Our Team

At Valley Bear Farms, our exceptional team is driven by a genuine passion for creating unforgettable stays. Every member takes pride in the details. With dedication, warmth, and a commitment to excellence, we strive to make every stay a true five-star experience from start to finish.


Lou and Jackie are the visionaries behind Valley Bear Farms, a dream rooted in their love of design, nature, and meaningful connection. Drawing on years of entrepreneurial and creative experience, they set out to build a place where luxury and wilderness exist in perfect balance.

Through their hands-on leadership and attention to detail, they’ve transformed the property into a sanctuary of comfort and adventure, each cabin, trail, and space intentionally crafted to offer guests a genuine escape into nature. Their dedication to quality, community, and commitment to the guest 5-star experience continues to define the heart and spirit of Valley Bear Farms.

A woman wearing glasses and a gray jacket is smiling on the beach.

LOU AND JACKIE RUBINO

Founders


Entrepreneurs | Visionaries | Experience Designers

Lou and Jackie - the husband-and-wife team behind Valley Bear Farms. Their shared passion for nature, creativity, and hospitality inspired the creation of a retreat where guests can slow down, reconnect, and experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Born and raised in Baltimore County, Maryland, Sara’s journey has been defined by resilience, hard work, and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. From launching a successful residential cleaning company to managing multiple tattoo businesses, she’s built a career grounded in determination, adaptability, and heart.

After years of leading teams and traveling nationwide in the tattoo industry, Sara discovered a new calling in hospitality. Now, as General Manager of Valley Bear Farms, she brings her creativity, leadership, and love for people to every detail—helping shape the property into a peaceful retreat where guests can relax, reconnect, and rediscover the beauty of nature.


A woman wearing glasses and a gray jacket is smiling on the beach.

SARA BLADES

General Manager


Entrepreneurial Spirit | Forward-Thinker | Compassionate Leader

Sara leads with heart and vision, blending creativity with determination to bring the Valley Bear experience to life in every detail.


Raised on Long Island, New York, Marvin is a devoted father whose lifelong passion for sports—especially soccer—instilled in him discipline, teamwork, and leadership. From restaurants to construction sites, his early work experiences shaped a strong work ethic and a drive to go above and beyond.

After studying Business Management at Nassau Community College, Marvin built a career in logistics, production, and warehouse management before relocating to North Carolina. When he discovered Valley Bear Farms, he immediately felt a sense of belonging. Today, Marvin brings his leadership, reliability, and love of nature to the team—and he especially enjoys connecting with guests, whether sharing stories around the property or joining in a friendly game on the courts.

Marvin

MARVIN CONTRERAS

Operations Manager


Devoted Father | Outdoor Enthusiast | Versatile Craftsman

Marvin’s love for the outdoors and hands-on skill bring warmth, reliability, and craftsmanship to everything that makes Valley Bear thrive.


Laura Collins is a dedicated organic farmer and educator with a passion for regenerative agriculture and sustainable living. With years of hands-on experience managing diversified vegetable farms and working with mixed livestock, she brings both expertise and heart to everything she cultivates.

Certified through Clemson University’s New and Beginning Farmer Program and the Organic Growers School’s Farm Beginnings program, Laura also teaches and mentors within the Carolina farming community. At Valley Bear Farms, she combines her love of the land and education to help nurture a thriving, sustainable environment for guests and future growers alike.

Laura

LAURA COLLINS

Farm Manager


Steward of the Land | Nature Enthusiast | Passionate Cultivator

Laura’s deep connection to nature and her nurturing spirit help the property flourish—from gardens to guest experiences.

Cory Miller brings energy, warmth, and positivity to every guest interaction at Valley Bear Farms. With a lifelong love of music and people, he’s passionate about creating unforgettable moments and sharing good vibes wherever he goes. Whether connecting with guests around the property or spending time with his wife, Kyndra, and their five children, Cory believes in making every moment count and every memory last.


Laura

CORY MILLER

Customer Care Specialist


Music Enthusiast | Energy Creator | Memory Maker

Cory brings contagious energy and positivity to every guest experience, spreading joy through music, connection, and unforgettable moments.

A Balsam Grove native, Kyndra Miller brings over 14 years of professional cleaning experience to Valley Bear Farms. Known for her keen eye for detail and dedication to creating spotless, welcoming spaces, she ensures every guest feels at home. Outside of work, Kyndra enjoys exploring her artistic side in all its forms and cherishes time with her husband, Cory, and their five children.


Laura

KYNDRA MILLER

Housekeeping Specialist


Detail-Oriented | Creative Spirit | Hospitality Professional

With over a decade of experience, Kyndra takes pride in creating spotless, welcoming spaces and adds a touch of artistry to everything she does.