CASEY HALLORAN: WHERE IS HE NOW

Casey Halloran

So whatever happened to Casey Halloran?

Since leaving Coudersport as a teenager, Halloran, now 32, has settled in as a travel consultant and real estate representative, splitting his time between San Jose, Costa Rica, and Panama City, Panama.

Casey is the son of Jack and Sue Halloran of Coudersport.

He moved to Costa Rica from Richmond, Va., a decade ago as a web marketing consultant, working with tourism and real estate related businesses. Those contacts helped Halloran to see the potential of starting his own businesses.

"I was working 50-plus hours per week and knew I wanted more," Casey said. "I'd studied abroad in Spain and considered moving there, but simply couldn't afford to start a business there. After a short list of countries including Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina, Costa Rica seemed the best fit for my skills. Luckily, I guessed right."

Being fluent in Spanish, Halloran has been able to communicate effectively in Costa Rica. He said he misses family and friends in the U.S., but his job allows him to stay in touch with many people.

Jack and Sue Halloran recently joined their son in Panama to help him open a small bed and breakfast near the beach. Casey said he'd like to explore other business opportunities in Central America, including franchising and additional real estate activities.

He added that he has developed a respect and affection for the people of Costa Rica.

"I have learned plenty from living among them," Halloran said. "I'm not sure if another culture would have been able to make a nut like me feel so much at home."

He lists the positive aspects of living in Costa Rica as business opportunities, weather, people, landscape and ecoconsciousness.

Negatives include taxes and tariffs, poor security, and difficulties in finding supplies.