Syracuse University Whitman School of Management Logo Syracuse University Whitman School of Management Logo
    • About
    • Apply Now
    • Awards and Rankings
    • Directions for Getting to Whitman
    • Events
    • Leadership
    • Life in Syracuse
    • Newsroom
    • Visiting Syracuse, NY
    • Whitman Publications
    • Undergraduate
    • Class Profile
    • Dual Programs
    • Goodman IMPRESS Program
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Undergraduate Advising Resources
    • Undergraduate Majors
    • Undergraduate Placement
    • Whitman Graduation
    • Whitman Student Clubs
    • Why Whitman
    • Graduate
    • Certificates for Graduate Study
    • Full-time Masters Program
    • Full-time MBA Program
    • Full-time M.S. Admissions
    • Grad Lead Form
    • Graduate Employment Outcomes
    • Graduate Program Advising
    • Master's Degree Financing Options
    • Master's Degree Partnerships
    • Online Masters Programs
    • Ph.D. Programs
    • Faculty and Research
    • Academic Areas
    • Centers and Institutes
    • Faculty & Staff Directory
    • Faculty Resources

Information for

  • Alumni Engagement and Advancement
  • Career Center
  • Current Student Resources
  • Defense Programs
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
  • Executive Education
  • Experiential Programs
  • Global Programs
  • Industry Partners
  • Programs for Veterans
  • Recruiting at Whitman
  • Student Technology Center
Syracuse University Whitman School of Management Logo
When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select.
Apply Visit Contact
  • Homepage
  • About
  • Whitman Publications
  • Whitman Across the Globe
  • Costa Rica Immersion Blog
  • Entrepreneurship is Thriving in Costa Rica

  • Whitman's Global Partners
  • Whitman Across the Globe
  • Florence Blog
  • Madrid Blog
  • London Blog


Entrepreneurship is Thriving in Costa Rica

 

By Laurenne Yomi Mvete

 

March 12, 2025

 

We started our day with an informative session led by Lorne Basel, a renowned real estate developer whose company, Intrawest, developed destinations like Aspen, Whistler, and Mont Tremblant. Lorne talked about real estate entrepreneurship and shared his unique take on socially responsible development in areas like Nosara. He also shared three pieces of advice he would give to his younger self: don’t be afraid of failure, stop comparing yourself to others, and always stay true to your path.

 

We then made our way up to San Juanillo to visit Ashley Black, the investor and creator of FasciaBlaster, a $100M company. After experiencing serious health issues following an accident, Ashley shared how that journey led her to build her business. She emphasized the importance of always showing up as your authentic self and following your calling. We also talked about how there’s endless knowledge out there—and the importance of soaking up as much of it as possible.

 

After returning from San Juanillo, we headed into the hills to Tierra Magnífica’s Jungle Lounge for a meaningful group discussion with owner Steve Jacobus. He shared his story of transitioning from selling mail-in products to becoming a leader in the hospitality industry.

 


Syracuse University Whitman School of Management Logo
  • 721 University Avenue,
    Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244
  • (315) 443-3751
  • Give Back to Whitman
  • Academic Areas
  • Newsroom
  • Directory
  • MyWhitman
  • facebook icon
  • twitter/X icon
  • instagram
  • linkedin logo
Syracuse University Block LogoSyracuse University Home
© 2025 Martin J. Whitman School of Management Privacy Policy Accessibility