Hey there! I'm Pat Beland. Buckle up, 'cause I'm about to take you on a wild ride through my entrepreneurial journey. It's been a heck of a rollercoaster, but man, has it been worth it!

Chapter I: The Hustler's Genesis – From Flea Markets to Tech Towers and navigating through the unknown

The Early Days: Lego Hustler to Tech Guru

You know how some kids dream of being astronauts or firefighters? Well, I was busy dreaming up my first million. No joke, at six years old, I was already wheeling and dealing at flea markets. My strategy? Buy low, upgrade, sell high. It was like playing Monopoly, but with real money on the line.

When I finally decided to “grow up” (air quotes very much intended), I made the tough decision to sell all my Lego. Yeah, you heard that right. My empire of plastic bricks had to go to make room for bigger dreams. Sometimes I still miss those little guys, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Now, here's where things get interesting. I did the whole college thing, got my degree and all that jazz. But here’s the thing – I didn't think that general indoctrination was gonna help me become a better entrepreneur. So, I did what any sane person would do: I jumped straight into the workforce to earn my stripes.

Learning the Hard Way: Cars, Oil, and Life Lessons

At 16, I scored my first car. A Volkswagen Jetta 1987 MK1 coupe. Bought it cheap from my mom, feeling like I'd just won the lottery. But life had other plans. The darn thing needed repairs, and boy, did I get ripped off and badly served by the mechanic. That was a wake-up call if I ever saw one.

Instead of sulking, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I signed up for an auto mechanics course. Now, I'll be honest, I hated getting my hands all oily and dirty. But the knowledge? That was pure gold. It wasn't just about fixing cars; it was about never getting ripped off and being rightfuly served again. Every dollar saved was a dollar I could reinvest in my dreams.

The Corporate Ladder: My Unexpected Tech Odyssey

In 1998, I landed a gig at a big tech company. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a journey that would make Alice's trip to Wonderland look like a stroll in the park.

My first role? Picture this: a room full of screens, hundreds of thousands of media cassettes, and me, running around like a caffeinated squirrel. Our job was to play “human robot,” responding to prompts like “put K4556 into drive P10” by sprinting to a massive library, finding the right cassette, and shoving it into the right drive. It was like a high-stakes game of library Tetris, only with less shapes and more sweat.

But hey, I wasn't content being a cassette-fetching monkey forever. I made the leap to the bilingual customer service department. Now, here's a fun fact: I'm Canadian French, born and raised. My English? Let's just say it was rustier than an old bike left out in the rain. But you know what they say – sink or swim. And I was determined to do the butterfly stroke.

This is where my love affair with all things tech really took off. I started devouring tech manuals like they were the latest bestsellers. Lunch breaks? Who needs 'em when you've got a Microsoft certification guide to read? Nights when the kids were asleep? Perfect time to cozy up with a good… technical manual. Romance novels had nothing on TCP/IP protocols, let me tell you.

All this late-night studying paid off. I became Microsoft certified and got promoted to Microsoft System Admin. For a hot minute there, I felt like I was on top of the world. King of the digital castle. Master of the virtual domain.

But you know how they say pride comes before a fall? Well, my balloon of accomplishment deflated faster than a punctured tire. Don't get me wrong, the job was great on paper. But deep down? I knew this wasn't my endgame. It was like wearing shoes a size too small – sure, they looked nice, but every step was a reminder that I was meant for something… bigger.

Oh, and I can't forget to mention – I lived through the infamous Y2K bug at this place. Remember that? When everyone thought computers were going to revolt and plunge us into digital darkness at the stroke of midnight, 2000? We prepared for it like we were gearing up for a tech apocalypse. Turns out, it was more of a tech hiccup. We sailed through it smoother than a hot knife through butter.

Looking back, my time in the corporate world was like boot camp for my entrepreneurial journey. Every cassette I fetched, every angry customer I soothed, every line of code I debugged – it was all preparing me for the adventures to come.

Did I know it at the time? Heck no. I was too busy trying not to trip over my own feet in the great cassette library race. But that's the funny thing about life – sometimes the most valuable lessons come disguised as mundane tasks or necessary evils.

