Jaz Akerele is an adventurer—a modern-day explorer who has traversed the globe to more than 25 countries, experiencing the incredible diversity of our planet and humankind. For Jaz, adventures await everywhere—in South Africa, where he went cage diving with great whites, in Cappadocia, where he surveyed the surreal landscape from a hot air balloon, in Egypt and China, and even in our own Rocky Mountains, where he carves powder on his snowboard. Every new exploration gets Jaz out of his comfort zone and into the living zone. But his biggest adventure is right at home, being a father to his two children, who offer him daily opportunities to lead better, learn better and love better.

Adventuring has its obvious rewards, but there is also no shortage of risks. Jaz is always up for the challenge, and he’s had some close calls—notably one where his Jeep met one of Colorado’s notorious natural perils. Out adventuring with his siblings, he experienced a flash flood that turned his route into a river. Jaz was sure his Jeep could forge the current, but it got stuck almost immediately, and he and his siblings had to abandon ship. Though it was panic-worthy, Jaz kept his cool, found safe ground for his crew, and even managed to retrieve the Jeep when a monster truck miraculously appeared and towed him all the way home. Gotta love that Colorado camaraderie!

A man of diverse interests, Jaz was once thrust into the spotlight for something that might surprise you. His enormous Beanie Baby collection was then recognized as the largest in the world, landing him in the press and ultimately leading to a feature on Anthony Anderson’s To Tell the Truth TV gameshow.
Jaz has lived in Painted Prairie since 2023, and is a huge fan of the community and the lifestyle. As a physical therapist who also runs his own business, Beyond Gym, he values the open layout, trails, and green spaces that make for incredible morning runs and outdoor activities. He believes they promote connection and simplicity in his everyday life.

“I chose to live in Painted Prairie because it felt intentionally built around community, family, and wellness.”, says Jaz. “People look out for one another, step in without being asked, and show kindness in the most genuine ways.”