— Alfred Tennyson / from "Ulysses" (1833)
I had been a frequent day tripper and weekender to Muskoka for decades, often seeking the mind healing magic of lake country that beach life couldn’t fulfill. Of course, I never questioned it; I just got in the car and like clockwork took the highway to my usual destinations. But one day during late summer 2023, I decided to detour from Highway 11 onto Southwood Road — the day I would have my Muskoka “awakening.”
I was on en route to check out a cottage resort a friend had told me about, but rather than taking a slight left onto South Morrison Lake Road, I continued on Southwood, eventually reaching Highway 169 in Torrance. What my eyes captured during that 40 minute drive was like a jolt of electrical glee, a feeling I hadn’t felt in a very long time.
An aha moment? Perhaps. Nonetheless, I was ready to indulge.
I ended up buying a cabin at that resort, by the way, which is now my live/work residence for six months of the year. The “road” is a mysterious place, ready to douse us with its own concoction of surprises, wonder, awe, and inspiration; for me, it turned a weekend passion into a lifelong purpose simply because I took a detour. If it takes a proverb to remind us that home is where the heart is, so be it. As a Realtor and Publisher, the concept of home is a powerful metaphor on several levels and one that needs to be shared.
I invite you to ride shotgun with me and take a peek outside the window. If you can’t stop staring at rugged cliffs to the left, the breathtaking lake views to the right, and the winding road ahead with nature’s canvas in the background, that’s ok — the spell is working. The wild and wonder of Muskoka never gets old; it just keeps getting better.
FIRST BUSINESS: Launched in 1996, Where Have You Bean? Coffee Co. got my start in the business selling product door-to-door while I was still in university.
MOST REWARDING START UP: Launched in 1999, Boheme Press was an independent publishing house that released sixteen (16) titles and were distributed across Canada.
MOST GAME CHANGING START UP: Launched in 2001, Page & Turners Bookstores started out as an independent bookstore café that turned into a franchise, opening nine (9) locations in three provinces.
“I have been an entrepreneur for most of my working life which should say something about my business ethics, professionalism, and integrity.”
WHERE I SPEND MY WINTERS: My condo in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, also known as the Grand Strand, which comprises 14 communities along 60 miles of ocean coastline.
TOP 5 PASSIONS: Nature, road tripping, film, music, and self-improvement.
MY ULTIMATE LIFE GOAL: To achieve a state of uncompromising happiness and fulfillment made possible by embracing and pursuing the greater good.
Would you like to get to know me?
Simply fill out the form below and I’ll make sure to get back to you as soon as possible. Or, reach out to me via text or phone 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm at (416) 402-1997.