So, while corporate life wasn't my forever home, it was a crucial pit stop on my journey. It gave me skills, it gave me experience, and most importantly, it gave me the push I needed to realize that my true path lay beyond those office walls.

Little did I know, those years of playing tech Tarzan in the corporate jungle were just the warm-up act. The real show? That was yet to come. And boy, was it going to be a doozy.

Chapter II: Embracing the Unexpected: Family, Leaps, and New Horizons

Family First: The Unexpected Catalyst for Growth

Life has a funny way of throwing you curveballs when you least expect them. In 1999, at the ripe old age of 21 (barely old enough to legally raise a glass in the States), I found myself staring down at a tiny human named William. Talk about a plot twist!

Now, I'll let you in on a little secret – William wasn't exactly… planned. But you know what? Sometimes the best things in life come unannounced. It was like the universe looked at me and said, “Alright, hotshot, let's see how you handle this!”

Becoming a dad was like being handed the manual to a rocket ship and being told to fly it – no training, no practice runs, just straight into the stratosphere. But here's the kicker: it was the wake-up call I didn't know I needed. It was as if life decided it was time for me to graduate from my immature lifestyle and handed me a diploma in the form of a diaper-wearing, midnight-screaming bundle of joy.

The arrival of William was nothing short of a revelation. It was like someone flipped a switch inside me, illuminating a power I didn't know I had. Suddenly, I realized I could focus this newfound energy into becoming something greater. Who knew that sleepless nights and baby babble could be so… motivating?

But why stop at one when you can have two, right? A year later, we decided William needed a sidekick, and along came Camille. This time, it was a carefully orchestrated addition to our little circus. And let me tell you, there was a method to our madness. We figured, hey, if we're going to be changing diapers anyway, might as well get it all done in one go. Efficiency, folks – it's not just for the boardroom!

So there I was, 22 years old with two kids. Yeah, I don't do anything by halves. They're both healthy, beautiful, and smart as whips. But let me tell you, balancing entrepreneurial dreams with diaper changes? That's a skill they definitely don't teach you in business school. It's like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle – on a tightrope. Over a pool of sharks.

But you know what? These two little munchkins became my driving force. They were the rocket fuel I needed to make the big jump into entrepreneurship. Every time I looked at their little faces, I saw not just my kids, but my reason to push harder, dream bigger, and take risks I might never have considered before.

It's funny how life works sometimes. I thought I was going to teach them about the world, but in reality, they taught me more about myself than I ever could have imagined. They showed me strengths I didn't know I had, pushed me to limits I didn't know I could reach, and gave me a purpose that went beyond just making money or building a business.

So, while I may not have planned on becoming a dad at 21, I wouldn't change it for the world. William and Camille? They're not just my kids – they're my inspiration, my motivation, and the best damn business partners I could've asked for (even if their contributions mostly involved spit-up and crayon drawings in the early years).

Parenthood and entrepreneurship – it's a wild ride, folks. But let me tell you, it's one heck of an adventure. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

The Leap of Faith: Jumping Without a Parachute

2006 was the year I decided to throw caution to the wind. I was feeling stuck, unfulfilled, like a tiger in a too-small cage. I knew I had more potential, and it was time to chase it down.

Looking back, I made one big mistake: I didn't get a coach or a mentor. If I could go back and give my younger self some advice, it'd be this: “Get help, you stubborn idiot!” A good mentor could've helped me avoid some painful (and expensive) lessons.

It was a tough time, no doubt about it. I was separated, living in a basement, with two young kids to take care of. Talk about pressure! I was relying entirely on myself, which sounds noble, but let me tell you, it's not always the smartest move.

*This leap brought me also to uncover a love about marketing. There's been many trial and error.

*Finding a true purpose of my life has been a continuous journey

*I learned that trying to Discover the why was a journey and not a destination

• I'm against statuquo

It's been a battle all my life, Do you trust yourself or do what you are told?

I decided to trust myself

Leaving the big brother kind of life style to the style that I would be now in control.

