It turns out abandoned mines can actually have great internet reception if you set them up the right way. This one’s connection is fast enough to accommodate an extensive interview, thanks to Brent Underwood. He’s engaging in an unusual expedition to bring once-old and dilapidated places back to life. The 900-foot-underground cave he’s joining me from represents just one transformation in the making.
Brent was like many of us when he saw the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity for a change of scenery. Only, instead of heading out to and working remotely from the cottage, he retreated to an abandoned town he and some friends purchased back in 2018. ‘We’ll wait this thing out’, they thought, like we all did, expecting the crisis to blow over within a couple of weeks. When it didn’t, Brent found himself at a crossroads that would eventually lead him to the lifestyle he’s embracing today.
Today, we sit down to discuss the remarkable journey he’s had so far, how it has shaped his life, and the lessons everyone can take away from this life less ordinary.
The Unconventional Quest for a Creative Outlet
You may be wondering just how or why someone would want to purchase a lifeless town and move there when the twenty-first-century world has all the Wi-Fi and 5G we could possibly need. But for Brent Underwood, it was a calling to combine his passions and create a unique lifestyle.
A marketer who had worked with the likes of Tim Ferriss and Robert Green, many would say he was already living a successful life. Something was missing though – a deep desire for passion that wasn’t truly evoked until a conversation with Ryan Holiday.
“I think we all have kind of this urge for a life a little less ordinary. And I think that I surround myself with a lot of creative people.” Brent says.
During their drive from San Antonio, Ryan asked Brent what his ‘thing’ was. He stared blankly for a moment, puzzled as to why he couldn’t think of a meaningful response. It’s something that itched at him for a long time and is what eventually prompted the pursuit of passion he’s on right now.
“When I started thinking about like what my true passions were, you know, I thought a lot about Robert Green. Robert Green always says, ‘Hey, you know, mastery comes when you take unique skill sets and combine them in a unique way’, and I thought, ‘What am I good at?'”
A lifelong interest in history, a background in marketing, and an unusual proposal from a friend over text led Brent to Cerro Gordo.
Finding Purpose in Unlikely Places
Established in the mid-1800s, Cerro Gordo is a historic mining town located roughly 200 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Back in its heyday, the community was home to a bustling population of over 4,000 people. They made their living on the mountains’ abundance of silver, pulling out over 500 million dollars worth until prospects eventually ran dry.
Cerro Gordo then progressively fell into disrepair and was abandoned by its residents. Relics like the mine Brent is interviewing from are what he says inspired him to endeavor on his current journey of exploration and reflection.
“I think that for the longest time, I was looking for that thing to kind of sink my teeth into and give my all to,” Brent says. Now that he’s found it, the plan is to turn Cerro Gordo into a destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Overcoming Challenges In Pursuit of an Extraordinary Life
Brent’s efforts to restore Cerro Gordo were initially inspired by the pandemic, with little to no foreplanning or long-term vision. He bounced back and forth between his home in Austin and the historical mining town for months until finally making the move permanent. Why not outsource the project? Why take on such a daunting task in the midst of a global crisis?
For Brent, it was all about pursuing an extraordinary life. He saw Cerro Gordo as an opportunity to challenge himself and create something truly unique. Over time, the project became a 24/7 commitment, a labor of love that consumed his every waking moment.
The change hasn’t been easy. Luckily, an easy time isn’t something Brent came to Cerro Gordo expecting.
“I was in the market, let’s say, for some discomfort, for a different way of living – to shake up that kind of like uniformity that I found myself falling into in Austin. Within that, a lot of it was not desired or planned or kind of like ready. We’ve dealt with a fire, we have had an earthquake, we’ve had two floods now…”
With every trial and tribulation has come a moment of growth and discovery. Brent has become a pioneer, learning to navigate the uncharted territory of reviving an abandoned town. He’s also recruited the help of several friends and volunteers who are making the process a little less daunting.
It’s clear that Brent has found exactly what he was looking for in Cerro Gordo – a challenge, an adventure, and a chance to create something incredible. Although not everyone is in the position to move out to the middle of nowhere and breathe life into a ghost town, Brent’s story is a reminder of the endless possibilities that exist when we step outside our comfort zones and embrace change. Creatives and adventure-seekers alike can find inspiration in his journey, and perhaps even be inspired to carve out their own unconventional path. I highly recommend reading ‘Ghost Town Living‘ for a full 360-degree tour of Brent’s life in Cerro Gordo.
Enjoy!
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