Page 42 - BusinessWest February 21, 2022
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                 apartment, the Heberts would introduce themselves, start up a conversation, and spend time with each resident. That extra attention became something the residents looked forward to every year, and they would remark on how the couple made Thanksgiving special for them. Hebert said he and Barbara enjoyed the visits as much as, if not more than, the seniors.
“I always share with the audience that I used to stutter and that I still battle insecurity and low self-esteem. All of a sudden, people connect with you because many of th”em are facing similar struggles.
“What does it cost to give your time?” he asked, adding that he’s spent a lifetime finding ways to give back that go above and beyond writing checks — although he’s done a lot of that, too.
For all these efforts, and for the way he has inspired others to follow his lead, Hebert has certainly earned his place in BusinessWest’s Difference Makers class of 2022.
Diving Right In
While many residents know that Hebert started Teddy Bear Pools from his parents’ carport and built it into a hugely successful business, fewer
know the insecure kid with the stutter.
Hebert described himself as someone with low self-esteem who felt good only when he was working.
“Whether it was mowing lawns, washing cars, or doing my paper route, having a job made me feel better about myself,” he said. “I liked the feeling, so I kept trying hard to challenge myself. I still do that to this day.”
Hebert’s “first real job” came at age 14 as a busboy at the Hu Ke Lau restaurant after he told the owners he was 16. “They didn’t question my age because my friend worked there.”
In his early 20s, Hebert signed up for karate lessons, which provided another big boost to his self-esteem and self-confidence. All these experiences contributed to gradually overcoming his stutter.
A lifelong car aficionado, Hebert joined a local Corvette club and found himself voted in as the youngest president of the group. One time, at a gathering of Corvette clubs in Vermont, he found his voice.
Ted and Barbara Hebert have long given not just money but time, often quietly, to support the community.
   Clubs from around the Northeast had come to Thunder Mountain racetrack for the event. When announcements were taking place, Hebert wasn’t pleased with the way they were handled and decided that, since he was a good ad-libber, he
would take on the emcee role.
“I felt comfortable because these were all racing
people just like me,” he recalled. “When I finished, it suddenly hit me — ‘oh my God, I was speaking in front of all these people.’”
Now a confident speaker in demand at
  Congratulations to the 2022 Difference Makers!
bankESB salutes you in recognition of your leadership, continued dedication, and commitment to our community. Thank you for your outstanding contributions.
• Tara Brewster, Vice President of Business Development, Greenfield Savings Bank
• The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
• Heriberto Flores, President, New England Farm Workers Council
• John Greaney, Retired State Supreme Court Justice; Senior Counsel, Bulkley Richardson
• Ruth Griggs, President, Northampton Jazz Festival; Principal, RC Communications
• Ted Hebert, Owner, Teddy Bear Pools and Spas
• I Found Light Against All Odds and its Founder and CEO, Stefan Davis
• Roca Holyoke and Springfield
bankESB.com | 855.527.4111 Member FDIC | Member DIF
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