FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

Darin graduated from the U of U with a B.E. in English. He then began working in politics alongside tribes and local farmers advocating for effective and productive water and land use. He then started working as a Government Affairs Consultant to the Navajo Nation and continues to do so today.

Throughout his career, Darin has long been a dedicated servant in creating a better world for tomorrow. So while working in Politics, he founded the Village Cooperative to start creating an example of how cities can become more self-sufficient and work in harmony with Nature. Through this work Darin and his team have fed thousands of families while growing a more horticultural example in the streets of Rose Park.

“I would love cities to look more like the Shire, and I am going to make that a reality.”

CHAIR

Jon is a lifelong friend of founder Darin Man and an aspiring thought leader, transcendentalist and research journalist with an education in art and exercise science, and a professional background in sales and business touching many industries and vertices including supplements and nutrition, healthcare, medical devices, telecom and software to government and public safety agencies. In 2018 Jon had an awakening experience that led him to re-examine the human condition within the context of the modern world leading to a vested interest in building our society and culture around regenerative/holistic models to connect us back to the land and anchor human conscious in the wellspring of vitality that is nature. For Jon the Village Cooperative is an obvious vehicle to manifest these changes locally and usher in a new age of ecology between man and nature.

TREASURERER

Marc has devoted most of his career supporting the positive growth and healing process of people. He spent years in massage therapy, wilderness therapy as a guide for adolescents and young adults, and drug treatment and behavioral health centers as a mentor/life coach. He’s seen many times the effects of strong and weak support systems, and the benefits that come with a strong and thriving community. He believes that The Village Cooperative can be that thriving community, with shared values such as sustainability, self-reliance, education, health and community building.

CHIEF OF MARKETING

Michael graduated from the University of Utah with a background in Marketing and has dedicated over 12 years to Marketing Operations. He is a certified reiki and somatic breathwork practitioner and also loves to plan and host events that foster connection and healing. Growing up in Utah has deepened his love for the area and its community, and he is a genuinely caring, authentic person committed to helping his community thrive.

CHIEF OF OPERATIONS

Riley, a passionate Utah native from West Jordan, is dedicated to building community through gardening. He earned a B.S. in Kinesiology with a Minor in Nutrition from the University of Utah. After college, his love for plants led him into the cannabis industry, where he gained diverse experience across several states. He worked on large outdoor and greenhouse operations in Southern Oregon and managed warehouse grows in Colorado before returning to Utah. There, he oversaw large-scale indoor and outdoor operations for the state’s medical marijuana program. With eight years of experience, Riley is committed to maximizing efficiency and sustainability in gardens and establishing a local food network. 

TBD

Coming soon!