Known to his friends simply as Dusty, Dustin K. Schmidt has built a life around creativity, resilience, and vision. After a successful career as a tattoo artist, business owner, and real estate investor, Dusty turned his focus to transforming more than 130 acres of investment properties in Cave Spring and Rome, GA. Over the last several years, he has poured his energy into renovating homes, redeveloping his riverfront property into Rivers Edge Retreat, and building the Outpost at Hunter’s Haven Lodge in anticipation of its grand opening on March 1st, 2026. These projects, along with his hunting lands and event spaces, have come together as Lake Weiss Water & Woods Destinations — a place where families, friends, and groups can gather to enjoy the beauty of nature and the joy of togetherness.

Dusty’s heart, however, beats for something even greater. With two daughters of his own, Bailee and Kylie, he understands the power of family and legacy. His larger purpose is to invest in the lives of children battling cancer and others in need of healing physically, mentally, and spiritually. His vision is to expand Lake Weiss Destinations with a nonprofit retreat center — whether on his 129-acre property or through a future redevelopment of Rivers Edge — where functional medicine, horse therapy, and restorative experiences bring hope, renewal, and wholeness.