I’ve always believed in the power of simplicity, but I never imagined my journey into van life would eventually lead me to giving a TED Talk. When I initially downsized, bought a van, and embraced life on the road, it was a personal experiment: Could I thrive in a mountain town, live happily on a teacher’s budget, and truly prioritize my love for the outdoors?
What I discovered was a profound shift in mindset—one I knew could resonate far beyond just fellow van enthusiasts. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to share my story at TEDxBreckenridge.
Why TEDxBreckenridge?
Though I built my life in Vail, I’ve always recognized that many mountain towns—including Breckenridge—share similar struggles, especially around the high cost of living. I watched friends and neighbors juggling multiple jobs just to make ends meet, often at the expense of enjoying the outdoor adventures that drew us all to these mountains in the first place.
Breckenridge embodies so much of what we love about mountain living: an active community, stunning natural beauty, and endless adventure opportunities. But behind its picturesque facade, many residents face economic challenges. While not everyone will choose literal van living, the underlying “van life mindset”—prioritizing experiences over possessions, living intentionally, and embracing minimalism—can help us all find greater joy, even in these high-cost environments.
A Glimpse Into My Talk
I grew up in Buffalo, NY, and after graduating college in 2009, I immediately packed my Honda Civic and drove west. I had learned to ski at age two and volunteered on my local ski patrol during college, so when the ’08 stock market crash hit, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to avoid the pressures of traditional life and finally fulfill my dream of becoming a ski bum. I spent two incredible years living in Tahoe City, CA before taking a teaching job in Vail, CO.
Wanting to fully take advantage of my summers off, I bought a used RAM Promaster cargo van and converted it into a camper van with the generous help of many friends and countless hours of YouTube tutorials. Once completed, I put 13,000 miles on my van, traveling coast-to-coast with nothing more than my mountain bike, golf clubs, and a handful of loose plans. Operating on a tight teacher’s budget, I learned exactly what was essential for my van, intentionally skipping expensive extras. The result was a reliable camper perfectly suited for both weekend trips to Moab and extended cross-country adventures.
Through these experiences, three core lessons emerged, forming the heart of my TEDx talk:
- Value experiences over things – Choosing adventures and memories rather than possessions.
- Prioritize nature – Making time outdoors central to my daily life.
- Be more grateful – Recognizing and appreciating what I have, instead of longing for what I don’t.
About TEDxBreckenridge
For those unfamiliar, TEDxBreckenridge is an independently organized event licensed by TED. Its mission is to highlight powerful “ideas worth spreading” tailored to the unique spirit and challenges of the Breckenridge community. Being invited to share my journey on this stage meant reflecting on my experiences and transforming them into practical insights for residents facing similar life decisions and challenges.
It was an honor to speak alongside passionate individuals dedicated to fostering creativity, community, and positive change within Breckenridge and beyond.
Why This Message Matters
Mountain towns like Vail and Breckenridge have a special magic—the kind of magic that comes from tight-knit communities, endless outdoor recreation, and a shared passion for adventure. Yet, living here can come with real financial pressures, especially when juggling rent, work, and play. My journey into van life revealed alternative ways to approach these challenges, ultimately allowing me to live fully without compromising what I valued most.
Even if you never set foot in a van, embracing the van life mindset—prioritizing intentional living, experiences, and meaningful connections—can offer incredible clarity and freedom. Sometimes redefining what “enough” looks like is all it takes to rediscover the joy that brought you to the mountains in the first place.
Watch the Talk
Curious to hear more about my story and how you can adopt this mindset yourself? Watch my TEDxBreckenridge talk here:
Think Like a Van Lifer
Carrying the Mindset Forward
Now, as co-founder of DM Vans, I have the privilege of supporting others who are considering their own journeys—whether through a custom van build or simply embracing minimalism at home. By downsizing physically, we often discover expanded mental and emotional spaces that allow us to live more intentionally and joyfully.
Breckenridge, Vail, and all mountain communities deserve residents who can pursue their passions without sacrificing their financial and personal well-being. My hope is that my TEDx talk inspires you to reconsider your own approach to living, reminding you that sometimes the greatest adventure is realizing just how little we truly need to feel free.
That same mindset—the one that started in a simple RAM cargo van and led to a TEDx stage—is exactly what inspired the 2025 Lifestyle Vehicle®. At DM Vans, we’ve built a camper van that reflects the core values I spoke about: intentional design, functional simplicity, and maximum value. Our Lifestyle Vehicles are the most accessible, reliable, and affordable camper vans on the road today—crafted by van lifers, for van lifers. With streamlined layouts, smart power options, and more flexibility than ever before, they offer everything you need and nothing you don’t. Whether you’re chasing a full-time road life or just looking to reclaim your weekends, our vans are designed to help you live more fully—with less. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the van—it’s about the life it makes possible.
🚐 Explore the 2025 Lifestyle Vehicle® lineup