Why the Future of AI Might Just Be in Serenbe

It doesn’t start in a skyscraper. It starts in a forest—with a tech lab, a garden, and a community rethinking what AI can be.

Apr 11, 2025

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When you think of Serenbe, you probably picture yoga on the farm, wildflower bouquets from a roadside stand, or maybe a reiki session followed by a sound bath. And you’d be right. This place is a wellness wonderland—full of nature, creativity, and intentional living.

But here’s a prediction: in the future, you might also think of Serenbe as a hotbed for AI.

Because while on the surface we’ve got goats, fresh veggies, theater, and art galleries… behind the scenes, there’s something else happening.

There’s a quiet group of creators, tinkerers, and thinkers—people building with intention, not just composting with it. And that doesn’t just mean foraging mushrooms or crafting herbal tinctures (though we love that too). It also means exploring the intersection of technology and the lives we’re choosing to create.

It means asking:

What happens when nature and machine learning co-exist?
What role does AI play in a slower, more thoughtful life?
And how do we harness it—not to hustle harder—but to live better?

That’s the conversation Jeff Smith is hosting every week in his basement. (Yes, really.)

In today’s issue:

🤖 AI… but make it Serenbe? Meet Jeff —aka the “AI Guy” of Chatt Hills
🛠️ How I Use AI (and Why I’m Not Hiding It)
📍 For the Locals – Events this week + “In Case You Missed It”

🤖 Meet Jeff Smith—aka the “AI Guy” of Chatt Hills

Jeff is the kind of neighbor who makes you lean in a little closer when he talks. He’s got this low-key genius energy—kind, curious, brilliant without trying to prove it. He’s the founder of QuantumIOT, was previously CTO of Numerex, and—oh yeah—he worked as a scientist for Motorola and NASA. He also has a wild story about being one of the first owners of the internet. (Go ahead, ask him about it. NBD.)

(Oh, and by the way—there are so many Jeffs here that most folks just call him AI Jeff. Although when I told him this, it sounded like new news to him—so it might just be behind his back. 😉)

Now? He’s channeling all that experience into something deeply local, refreshingly human, and wildly relevant.

The first time we met Jeff, he was dressed as a knight making wooden swords with kids and asking his wife to Serenbe Prom. It makes sense if you live here.

Every Wednesday morning, Jeff opens up his home (and his legit tech/robotics basement lab) to host the Chatt Hills AI Meetup—a casual gathering of folks curious about emerging tech, machine learning, and how it all might reshape our lives and businesses.

Jeff’s basement, where the Chatt Hills AI group meets and kids come to learn about robotics—and a lot more.

Yes, there’s a tech lab here. And yes, it’s in a basement—but just outside the giant retractable door is a garden and the forest. Things are a bit different than your typical tech lab. They’re a little more grounded. A little more balanced. A little more Serenbe.

Just outside the AI lab: birdsong, sunlight, and a garden Jeff and his wife are building. Because balance.

Oh—and as if that’s not enough, Jeff also runs the robotics club for kids in the area. And geesh, I can’t wait until Rory and Dottie are old enough to join, because it sounds incredible.

You don’t need a tech degree to show up. You just need to be curious.

It’s Not Just Tech Bros

Let me paint the picture: You walk into Jeff’s home. You head downstairs. Suddenly you’re in what feels like a sci-fi set—screens, whiteboards, gadgets, a 3D printer or two. There’s even a food dryer. (Because, of course there is.)

But instead of jargon or ego, there’s plenty of chairs, coffee, laughter, and wide-open conversation.

It’s not just engineers and developers.

It’s writers, educators, parents, and the AI-curious just trying to wrap their heads around what’s possible.

It’s business owners looking to streamline operations.

It’s people who believe that technology can actually support a more human life.

Each week, there’s a different topic or tool. One week it’s generative art. Another, it’s privacy and ethics. You can come with questions, ideas, or just to soak it in.

It’s not about building the next unicorn startup.

It’s about building lives—and community—thoughtfully, with tools that actually help.

Why This Feels So… Right

Serenbe has always been ahead of its time. A place where conservation meets community. Where wellness isn’t performative—it’s woven into the fabric of daily life.

So maybe it’s not surprising that something like this is happening here.

In a world where AI often feels distant, overwhelming, or out of reach, Jeff is making it tangible, accessible, and human. He’s not trying to dazzle anyone—he’s inviting us to explore. To ask better questions. To think a little bigger.

Because the future isn’t all robots and chaos.

It might just be sound baths and chat bots

Forest trails and tech salons.

A slower, richer life—with smarter tools.

And maybe—just maybe—the next big idea doesn’t start in a Silicon Valley skyscraper.

It starts in a Serenbe basement.

Want in on the Chatt Hills AI Meetup?

It’s every-ish Wednesday morning around 9am.

Heads up: On April 16th, the first half of the meeting will kick off a little earlier—8:30am—with a special focus just for AI newcomers. So if you’ve been curious but unsure where to start, this is a great week to dip a toe in.

Check out Chatt Hills AI Meetup for more details. Or comment below—I’ll point you in the right direction.

Curious what AI could do in your world? Come by.

You don’t need to “get it.”

You just need to show up.

🛠️ How I Use AI (and Why I’m Not Hiding It)

I know AI is a hot topic right now—especially in the writing world. There are big opinions flying around about what’s “authentic” and what’s not. So I figured I’d be open and share what I’m doing here—so you’re not left wondering.

Yes, I use AI to help write this newsletter.
In fact, I use AI in nearly every part of my business right now—to work smarter, experiment faster, and free up more time for the things that matter.

But what you’re reading here? These are my words, my experiences, and conversations I’ve had with real people.

