James (Jim) Thain enjoyed a long and successful career as an engineer. During that time, he, alongside many team members whom he remembers fondly, worked on several of the foundational projects that became the basis for Alberta’s major infrastructure. These days you’ll find him working alongside a group of passionate people, including Laurie Thain, at his current venture, JimBob Nursery & Garden Centre.

As he reflects on his long journey and exciting latest chapter, he can’t help but think of the intersection of engineering and horticulture, and how it all continues to grow and change as technology and demographics evolve.

“When I was a young man, my horticulture degree felt almost useless in Alberta,” Jim reminisces. “The province wasn’t focused on beautification—it was all about digging holes and knowing the practicalities of construction. However, my broad education, with two degrees, opened doors for me in civil work, which was in high demand.

Alberta needed people to build water systems, sewer lines, and roads, and he feels fortunate to have contributed to that.

“Still, today, there’s a significant demand for this kind of work, but my generation—we’re a dying breed,” he adds. “Few people know how to do what we did, and that’s why I’m passionate about educating the next generation. I want to guide people toward the right courses, like ground disturbance training, and introduce them to this unique avenue of construction. Years ago, I worked on projects like the Mill Woods surge pond—critical infrastructure that supports communities. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. For example, when you flush your toilet, do you know where the water goes? That’s all part of the municipal waterworks we built years ago, laying the foundation for the infrastructure we rely on today.”

After a successful career in engineering, Jim was ready for a new challenge, so he opened a tree farm. However, what began as a small venture quickly grew into something much bigger, thanks to the local community. Customers didn’t just want trees—they had ideas.

“How about a garden center?” they asked. “What about a greenhouse or topsoil and gravel?” Jim listened, and the business evolved.

To meet these growing demands, the company expanded to include a retail garden center, a greenhouse, and a variety of landscaping materials. Over the past two decades, the business has grown from a small local supplier into a provincial leader, offering everything from landscaping services to large-scale installations for local and provincial clients, and for homeowners and contractors alike.

What Jim is most proud of is the team. The company’s strength lies in its people—dedicated individuals who bring expertise, passion, and a shared commitment to excellence. Some team members have been with the company for over 15 years, contributing invaluable experience and continuity. Whether it’s helping a homeowner select the perfect plants or managing a contractor’s large-scale project, the team works together to deliver exceptional results.

Jim is quick to credit his wife, Laurie, as a key part of the company’s journey. “She has gracefully supported me through every career transition, and I have no plans to retire!” he shares. “Her unwavering support has been a cornerstone of all of my success.”

The company also invests in the future by partnering with the local high school to provide teenagers with valuable work experience.

Jim Bob’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. The company has earned numerous gold, silver, and bronze Readers’ Choice awards over the years. For Jim, these accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication of his team.

“It’s humbling,” he says, “but it’s really a celebration of the positive impact our team makes every day.”

He concludes, “I am who I am because of this work. What started as a small business has grown into something far beyond what I ever anticipated. Service and quality have always been my focus. Retirement isn’t in my vocabulary—I’ll never retire. I don’t seek recognition for what I’ve done, but I take pride in knowing that people like me have helped shape this province in meaningful ways. Our work, then and now, helped Alberta grow, not just functionally but beautifully, leaving a legacy of which we can all be very proud.”

Looking ahead, the team at Jim Bob’s is excited for new ventures. The focus remains on growth, not just in business, but in its people. Jim looks forward to employing different personalities and growing ever greater cultural and generational diversity within the organization.

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