Belief limitation don't dissolve themselves easily

The Birth of an ISP: Filling the Gap

In 2007, I spotted a gap in the market that was begging to be filled. In my hometown, a bunch of folks still didn't have access to high-speed internet. Can you believe it? It was like living in the Stone Age!

So, I did what any enterprising person would do – I started a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) company. Picture this: me, climbing up church spires, installing antennas like some tech-savvy Spider-Man. It wasn't perfect, and I knew it was temporary – the big tech companies would catch up eventually. But for about 10 years, I provided internet to around 400 clients.

This business was like a crash course in entrepreneurship. One day I'd be up a tower installing antennas, the next I'd be knee-deep in network architecture, then I'd switch to accounting, and finish off with some good old-fashioned customer service. It was exhausting, exhilarating, and exactly what I needed.

Chapter III: The Real Estate Alchemist – Turning Properties into Gold

Real Estate: From Solo Act to Symphony Conductor

2009 was a game-changer for me. After years of hustle, I finally bought my first house – a real home for my kids and me. We're talking a big piece of land not far from the city, with enough space for all sorts of family shenanigans. It felt like we'd hit the jackpot, won the lottery, and found a four-leaf clover all at once.

But you know me – I've got more gears than a 10-speed bike. Buying one house? That was just the warm-up. I decided to dip my toes into real estate investment, buying another house as a flipping project. And let me tell you, I got hooked faster than a fish at a all-you-can-eat worm buffet. Before I knew it, I'd bought and flipped more properties than I could count on both hands (and feet, for that matter).

All this time, I had this dream simmering in the back of my mind, like a pot of soup that's almost ready but needs that final ingredient. I wanted to invest in real estate in paradise and rent those places out. Share the joy, you know? Little did I know, that dream was about to get a turbo boost.

Here's where things get interesting. I decided to invest in myself and got coached by a top 1% real estate guru. Now, I'm not gonna lie – the price tag made my eyes water. But let me tell you, it was like trading a cow for some magic beans, except these beans actually worked! I recouped that investment 100 times over.

This coaching? It was like someone flipped a switch in my brain. It completely transformed my perception of how to do business. Before, I was like a one-man band, trying to play all the instruments at once. I was self-centered, doing everything myself, not sharing, thinking I had to carry the whole load on my shoulders.

But this new approach? It was like learning to conduct an orchestra instead of playing solo. I started partnering up, and suddenly, my real estate ventures were growing faster than a teenager in a growth spurt. I was doing more transactions, making more profit, and – get this – working less. It was like finding a cheat code for the game of real estate.

I even started rubbing elbows with the stars. One day I'm flipping houses, the next I'm chatting with Sly Stallone. Yeah, that Sly Stallone. Rocky himself. Talk about a plot twist!

The best part? Everyone was happy and making money. It wasn't just about me anymore – it was about creating value for everyone involved. And let me tell you, that feeling? It's better than any solo victory I'd ever had.

This new approach opened doors I didn't even know existed. I was doing deals that would've been impossible if I was still trying to go it alone. It was like I'd been playing checkers all this time, and suddenly someone taught me chess.

But here's the real kicker – this transformation wasn't just about business. It was about personal growth. I started taking my fears by the horns and defying them. It was like I'd been afraid of heights all my life, and suddenly I was skydiving.

So, if there's one lesson I can share from all this, it's this: don't be afraid to invest in yourself, and don't be scared to share. In the long run, it's not just better – it's transformational. It's the difference between playing a solo and conducting a symphony. And let me tell you, the symphony? It's music to my ears.

The Heritage Project: A Golden Opportunity in the Great Outdoors

Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to tell you about the project that changed everything. 2016 was the year when things went from “Hey, this is pretty good” to “Holy smokes, we've struck gold for Airbnb property investors!”

Picture this: 8 million square feet of pristine land in the Lower Laurentians, all zoned for Airbnb. It was like finding a winning lottery ticket, but instead of cash, we're talking trees, fresh air, and endless potential.

