Our Team
Team and collaborators
Get to know our team.
Together we can create something inspirational.
An organization’s strength lies in its people.
Collectively, we’re dedicated to delivering top-notch service, expertise, care, and a genuine sense of pride in our work.
We’ve forged strong collaborations with numerous skilled individuals across various domains, contributing significantly to the seamless success of the VISA process. We collaborate with lawyers, estate agents, and other professionals whom we will connect you with for specialized assistance. Our on-the-ground partners in Portugal are truly exceptional individuals.
Co-founder, Director of Marketing & Consulting
Heather S. Binder
You’re nothing without your good name
I’m not a dreamer. I’m a DOER!
“I’m here to assist—it’s second nature. My focus includes consulting on strategy, timing, and navigating the complexities of relocation, covering everything from location scouting, visa strategies, and real estate to exotic pet moving, financial considerations, and health insurance. With extensive experience in these areas and a background in real estate, I guide clients from scouting to becoming expats or immigrants. I believe in the power of partnerships and community, fostering connections through social events. Excited to assist new clients, understand their goals, and guide them through this exciting journey.”
Organized, responsive and hard-working
Heather is an extremely organized and responsive consultant. She answered my many questions and guided us through the entire process. She is a natural problem-solver (my favorite type of person). She was able to craft unique solutions to the issues that popped up along the way which we had no idea how to address. She has a can-do, get-it-done personality which is vital to those who need that type of reassurance. I would highly recommend her.
Trustpilot Date of experience: August 10, 2023
More about Heather
Heather is not only dedicated to relocation services and veterans but also passionately committed to animal welfare. She allocates 10% of Boots on the Ground Portugal’s profits to support the Rede Leonardo Proteção Association, aiding animals in need. Heather’s personal adoption stories just since living in Portugal include a 7-year-old pug, adopting a recently injured cat who had a leg amputated and is FIV/FeLV positive, and raising two bottle-fed orphan kittens, showcasing her deep commitment to animals with special needs. Her multifaceted approach, combining financial support and hands-on care, reflects a holistic dedication to the cause of animal welfare.
Heather’s Experience
Immigrated from Arizona in early 2021 to the Caldas da Rainha area of the Silver Coast
Managing Broker of 1,150 Agents--teaching agents, attending to agent calls, and auditing broker files
Arizona buyer broker focused real estate agent in Arizona
Previous loan processor for Chase & Bank of America
Consultant & Head Researcher
Sara Lourenço
Bridging communities and culture
“Having immigrated to the UK and Brazil from Portugal, I grasp the frustration and uncertainty of this journey. As a native Portuguese speaker, I empathize and offer assistance, from simple tasks like scheduling appointments to complex ones like upgrading electrical systems, ordering custom hot tubs, and school registrations, resolving bureaucratic issues, and leveraging my language and cultural skills to ensure tasks are completed efficiently. I also aim to bridge communities and culture.”
Operations Manager
Mike Favela
Michael is based in our Phoenix Arizona headquarters and works behind the scenes.
“I’m the guy behind the scenes. My management and IT experience lend to my work with Boots on the Ground Portugal. My focus is on executing contracts, managing the website, IT, security and redundancy, accounting, and management duties. On a personal note: I live in central Phoenix with my pug Frodo. I enjoy gaming and also do medieval recreation for fun which is how I met Heather. We’ve known each other for over a decade now.”
Why our team?
We're here for you
While we prioritize simplicity, we also understand that you want to be more than just a number or an online form submission. We value connection, authenticity, and transparency. Our responsiveness is how we ensure client satisfaction and build our success.
Our Mission, our vision, and our values
Our word means everything to us. We aim to assist everyone in achieving the best possible experience when moving and living in Portugal.
Your Residency card awaits
We are committed to your success. Allow us to guide you to that VISA, ready to take the next steps toward obtaining your Residency card.
Real time updates
Your personalized timeline will be crafted once we gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation and mutually decide to collaborate.
HAPPY CLIENTS
What people are saying about their experience working with us.
Super Star
As a retired business owner, familiar with reading, comprehending and fulfilling contracts and document requirements, I felt that I had both the time and experience to tackle the needs and demands of VFS and Portuguese immigration. I thought I was ready, but as time approached for my appointment, I recognized there were a number of loose ends. I felt uneasy and thank goodness followed the advise of someone who had been in my shoes previously and contacted Heather. I gave her very little time as I only had three days until the appointment but Heather took one look at my assembled package and got to work. And work she did! Non-stop flurry of emails rewrites, pdfs, scans, and printing. I'm not sure if or when she sleeps. As I left for DC I had a professional, totally prepared package that I felt confident with. Even the interviewer at VFS looked at my paperwork and commented on how well-prepared I was. If not for Heather, I have no doubt that I would have left DC frustrated and unsuccessful. Heather is personable, professional, extremely knowledgeable and competent. We will absolutely and without hesitation be working together on other pieces of my immigration to Portugal. My advice is don't do as I did and wait to the last minute. Contact Boots On The Ground as early as possible in the process and get it done right the first time and take away the stress. From my personal experience, you will not be disappointed. Five stars, thumbs up. Thank you Heather and Boots On The Ground. You're the greatest.
Wouldn't have been able to do this move…
Wouldn't have been able to do this move without them! Besides the details, they listened when I needed calming! Very responsive and felt cared for! Bonus is military discount!
Heather and her team are extremely organized.
Heather and her team are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They were always there whenever we had questions to answer an email. Their organization walk through for the Visa appointment was spot on. Piece of cake! I highly recommend using Boots on The Ground to save yourself a lot of angst and headache.
Great team!
Heather and her team have been fantastic! I definitely would not have wanted to try to do all this myself. It's stressful enough under the best of circumstances, so having someone who knows the system and keeps up with all the latest changes was a real lifesaver. Most highly recommended!
Highly Recommend - A True Partnership
When we decided to retire to Portugal we researched a couple of relocation specialists, and the best decision (besides retiring to Portugal) was hiring Heather with Boots on the Ground. Of course, we read all the necessary tasks required to obtain our temporary Visa and it 'seemed' easy enough, until you begin to realize all the details and complexities required. During our first consultation with Heather she explained her process as well as what she does for her clients and the various packages, she also took the time to get to know us. Heather has an excellent team, she is extremely knowledgeable, resourceful, the rules here can change and she consistently researches any and all updates that occur in the process. Applying for the VISA is extremely overwhelming and stressful plus takes time, Heather is there for you every step of the way when you start to freak out, and gave us her time and the space to breathe through her guidance, kindness and availability. She truly cares about your success, she and her team work diligently to make the process as smooth as possible, by creating a system that makes what we need to do and when coherent and detailed. We have been in Lisbon for 6 months now and received our 2 year Visa-this would not have been possible without Heather to guide us every step of the way. Sara, who speaks fluent Portuguese was /is extremely helpful talking to people for me on the phone about utilities and supplies - thank you. We highly recommend Heather and her team at Boots on the Ground for the thorough, efficient, caring and successful experience. We just can't thank you all enough.
Read What Our Clients Have To Say