giving back
At the iconic Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, community is more than a concept—it’s a way of life. For co-founder Mike Freed and Vice President of Operations Mike Higgins, hospitality isn’t just about creating a world-class experience for guests—it’s about cultivating a deep sense of belonging and giving back.
“The instinct at the Ranch has always been to care—for the land, for our staff, and for the community,” says Freed (who refers to himself and Higgins by last names to differentiate among the many Mikes on property). Both men speak glowingly of the Post Ranch culture rooted in connection, stewardship and purpose.
Higgins, a native of the East Coast, joined the Post Ranch opening team in 1992 and returned after a 12-year hiatus. “It’s been the most rewarding experience of my life,” he shares. Freed, who has lived in Big Sur for over 40 years, met Bill and Luci Post in 1980, became partners with them to develop the Post Ranch Inn, which opened in 1992. Together, Freed, Higgins and the team at the Post Ranch are carrying on the Post family legacy of caring hospitality and environmental sustainability.
“Philanthropy is not just giving money to nonprofits. It's how our business participates with the community to make it better.”
a culture of giving
Leadership exemplifies and encourages staff to volunteer in the community, building trails, volunteering to serve in the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade, which is located on land donated by the Post Ranch. In addition, staff are involved in the Big Sur Health Center, Big Sur Land Trust, The Big Share, the Community Association of Big Sur (CABS) and other local nonprofits. The Ranch even provides subsidized housing for about 70 staff members and their families, noting that there are employees born and raised on the property working side by side with their parents. The culture of giving is ingrained throughout the staff team, “It’s a family.”
post ranch inn big sur community fund
To streamline their giving, they created the Post Ranch Inn Big Sur Community Fund at the Community Foundation for Monterey County (the “Big Sur Fund”) in 2023. Funded by 1 percent of the nightly room revenue, throughout the year, along with contributions from ownership, the fund supports local nonprofits aligned with their values.
A small committee recommends grants, welcoming input from all staff. In addition to supporting local organizations like the Big Sur Health Center, Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade, The Big Share and the local schools, they’ve broadened support to include innovative organizations like Rancho Cielo and Regenerative California that reflect their commitment to sustainability.
The Post Ranch Inn is also a proud supporter of the Monterey County Gives! campaign, contributing to the overall matching fund and to individual nonprofits. Disaster relief remains a key priority. During road closures, the Ranch helped deliver food and medicine and provided transportation for medical appointments “Fires, floods and road closures affect everyone,” says Higgins. “We are all in it together.”
Freed sums it up this way, “Everyone here comes together to help their neighbors and we’re so grateful to be part of this community.”
There are three keys to sustainability: nature, culture and community. Giving back in these areas goes hand in hand with hospitality.”