Tal Salisbury was born and raised in the lower mainland of British Columbia. After graduating high school, he attended Pacific Vocational Institute, where he studied electrical generating systems. Tal married his high school sweetheart and best friend, and together they moved to the Okanagan. There, he founded a sign and lighting maintenance business, managing large corporate contracts throughout the interior. Tal and his wife successfully ran the business for 35 years while raising their son and daughter in Vernon, enjoying activities such as skiing, biking, hiking, kayaking, and camping. In his 40s, Tal discovered a passion for music and has been playing in bands for the last 20 years. He currently plays in a 4-piece garage band for fun and enjoys writing poetry and music when he has the chance. Recently retired, Tal has found a new passion in his grandson. Becoming a grandfather has given him a sense of urgency to create a better world. He is motivated by the words, “If not me… who? And if not now… when?” and draws inspiration from Margaret Mead’s quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”