FOREVER is a long time. That’s exactly why the North Georgia Land Trust is so important! It is a non-profit Land Trust whose sole goal is to preserve more green space in North Georgia.
During this episode of North Georgia Business Radio, host Phil Bonelli sits down with Brent Hoffman, founder and president of the North Georgia Land Trust, to discuss land conservation and the importance of preserving green spaces for future generations.
Brent talks about:
🍂 The mission of the North Georgia Land Trust and how it protects land through donations and conservation easements
🍂 The tax benefits of working with a land trust
🍂 Land preservation and community impact
🍂 The balance between development and conservation in growing communities
Whether you’re a landowner, nature enthusiast, or care about preserving our beautiful North Georgia landscape, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
Brent is a longtime commercial real estate agent in North Georgia. He’s got a passion for protecting and conserving local land.
Brent’s vision and expertise in the realm of land conservation have been instrumental in the formation and development of the land trust. His approach to conservation easements and the benefits of land protection are rooted in a balanced perspective, understanding the importance of both development and preservation.
Brent’s commitment to voluntary, community-oriented land preservation allows landowners and farmers to explore options for protecting their properties while maintaining their flexibility and ownership.
Connect with Brent and the North Georgia Land Trust:
https://northgeorgialandtrust.org/
https://www.facebook.com/people/North-Georgia-Land-Trust/61552588727715/
Connect with Phil Bonelli:
https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/
https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/
https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/
Connect with Beau Henderson:
https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors
https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX
This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors
Hopewell Farms GA
Roundtable Advisors
RichLife Advisors
Regions Bank
Highlights Of The Show
00:01:01 – Passion for Land and Farming
Phil Benelli shares his passion for shaping and improving the land, discussing regenerative agriculture and the gratitude for not having his land turned into a subdivision.
00:04:36 – The Formation of North Georgia Land Trust
Brent Hoffman discusses the formation of North Georgia Land Trust, emphasizing the organization’s support for green space, voluntary involvement, and the permanence of their conservation efforts.
00:10:35 – Tools for Land Conservation
Phil Benelli and Brent Hoffman explain the two primary methods for land conservation – donating land to the Land Trust and establishing conservation easements, both of which provide tax benefits and long-term protection of the land.
00:14:38 – The Inspiration Behind North Georgia Land Trust
Brent Hoffman shares the personal inspiration behind starting the North Georgia Land Trust, citing his involvement in preserving green space in Huntsville, Alabama and the positive impact it had.
00:15:48 – Starting the Land Trust and Community Impact
Brent discusses how he slowed down his real estate career to focus on starting the land trust. He emphasizes the impact of public access to preserved land and the community’s support.
00:16:43 – Conservation Easement for Land Preservation
Brent explains the different ways to use a conservation easement to preserve land for passive recreation or farming while still owning the property and potentially receiving tax benefits.
00:19:13 – Balancing Passion and Career
The host discusses the importance of pursuing passions and encourages listeners to find something they are passionate about. Brent shares his 20-year journey to start the land trust and the importance of finding others with the same passion.
00:21:30 – Timing and Pursuing Passion
Brent shares how he had the idea to start the land trust 20 years ago and waited until he was able to slow down his real estate career to pursue it. He emphasizes the need for community support and involvement.
00:28:19 – Making the World a Better Place
The host encourages listeners to use their skills and talents to make the world a better place. Brent emphasizes the importance of working on problems related to one’s passion and shares his favorite quote about improving the world.
00:30:39 – Importance of Asking Tough Questions
Brent emphasizes the importance of asking difficult questions, even if they may not be well-received. Curiosity and inquisitiveness are key to personal and professional growth.
00:32:41 – Conditioning for Change
Brent compares the fear of change in humans to the conditioned behavior of cows, highlighting how fear holds us back. He encourages embracing change and not letting fear hinder progress.
00:36:10 – Embracing Growth Mindset
Phil and Brent discuss the value of a growth mindset in business. Embracing change and seeking continuous improvement can lead to transformative outcomes.
00:38:33 – Investing in Personal Development
The conversation touches on the importance of investing in personal development, whether through paid coaching or reading books. Both hosts stress the value of being curious and continuously learning.
00:39:31 – Community and Green Space
The episode wraps up with a freestyle rap about the great community and the need for more green space. It reinforces the importance of community involvement and preserving natural spaces.
