Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanie Snyder.
Hi Jeanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
What started in 2018 as a simple investment quickly grew into something much more meaningful. When my husband and I bought the property, we had no clear plan – just a lot of hope and a willingness to see where it might lead us. We began with two vintage airstreams, transforming one into a small gift shop and the other into our first Airbnb. Soon after, we added a taco food truck, and little by little, the space began to take on a life of its own. Navigating city permits was one of our biggest challenges, which meant growing in phases, but that slow, intentional process allowed us to build something truly special. Today, our property is home to a coffee truck, 5 food trucks serving up some of the best food in Leander, four Airstream BnBs, a Saturday Farmer’s Market, and our local artisan gift shop/farm store – all set within a park-like space where locals gather, connect, and relax. What began as an idea has become a thriving community, and we’re incredibly grateful to be part of something that brings people together right here in Old Town Leander!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t always been a smooth road. Neither of us came from a development background, so one of our biggest challenges was learning how to navigate the permitting process. Even as a small business, we were required to go through every step- special use permits, development permits, working with engineers, AutoCAD technicians, electricians, plumbers, and utility contractors, and coordinating closely with city engineers to create a plan everyone could agree on. It was a long and often overwhelming process, far more time-consuming than we ever imagined. Along the way, we had to find the right people to guide us, lean on their expertise, and learn how to navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of permitting. While challenging, that process utimately shaped how thoughtfully and intentionally we were able to grow.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For much of my life, my work centered around raising our four children, homeschooling them, and staying deeply involved in our local community. Along the way, I also helped my husband build his business, handling everything from answering phones to administrative support. Once our kids were grown, I found my way to an open studio at a local potter’s house, where I discovered a love for pottery. In 2019, just before COVID shut her studio down, I was able to set up my own pottery studio in our garage, and it quickly became one of the most rewarding things I’ve done – and truly my happy place. Today, I sell my pottery in our gift shop, alongside the work of other local makers. I’m proud of the way Wildfire Park has become a huge supporter of so many small businesses, giving talented local artisans, bakers, chefs, and creators a place to grow, dream and share their work with the community, all within a supportive, low-overhead environment. That sense of collaboration and community is what truly sets us apart.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
One quality I believe that has been important to our success is creating a genuine sense of welcome. From the moment someone steps onto our property, we want them to feel comfortable, included, and at home. We’ve been intentional about building a friendly environment where people can slow down, connect with other locals, and feel a true sense of community. More than anything, we want Wildfire Park to be a place where conversations happen naturally, friendships are formed, and everyone feels like they belong.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wildfirepark.com
- Instagram: wildfire_park
- Facebook: wildfire park
