I quit tech, bought 22 acres, and didn't look at my computer for years — until AI brought me back

In a remarkable shift from tech to timber, Ryan Courtnage, a 51-year-old co-founder of the donation-management platform Benevity, recounts his transformative journey after stepping away from the technology world. After selling his last venture in 2020, he purchased 22 acres of rugged land in Creston, British Columbia, seeking a more grounded existence. Initially overwhelmed by the demands of team management, Courtnage, an introvert at heart, decided to embrace a simpler life as a lumberjack. He immersed himself in hands-on work, learning about heavy machinery, diesel engines, and forestry techniques, an experience that contrasted starkly with his previous career spent behind a computer screen. Courtnage describes this lifestyle change not as retirement, but as a sabbatical filled with rewarding challenges. His daily goals range from operating a skid steer to ensuring adequate firewood for winter, offering him a sense of accomplishment and connection to the land. He has also ventured into glamping by constructing a geodesic dome on his property, which is now available for rental on Airbnb. During this time, Courtnage found solace away from screens, completely disengaging from technology for nearly two years. However, the advent of AI, particularly ChatGPT, reignited his passion for innovation. He has now returned to coding, using artificial intelligence to enhance his lifestyle in the trades. Courtnage is currently developing a home automation system equipped with sensors and cameras to monitor his property. He proudly mentions his OpenClaw setup—an AI that manages data from various sensors around his land, providing him updates on temperatures and water levels, and alerting him to any unusual activity. Despite the costs associated with running such advanced technology, Courtnage views it as an investment in both his personal growth and his children’s futures. With one child in university and another in high school, he believes that mastering these tools will give them a competitive edge in the workforce. Although he has yet to define his next venture, he is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements while remaining deeply connected to the earth.