Antonio Guindon was born and raised on a dairy farm in the mountains of Costa Rica, after his parents, American Quakers, left the US in 1950 to form a cooperative community. To this day, the Guindon Farm is still operating under the management of one of Tonio’s brothers. Growing up in such a remote environment meant Tonio had to develop a make-do attitude and problem solving skills from an early age. In addition to these traits (essential for any small farmer), Tonio also learned a love and respect for the land and nature. Living in the shadow of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the ideas of conservation and biodiversity dominated. It is these qualities and characteristics that are the foundation of Lost Ruby Farm. In his spare time (which, let’s be honest, is basically never) Tonio enjoys playing soccer.
Adair Mali was born and raised in New York City but never really fit in that fast paced, urban world. Fortunately, her grandparents and parents both enjoyed spending time in Norfolk and through that experience she acquired her love of the outdoors. Adair further developed her interest and knowledge of the natural world while guiding trips for NOLS and earning an MS in Ecology. She participated in CT NOFA’s (Northeast Organic Farming Association) Beginning Women Farmers Program for two years and approaches farming and cheese making from a scientific perspective. She applies an “outside-the-box” thinking strategy to situations that arise on the Farm. In her spare time (which is slightly more than Tonio’s, but not really) Adair likes to knit.