Ashokan Acres SOLD OUT
Even by the Boss standards of Catskill Farms, selling out Ashokan Acres in Olivebridge NY is truly a Boss move. There are so many things large and small to even being able to visualize moving things along that fast it's hard to put into words, but that was the whole idea in the Spring of 2022 when I purchased the 70 acres just down from Tetta's General Store. I'm 2 years into it, pushing close to $5m invested, not a penny of return yet, but it's coming. Even with the vibrant sales of our homes there, it would still be a heavy financial lift if I was using borrowed money at common commercial rates at 8, 9, 10 % - that bleeds money right out of your bottom line at an alarming rate, payable monthly. But nope, mostly self-financed. Still need to keep it moving, for a myriad of reasons, but at least you don't have the interest breathing its sloppy bad breath down your neck 24/7. Frankly, the project has been hard enough - add in severe financial stresses and it would be nearly unbearable.
For the first time in 4 years, we are also seeing the relief in the schedule of our subcontractors, so it seems like we are entering a perfect storm of good news for our production capacity. Super busy, great relationships all around from subs to suppliers to municipalities, to a staff kicking ass - and then a reprieve in the busyness that everyone from building departments to framers to lumber companies were experiencing, so they can better serve us - Who else better to serve!!, is my question!.
Back in 2009, when we remained busy during the international financial crisis by pivoting to good looking small cottages, we were able to forge some relationships with vendors who were looking for new customers as their primary ones slowed down or went out of business. Some of my most important relationships of my business career happened in the tough times of 2009, when I was able to break in with some subcontractors who never would have answered my calls without a recession.
Today I start flexing my nerd side, which lurks just below the rugged all-american handsomeness, and volunteer at Greys Tower, helping them organize and catalogue their disorganized book collection that numbers around 5000. I love big old mansions, and love old books, so this should be nearly a spiritual experience.
Grey's Tower is in Milford PA, and was the home of the Pinchot family, who are credited with founding the American conservation movement in the late 1800s.