Inspiring Conversations with Tom Jessmore of Wild Juniper Nursery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Jessmore.

Hi Tom, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Let’s say I suffer from the Grandma Moses syndrome. She did not begin her successful painting career until she was 78 years old. Okay, I’m only 62, but I’m finally able to answer the question pondered by every person in their twenties – what do you want to do for a living? I graduated from college – something my parents did not, but was their life’s dream for their kids. I then spent the next 35 years working corporate jobs with guaranteed pay and benefits. With my wife, we were able to buy a house and raise two great children. This could easily be the end of what many would consider the American dream. I left my corporate jobs feeling unfulfilled and not ready to hang up the spikes and ride off into the sunset. I had this burning feeling in my gut to be an entrepreneur. One important decision I made in my 50s was to not focus on our financial nest egg we were building – rather to focus on what lifestyle we wanted to live as we aged. Stop and reread that sentence. That is perhaps the most important line in my whole story. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m a white male born and raised in the Midwest. I remember race riots in my hometown in 1967 & 1968. I’d like to say I’ve evolved and am far more accepting of other lifestyles – not perfect (I really don’t understand hip/hop), but a work in progress. I cannot say I’ve suffered from prejudice or similar struggles like many others. My greatest obstacles and challenges have been right between my ears. My father worked for Michigan Bell Telephone for 41 years, 10 months, and 11 days. He suddenly died 2 months after retiring and turning 62. I was 21 at the time. Right then, I decided I would “retire” from my regular job while in my 50s and not have “what if” regrets the rest of my life. But how would I pull this off, and what the heck would the second half of my life look like, and what about my family? Answers to these questions eluded and troubled me for years. 

We’ve been impressed with Wild Juniper Nursery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My wife and I operate a 5-acre plant nursery located at 13937 S. Cedar Rd., Cedar, MI 49621- 7 miles west of Traverse City, MI, on M72 – on your way to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We locally grow over 400 varieties of perennials, trees, and shrubs. Currently growing over 20,000 plants. We offer a wide selection and are proud to offer plants not readily found at your conventional garden center or box store. We offer lots of native plants, fruit trees, and berry-producing bushes. Many of these plants, we start from seed or from cuttings ourselves. When you visit, look for the guy in the grubby overhauls. We are always there – so when you stop by, you’re talking to the owner and the guy who has grown that plant. My dirty hands will prove it! I love to talk about plants! My goal is NOT to sell you plants. My goal is to help you make smart plant selections and to make your living space an enjoyable place to be. If you have the land to grow your own orchard, we’ll help you get started. Need a single potted plant to attract a butterfly to your apartment’s deck? We’re here to help. We’ll talk to everyone and anyone. If nothing else, you’ll walk away with a kind smile and an encouraging word. 

What were you like growing up?
I think I’ve painted a pretty good picture of the trigger points of my life. I grew up in a hard-working middle-class family that stressed hard work, education, and a love of family. This stable family and love provided me advantages and benefits that only now I understand. I worked and paid for my own college (something I realize is not possible for young people today). I started an IRA savings account when I was 21 years old because my mom told me to do it. A very wise woman. There have been struggles, but with a loving wife at my side, we’ve overcome them and grew stronger along the way. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wildjunipernursery.com
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• Youtube: Wild Juniper Nursery