Shawn Verbrugghe shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Shawn, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I wake up with gratitude for the day, say a few affirmations and intentions. Then it’s onto some athletic training and follow it up with a ‘green slime’ smoothie. Hopefully get a meditation and some journaling in there if time permits.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Over the past few years, I’ve narrowed down my career title to be an Experience Developer, which is a catch all that hopefully tells a story. This encompasses a wide range of businesses and endeavors. With my design and build company, Peech, we create Purposeful Efficient & Exemplary Curated Homes (and now Hospitality). Hot Watt Energy is another purpose driven organization that focused on Commercial energy efficiency and sustainability. And Amazing Pubcycle is my legacy tour company that gives our guests epic fun-filled tours of downtown Asheville. As a real estate developer and general contractor, my main project right now is Wunderland Resort, which has allowed me to exercise and combine all of my talents, passions and experience. Wunderland is an eco-adventure outdoor resort in Old Fort, NC. We’ve coined it ‘Nature’s Playground for Your Soul’. Imagine if Walt Disney, Frank Llyod Wright, Wayne Dyer, Wim Hoff and Willy Wonka masterminded a place to get away. Our ethos is to Connect, Experience & Sustain. It’s designed for vacations, retreats, ceremonies, and one-of-a-kind experiences you won’t find anywhere else. My personal Why(s) are to create amazing experiences that inspire people, and promote sustainability to make the world a safer and cleaner place to live.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I grew up drawing a good bit through my early years, creating simple scenery sketches to detailed motorhome floorplans, and a bunch of action type drawings. I studied oddities like calligraphy and remember doing a crazy amount of coloring! We built forts, games, you name it… we built it. I can see clearly now that I was a creator at an early age; and am once again following that path in a more intentional way.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Take action! I’ve always been a dreamer, and for years I lacked the confidence to pursue many of these dreams. It wasn’t until I failed hard a few times in real estate that I realized it wasn’t the end of the world, and decided to start living life without the fear of ‘what-if’. I still have fails, and it’s okay. They make us who we are and teach us incredible lessons we can use to make important decisions, and hopefully pass this on to others.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
In order to truly feel good about ourselves, and feel alive, most people require a deep sense of purpose, as well as connection. I attribute my optimistic attitude to studying some of the world’s great philosophers, and also knowing what drives me, a.k.a. being clear about my Why. In terms of connection, we’ve shifted to what I’d call an isolation society. This is far removed from the villages that our ancestors lived and thrived in. I know that the more we can connect with like-minded people, and more deeply converse with friends and loved ones, and go deeper within ourselves, the more feelings and emotions we will evoke that ultimately lead to a more fulfilled life. Sounds simple, but takes the effort.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most a peace being outdoors. I didn’t know this until I spent the good portion of the last year outside working in the extreme hot and cold, rain, snow and everything in between. Just being connected with nature and being around thousands of species of trees, plants, bugs and wildlife is seriously soul soothing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wunderlandresort.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wunderlandresort
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawn.verbrugghe
- Other: Energy Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0XTNvd5xESvu54Jy6fQriJ
amazingpubcycle.com
peechhomes.com
hotwattenergy.com
Image Credits
Erin Fowler
Stephan Pruitt
