Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandie Hardman.
Hi Brandie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I look back on my life, I can see how so many experiences, people, and little moments along the way shaped who I am today. Some things probably had a much bigger impact on me than I realized at the time. My perspective on life, family, work, and business really started when I was young. I’ve always had a pretty independent streak, and I guess the entrepreneurial side of me was there from the beginning.
When I was five, I sold some of my old toys to neighborhood kids so I could buy new ones. Apparently, that was just the beginning! I convinced my parents to let me use the money to start a little candy stand. Every afternoon, I’d race home from kindergarten, set up the little pink table and chair my dad had made for me, and sell candy to the kids walking home from school. I loved the sense of pride and confidence that little pink table, chair gave me. I was willing to try and that effort led to success. That was the foundation for my future.
My parents taught us that if you wanted something, you worked for it. They instilled a strong sense of integrity, community, and responsibility. I was never spoiled and certainly wasn’t raised with a sense of entitlement.
I look back now and realize that not being privileged was, in many ways, one of the greatest privileges. It taught me to be resourceful, independent, appreciative, and confident in my ability to make things happen. I’ve never been one to follow the expected path. I’ve always been drawn to doing things differently, creating my own opportunities, and figuring things out along the way. I’ve followed my creative instincts, worked hard, taken chances, and opened doors by simply being myself. Not being intimidated by situations or people has led me to some pretty amazing experiences in work, life, and love.
This all has led me to co-owning, with my amazing husband, and operating a ranch in Southern Utah. A pretty dynamic business that reflects so much of who I am. Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch is a little bit of everything and, in many ways, a reflection of my eclectic personality: sustainable land management, lodging, a restaurant, recording studio, entertainment venue, education programs, recreation, arts, and community. All of those experiences, twists, turns, and probably a few unexpected detours have led me here. I’m looking forward to whatever chapters come next. Life is made up of memories, so make them good ones!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t know many people who could say they’ve had a smooth road. I’ve certainly had my peaks, valleys, and plateaus, and I think the struggles I’ve faced have taught me more than anything else. I’m the first to admit I’ve made mistakes, but those mistakes have helped me learn, overcome challenges, and find better ways to handle whatever life throws at me.
One of my biggest struggles as a business owner has been creating enough consistent business to support the people who work for me. I have a very loyal team, many of whom have been with me for years, and I genuinely care about their livelihoods. I believe in paying good wages and taking care of the people who help make the business what it is. Maintaining that commitment while keeping the business financially healthy and managing the bottom line has become increasingly challenging. So much of my time goes into finding new ways to generate business, exploring creative opportunities, and making sure every aspect of the operation runs cohesively and efficiently. The responsibility of keeping everything moving and making sure there is enough work to support everyone is something that never really turns off.
Another challenge has been navigating the changing economy and the decline in international tourism. The landscape of small business has changed considerably over the years, with larger corporations and destination resorts moving into the area. Competing for exposure, marketing, and visitors has become increasingly difficult when you’re up against businesses with substantially larger budgets and resources. As an independently owned business, we don’t have corporate backing, investors, or the financial advantages that larger companies often have. Everything we build, promote, and invest in the business comes from our own efforts and resources. We’ve had to become incredibly resourceful, creative, and persistent just to keep moving forward.
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges is maintaining our values and staying true to our mission through it all. What we believe in has always been about much more than making money. It’s about working with nature, being part of something greater than us, and investing our own resources into preserving, improving, and protecting the land and the ecosystems that surround us. There’s a time when staying true to your values and doing business with a greater purpose was simply something you stood behind. Today, it can feel like an uphill battle. Balancing those principles with the financial realities of running an independent business is not always easy. Unfortunately, these are some of the struggles of being a small, independently owned business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Events have always been my specialty. I love being behind the scenes, creating meaningful and enjoyable experiences for others. I’ve always been creative, and as a born multitasker, I thrive on having a lot of different things going on at once. I love envisioning something and then seeing it come to life. I’m known for being able to pull off what sometimes seems impossible—bringing together a lot of different pieces and somehow making it all work.
I’m proud of the business I’ve built and what the Ranch has become. I’m proud that my husband and I have never wavered in our purpose, our integrity, or our intentions. I’m proud of the people who have been part of this journey, their dedication, support, and camaraderie. And I’m proud of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I never want to stop learning, growing, or finding new ways to make a difference.
I’m especially proud that the Ranch has become a place where families and community can gather, learn, and connect. Boulder has always been a special place to me. When I first became part of this community, there was a real sense of neighbors supporting one another, lending a hand, and showing up when someone needed help. Like many small towns, that sense of community has evolved over the years. As the town has grown and changed, so have some of those relationships and dynamics. I think it’s easy to take that sense of connection for granted until you realize how important it is. I’ve always believed that small communities are strongest when people support one another, and I hope the Ranch continues to be a place that brings people together.
I’m also proud of the work we’ve done to protect public lands and create opportunities for youth and future generations. Somewhere along the way, I became more than a business owner. I became a steward of this land and its future, and that is something I take very seriously and am incredibly proud of.
I guess what I’m most proud of is that I’ve never stopped caring. I still get excited about new ideas, I still love figuring out how to make things happen, even in challenging times, and I still believe there’s always something more we can do. But I’ve also learned that sometimes the most important thing we can do is step back and let things be.
That’s what sets us apart. It’s not just about what we’ve built, but about what we believe in. It’s about understanding that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. We are here to learn from nature, work with it, and be responsible stewards of the land rather than try to control it. The land will be here long after we’re gone, and my hope is that what we’ve done during our time here allows it to thrive well beyond our own lives. Sometimes stewardship is about knowing when to step in and when to simply let nature be nature.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Well, I live in a town of about 350 people, so I’m not sure I’d exactly call it a city! What I love most is the endless outdoor recreation, the fresh air, the ever-changing skies, the vast landscapes, and the connection to nature. We are surrounded by an incredibly beautiful, pristine environment, and I never take that for granted.
There’s also something special about the town itself. There’s always something happening, from music and community gatherings to yoga, breathwork, talks, and bingo nights. We have a wonderfully eclectic mix of people here, from ranchers and outdoor guides to artists, professionals, Mormons, Buddhist hippies, and free spirits. I love that diversity and the sense of freedom that comes with it. When I first came here, there was a real spirit of neighbors helping neighbors and local businesses supporting one another. I think that’s what makes a small town special, and it’s a spirit I hope we continue to nurture. It’s part of what makes Boulder feel like home.
What I like least…
Living in a remote town requires a certain amount of resilience. You don’t have the conveniences of a city, and even running errands can turn into a day trip. Grocery shopping is an hour each way, the nearest pharmacy is 45 minutes away, and the closest hospital is over an hour away. You learn to plan ahead because spontaneous moments aren’t always so spontaneous. Sometimes, deciding to do something on a whim simply means heading out on a new hike instead!
I wouldn’t trade the wide-open spaces, the incredible landscape, the fresh air, or the character of this little town for much else. There’s a freedom here that’s hard to explain until you’ve experienced it.
Pricing:
- Events: Varies
- Lodding: Main Lodge $130-175
- Cabins: $290-390
- Yurts: $245-395
- Weddings: Varies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bouldermountainguestranch.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bouldermountainguestranch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoulderMtnGuestRanchUtah
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sweetwater-kitchen-boulder?osq=Restaurants
