Nestled on Arbor Day Farm, Lied Lodge & Conference Center reflects the mission of the Arbor Day Foundation, “to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.” This one-of-a-kind facility has 140 guest rooms and suites, along with more than 14,000 square feet of meeting space. Each Lied Lodge visitor is surrounded with the opportunity to share in the stewardship message through the inspiration of planting trees. Tina Layman is the Sales Manager for Lied Lodge.

How did you get started in the business? – Fourteen years ago, I met a (now) dear friend who worked in education at Arbor Day Farm. Through non-profit connections and good friendships, I was offered my current position.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – ‘Challenges are opportunities’ is my philosophy. My largest professional opportunity has been to grow in organizational skills. I strive to be very organized, but hints of disorganization continue to re-appear regularly. Franklin Covey practices have become habit and a way of keeping me on-task.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I dabble in a lot of diverse areas of interest, and strive to continue education in many levels. I love to learn something new about something new.

Tell us a little about your family. – My mother’s 14 brothers and sisters helped form me into a people-person and I love large families! I’ve been married for almost 33 years, having four amazing children who range in age from 30 to 12 years old. With a growing family, T-Ma and T-Pa now enjoy grandchildren; we’re expecting our fourth.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Getting married at age 20. Staying committed through the ups and downs has proven positive for everyone involved and provided strength in the journey.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I suppose they are not the most enjoyable, but my favorite things to do on a day off are clean house and garden so I can later bask in freshness!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I enjoyed living in the countryside of the Rhine River in Germany, seeing the value of hard work, family, and care for the land. The grapevines of the Rhine, and a daily visit to the Bakerie and Metzgari made for wonderful memories!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – The best piece of advice is what I’ve taught my kids, ‘Do what’s right because it’s the right thing to do!’

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I am passionate about the Arbor Day Foundation because its mission is to ‘Inspire.’ Every heart, if opened, can see the miracle of nature. The appreciation of nature doesn’t require money, skills, or knowledge. You only need an open heart to share in the amazement of the world all around us. When we silence ourselves long enough to see the natural world, we then see the true miracle of creation.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – I would love to sit at the table and share a meal with Zig Ziglar. Although the king of inspirational speaking, he ignited a philosophy that is simply sound!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached through Lied Lodge’s website at liedlodge.org where you can Meet the Sales Staff. Or, my direct contacts are tlayman@arbordayfarm.org or (402) 209-1731.