No Regrets

Although a formal education was not a requirement for his area of interest, one NSAC alumnus has never looked back on a decision he made over 20 years ago.  Matthew Horne (Class of 1990) chose to expand his landscape interest and applied to study ornamental horticulture at NSAC.   His decision to obtain a diploma before pursuing the career further has had its perks.

 “It’s two-fold,” explains Horne on furthering his education.   “It gave me an edge.  The education put me on a professional level, plus it’s recognized.  I became superior and more respected.  Yet others are intimidated and envious of my background.” 

And better yet?  He has had no regrets and simply loves what he does.  As an arborist and horticulturist, Horne has had a fulfilling career.  He has been involved in tree care for the past 13years and has managed his own company, ABC Tree, in BC for the past seven years.

“I enjoy everything about it,” replies Horne when asked what he likes best about his career.  “It’s the networking, dealing with different people, talking to customers and on-lookers, the rat-race in the morning, the sounds of the equipment and the fresh smells of the outdoors with the changing seasons.  What I do has become me.”

Horne’s business specializes in tree care, specifically tree removal, pruning, tree health and arborists reports.  Working in the Mapleridge area, he and his partner employ a full-time staff of four.  While there can be controversy in the tree business, ABC Tree is accountable for their work. 

“Our ratio for planting trees to removing trees is almost equal,” adds Horne.  ABC Tree knows the importance of being sustainable.  “Not only is it crucial for the future and our environment, it just makes us feel good.”  Horne is a strong believer that values like that were instilled in him during his education.  “One of my most favorite memories of NSAC was the hands on work, particularly when our professors would take us to plant trees on campus.”    

Although everyday on the job is different, memories and lessons like this from NSAC are never far from Horne’s mind.  “I still go back to what I learned and it is reinforced everyday.”

Working in landscaping throughout his high school summers, Horne decided to apply to NSAC and pursue his interest.  Since he wasn’t 100 per cent sure as to what he wanted to do, he also applied to Saint Mary’s University (SMU) for business.  Horne was placed second on a waiting list for NSAC’s horticulture program and immediately accepted at SMU.      

Within months he was removed from the waiting list and enrolled at NSAC.  He chose NSAC over SMU for the small class sizes, campus and unique program.  “I knew if I picked NSAC I wouldn’t come out years later into the same saturated market as everyone else,” he says, “I would have options.” 

Horne was right.  His positive attitude and strong work ethic also played a part.  After graduation he continued to work in landscaping and lawn care until he made his way up to foreman.  After working in Australia for a few years, he and his wife decided to settle in BC where he started the business.   “Because of my area of expertise, I could pretty much work anywhere,” adds Horne.

Aside from being a workaholic, the pure passion for what he does is evident in his lifestyle.  In Horne’s spare time he and his wife enjoying taking walks in their local park, as well as swimming and fishing.  He returns to his hometown of Enfield, NS once a year to visit his family and to Australia to visit his in-laws every three years. 

As for the future, Horne hopes to retire in approximately ten years.  But there are no big changes in the plan.   “My hope is to get into tapping maple trees with my brother,” adds Horne, reassuring himself once again on his education choice.  “This is what I know best.”

If you wish to contact Horne, feel free to do so at: ghorne46@yahoo.com