Introducing Safari Manager: Jeffrey Noguera
One of the great things about living here is getting to know the local people. I find it very easy to make friends here as everyone you encounter seems upbeat, cheerful, and exuberantly social. My all-time favorite Tico and closest friend is Jeffrey Noguera. Jeffrey migrated here from the big city (San Jose) and decided to make Nosara his home. He began working at Casa Tucan as a waiter, and eventually got coerced into management by Tyler and Tim. He has learned the hotel/restaurant/surf school business from the ground floor up, but also hit the books on nights and weekends, graduating with a college degree in business management. Jeffrey really came into his own after Casa Tucan was sold and we moved into the transitional ‘Safari House’. He became the resident manager of Safari Surf School and really found his niche. I have enjoyed every moment working with this outstanding gentleman, and will always treasure our friendship.
PL: When did you get here?
Jeffrey: I moved from San Jose in 2009. My dad lived here and I visited him and got to check out Nosara. I had just come from a hectic city life where I mainly played soccer professionally. Man it was so beautiful and laid back, everyone was smiling, carrying surfboards, girls in bikinis………. I told myself this is where I belong!
PL: When did you start working?
Jeffrey: Soon after I came here I got a job at Casa Tucan as a waiter. Tyler and Tim were Co-owners and Safari Surf School was located there. As time went on I got pulled into hotel and restaurant management responsibilities and I liked it. I had also started business management classes at the University of Costa Rica campus in Nicoya.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS – AT CASA TUCAN
PL: Were you a surfer at that time?
Jeffrey: No, my sports background was in soccer. I played professionally for the National Team in Alajuela. But the guys got me out on the beach and in the water, and ahhh it was great!
LIFES A BEACH – JEFFREY’S A NATURAL!
PL: You recently graduated from college?
Jeffrey: Yes I graduated from a 4 year business management program. Now I am a “Licensia”, kind of the same thing as Bachelors degree. It was a very good program. I learned a lot about business law and finances, things I use every day here at work.
LICENSIA JEFFREY NOGUERA & MOM
PL: How do you like your new role at Safari House?
Jeffrey: Everything is very different from Casa Tucan. Now we do not have a public restaurant and hotel to manage. I like it because we can give our full attention to the surf school guests. I am much more involved with the surf lessons and do all the scheduling, which can get pretty complicated when we are busy. I also live here so am pretty much always on the job.
PL: And you are the resident PING PONG CHAMPION!
Jeffrey: Yeah man I even won a bottle of tequila at one of our tournaments!
GRANDE FUN AT SAFARI HOUSE!
PL: You have worked hard and saving money. Now you have a blue MacBook, a blue iPhone, and now a new blue car! Dude you are living the dream.
Jeffrey: Yeah man, I like blue!
PL: How do you feel about the opening of Olas Verdes?
Jeffrey: It is going to be really special. The location is very private and close to the beach. For sure it will be the #1 hotel in Nosara. I am very proud to be here!
OLAS VERDES – OPENING IN 2015!
