Our Founder

What Bob did not anticipate when he set out to create Turtlegrass was he would soon find himself having to step up to defend this exceptional place from a potentially devastating threat. Yntegra’s overly-dense Rosewood Exuma plans would threaten both the North Bay, Sampson Cay itself and the very basis of what Turtlegrass set out to be - a low-density, environmentally responsible development designed around the natural wonder of the island and its waters

Bob and his wife Jeanne have been heavily involved in supporting their communities in Ohio and The Bahamas. Back in 1999, Bob decided to use his business experience to start the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon, now one of America’s most renowned marathon events. In 2026 it attracted over 45,000 participants, and every year it helps to raise approximately $1 million for local charities.

Via their family foundation, The Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation, and through direct giving, Bob and Jeanne support a myriad of causes. In The Bahamas this has included The Bahamas National Trust, the Organisation for Responsible Governance, the Harbour Island Green School, and many others. In 2020, Bob co-founded Friends of Exuma, a non-profit organization to be a catalyst of sustainable, long-term charitable giving throughout the Exumas. To date, the organization and its donors have provided over $2.5 million to several organizations and initiatives doing vital community work on the ground.  

With a focus on environmental sustainability, youth development and community engagement, the impact of the Coughlins’ giving has rippled powerfully through The Bahamas, and in particular, Bob and Jeanne’s adopted home of Exuma.