Born and raised in Houston, Don Barr moved to Austin in 1975 after spending 18 summers as a camper, counselor, and camp director at a private camp near Kerrville, TX. After a few years in the construction business, he became a commercial real estate broker specializing in land sales and then office and warehouse properties in the Austin area.

After helping to establish Candlelight Ranch, he realized he had found his true calling. He is still active in real estate investments, but spends the majority of his time as a volunteer for Candlelight Ranch both as a Board Member and with various programs at the Ranch.