Born on June 4, 1987 in the bustling city of Austin, Texas, Brent Underwood is a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for breathing new life into forgotten places. With a bold vision and a relentless drive, Brent made headlines in 2018 when he purchased the historic mining town of Cerro Gordo for $1.4 million. This bold move marked the beginning of an ambitious journey to transform a ghost town into a thriving destination for artists and history enthusiasts alike.
Before embarking on his ambitious project at Cerro Gordo, Brent had already left his mark on the travel industry. A graduate of Columbia University, Brent's wanderlust led him to explore over 30 countries and stay at more than 150 hostels around the world. Inspired by his experiences, Brent founded HK Austin, a hostel that quickly rose to fame as the highest-rated American hostel in 2015.
Despite his success in the hospitality industry, Brent craved a new challenge. In April 2020, he took to YouTube to document his latest venture, sharing his journey of investing his life savings in an abandoned ghost town. With his Ghost Town Living YouTube channel amassing a following of 1.6 million subscribers, Brent captivated audiences with his transparent and engaging storytelling as he chronicled the development of Cerro Gordo.
But Brent's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond his YouTube channel. In 2016, he published the tongue-in-cheek book, Putting My Foot Down, as a literary experiment to challenge the notion of what it takes to become a best-selling author. This creative endeavor showcased Brent's knack for thinking outside the box and pushing the boundaries of traditional success.
With his roots firmly planted in Austin, Texas, Brent's journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. His story parallels that of 19th-century author Henry David Thoreau, who also sought solitude and connection with nature in his pursuit of a fulfilling life. Through his bold ventures and unwavering determination, Brent Underwood continues to inspire others to dream big and embrace the unknown.