Jonathan was first introduced to Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley in 2017 while on vacation visiting family and was immediately taken aback by the beauty and economic potential of the area. Having lived in western Canada for 15 years and wanting to be closer to family, he decided to take a leap and make his lifelong dream of becoming an entrepreneur a reality.

 

In 2019, at the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic, and chasing a dream, he sold everything out west and moved to the Annapolis Valley.   After extensively researching what type of business he would start, he focused on the tourism potential in Nova Scotia, in particular the Annapolis Valley and eventually on the unique geodesic dome style glamping. 

 

Jonathan acquired 32 acres of land on Wallbrook Mountain near Wolfville in the heart of the Annapolis Valley and set out to create a glamping experience he would enjoy himself with a solid focus on luxury and quality customer service. In May 2020 he started developing the land and in April 2021 hosted his first guests.  Valley Sky Luxury Camping Inc. became a reality.

 

Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, Jonathan left home at 18 taking on one of his first jobs as a housekeeper at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper, Alberta. The experience taught him what luxury accommodation was all about, as well as the value of providing quality customer service. From there, he made a move to the oil and gas industry. He started from the ground up, working as a laborer, and then on to operating heavy equipment. 

 

Jonathan’s determination to succeed in any role saw him very quickly taking advantage of opportunities to develop new skills and move up the ladder.   Jonathan’s potential as a leader was quickly recognized by his employer and management team. During his last 7 years working in the oil and gas industry Jonathan worked in a supervision and leadership role, highly embedded in the business aspect of the operation.

 

He developed and honed his skills in human resource management, project and procurement management, health and safety and policy development, public speaking and presentation, and technical skills. While working in the oil and gas industry he acquired a solid business acumen and construction skills that have helped him tremendously in his move into business ownership and the design and creation of Valley Sky.

 

Jonathan enjoys the creativity and design aspect of building a business and the fulfillment of providing memorable experiences and quality customer service for his guests. He is looking forward to many years of growing and expanding Valley Sky Luxury Camping Inc as a significant contributor to the economic and tourism landscape of Nova Scotia and the Annapolis Valley.