Proprietor

Doug is a friendly, conscientious, and devoted host. He and his wife Kim purchased Four Fields Farm on St Patrick’s Day of 2020. He brings passion, hard work, and professionalism to this role. With Doug living nearby and being able to focus on the business full-time, Four Fields Farm is managed professionally and maintained with pride. This is not a parttime or side gig, or a remote job, it is Doug’s full-time job. 

Given Doug’s expertise in repairing and remodeling homes, he keeps Four Fields Farm in tip-top condition. Recommended home maintenance is done regularly, repairs are made between guests, and items are replaced before they wear out or break. Given Doug’s high standards, the home is constantly being improved. After each guest departs and before the next guest, Doug conducts a careful inspection of the home to ensure it is perfect for the next guest.

Doug and his wife are respected and appreciated in the community. They go to extra lengths to support local businesses, including farm markets, restaurants, wineries, breweries, shopkeepers, artists, and regularly sample the local food and drink scene. This allows Doug to provide up-to-date recommendations on local businesses. He also serves on the Madison County Industrial Development Authority to help local schools and businesses obtain competitive financing through municipal bonds.    

He grew up on an Oregon farm, where he raised fruits, vegetables, and eggs to pay for college. Doug attended Clackamas Community College, Oregon State University, and George Washington University. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hired Doug in 1988 to help conduct research on pesticide residues in groundwater. Over his 33-year career with EPA, Doug helped lead many victories for public health and the environment. Some highlights from his work include helping to lead the enactment of the Food Quality Protection Act, the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act, the phaseout of arsenic-treated lumber at homes and playgrounds, and the banning of methyl chloride as a paint remover for consumers. Doug was admired by his colleagues and many people in Washington, D.C. for being friendly, responsive, knowledgeable, approachable, honest, and organized. He brings the similar traits to managing Four Fields Farm in his retirement.       

When he is not managing Four Fields Farm, he is an avid bicyclist, nature enthusiast, hiker, woodworker, swimmer, mechanic, do-it-yourself student, reader of biographies, wildlife and native plant conservationist, cider maker, parent of a hound and two tabby cats, and most importantly, a spouse.  

Doug truly enjoys hosting guests (including four-legged ones) at Four Fields Farm. He is proud of where he lives. Kim and Doug regularly hike, bike, shop, unwind at local restaurants and wineries, and visit the Shenandoah National Park. They know all the best places and glad to share recommendations.