When I went off to college, I quickly realized that my tuition bill didn’t magically disappear, and unlike a few of my friends, I didn’t have a trust fund waiting to swoop in and save the day. So, I had to get creative. One of my more “enterprising” side hustles during my six-year college marathon? Barbering. Not exactly where I saw myself, but hey, it checked all the boxes: it paid for my food, kept me connected to my friends (since haircuts were non-negotiable in the Texas A&M military circles), and provided a much-needed service to broke college students like me.
Honestly, it was a win-win. I got to hang out with friends—albeit, with clippers in hand—and they got affordable haircuts. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about staying connected and providing value to others. That’s where my entrepreneurial spirit really kicked off.
Fast forward to 1995, Krista and I packed up our idealistic selves and moved to the Dominican Republic. We were fresh out of college, with more passion than experience, but we were convinced we could change the world. Armed with some entrepreneurial know-how and a lot of heart, we dove headfirst into our work with Young Life, helping develop a youth camp. But, even with that job, our entrepreneurial radar was always on, constantly scoping out opportunities to engage with and lift up the local community.
Over 19 years in the DR, we launched more initiatives than I can count. My friend Scott Steele and I started an outdoor store and gear company, providing jobs to some of the most vulnerable folks in Santo Domingo. Then there was the rock-climbing community we founded—still going strong, by the way—giving local youth a way to explore the outdoors without getting too far from the capital. Not to mention, we spearheaded efforts like Doulos Discovery School, Colorado Designs, Spirit Mountain, and teamed up with Dan Lemond for 4th Water, a business accelerator that did wonders for the local economy.
The guiding principle behind all these ventures? They had to make sense as businesses while offering real, tangible value to the local community—economically, socially, and environmentally. Of course, not everything we touched turned to gold. Some ventures thrived and continue to bless the community; others served their purpose and faded away. And that’s okay. I’ve learned that just because we feel called to something today doesn’t mean it’s part of our story forever. There are seasons in life, and for those of us with the ‘start-up gene,’ the hardest part is knowing when to hold on and when to let go.
But Spirit Mountain is one of those ventures we’ve chosen to hold on to. This land is more than just property—it’s sacred ground for our family and a core part of our legacy. Like the farm that’s been so important to Krista, the girls, and me, we knew Spirit Mountain had to grow into something bigger than us. We didn’t just want a place to retreat to; we had a God-sized vision for what this land could become. Imagine this: college students from around the world, tourists, locals—all learning from our farm staff about coffee farming, agroforestry, and sustainable living. A community where everyone, from day visitors to long-term residents, could come together, explore, and learn. Twenty years later, that dream is on the verge of reality with Estancia Natura.
What gets us most excited is seeing everything fall into place: a thriving coffee business, eco-tourism (hello, mountain bike park!), environmental education, and sustainable residential development. And let’s be real, it’s all about the people. The heart of Estancia Natura has always been and will always be the community. To everyone who has been a part of this journey with us—you know who you are—we are beyond grateful.
We’re building more than just a farm or a business; we’re building a legacy, something that will hopefully outlive Krista, me, and even our girls. So, next time you’re at Estancia Natura, whether you’re hiking, bird-watching, riding bikes, or just sitting by the fire with a glass of wine, know that you’re part of something much bigger—a vision that started as a dream and is now becoming a reality. Here’s to generations of good work, good business, and good community.
Un Fuerte Abrazo,
