Interview with Sudbury Local & Property Management Professional Ashley Teske

Ashley Teske works as a property management professional who works and lives in Sudbury, Ontario. She moved to the area 13 years ago after completing her education in Southern Ontario. Ashley received a Property Management Certificate from George Brown College in 2011, followed by a certificate in Real Estate Development and Management from Conestoga College. When she’s not working, Ashley loves taking care of her garden, learning about local history, and discovering hiking paths in Levack and Onaping Falls.

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 Q: What inspired you to start a career in property management?

 Ashley Teske: Property management appeals to me because I enjoy the kind of work that has a clear structure and purpose. My role requires that I stay organized, communicate clearly, and foresee any issues that may become larger ones if they’re not taken care of right away. I like that I know my daily tasks and can tackle them one by one. In my training and so far in my career, I’ve learned that being consistent and dependable matters more than anything else. When the systems are running well, you’re making everyone feel more at ease and making expectations clear. Running a good organization makes a huge difference in people’s lives.

Q: How does living in Sudbury affect your work?

Ashley Teske: Living in Sudbury has been wonderful, it’s had a big effect on how I view my time and what I value. There’s a slower pace here, which for me makes it easier to concentrate and stay organized. I’m able to plan ahead and think things through instead of rushing or making last-minute decisions. Small-town life also shows the value of being consistent. I love the tight-knit community where everyone has a sense of duty to care for the place and for each other. People notice and remember how you deal with problems. It makes me more accountable and reliable in everything, including my career.

Q: You’ve mentioned that you’ve gained an interest in local history. How did that come about?

Ashley Teske: I’m a naturally curious person, and I love learning about new places, especially when I’ve decided to make my home there. As I’ve learned more about Sudbury and the surrounding areas, the history and the people who built it, everything takes on a deeper meaning. Knowing these things about the past gives context to the environment I’m living in and the things I see every day. I like discovering small little details or stories that may otherwise get lost or overlooked. I’m trying to keep local knowledge alive, and it feels good to do that. Now when I take walks, I experience everything differently because I know all these stories that are tied to specific spots. It gives me a much deeper bond to my community.

 

Q: How does gardening affect your daily life?

 Ashley Teske: Gardening is something I took up when I moved to Sudbury, and I’m so glad I did. It’s a great way to slow down and decompress from busy work life. It’s also just a great reason to get outside. It takes so much patience, because you don’t see results right away. I enjoy figuring things out as I go and noticing little improvements each growing season. Even simple little chores in the garden feel good after a long day at work. I’ve developed a routine that feels steady and familiar. When you start to see the results, it’s so satisfying, especially when you’ve overcome setbacks or frustrations with certain aspects of it. It’s taught me to bounce back from those and appreciate the positive things in life.

 Q: How does hiking fit into your lifestyle?

 Ashley Teske: Hiking around Sudbury is beautiful. It always resets my mind and keeps me feeling active and healthy. There are so many great trails that are easy to access near Levack and Onaping, and they’re starting to feel familiar to me, which I love, seeing the way they change through each season. I try to do quick weekend walks to boost my mood, along with longer ones every couple of weeks or so. I always return home and to work more relaxed and centered.