Meet Debbie Todd

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Debbie Todd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Debbie , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I stumbled upon my purpose by accident. Something was missing in what we were trying to create at ‘The Woodlands at Hocking Hills.’ But through self-reflection and trusting my instincts, I discovered a sense of purpose by asking myself fundamental questions: Why are we doing this? What are my gifts and passions? Which events and people have left a lasting impact on me? What have I learned from my life experiences? What truly motivates me?

These questions are often overlooked in the busyness of life, but I knew I needed to prioritize them. It required time and mental effort to think through these aspects, especially when other pressing matters demanded my attention. However, I realized that focusing on my purpose would bring clarity and alignment to everything else in my life and the business we were creating.

As I reflected on my life journey, I noticed recurring themes. I’ve always sought opportunities to make a difference and connect genuinely with others. It came naturally to me while raising kids and working as a Physical Therapist, as these roles aligned with who I was and my responsibilities.

Despite the success of our short-term vacation rentals (STRs) in providing a home and experience for guests, I felt a void, a need for more purpose and intention. Our family business was more significant than just us, but I couldn’t explain what that exactly meant. I started by being intentional and open to my surroundings. My mission became finding creative ways to make a more significant impact, involving not only our kids but also guests, community, and other hosts. We implemented ways to support five charitable organizations through our rentals and amenities, but my determination to make an even larger impact continues.

Reflecting on my “why” and purpose brought more intentional joy into my life. I started doing things I’d never done before and stepping outside my comfort zone. Although it made life busier, I felt more alive than ever, sharing these experiences with family and friends. We were building a legacy for our children, teaching them to live a life of adventure and purpose.

The driving force behind every decision in our business is to make a larger impact. Alongside finding creative ways to give back through our STR platform, I also aspire to educate, encourage, and inspire others to do the same. We all have unique resources and gifts that we can use to bless others in the places we find ourselves.

I am passionate about being a giving person in every aspect of life: giving thought, attention, care, focus, time, and energy. I want my legacy to be a life filled with meaning and purpose. The quote by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me,” resonates deeply with me. It is through this purpose-driven life that I find true meaning and fulfillment in what I’m doing.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’ve always been driven to create positive change, no matter the scale, and I deeply enjoy connecting with people and hearing their stories. Learning from others is something I truly value.

Our vision for ‘The Woodlands at Hocking Hills’ goes beyond offering a wonderful experience for our guests – we’re committed to finding creative and intentional ways to give back and make a meaningful impact through our short-term rental platform. Currently, we support five charitable organizations, collaborate with eight businesses to sponsor a child through Compassion International, offer our rentals to those in need, and rally the community to support local families.

‘The Woodlands at Hocking Hills’ has become more than just vacation rentals for our family. It’s taught us about perseverance, risk-taking, unity, and personal growth. This journey has allowed us to overcome challenges with determination. We have been able to pass on valuable life lessons to our children. They have learned from watching our struggles, persistence, failures, successes, and service toward others. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing we are shaping their character and resilience through our actions.

Our ultimate vision is to integrate our “homes in the hills” with our passion for people and helping others.
Sharing our story is our way of inspiring others to also make a difference in their own unique ways – because every contribution, regardless of its size and type matters.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I’ve come to understand that each of us has unique passions, motivations, resources, and gifts. Instead of comparing myself to others, I have decided to seek wisdom and guidance from those who have more experience in my field, using their insights to improve my own skills and strategies.

I firmly believe in taking at least one step forward every day, no matter how big or small, to make progress. Living a life without regrets, unafraid of failure, has become the foundation of my mindset. I’ve come to embrace the idea that failure is an opportunity for growth, turning a “no’ into a “not yet.”

I used to shy away from taking risks. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been playing it safe, driven by my perfectionist tendencies and resistance to failure. This mindset prevented me from trying new things, and as a result, I missed out on numerous opportunities.

By taking a leap of faith and deciding to put ourselves out there, to our surprise, embracing the risk of real estate and short term rentals would change the trajectory of our lives.

Through this journey, I’ve come to learn so much about myself and my capabilities. In the past three years, I’ve grown more than I ever thought possible. The experience pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, trying things I had never dared before. It introduced me to new and exciting interests, and I met people who inspired and challenged me to keep growing.

Before that pivotal risk, I was content with a great life, surrounded by wonderful family and friends. But stepping outside my comfort zone has filled my life with a newfound sense of intention and purpose. It has granted me the gift of confidence, curiosity, and a spirit of adventure.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Overcoming naysayers has been a constant source of growth, grit, and effort in my journey. Thankfully, I haven’t encountered outright haters, but criticism, lack of understanding, and discouragement have certainly been present. It’s frustrating how pursuing your vision and passions can sometimes be met with negativity and opposition.

My decision-making process is guided by my heart and passion rather than calculations and realism. Setting audacious goals and dreaming big can seem scary and even crazy to those around me. In these moments, I rely on prayer, blind faith, drive, motivation, and persistence to keep me going, I refuse to accept “no” as an answer and continually challenge myself to find creative ways to achieve my goals.

Choosing the path of challenge rather than the easy route fuels my desire for a life of adventure and curiosity. I aspire to live responsibly irresponsible, taking calculated risks while remaining true to my values and passions.

One of the most significant factors in my perseverance has been surrounding myself with supportive individuals who offer constructive feedback. Their encouragement has been vital in my overall growth journey, propelling me forward during moments of doubt.

Of course, there are days when I feel like throwing in the towel and giving up. During these times, I remind myself to step back, rest, pray, prioritize, and revisit my “why.” Reconnecting with my purpose helps renew my determination and motivation.

Staying on course also involves learning from others who share similar thought processes and big dreams. It’s reassuring to know that I’m not alone in my aspirations and that others have faced similar challenges. Listening to podcasts, joining supportive groups, building relationships, and reading inspiring books have been instrumental in connecting with like-minded individuals.

Several books have profoundly impacted the way I think and have influenced our business model. Among them are “God and Money” by John Cortines and Gregory Baumer, “Doing Business by the Good Book” by David Steward and Robert Shook, “Faith and the Marketplace” by Bill Winston, “The Power of an Ordinary Life” by Harvey Hook, “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg and John Mann, and “Wild Goose Chase” by Mark Batterson.

I constantly remind myself that if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. The challenges I face are what make my journey unique and rewarding. With unwavering persistence and the support of like-minded individuals, I am confident in my ability to overcome obstacles and continue moving forward toward fulfilling my purpose.

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