Two and a half miles swimming on the open ocean, 1 1/2 miles around the island on a bike and then you finish with a 26.2 mile marathon, all in one day. Thats a pretty tall order for most people but for Leslie Temple it is just another of a series of accomplishments that makes her one of the movers and shakers of our industry.

To most people the Ironman Tri-atholon in Hawaii is one of those events that one will never be able to completely understand. Not so much because of the grueling mental strain encountered by its participants but more so because of the seemingly impossible physical abuse one places upon him or herself. But to the determined principal of the Landscape Architectural firm of Cardoza DiLallo Harrington, it was a challenge.

“Oh I’ll finish,” offered Ms. Temple as we discussed the matter over the phone. “I’ve trained for two and a half years. I just hope to finish healthy too.”

In the eighth grade at a time when most of us were worrying about being seen with out parents, Leslie Annette Temple had already decided her goal in life. “When I was in the eighth grade,” she continued, “l came home one day and told my parents that I was going to be a park planner.” From there she plotted the educational course needed to realize that goal. This path eventually took her to Colorado State University where she enrolled in the Recreational Planning Department.

While attending school Leslie kept her eyes on the future and did some digging into the profession. What she found was that the National Forest Service and the U.S. Parks Service required a license in Landscape Architecture as a prerequisite for employment. Not one to get discouraged this attractively persistent future L.A. packed up and went to Cal Poly Pomona to enroll in the school of Landscape Architecture.

Not really sure what to expect from this new but necessary embarkment, Leslie put her best foot forward and started what has now become a successful and rewarding career.

Reaching the level of Principal in a firm such as Cardoza DiLallo Harrington is a milestone not very many women have obtained. Many women have branched out to start their own firms and respectfully so. But it takes a special kind of person to earn the respect from your employer needed to have them offer you a partnership, especially if you’re a female in a predominantly male ownership.

One of the principals of the firm puts it in perspective by explaining that Leslie is an integrated member of their team. According to him she has the ability and the foresight to perform the functions of a principle and operate effectively.

What about the misnomer that women can’t operate at the same level as men? To this Temple acknowledged that women indeed have “to work harder to get to the same level as that of a male colleague.” She added however that, “It is easier to expect it than to fight it.” In this way she is able to work within her limitations and accomplish many things.

Because, according to Leslie, No road to success is easy?EUR??,,????'??? Nothing comes from nothing. Nor is it served on a silver platter. The traditional (work ethic) is as true today as it was years ago.” Also, while reflecting on some of the leaders in the industry she added that, “those seen in the industry as patriarchs committed themselves to reaching goals. Their dedication and sacrifices have made the industry what it is today.”

When asked what advice she would give to those starting out in the practice Leslie noted that, “True, one needs to develop a creative, expressionistic design talent and have the ability to perform on the boards but with the current trends the keys to success will be finesse in interpersonal relationships, teams building skills, and a working knowledge of business?EUR??,,????'??? Learn to be a juggler of time. There is no such thing as not enough hours in a day.” On the subject of gaining experience she offers that one should, “Learn to sell yourself by actions and deeds (and not words). Before one dedicates themselves to the boards some hands on experience should be gained with a contractor or in a nursery.”

While Leslie is on the road to the top she hasn’t forgotten others who have helped her along the way. Her comments on crossing the finish line of the Ironman Tri-atholon modestly verifies this perception.

“Crossing the finish line at the Ironman was an incredible experience. A lot of thanks and praise belongs to the Landscape Industry whose understanding greatly contributed to my accomplishment. I truly appreciate all the support and felt the good wishes during those 141 Miles. You were all there at the finish. Thank You.”

Thank You Leslie Temple and Congratulations