Now, I won't sugarcoat it – this wasn't a walk in the park. We faced construction challenges that would've sent most folks running for the hills. But you know me – I don't back down from a challenge. I rolled up my sleeves, gritted my teeth, and pushed through. By 2018, we had our first property up and running. And let me tell you, it's still our crown jewel today.

But here's where it gets really exciting. We're not talking about just one property here. We've got more than 75 lots available, each one a golden opportunity waiting to be seized. Half of it is already sold. And the best part? These lots start at just 100,000 CAD. That's right, for the price of a luxury car, you could own a piece of paradise and profit from it.

Now, let me break it down for you:

1. Location, location, location: We're talking 45 minutes from Montreal and Mont-Tremblant. You're close enough to the city for convenience, but far enough away to feel like you're in your own private oasis.
2. Views for days: Some lots even offer mountain peak views. Imagine waking up to that every morning!
3. Space to breathe: Each lot is a minimum of 1 acre, with an average of 50,000 square feet. That's room to stretch out and then some.
4. Freedom to create: You choose your house plan and builder. This isn't a cookie-cutter development – it's your canvas to create your dream home.
5. Flexibility: There's no mandatory management company. You're in control of your investment.
6. Prime positioning: We're 5 minutes from Highway 117 and 10 minutes from the Saint-Sauveur Valley. Everything you need is just a stone's throw away.

But here's the kicker – while short-term rentals are becoming more attractive to investors, regulations are getting stricter. This project? It's fully authorized for Airbnb. Talk about perfect timing! Below is a short video presentation of the project.

The returns on our first property? Let's just say they're enough to make a grown man weep tears of joy. We're talking exceptional profits for short-term rental investors. It's the kind of opportunity that doesn't come around often, especially as regulations tighten.

So, if you've ever dreamed of owning a vacation property that actually pays for itself (and then some), or if you're an investor looking for the next big thing in short-term rentals, this is your chance. This isn't just a real estate project – it's a chance to be part of something truly special.

Remember, in real estate, it's all about getting in at the right time. And folks, the time is now. The Laurentians are calling – are you ready to answer? Click here if you want more information about buying a lot.

Around the World in 30 Days: A Family Adventure

You know how some parents surprise their kids with a trip to Disneyland? Well, I've never been one for small gestures. I'm more of a “go big or go home” kind of guy. So, when I decided to do something special with my kids, I didn't just think outside the box – I threw the whole darn box out the window.

Picture this: It's one week before 2018, and I'm hit with this crazy idea. “Hey,” I thought, “why don't we take a trip around the world? In a month?” Now, most people would laugh off such a notion, maybe file it away in the “someday” folder. But not me. Nope, I looked at that idea and said, “Challenge accepted!”

So, on January 1st, 2018, while most folks were nursing their New Year's hangovers, my kids and I were boarding a plane in Montreal, ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Our first stop? Iceland. Let me tell you, landing in Iceland is like stepping onto another planet. The landscapes, the northern lights – it etched a memory in our minds that'll last a lifetime.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. We didn't have some meticulously planned itinerary. Nah, that's too boring. Our strategy? Catch the cheapest flight to the next destination and crash at Airbnbs. It was like a global version of pin the tail on the donkey, except the donkey was the world map and we were the pins.

After Iceland, we jetted off to London. From there, we hopped over to Italy (pizza in Naples – need I say more?), then Amsterdam (those canals, though!), and on to Egypt (Pyramids? Check!). We had a quick layover in Egypt before heading to Phuket, Thailand. Let me tell you, going from the dry heat of Egypt to the humid warmth of Thailand? That's a climate rollercoaster right there!

But we weren't done yet. From Thailand, we made a quick stop in Japan (Sushi! Temples! Vending machines that sell everything!), then zoomed over to Hawaii (because why not add a little beach time to our whirlwind tour?). Finally, at the end of January, we touched back down in Montreal, our heads spinning and our hearts full.

This trip, it wasn't just about seeing the world (though that part was pretty awesome). It was about growing stronger as a family. Watching my kids navigate foreign subway systems, try exotic foods, and adapt to new cultures faster than you can say “jet lag” – it was incredible.

