Meet Davis Pfund—a Renewable Energy Professional, Social Entrepreneur, Community Builder, Event Producer, Visionary Artist, Multi-Instrumental Musician, and Avid Tree Hugger. With a passion for sustainability, social impact, and regenerative living, Davis has launched multiple ventures that combine entrepreneurship with a mission to create a better world.
From curating transformational music and arts events with Mettā Creative, to building a sustainable community at Tierra Fresca, to making renewable energy more accessible with New Earth Solar, Davis is proof that business can be purpose-driven. In this interview, he shares the inspiration behind his ventures, how they’re interconnected, and the journey that led him to where he is today.
Q: Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your academic background?
I majored in Entrepreneurship & Technology Innovation with a minor in Chinese Studies at the University of Delaware. I was honored to receive the David Freschman Scholarship in 2018. Beyond academics, I immersed myself in entrepreneurship programming through the Entrepreneurship Club, VentureOn, Summer Founders, and Siegfried Fellows. I also founded the Kronum Club at UD, blending my passion for sports and community-building.
Q: Can you describe your startups and how they create social impact?
Mettā Creative
Mettā Creative's mission is to connect and inspire people to live more regeneratively through transformational experiences. We focus on curating impactful music and creative arts events that help participants form meaningful connections with themselves, each other, and nature—all while raising funds and awareness for social and environmental causes. #PartyWithPurpose
The idea for Mettā Creative was born in 2017 when my co-founder Dylan Nunn and I realized that mainstream nightlife lacked true connection. We envisioned an alternative nightlife scene—one that fostered deeper interactions while minimizing waste. Instead of single-use plastic cups, we encouraged partygoers to bring reusable bottles.
Through UD’s Horn Entrepreneurship program, we refined our venture, participating in VentureOn, Summer Founders (2019), and other entrepreneurship initiatives that helped us grow. Over time, we realized our events had a profound effect—people were forming lifelong friendships, partnerships, and even businesses because of the connections they made at our events.
Tierra Fresca
Tierra Fresca is an earth-focused neighborhood and regenerative hub designed for education, experiences, and community-building. Our goal is to serve as a replicable model for sustainable living—where people grow their own food, create plant-based medicines, and participate in workshops, retreats, and hands-on learning experiences.
The idea for Tierra Fresca emerged after Dylan and I lived on a farm during COVID. We learned about permaculture, eco-villages, and self-sufficiency. Instead of spending thousands of dollars renting venues for Mettā Creative, we envisioned owning a permanent space for regenerative events. After years of travel, research, and eco-community exploration, we finally established Tierra Fresca on a historic coffee farm near Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.
New Earth Solar
New Earth Solar is a nationwide renewable energy consulting company that helps homeowners and businesses transition to solar power. We leverage top brands, product partners, and financing solutions to find the best solar energy options for clients across the country.
With over 14 years of experience in the energy efficiency industry, I was inspired to start New Earth Solar after seeing an increasing demand for affordable and accessible clean energy solutions. What excites me the most is helping people reclaim their power—both financially and environmentally.
Q: How are your ventures connected?
Mettā Creative, Tierra Fresca, and New Earth Solar all share a common goal: sustainability and regeneration.
- Mettā Creative brings people together through transformational experiences.
- Tierra Fresca provides a physical space where people can live regeneratively and learn sustainable practices.
- New Earth Solar helps people transition to renewable energy, reducing their carbon footprint while achieving financial independence.
While each venture operates independently, they all work together to create a better future for both people and the planet.
Q: What challenges did you face in building a mission-driven business?
The biggest challenge has been ethical funding. As a B-Corp-style business, we struggled to secure traditional funding because investors often prioritize profit over impact.
So, we bootstrapped everything—reinvesting our earnings into our ventures. While it’s been financially challenging at times, our commitment to our mission has kept us going.
Q: Was there a particular moment that reinforced your commitment to social entrepreneurship?
Yes—countless moments! The most powerful experiences have been hearing attendees say,
“This event changed my life.”
Whether it’s someone meeting their best friend, future partner, or business collaborator at a Mettā Creative event, or witnessing someone have a breakthrough during a workshop, these moments validate everything we do.
Getting recognized publicly has also reinforced our journey. Mettā Creative was featured in Innovate Washington Magazine, which was an exciting milestone for us.
Q: How do you measure success beyond financial performance?
Our impact is measured by:
✅ The number of people we’ve helped through events and education
✅ The amount of trees planted and forests protected
✅ The community engagement and testimonials we receive
It’s not just about revenue—it’s about creating a ripple effect where each person we inspire goes on to inspire others.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to launch socially responsible businesses?
- Don’t quit your day job… yet! Start small and learn from others before going all in.
- Read “The Soul of Money” by Dr. Lynne Twist—it completely reshaped my mindset on money and abundance.
- Trust the process and stay adaptable—pivoting is part of the journey.
- Learn breathwork, meditate daily, and keep a gratitude journal—these practices keep you grounded.
Q: You participated in a lot of entrepreneurship programs at UD. Which ones would you recommend?
All of them! The Horn Entrepreneurship community truly became like family to me. I spent most of my days at the VDC (Venture Development Center) and would happily do it all over again.
My advice: Show up, get involved, and be a “Front Row Joe”—engage deeply and take advantage of every opportunity.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Horn community?
Wow… just so much gratitude. The experiences, the challenges, the wins—everything at UD helped shape my journey. If you’ve read this far, please reach out! I’d love to reconnect: LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook.
Davis is a visionary changemaker, driven by the desire to help people reconnect with nature, live more sustainably, and break free from scarcity mindsets. Through Mettā Creative, Tierra Fresca, and New Earth Solar, He is proving that entrepreneurship can be a force for good. His ventures are not just about generating revenue—they’re about cultivating meaningful connections, promoting regenerative living, and making sustainable solutions more accessible to all.
Yet, his story is still unfolding. As he continues to evolve, adapt, and expand his impact, Davis remains committed to his ultimate goal: helping people and the planet thrive. For those looking to start their own mission-driven businesses, Davis’s advice is clear: stay adaptable, trust the process, and never lose sight of why you started in the first place.
This article is edited from a longer interview. Click here to read the full interview.
About Horn Entrepreneurship
Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.