I’m the curator.

I’ve never actually considered myself a writer.
I’m a creator. A vessel. A storyteller. A pattern-finder.
I’m someone who listens closely, weaves meaning, and shares what I’ve found.

And I use every tool I can to make that easier, faster, and more joyful.

That includes talking to ChatGPT like she’s a virtual assistant on my shoulder—helping me brainstorm, organize ideas, write messy first drafts, and fix what my undiagnosed dyslexic brain regularly messes up.
(Seriously. Grammar and spelling have never been my strong suit, and I’d rather not spend hours obsessing over commas.)

I’ve also been playing with Otter to record conversations and interviews—turning them into transcripts I can actually use and learn from.

But every conversation you read here? I had it.
Every story? It’s something I witnessed or felt in my own body.

I left my corporate job because I didn’t want to be boxed in when it came to AI. I wanted to be in it. To experiment. To stay relevant. To grow faster than the system would let me.

And I believe with my whole heart that AI is going to flood the world with content—some good, a lot of it not. Which I believe will make curation more valuable than ever.

That’s the bet I’m making with Life at Play:

That having a trusted guide—someone who filters the noise, surfaces the meaningful, and shares it with intention—will matter more, not less.

And I hope I’m fortunate enough to earn your trust.

So yes, I’m using AI.
But I’m not outsourcing my voice.
I’m using it to amplify it.

EVENTS THIS WEEK: April 11–20 | Serenbe + Chatt Hills

FRIDAY, APRIL 11

Precision Run Club | 7:40am | 2–3 miles, meet at Mado 1
Serenbe Trail Volunteer Day | 9am | Meet at Halsa
Farmhouse Fridays | 5:30–8:30pm | Live music on the Farmhouse back porch

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

Serenbe Farmers Market | 9am–1pm | Grange Green
Chatt Hills Community Yard Sale | 9am–1pm | at 6505 Rico Road (Cookout included)
Kids Story time with Hills & Hamlet | 9:30am | Birdhouse Market
Serenbe Goat Yoga | 10am | The Inn
Soberish Free Tasting | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 1277 Mado Lp
Jazz Night | 9pm | Live music, Marla Feeney, at Austin’s

SUNDAY, APRIL 13

Silent Book Club | Sundays, 9:00am - 11:00am | Birdhouse Market, Serenbe
Yoga for the Horses | 2pm | with instructor Misty Caples at Zorro’s Crossing

MONDAY, APRIL 14

Ceramics for Children (5+) | Weekly, now - 5.1 | at Minro

TUESDAY, APRIL 15

Serenbe Softball | 5:30pm | Serenbe Athletic Fields

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

Chatt Hills AI Meetup | 9:30am | Jeff Smith’s home

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

Pose and Compose: Figure Drawing | 6pm | CENTER at Studio Swan
Trivia Night with SuperGeek Trivia | 6:30–8:30pm | Halsa
Awareness Meditation Series | 7pm | Serenbe home

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

Blunch with Garnish & Gather | 9:30–11:30am | Birdhouse Market

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Serenbe Social Committee Easter Egg Hunt | 10am-2pm | RSVP & drop of drop off pre-filled eggs
Chatt Hills Community Easter Egg Hunt | 2pm | The Brett’s Pasture, 6301 Campbellton-Redwine Rd
Soul Barn Sounds: Cozy Concert | 6:30–9pm | Soul Barn
The Music Farm: PRINTEMPS | 7 PM - 11 PM | Live music featuring Forever 78’ and Sienna Jade

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Spring Floral Installation at Oak House Studios | All April | Araiza Florals has transformed Oak House Studios with a stunning spring setup—think dreamy floral wall meets natural light haven. The studio is available to rent for photo shoots, content creation, or creative sessions. Studio bookings are filling fast for weekends, so snag your spot soon.
Earth Day Film Screening: My Garden of a Thousand Bees | Tuesday, April 22, 7pm | Celebrate Earth Day at the Lakeside Pavilion in Serenbe with a free screening of this stunning Nature documentary, exploring the lives of native pollinators. Hosted by Bee City USA–Chatt Hills and Art Farm’s Environmental Council. Space is limited—RSVP at artfarmatserenbe.org.
TMBT’s Spring! Ballet in the Meadow | May 9–18, 7:30pm | Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre is bringing their fresh take on Vivaldi’s Spring to Serenbe’s Wildflower Meadow. Think sunset skies, lush choreography, and a world premiere from award-winning choreographer Jimmy Orrante. BYO-blanket and let yourself get swept away under the stars. Tickets + info
Free Hearing Screenings at The HearingSmiths | New to the area or just haven’t had your annual checkup? The HearingSmiths (off Mado Loop) are offering complimentary hearing screenings. Hearing health = brain health, balance, and quality of life. Call 770-778-3304 to schedule.
Camp Serenbe Registration Open | Spots are filling up fast (some weeks already sold out!)—so if you’ve been meaning to register your child, now’s the time. Registration opens to the broader community this week. Get ready for a summer full of outdoor fun and adventure! Register here
Golf Cart Prices Going Up | Pre-Tariff Deals Available Now
Due to new tariffs, golf cart prices are rising fast—some models already increasing $1500–$3000. Amplify Your Ride still has a limited supply of 2024–2025 carts at pre-tariff pricing. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! Swing by Amplify Your Ride to learn more.
New Serenbe Stories Episode | In Season 12, Episode 5, world travelers T.J. & Natalie Aldridge share what inspired them to put down roots in Serenbe—choosing community, creativity, and a slower, more intentional way of living. Listen here.

If you loved this story—or it made you think—please share it with a friend who might enjoy it too.

Life at Play