I saw them grow more confident with each stamp in their passports. It's like the trip gave them a secret superpower – the ability to thrive in this crazy, beautiful world of ours. And let me tell you, seeing that growth? It's better than any souvenir we could've brought home.

So, if you're ever on the fence about doing something big and crazy with your loved ones, take it from me – jump off that fence and go for it. The memories you'll make? They're priceless. And who knows? You might just find yourself eating sushi in Tokyo one day and lounging on a Hawaiian beach the next!

Reserver.ca: Riding the Waves of the Short-Term Rental Revolution

In 2018, I decided to take my passion for real estate and hospitality to the next level. Along with some brilliant minds, I co-founded Reserver.ca, a Short-Term Rental Management Company. Now, I know what you're thinking – “Another rental management company? Big whoop.” But hold onto your hats, folks, because we're not just any run-of-the-mill operation.

At Reserver.ca, we don't just manage properties; we create experiences. We're talking jaw-dropping, Instagram-worthy, tell-all-your-friends kind of experiences. How do we do it? Well, we've got a little secret weapon we like to call the “triple WOW effect” strategy. It's our special sauce for maximizing profitability while leaving guests absolutely speechless.

Now, I won't give away all our secrets (a magician never reveals his tricks, right?), but let's just say it involves a perfect blend of stunning properties, impeccable service, and those little touches that make a stay unforgettable. We're not just in the business of renting out spaces; we're in the business of creating memories.

Since our inception, we've had the privilege of managing over 300 properties. And let me tell you, each one is like a new chapter in an adventure novel. From quaint cottages in the countryside to sleek urban penthouses, every property brings its own unique challenges and opportunities. It's a constant juggling act – overseeing day-to-day operations, troubleshooting issues (because let's face it, stuff happens), and planning long-term growth strategies. It keeps me on my toes, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

But here's where the story gets really interesting. Just as we were hitting our stride, bam! Covid-19 hits like a ton of bricks. The travel industry ground to a halt, and suddenly, the short-term rental market looked about as inviting as a sandpaper waterslide.

Lesser companies might have thrown in the towel. But not us. No sir, we saw this as an opportunity to prove what we're made of. We pivoted, we adapted, we innovated. It was like trying to change the tires on a moving car during a hurricane, but guess what? We did it.

Thanks to our amazing team – and I mean amazing with a capital A – we not only weathered the storm but came out stronger on the other side. While other companies were scaling back, we were gearing up. We didn't just survive the Covid era; we thrived.

And now? Well, hold onto your passports because Reserver.ca is going international, baby! That's right, we're taking our “triple WOW effect” global. We're starting in Costa Rica, we're on a mission to revolutionize the short-term rental industry worldwide.

It hasn't always been easy. There have been late nights, early mornings, and more cups of coffee than I care to count. But when I see the smiles on our guests' faces, when I hear the success stories from our property owners, I know it's all worth it.

So, whether you're a property owner looking to maximize your returns, or a traveler seeking an unforgettable stay, remember the name Reserver.ca. We're not just managing properties; we're creating experiences, one “WOW” at a time. And trust me, the best is yet to come!

Lights, Camera, Action!

Here's a fun tidbit for you – I once made a television show about a property I renovated and put on Airbnb. Talk about putting yourself out there! But you know what? That property was a smashing success. The revenue it generated was off the charts, all thanks to the blood, sweat, and tears we poured into the renovation. Below is a trailer of the TV show.

Broker Pat: Shaking Up the Real Estate Game

You know how sometimes you look at a situation and think, “I could do that better”? Well, that's exactly what happened with me and real estate brokerage. I'd dealt with my fair share of agents over the years, and let's just say it was a love/hate relationship. And by love/hate, I mean mostly hate with a tiny sprinkle of love.

Every time I closed on a property, I couldn't shake this nagging feeling that I was getting the short end of the stick. It was like paying for a five-course meal and getting served a ham sandwich. Don't get me wrong, I like ham sandwiches, but not when I'm expecting filet mignon, you know what I mean?

