Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles “chuck” Foster Jr
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I became an advocate for nature, landscaping, and the outdoors after quitting my job as an urban planner. As an urban planner, I focused on the best course of direction for city development for eight years. However, I craved more than just pushing site plans through; I longed for hands-on involvement in design and labor. My journey began with mowing lawns, which led to a customer’s request for rehabilitation of her landscape bed using native plants. This sparked my search for programs like the Master Naturalist program, connecting me with non-profits such as the Austin Parks Foundation. My desire to learn and engage with the outdoors intensified. Now, eight years after leaving my urban planner role, I proudly run my own landscaping business, maintain 13 miles of hiking trails, serve as a part-time project leader for the Austin Parks Foundation, and hold the position of President of a park adopter group and the Capital Area Master Naturalist. I’m outside 98% of the year, and I couldn’t be happier with the direction my life has taken.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As I mentioned earlier, I struggled with my role as a site plan reviewer. At just 31 years old, I had a first-grader with special needs living in Oklahoma, and I was unhappy with my life choices. Becoming a professional outdoorsman was a risk, but I decided to take it, and now I find myself in a much better place.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known as a connector among all my affiliations. I have general knowledge and experience in landscaping, project management, and leadership. I specialize in arboriculture, native plants, and water irrigation and design. I take pride in my ability to take chances and bet on myself.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I appreciate that there is always something to do and get involved in. However, I dislike the living situations. From homelessness to the rising costs of rent, they make the city unlivable and frustrating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://123kglo.com
- Instagram: @atxoutdoorsman
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesfosterjr?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
