Passionpreneur
about George Appling
George Appling is an author and entrepreneur whose extensive career spans across countries, industries, and sectors. In 2009, he dedicated his professional life to building businesses he is passionate about, including a mead-making company, a medieval festival, a summer camp, and a non-profit equine program for first responders and veterans.
George is also a Vistage Chair who helps CEOs and business owners experience the joy of doing what they love and succeeding. But perhaps his most significant qualification as a mentor is the fact that he loves his life, and he intentionally created it for himself.
George holds 2 Masters degrees from Harvard and 2 Bachelors degrees from Texas A&M. He was a junior partner at McKinsey & Co and a lead partner at Booz & Co. He served as president of a business unit at Siemens, the COO of Brightstar, and the CEO of a $1B cellphone distribution company.
Book & Speaking
“Don’t Settle: A Pick Your Path Guide to Exceptional Work” is available now. The book is a tool kit with which to intentionally choose the relationship between your passion and your work.
Faire
Sherwood Forest Faire has been transporting patrons to England in the 1190s since 2010 with 150 shows per day and 170 artisans plus rides, games, and plenty of mead!
Sherwood entertains over 150,000 patrons in 17 operating days: weekends in March & April plus Spring Break Friday. Sherwood Forest is 35 miles east of Austin, Tx.
Summer Camp
Founded in 2012, Sherwood Forest Summer Camp teaches and entertains over 500 kids; ages 8-16 every July in 4 camps of 6 days each.
Campers build lifelong friendships while learning skills such as: Blacksmithing, Swordplay, Horsemanship, Leatherworking, Pottery, Theater, Candle-making, Character Creation, Axe Throwing, and more. Yes, there is a grown-up version. It’s a 3-day weekend in June.
Mead
Founded in 2010, Thorin’s is the #1 mead in Texas. You can find Thorin’s meads at over 300 retailers and festivals such as Sherwood Forest Faire, The Texas Renaissance Festival, and the Texas Viking Festival. E-commerce available from www.ThorinsMead.com.
Vistage (Executive Coaching)
Founded in 1957, Vistage is the largest organization in the world focused on executive coaching and peer advisory for small and medium business CEOs.
George Appling is a Chair in Austin where he works with 10-14 local CEOs. Members experience extraordinary growth, accountability, and fellowship.
Acting
George played King Richard the Lionheart in Sherwood Forest for 12 years (2011-2022). He is focused on stage combat where he holds 6 of the 8 weapon certifications offered by the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). An avid horseman, George also enjoys working with his equine friends in the outdoor theater.
Castle Rentals
Nottingham Castle is a 7750 sq ft facility located in Sherwood Forest, 35 miles east of Austin. The rentable portion includes 5 bedrooms, a bridal changing room, and a 60 x 40 Great Hall. Rentals are available year round.
Knights of the Grail (501c3)
KotG is a non profit dedicated to equine therapy for military veterans and first responders. Most weekends of the year, KotG clients and staff are working with horses in Sherwood Forest.
You can donate here: PayPal.me/kotgtx.
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