Help Jonathan Reclaim His Stolen Livelihood

For those of you who don’t know me personally, my name is Jonathan Baumhover. I am a Nederland local, Chinook West alum, former TEENS inc staff member and at one time a very active member of this community.

Last Thursday, 6/20, the back windshield of my camper shell was forced open and broken into while parked at the BC Justice Center. The thief made off with my two pelican cases containing all my batteries and battery powered hand tools. These tools had cost me around $6000, bought over the course of many years. Each and every item had a sentimental value to me as a reminder of how far I had come in pursuing my dreams. Beyond this, these tools were and are my livelihood, my means of making a living and earning money. The loss of it all in one day was crushing and heart breaking to me.

For the last 7 years I have been a self-employed small business owner. I started my small business back in 2017 with a dream of being able to make a living doing what I love.

I knew it would be an uphill battle as I had only limited tools, no start-up funds and come from humble beginnings. I knew in my heart if I committed myself 100% to my goals I would find a way. And so, I decided to name my small business Dauntless Pursuits as a reminder to give it my all every day to bring forth the vision and dreams of any of my customers.

I grew this small business slowly starting as a handyman/landscaper using old and secondhand tools taking all the small jobs that others didn't want to do, and never passed up an opportunity to learn new skills. Over time, with the support, kindness, friendship and mentoring of a lot of good men who helped me along the way, and taught me a great deal, I slowly became a skilled craftsman capable of frame to finish carpentry and custom home building. During that time, I have ridden the roller coaster of navigating through the trials and struggles of self-employment, running and trying to grow my business and my brand.

As the scope of my work increased, I continually reinvested my earnings to build up an arsenal of tools, slowly replacing my secondhand and old corded tools with more efficient and versatile battery powered tools- the tools stolen on 6/20.

Many members of my community have expressed a desire to help support me in replacing these tools. Those of you who know me well also know I can be prideful and have a real hard time asking for help.

But, in light of this overwhelming loss and an amazing display of compassion, kindness and care by Nederland area community members I have decided to follow the advice of these kind-hearted individuals and start this go fund me in an effort to replace what has been taken from me. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.