Sacred Pines Resort and Event Center

Assisted by University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ASBTDC

Consultant Ty Barrett

California Family Embraces Arkansas Mountains

Joseph and Miranda Sprague moved from bustling Southern California to the peaceful Ouachita Mountains just north of Mena, Ark., in 2021 with a dream.

They wanted to develop an oasis like no other and own a business that united their passions for hospitality, creative spaces, and bringing people together in nature.

The result is Sacred Pines Resort and Event Center, a destination where guests can enjoy the natural beauty in a variety of ways.

“Sacred Pines has evolved into a unique venture encompassing an event and wedding venue, lodging, and retreat space. We are committed to building something meaningful for families, special moments, and the community,” Miranda said.

Sacred Pines is a true family affair.

A former aerospace engineer, Joseph now builds unique tree houses and tiny homes at the resort. He takes pride in continually improving the 78-acre property. 

Miranda, whose background is in event planning, oversees rental bookings and event management, marketing, and accounting for the business. 

Joe and Andrea Pinner, close friends of the Spragues, moved from California in late 2021 to help run the run the restaurant and coffee bar at Sacred Pines. They now own 15 percent of the business.

In addition, Joseph’s parents loved the area so much they have retired to Sacred Pines from California and are now partners, too, with a 25 percent share of the business. 

Like Surrounding Terrain, Learning Curve Steep for 1st-Time Owners

As first-time business owners, the Spragues say they faced a steep learning curve.

On the job, they had to learn how to run a business with several revenue streams, while balancing their own ideas with input from multiple investors.

The couple navigated both a complex property acquisition and business startup that required time to generate consistent cash flow. The entire process, from starting Sacred Pines on a lease-to-own contract to the final purchase approval, took two years.

“Managing taxes, permits, insurance, operating structures, and accounting remains a significant undertaking. We also navigated various partnerships and investors, striving to maintain unity and respect for different visions,” said Miranda. “Fortunately, we now have two strong business partners and are expanding our team to help this dream flourish.”

Couple Successfully Refinances with ASBTDC’s Help

When the Spragues approached a local lender about refinancing the lease-to-own contract on the property, the bank recommended they consult a small business advisor.

They worked with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center to strengthen their loan application with income projections supported by market data.

“ASBTDC’s assistance was instrumental in securing the loan needed to purchase the land we operate on,” said Miranda.

Ty Barrett of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ASBTDC, a former banker, provided the guidance the Spragues needed with their financials.

“Ty worked closely with me to transform my initial projections into realistic, bankable figures. He helped me understand what was manageable for a loan, what the bank required, and how to present everything professionally,” she said.

“His guidance also facilitated communication between us and the bank, streamlining the entire process. His support brought clarity to our true financial sustainability, instilling confidence in both us and the bank.”

Sacred Pines Continues to Add Amenities, Expects Demand to Grow

For overnight stays, Sacred Pines has a variety of accommodations, including a lodge, cabins, and tree houses. For events, the lakeside pavilion can hold up to 200 guests, or the event center can host 120 seated guests for indoor events. 

The coffee shop offers a selection of coffees, teas, and pastries for guests as well as locals.

Sacred Pines is ideally located to offer lodging and host events near The Trails at Mena outdoor recreation project being developed by the Arkansas State Parks system. 

Once completed, The Trails at Mena will be the world’s largest lift-served mountain bike park, encompassing over 8,000 acres and creating an economic engine for Southwest Arkansas.

Anticipating more visitors, the owners continue developing more areas of the property and striving for excellence in every guest experience.

Long-term, the family aspires to establish Sacred Pines as a “renowned nature retreat,” Miranda said, with lodging and amenities that promote rest, relaxation, and connection.

They envision becoming a hub for the rural community, hosting festivals, movie nights, and farmers markets.

The Spragues will continue to look to Barrett and the ASBTDC for assistance with growth planning, future funding opportunities, and strategic advice.

“We’re building a business with multiple facets—events, lodging, and hospitality—and having a trusted advisor to consult on ideas and numbers is invaluable,” said Miranda.

The couple appreciates that even though the center’s services are free, the value is “exceptionally high,” said Miranda, who recommended ASBTDC to others starting or expanding a business.

“You don’t have to figure everything out on your own, especially concerning numbers, projections, and loan readiness. They helped us transition from a lease to ownership, and we are incredibly grateful,” she said.

Ultimately, the Spragues’ goal for the vast property is to create generational work and wealth. They are raising their children at Sacred Pines, immersing them in the family business. 

In their short tenure as business owners, they have learned many lessons, Miranda says. “Most importantly, we’ve learned that God is faithful and provides everything we need.”

Sacred Pines is located at 17587 U.S. Hwy 71 in Boles. To learn more, visit sacredpinesar.com.

-Oct. 3, 2025