WHERE IT ALL STARTED...

During the summer of 2020, the Covid pandemic was in full swing and like everybody else, Shaun and Kristen were home with their four children. With sports canceled, the kids doing schoolwork at home, and no wifi (typical life in the boonies), Shaun and Kristin had to get creative to keep the kids entertained.

Shaun and Kristen started developing made up games such as fake court cases, made up Shark Tank ideas for the kids to try and sell us, and even day long scavenger hunts around the property. There were certainly no shortage of fun during this time. As this was all happening, they had no idea, that their love for creativity would soon lead into a business idea that would bring people from other cities and states to their little community of Franklinville, NY.

While home for those several months, Shaun and Kristen also began researching more about the history of their home and the surrounding areas. While their home is newer, they learned that the property upon which it was built, was once a part of a farm owned by a prominent man in Franklinville who made more important contributions to local history.

It got them thinking about how history is hidden in plain sight all around us. We often drive past historical buildings and markers without giving them a second thought. In fact, all of our homes have been constructed on land that was once something else before it was ours. It sparked the desire to not only introduce other people to the interesting and exciting history in our area, but also to encourage people to learn more about the history of their own towns. Additionally, during the pandemic, so many small businesses struggled to keep their doors open and in a small town like Franklinville, and a resort town like Ellicottville, this burden was especially heavy.

So the challenge was developed to bring people together again in a fun and unique way, while highlighting our local small businesses as well as our history.

Shaun and Kristen weren’t sure exactly who had more fun with the scavenger hunts… Their kids that were participating or the two of them who created the challenge. Since it was such a success for their family, they thought maybe the same idea could be brought to a larger audience to create fun memories for other families and friend groups.

The couple then took their creativity, along with their individual unique skill sets, and created their first public adventure challenge in 2022...Season 1, "The Heart of Sarah".

Today the challenge is entering its 5th season, and is still growing by leaps and bounds.

Shaun is a United States Air Force veteran and currently runs two companies in the outdoor industry. One of which is a video production company that specializes in marketing and video production. Shaun has been self employed in this industry for over ten years and has recently started a new television show. This is all a very big change from his days as a bank manager!

Kristen has a masters degree in public administration from the Marist college, and only recently left the field of healthcare by selling the two New York State licensed assisted living facilities that she had owned. Kirsten also opened a small bakery in Franklinville, New York and has a deep passion for history.

Both Shaun and Kristen are excited to welcome you to the Enchanted Mountain Challenge and hope it will be one of your favorite summer memories each and every year.