So, I did what any rational person would do when they're consistently disappointed by a service – I decided to become that service. Yep, you heard that right. I went full “if you can't beat 'em, join 'em” mode.

I hit the books, took the courses, and passed those exams like a boss. Before you could say “closing costs,” I was a fully-fledged real estate broker. And let me tell you, seeing the real estate world from the other side of the desk? It was like putting on a pair of glasses for the first time and realizing trees have individual leaves.

But here's the kicker – I didn't just want to be another suit pushing papers and collecting commissions. Nah, that wasn't my style. I wanted to be the broker I always wished I had. You know, the one who actually earns their keep and doesn't leave you feeling like you've been swindled at the closing table.

It was like that time I took that auto mechanics course after getting ripped off by a mechanic. Same principle, different field. I wanted to understand the ins and outs, the nuts and bolts of the industry. But this time, I wasn't just learning for myself – I was learning to make a difference for others.

For about two years, I threw myself into this new role. I was determined to do brokerage differently, to enhance the service and give my clients real bang for their buck. And you know what? It worked. Before long, I had made a name for myself in the short-term investment industry.

People started coming to me because they knew I wasn't just another broker. I was the guy who'd been on both sides of the transaction, who understood the frustrations of buyers and sellers, and who was committed to making the whole process less painful and more valuable.

It wasn't always easy. Changing an industry from the inside is like trying to steer a cruise ship with a kayak paddle. But little by little, deal by deal, I like to think I made a difference.

Eventually, the siren call of Costa Rica lured me away from the brokerage game. But those two years? They taught me more about real estate, about business, and about what clients really need than any course or seminar ever could.

So, if you're ever feeling frustrated with a service, remember this: sometimes the best way to fix a problem is to become the solution. Who knows? You might just end up revolutionizing an entire industry. Or at the very least, you'll gain a whole new appreciation for why that ham sandwich costs so darn much.

Costa Rica Calling: Finding My Slice of Paradise (and a Few Surprises)

By 2020, the Canadian winters were starting to feel less like a season and more like a personal vendetta against my bones. One day, my wife and I looked at each other over our steaming mugs of hot chocolate (our third that day, mind you) and said, “What if we moved to paradise?” Next thing you know, we're packing our bags for Costa Rica, trading our parkas for swim trunks and our snow boots for flip-flops.

But finding our perfect spot in paradise? That was an adventure in itself. We were like Goldilocks, but instead of testing out beds, we were trying on entire towns. We traveled all along the northern Pacific side, looking for that “just right” place. Our wish list? A town that was vibrant but not too crazy, where locals, expats, and tourists blend like a perfect piña colada. Oh, and it had to be great for rentals because, well, old habits die hard.

After what felt like a tour of every beach in Costa Rica, we stumbled upon Playas del Coco. Bingo! It was like the universe said, “Here you go, Patrick. I threw in 40 nearby beaches, 3 volcanoes, the rain forest and a side of magnificent waterfalls, just for fun.” And with Nicaragua just within two hours away, it was like getting a two-for-one deal on Central American adventures.

Now, remember that villa I mentioned? Well, “fixer-upper” is putting it mildly. This place had been abandoned longer than some fine wines. But hey, I love a challenge. And let me tell you, furnishing a home in Costa Rica? It's like playing a real-life version of “Where's Waldo?” except instead of Waldo, you're looking for decent furniture.

We ended up hiring a local woodworker to custom-make our furniture. It was like watching Geppetto work his magic, except instead of a puppet, we got some seriously stylish tables and chairs. For everything else, we became expert online shoppers. I think I single-handedly kept Amazon's international shipping department in business that year.

Legally, setting up shop here was about as straightforward as a pretzel. But we found a great legal team who guided us through the maze of Costa Rican bureaucracy. After two years, I can confidently say that building, repairing, maintaining, and furnishing houses here holds no more secrets for me. Well, except for the occasional surprise that life likes to throw our way. But hey, that's half the fun, right?

