Welcome to Forge & Freedom

Hey brothers, Zach here. Founder of Forge & Freedom.Let me tell you straight up: this whole thing didn’t start in some fancy office with a whiteboard, motivational quotes, and a startup guru sipping oat milk lattes. Nope. It started the way a lot of good things do, with me, outdoors, trying to figure life out.

I’m a husband, a dad, a coach, a nonprofit guy, and someone who has spent more hours than I care to admit writing grants, chasing down money and juggling responsibilities. I’ve also been the guy standing in the middle of the Adirondacks, covered in bug spray, staring at a fishing line with my buddies and realizing, “Huh… these conversations are better than any therapy session I’ve ever had.

That’s where Forge & Freedom comes from. It’s born out of the real struggles men face: the career pressure, the weight of being a provider, the feeling of being disconnected, and the quiet battles we fight in our own heads. I know it, because I’ve lived it. And I know the outdoors has always been my reset button.

🏔 Who We Are

Forge & Freedom is a brotherhood of men who believe life is meant to be lived with adventure, purpose, and camaraderie. We’re not about sitting in circles humming mantras (unless that’s your thing, then hum away, brother). We’re about pushing ourselves outdoors — hiking, kayaking, camping, running, skiing — and finding connection in the process.This isn’t therapy. This isn’t a spa retreat. This is adventure with meaning.

⚒ Why You Should Join

Because chances are, you’ve felt it: that itch that says there’s more to life than the grind. You’re not just looking for another weekend escape — you’re looking for challenge, brotherhood, and maybe even that spark you thought you’d lost.And let’s be real: the world is full of noise. Work. Bills. Stress. Scrolling through social media pretending we’re all fine. At Forge & Freedom, we trade that in for trail dust, firelight, and real conversations that matter.

🌲 What We Do & How We Do It

We design immersive adventure weekends for men in the Adirondacks. Think of it like hitting pause on the chaos of life and pressing reset in the great outdoors.

  • You’ll sweat.

  • You’ll laugh.

  • You’re feet will probably swell up like sausages

  • You’ll probably burn a marshmallow or two.

    And you’ll walk away with a brotherhood that doesn’t fade when the weekend ends.We use nature as our playground and challenge as our teacher. Our basecamps are comfortable lodges (because sleeping on a rock is only fun once in your twenties), but the days are packed with adrenaline, exploration, and the kind of connection you can’t fake.

When We Do It

We run weekend experiences throughout the year, from crisp fall hikes and campfires under the stars to winter snow-packed adventures that remind you just how tough you really are.

The Vision

This is just the beginning. Right now, we’re building small, powerful groups of men who want more out of life. But the dream? To grow Forge & Freedom into a movement:Expanding experiences across the Adirondacks and beyondCreating year-round programs that challenge body, mind, and spirit. Building a nationwide brotherhood of men who refuse to live small. We’re not just creating weekends away. We’re forging a lifestyle, one built on courage, authenticity, growth, and brotherhood.

So here it is: your invitation. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on autopilot, if you’ve been craving challenge, connection, or just a chance to breathe, Forge & Freedom is calling your name.Come join us. Bring your boots, your sense of humor, and your willingness to burn a marshmallow or two. We’ll handle the rest.

🔥 Forge your strength. Find your freedom.

-Zach

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🌲 Why Adventure Resets Your Mind (Better Than Any Office Break Room)