At 13 years old, I dreamt of a backyard vegetable garden. That spring in 2012 I planted my garden and failed to grow anything substantial, it was frustrating, but instead of giving up on with my dream, I sought an apprenticeship under 2nd generation farmer David Chambers at Madrona Organic Farm where I worked the fields and developed my understanding of soil and plants.

Only months later, equipped with my new knowledge, I planted my garden for the second time. Before the summer was over my garden was in abundance, producing more vegetables than my family and I could handle. With my garden doing well I continued my apprenticeship with David for three more summers soaking up all the knowledge and skills I could. As I continued to learn, my inspiration grew to include landscape gardens, trees and the practices that went along with developing and maintaining them. I went on to study tree and plant care (arboriculture and horticulture) and after graduating I gained employment with a large landscape and tree service company in Victoria, I was happy to be employed in the industry I love but was disappointed to learn that my employer was cutting corners and providing mediocre service. I was on a mission to generate incredible work and spend everyday at a company that believes in quality, a company that hires great people and invests in the best equipment. If the company I envisioned did not exist, I was set on building it myself.

On February 2nd, 2017 I gave my employer my notice and left my job behind, that was the day Ascent Yard Care was born. My first handful of clients loved my work and told their friends, my fleet of equipment started to grow and my most qualified peers were eager to join my mission. As of writing we have been providing well informed and reliable service to our clients for over 8 years, and I maintain my vegetable garden to this day.

• Jake