Meet the Founders of Las Cuevas

At the heart of Las Cuevas is a shared dream—three individuals from different walks of life, brought together by vision, friendship, and a deep respect for the land. What started as a bold idea to build something meaningful in the Dominican Republic has grown into a full-scale development shaped by intention, expertise, and a true connection to the place.

Justin Grubby

Justin Grubby is the driving force behind Las Cuevas. A seasoned developer, entrepreneur, and real estate professional, Justin has spent the past two decades building and revitalizing properties across the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. From hands-on construction and land development to project strategy and team leadership, he’s brought to life everything from boutique renovations to full-scale, ground-up communities.

But Las Cuevas is different. This project is personal.

Five years ago, Justin came to Cabrera and instantly knew this was the place he was meant to build. With his construction experience and passion for sustainable design, he envisioned a community where architecture disappears into the landscape, and every element—from the villas to the fruit trees—is placed with purpose.

Today, Justin and his family call Cabrera home. He’s not just building for others—he’s building a life here. That personal commitment is evident in every decision he makes, from preserving and restoring native flora to championing local craftsmanship. He also serves as Co-Founder and VP of the Asociación para el Desarrollo Sostenible de Cabrera y Río San Juan, a nonprofit supporting thoughtful growth in the region.

Chad Barrick

Chad Barrick is a fourth-generation entrepreneur and the owner of Barrick & Sons – Landscape & Land Management, a Maryland-based company with decades of experience in landscaping, hardscaping, erosion control, and environmental design. He also runs several complementary businesses and serves as Fire Chief of Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company #11, reflecting his deep roots in community service and leadership.

Chad is also a devoted family man whose values are reflected in every decision he makes—from the way he manages teams to the way he thinks about long-term stewardship of the land. His practical know-how and respect for nature make him a perfect fit for a project like Las Cuevas.

Though Chad and Jack didn’t know each other before Las Cuevas, Justin saw how their expertise could come together to create something extraordinary. Chad's ability to read terrain, optimize land use, and balance aesthetics with function has helped shape the unique “landscape-first” philosophy at the heart of the project.

Jack Ruppert

Jack Ruppert is the founder of Positive Attitude Aviation, a respected flight school based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. A lifelong pilot, Jack began flying gliders at age 15 through the Civil Air Patrol and has dedicated his career to aviation training and safety.

What many don’t know is that Jack also studied Landscape Contracting Management at Penn State University, giving him a surprising but natural alignment with the land-integrated vision of Las Cuevas.

Jack and Justin’s friendship began years ago while training in MMA—forming a bond rooted in discipline, grit, and mutual respect. As they pushed each other on the mats, they also built the trust and alignment that would later translate into a business partnership. When Justin took flight lessons at Jack’s school, those conversations evolved into something bigger: a shared dream of building with purpose in a place that felt truly alive.

Jack’s systems-focused mindset and entrepreneurial energy bring another layer of balance to the team. His perspective complements both Justin’s creative vision and Chad’s on-the-ground expertise, making him a critical part of the Las Cuevas partnership.

Built on Trust, Grit, and Shared Purpose

While their paths to Las Cuevas were different, the partnership between Justin, Chad, and Jack works because of a shared belief: that development doesn’t have to mean disruption. It can mean restoration, harmony, and homes that feel like they’ve always belonged.

From thoughtfully placed villas to fruit trees planted along walking trails, Las Cuevas is rooted in experience—but also heart. The founders aren’t just investors. They’re creators. Builders. Friends. And in Justin’s case—a father raising his family right here, in the place they now call home.