120 Day Plan

As a team, we have decided to rent instead of sell all the units.

We believe this shift will allow us to focus on overall quality and will eventually provide an opportunity for a bigger exit. 

We do this with the understanding that if we cannot pull off the following plan, we can easily pivot back to selling these homes.

We have some hurdles to overcome to prepare for the change in plan. These changes revolve around marketing, booking, and preparing to deliver hospitality.

Here are our objectives and timeline over the next few months. 

#1 We need to generate content

The greatest risk with our plan is that although it’s a great up-and-coming area, very few people understand how great this vacation spot is.

How many families planning their annual vacation next year are considering Playa Avellanas or Playa Negra? Very few. 

There is a growing trend of people considering Costa Rica, but there are so many different options in the country, and I need people to see that my location is one of the great options. 

The nice thing is it’s easy to sell something AMAZING!

My goal is to use a combination of social media platforms to drive people to my website. To do this, I need to showcase my location and what it has to offer. 

Playa Negra is truly a magical place. It has

• An amazing beach

• World class surf break

• Great Restaurants

• Laid back vibe

• Easy access to Liberia and Tamarindo 

• Easy access to Pinilla & Avellanas

I have brought my brother in to help me capture content. He does photography retreats and focuses on American Western-themed nature. 

With his skill set, I hope we can create enough viral-worthy content in 5 main categories.

1. Nature

2. Relocated Families

3. Surfing & Recreation

4. Culinary Experiences

5. The story of our development itself

With this method, I believe I can create a desire for people to visit this location. 

#2 Create a great website

When we planned to sell the homes, the website was an afterthought. However, if I transition to booking trips, the website will suddenly become a vital landing page. People will likely book a trip to my location before ever setting foot in Playa Negra. 

People will only trust my location for their big-budget vacations if they are sure I will deliver a great experience. 

#3 Begin Development

We have officially pulled our dirt work permit, which allows us to advance pretty far into the development. The only reason that we haven’t mobilized our equipment is that we’re waiting on the potential changes in our grading plan to work around existing trees.  

I will need to make a certain amount of progress within the infrastructure before I’m willing to go live on booking any customers. 

#4 Finalize the design of 1 home

We have chosen our architect and are currently designing the first home of our development. We will need to finalize those designs and pull the permits on that home before October. 

Ideally, I would like to go live on bookings for the 2025 holidays on at least one home. I would only do that if I were going to be able to complete the home six months prior. If I can execute this plan, I would like to bring the option to book live on our site as early as October. 

Why I moved my business from Utah to Costa Rica

Reason #7 Climate

When someone is looking to improve their life, it’s hard not to consider how the weather impacts their daily experience. 

Our occupations often bring us inside to a computer screen, which can severely impact our happiness. It’s so easy during poor weather to get into routines where we transition from our homes to a gym, to a computer screen, to a TV screen, to bed. 

It is well known that Costa Rica has a great climate. Atenas Costa Rica etched in stone on the entrance of their city “EL MEJOR CLIMA DEL MUNDO” or “the best climate in the world.”

Certain things about a location can’t be changed. No matter the political or economic situation, it’s always nice to be in a climate that allows year-round outdoor activities, limited AC, and mild clothing.

As people continually reevaluate where they want to live, I believe climate will play a large role.

Reason #8 Health Care

I’ve come to the conclusion that the healthcare system in the US has transformed into something evil.

It’s filled with entities that are all gaming the system at the expense of the average Joe.

From medications to hospital stays, they keep pricing in the dark. Pricing is not dependent on the service provided but on which entity is responsible for paying the bill. After having 4 children, I have concluded there is no way to gain transparency on how you will be treated at a hospital. 

As someone with four children, I had to decide: Do I pay more than my mortgage in health insurance, or do I simply live uninsured? 

The irony is I’ve chosen to live without health insurance because I can financially handle an extreme health event, which is a very privileged position to be in. I can’t imagine the stress of raising multiple kids who have the daily objective of trying to injure themselves while also having a strained budget.

I was lucky enough to make a very quick transition from Medicaid to being able to afford to cover my own healthcare needs. Being stuck in between can be very stressful. 

Those who think they are in a good situation because their employer is covering their insurance don’t understand that they are still paying ridiculous prices for coverage. They just don’t directly see the cost. Those on Medicaid or receiving government credits don’t understand that these costs are literally bankrupting our country. 

Through my employees, I have had the ability to see the Costa Rica health care system in action. 

From hour-long emergency ambulance rides to life-saving treatments to simple x-rays and checkups, the treatment and costs are outstanding in comparison, and the care has been high-quality.

To be clear, insurance is a losing game by its nature. Insurance doesn't make sense if you can afford the potential risks. The only things I insure are the minimum required car insurance and insurance for my real estate.

That said, the costs in Costa Rica are so much lower that insuring yourself is significantly cheaper.