little did I know that a few Mondays later, I would walk into work and see her at front reception, clearly we needed day jobs.
We quickly became friends. She would be that one person I could say “hey Tracy, let’s go trail riding”, which clearly meant bike portaging, through wilderness. Walking out hours later with burs attached to us and covered in bruises and scratches.
Or perhaps trying to cross the Humber River with our bikes another time, but I can’t swim, so that was a no for me. However best life experience could only happen at a nightclub, with Tracy walking smack into a glass wall that separated two rooms. Filling out legal forms and sitting later in the parking lot hysterically laughing about the incident. Only having to head to emergency early morning for stitches.
Over time our paths took us in different directions, but still within the garment industry. Eventually Tracy took a left turn to be an Arborist, making a change was needed. The garment industry was evolving rather quickly and it was time for a new adventure.
I asked her some riveting questions, but not really.
1. Who are you?
My name is Tracy Anne Temple and I am a self-confessed coffee addict, antique hunter and crime show binge watcher. I also have a soft spot for pot-bellied pigs (actually any pig), California Sandwiches (extra spicy green goop please!) and have been known to “rescue sick trees” from big box store garden centers.
I am a proud mother of 2 kids, a life partner and friend, daughter, sister, Certified Arborist and owner of Hummingbird Plant Health Care.
2. What is it you do?
As a 51 year old female entrepreneur, I am finally choosing to do something I am passionate about. I have been a Certified Arborist for 12 years, climbing trees and taking names.
I first toyed with the idea of opening my own company back in 2016. I was working 14 hour days for another tree care company in a management role when I fell sick, both physically and mentally. I had hit a wall and realized that the work/life balance I was in wasn’t sustainable. I did a lot of research, talked to a lot of people and found my niche in the arboriculture industry. In 2018 I was ready to go out on my own.
My company provides environmentally sensitive solutions and management strategies for the landscapes on residential and commercial properties. In other words, when trees or shrubs have an insect, disease or nutrient problem, Hummingbird Plant Health Care can help to manage those issues through pruning, spraying or fertilizing.
3. How did you choose the name Hummingbird for your company?
I relate myself to a hummingbird. Like that bird who is tiny, quick, and help as a pollinator, what I do for trees and shrubs is helpful, I am efficient and probably won’t see me but the effect of what I do is lasting.
4. Who inspires you?
My husband, parents, siblings, kids, friends. These people are my absolute world.
I am inspired by women who are actively taking charge of their own lives. Women who show up at the gym and face the fear because the need to be accountable for their own health and self worth is far greater than the fear of judgment.
I am inspired by kids who suffer from mental illness challenges and still somehow get on the bus and make it to school because deep down they know showing up is half the battle.
5. What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about what I do for a living. For me, there is an enormous sense of satisfaction gained by helping people; whether it be through weeding a garden or pruning trees to allow for more light. Getting up early and knowing I’ve planned my days to be filled with human interaction, creativity and education keeps the fire going strong!
6. Why this business compared to what your previous profession was.
One of the main reasons I chose to become an Arborist was that I wanted to spend my days outside. I had spent the majority of my working years in an office environment. I made several upward moves from receptionist to customer service to sales and production coordinator but somehow these titles felt like “just a job”. My evenings and weekends were spent in the garden where I could feel the stress of the day slip away. I joked with friends if I could make a living being a gardener that would be the dream. So when I finally decided to switch careers it was the passion of working outside that outshone the corporate environment.
7. What would you change?
I wouldn’t change anything about my journey. It’s all part of what is supposed to happen, the good and bad and the lessons learned.
8. What are your goals?
My goals are endless. They continually evolve. Right now one of my goals is to continue to operate a business focusing on growth and contribution to my community. Another goal of mine that is more personal is to keep putting myself out there and face the fear.
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself running the business but stepping back in some of the day to day activities. Volunteering more. I will have an employee apprentice and will continue to enjoy growth for myself and the business.
10. 5 things you do a day.
Coffee
Smoothie
Wake up early
Make my bed
Organize myself
11. What motivates you?
Making a difference in people’s lives by solving their landscape problems, seeing their reactions – feeling like I made a difference. I also want to be in control of my destination. For example, how much or little money can I make, taking personal days to recharge so I can be at my best, executing decisions that only I am responsible for (good and bad). I want to be hands-on in the kind of decision making that affects the quality of life for myself and my family in the years to come.
12. How do you organize your time?
I would be lost without my Google Calendar! I have always been a list maker but between running a business, scheduling appointments for kids and down time with my hubby I couldn’t keep up (not to mention the thousands of sheets of paper all over the house!).
I also have a cut off time in the evening to respond to calls and emails. Setting boundaries between work and family is important to keep a good balance. It’s also important for my overall health!
13. 3 adjectives to describe your strength.
Organized
Active
Empathetic
14. Which adjectives describe your weakness?
Hasty
Emotional
Over thinking
15. What does passion mean to you?
Passion means purpose and vice versa. I believe if you follow your passion you will discover your true purpose and that it will lead you to a fulfilled life.
Hummingbird Plant Health Care
19475 Dufferin Street
Newmarket, ON L3Y 4V9
Certified Arborist ON-1430A
905-868-7516
