The Beginning: Facing Fear and Embracing the Unknown
As I write this from the passenger seat of our Suzuki Jimny, driving north along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica towards San Jose International Airport, I reflect on three transformative years in this beautiful country. It’s December 11, 2024—just shy of my three-year anniversary in Costa Rica and six years of living alcohol-free. I leave the jungle a profoundly different person than when I arrived.
When I first came to Uvita in December 2021, I was full of hope and fear for the unknown. I had just emerged from a dark period during the COVID lockdowns. At the time, I was deeply involved in the growth of a boxing gym in the USA. I’d progressed from helping set up the facility and ensuring its survival during the lockdowns to coaching and eventually managing it in the few months before I resigned.
I also entered into what I thought was a promising business venture offering sports recovery services, but in hindsight, it was a lesson in trust and due diligence. I naively handed over significant capital to someone who misrepresented their past and character. When the partnership unraveled, I was left with unpaid debts and accusations that hurt both professionally and personally.
The most painful part wasn’t the financial loss but the ostracization that followed. Out of a community of nearly 300 plus people, only one person—my friend Ian—initially reached out to hear my side. It was a stark reminder of how quickly people can jump to conclusions in our modern world.
Despite it all, I’ve come to see these experiences as part of life’s broader lessons. Mistakes, no matter how painful, are teachers. The truth has a way of surfacing in time, and karma always finds its balance. As for me, I’ve made peace with it and carry forward with a clear conscience, knowing I’ve stayed true to my values and integrity.
Looking back now at 44 years old, I believe the universe was teaching me a necessary lesson. There are no mistakes—only lessons. That breach of trust became the push I needed to pursue my FARMERSTRENGTH™ dream. When the universe gives you a vision, it’s your duty to act on it. And if you resist, it will force you onto your path.

Life in San Josecito: A Jungle Paradise
Over the next three years, I lived in a casita on a mountain in San Josecito, overlooking Uvita. The house was small—just 25x25 feet—but it had everything we needed. More importantly, it came with a heavenly view of the jungle cascading into the Pacific Ocean.
The casita was part of a larger property, a tropical haven with fruit trees bearing bananas, mamón chino, avocados, pineapples, abiu, mangosteen, limes, and oranges. Nearby were some of Costa Rica’s most stunning beaches: Bahía Ballena, Playa Hermosa, Playa Dominical, and Playa Ventanas. Close by were breathtaking waterfalls, including Nauyaca, El Pavón, and Uvita, as well as the picturesque Pérez Zeledón region.
Every morning, howler monkeys announced the sunrise over the mountains, and the evenings ended with golden sunsets over the ocean. Coatis, snakes, exotic insects, and reptiles were part of daily life. The jungle was alive in a way that demanded both respect and awe. Costa Rica is more than a place—it’s an experience that touches your soul.

Healing Through Nature and Running
Still grappling with anxiety and depression from my previous work ordeal and its personal fallout, Costa Rica’s natural beauty offered the healing space I needed. As Hippocrates (c. 460–370 BCE) said: “Nature itself is the best physician.” I began running every Sunday (I amassed nearly 1,800 km over those three years)—up the mountain, along the beaches, and through nearby towns. These runs helped me heal and connected me with the community.
I met Martin and Sharon, my “fairy godparents,” who became pillars of support. I enjoyed Martin’s fine cooking and shared deep conversations about life, while Sharon offered me her unwavering kindness and encouragement. Their dogs often joined me on my runs, making the miles feel lighter.
Rolbi, the property gardener, became another good friend. He introduced me to the hidden wonders of the jungle, including a secret beach near Playa Chamán, a bat cave, and a jungle waterfall that served as our water source. Cleaning the water supply to the property involved a steep and treacherous hike, but Rolbi tackled it with ease while I trudged along, sweating and swatting bugs.

Expanding Horizons: A Journey of Lifelong Learning
My time in the jungle also allowed me to continue my education. I believe life is meant to be experienced, and we can have as many adventures as we allow ourselves—provided we don’t box ourselves into a narrow path. While dedicating 30–40 years to mastering one craft is admirable, my journey has taken a different direction.
After spending 15 years as a BMW Master Mechanic, I closed that chapter to follow my childhood passion: sports and coaching. During my time in the jungle, I’m proud to have completed my certifications with the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Certified Personal Trainer, MMA Conditioning Specialist, and Group Fitness Trainer. These qualifications now complement my Ready State Mobility Specialist certification, StrongFirst Bodyweight Specialist certification, Wim Hof Breathing course, and First Aid certifications.
While these credentials are valuable, the real education lies in hands-on experience. Coaching is an energetic exchange—some have the ability to inspire and bring out the best in others, while others do not. In today’s world, where social media and sports science often reduce training to rigid formulas, no course can teach you how to connect with the human spirit.
Boxing: Building Relationships and Teams
As I built relationships with Hermosa Boxing Camp and Boxeo Quepos, my soul underwent rapid healing. The connections I made with good-hearted individuals in the boxing communities of Jacó and Quepos played a significant role in my journey.
During my three years in Costa Rica, I was privileged to work a total of 22 professional boxing fights locally, assist in coaching teams that produced Costa Rican national champions, and travel internationally for my craft. I worked three professional fights in the USA with Team Cusumano, one in Medellín, Colombia, with Team Carrita, and virtually in four professional fight camps for Team Giles. In total, I was involved in camps for 30 professional fights—an experience I doubt I would have gained had I stayed where I was. Once again, the universe proved that it knows what it’s doing.
My work in the USA laid the foundation for my connection with Coach Dave McDonough, AJ Galante, and Champs Boxing Club in Danbury, CT. As the curtain began to close on my Costa Rican chapter, this connection became the direction my compass pointed. Announcing my departure from Costa Rica was heartbreaking; the athletes and teams I had worked with felt like family. Yet, their reassurances reminded me that I was leaving not an end but an opportunity—a bridge for continued collaboration between FARMERSTRENGTH™, Costa Rica, and the USA. This time, as I depart, it truly feels like I have left a fingerprint of love on the lives I touched.
Building Strength and Friendships at Atlantis Gym
In Uvita, I trained daily at Atlantis Gym - Uvita, a welcoming community hub that brought together locals and expats. Diego Zamora, the owner, and his staff were incredibly kind, even allowing me to coach some members in boxing basics and conditioning. I cannot speak highly enough about this facility and the significant role it played in my Costa Rican experience.
Through Atlantis, I had the privilege of working with amazing clients like Joanna, Junior, Colleen, Esteban, and Ali. They became more than clients—they became friends. I also trained alongside 16-year-old amateur boxer Jack, who inspired me as much as I inspired him. Jack has all the tools to succeed, and I’m grateful for the time we spent training together.
People come into our lives for a reason, and I hope I played a small role in helping Jack and others become the best versions of themselves.

Parque Reptilandia: A Wild Adventure