It is deeply disheartening that I even have to write these words.

My career in Costa Rica spans 26 years. During that time, I have helped create thousands of homes and introduced people from all over the world to the beauty, opportunities, and lifestyle this incredible country has to offer.

My journey has extended far beyond real estate. I have invested in and established businesses across a variety of industries, from farming to manufacturing. To this day, I am proud to be associated with one of the few factories in the world manufacturing building materials using sustainably sourced, environmentally friendly ingredients, including lime and biomass.

Building a career and creating something meaningful over nearly three decades takes hard work, perseverance, risk, and sacrifice. Success rarely comes without a cost. One of the greatest sacrifices is time away from family—the very people who support you through the challenges and celebrate your accomplishments along the way.

Unfortunately, success can also attract criticism, resentment, and, at times, people who seem determined to tear down what others have worked so hard to build.

A few years ago, I became the target of a negative and untruthful article that someone allegedly arranged and paid to have published about me. The impact was deeply hurtful—not only to me personally, but also to my colleagues and, most importantly, my family.

What made the situation even more upsetting was that the publisher never contacted me to ask for my side of the story or attempt to verify the claims. This was despite the fact that I had maintained the same cellphone number and email addresses for more than 25 years.

The consequences have been significant, and legal proceedings have been initiated and remain ongoing.  Article is below. 

So, why am I writing this book?

Because 26 years of hard work, achievements, challenges, and contributions to Costa Rica deserve to be told from my perspective. Because the people who know me, have worked alongside me, and have been part of this journey deserve to understand the full story. And because no one should have their life’s work defined by a single article—particularly one they believe is inaccurate and that was published without giving them an opportunity to respond.

This book is my opportunity to share my experiences, the lessons I have learned, the businesses I have built, the people I have met, and the country that has become such an important part of my life.

It is not simply about defending my reputation. It is about telling my story honestly, in my own words, and allowing readers to form their own opinions based on a fuller picture.

The articles that prompted this chapter appear below. I encourage readers to consider them in the context of the experiences and facts I share throughout this book.