In 2021, Rick—a seasoned fisherman, boat captain, and successful product developer—was working on the launch of his 24th product. His work led him to collaborate with Jake, a fellow outdoor enthusiast and industry expert. What began as a business relationship soon evolved into a friendship rooted in shared values and a deep love for fishing.
Later that year, an unexpected opportunity arose: a last-minute invitation to the world-renowned Tropic Star Lodge in Panama. Bo, a local boat captain from the Fort Myers area and longtime friend of Rick’s, had an open spot on a fishing trip. Knowing Jake was an avid fisherman, Rick didn’t hesitate to invite him along.
From the moment they arrived, Rick and Jake were captivated—not only by the beauty of the lodge but also by the warmth of the local staff. Their first day on the water was nothing short of extraordinary: they raised five black marlins and landed three. For Rick, it was the culmination of a thirty-year dream.
As the trip progressed, they turned their attention to inshore fishing, targeting Cubera Snapper and Roosterfish. During the outing, the local captain made a brief stop in a nearby village to restock on cold drinks. The village was home to fewer than 120 residents and consisted of only ten buildings. There, Rick and Jake observed children energetically playing soccer on a rough patch of dirt and rock, while the men of the village stood nearby, passionately discussing the game.
On the final night of their stay, Tropic Star Lodge hosted a visit to the main village. Over dinner and drinks with former captains and local residents, one thing became abundantly clear: soccer was at the heart of the community. Despite the harsh playing conditions, children from neighboring villages gathered every weekend to compete on the rocky, makeshift field.
This experience stayed with Rick and Jake. On the flight home, they talked about how they could give back to the village that had left such a profound impression on them. An idea quickly formed: what if they could build a proper soccer field—one that was both safe and sustainable?
With decades of experience and connections in the automotive industry, Rick and Jake began assembling a team of experts and advocates. Their goal: to build a full-size artificial turf soccer field using recycled tires, reducing environmental waste while creating a lasting impact for the children of the village.
That trip became the foundation of their new non-profit organization—Driven Hearts—dedicated to creating opportunities in underprivileged communities through sport, sustainability, and compassion. Their mission is to empower children, protect the environment, and give back to the global communities that welcome travelers with open arms.
Today, Rick and Jake are building more than just soccer fields—they’re building hope, opportunity, and a new path forward for the next generation.