Now, let me tell you about the Guanacaste Papagayo region. This place? It's the El Dorado of Costa Rica. It's the driest part of the country (goodbye, endless rain!), close to the airport (hello, convenience!), and high-end hotels are popping up like mushrooms after rain. Real estate here is hotter than a jalapeño on a summer day.

Every time I turn a corner, I see another opportunity. It's like playing Monopoly, but the properties are real, the views are better, and instead of fake money, you get actual returns. I find myself having more fun doing real estate here than I ever thought possible. I'm always on the lookout, always searching, like a kid in a candy store where the candies are prime real estate deals.

My goal? To recreate what I did in Canada, but here in this tropical paradise. It's ambitious, sure, but if there's one thing you should know about me by now, it's that I don't do things by halves.

So here I am, in my slice of paradise, building my real estate empire 2.0. The challenges are different, the scenery is certainly better, but the thrill? That's exactly the same. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing's for sure – it's going to be one heck of an adventure. And this time, I get to do it all with sand between my toes and the sound of waves in my ears. Not a bad upgrade from the Canadian winters, if I do say so myself!

Sailing the High Seas: Conquering Fears and Chasing Hurricanes

Now, here's a funny little tidbit about me that'll make you scratch your head: I've always loved being on the water, but not in it. Yeah, you heard that right. Swimming? Not my thing. Being in the water? Hard pass. And get this – I'm a Pisces with Scorpio ascendant and the moon in water signs too. Talk about irony, right? I don't understand it either, but hey, that's just how the cosmic cookie crumbles.

But let me tell you, life has a way of pushing you out of your comfort zone. In 2022, we went and bought ourselves a sailing boat. Yep, Mr. I-Don't-Like-Being-In-Water got himself a floating home. Go figure!

2023 rolled around, and we decided to sail this bad boy from the manufacturer in France all the way to Florida. Now, if you're thinking, “Patrick, that sounds like a breeze,” let me stop you right there. This trip was supposed to take about three weeks. Spoiler alert: it didn't.

We ended up on a 40-day odyssey that would make Homer proud. Why the delay, you ask? Well, our main sail decided to throw in the towel (or should I say, throw out the sail?). We had to make an unexpected pit stop in Cape Verde for two whole weeks. Talk about a detour!

But wait, it gets better. Those extra two weeks? They pushed us right into the beginning of hurricane season. Suddenly, we found ourselves playing cat and mouse with hurricanes Bret and Cindy. It was like being in a high-stakes game of nautical tag, and let me tell you, it got the old heart pumping!

All in all, we covered 6000 nautical miles. That's like sailing a quarter of the way around the world! It was exhausting, exhilarating, and everything in between. But you know what? It was also incredibly fun.

This adventure did more than just add some grey hairs to my head (not that I needed any more). It pushed me to face my fears head-on. Each wave we rode, each storm we outran, I felt my courage growing. It was like a crash course in bravery, with a side of seasickness.

Looking back, I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. It taught me that sometimes, the most growth happens when you're way outside your comfort zone – like, middle-of-the-Atlantic-Ocean outside your comfort zone.

So next time you're facing something that scares you, remember this: if a water-phobic Pisces can sail across the Atlantic dodging hurricanes, you can do anything you set your mind to. Just maybe check the weather forecast first, yeah?

Chapter IIII: Global Horizons

Giving Back: Sharing the Dream

You know what they say – with great power comes great responsibility. Or in my case, with great experience comes a great desire to share it. Real estate investment and vacation property management are my passions, and I want to help others achieve their dreams of investing in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

I offer short-term rental and real estate consulting, management, and brokerage services. My specialty? The Papagayo region and areas within an hour of the airport. Trust me, that's where you'll find the best rental-yielding properties in Costa Rica.

Wrapping It Up: The Journey Continues

So, there you have it – my journey from flea market hustler to international real estate mogul. It's been a wild ride, full of ups and downs, lessons learned, and dreams realized. But you know what? I wouldn't change a thing.

I'm Pat Beland – entrepreneur, author, real estate investor, and eternal optimist. And I'm just getting started. Want to join me on this crazy adventure? Let's make some magic happen!