Comments on: So You Want My Job: Outdoor Shop Owner

By: Brent

Brent — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 20:24:40 +0000

This is one of the most well written, motivating and inspiring posts I have read on this site so far. He really did follow his path and makes me want to be more present in my life as well. I live in MN so maybe I’ll come buy a kayak sometime soon, just starting to get into it!

By: Devin Sharp

Devin Sharp — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 17:32:08 +0000

Just saw you served a mission at 19, I assume you are LDS, I am too!

By: Nicholas

Nicholas — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:39:14 +0000

Great advice here!
Sometimes you should take risks in order to succeed in life!

By: A6

A6 — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 19:48:13 +0000

“You have to have the courage to paint your own picture and live in it.” It’s very humbling to finally discover someone who’s able to describe my personal life to a tee.
Well done Darren, well done indeed. This post has also given me the extra push I needed to get through the initial “headaches” of me and my business partner’s logo design company.

By: Sean

Sean — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 22:25:40 +0000

One thing to add. When I started my business I kept hearing how 95% of small business fail within the 1st year. Of the remaining 5%, 95% of those fail within 5 years. That scared me a bit and I don’t scare easily. I decided two things. 1. Probably something like 98% of statistics are made up on the spot. 2. Most businesses that “fail” are simply people who walk away when it gets too hard. I thought about having my own business for years. After I lost my job and couldn’t find another one, I started one because I had too. I don’t recommend going that route, but I am glad that I did. It has opened so many doors for me. It has also taught me more about… everything, than a lifetime of working for someone else would have.

By: DJ

DJ — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 05:52:48 +0000

Well said. There’s a lot to take away from this article, and not all of it has to do with running a business. Next time I’m in Madison I’m stopping in for a lesson.

By: JFPisa

JFPisa — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:07:21 +0000

Amen to every single one of your tips and anecdotes.

A really great read with even better advice.

God bless and good luck with your business.

By: Chad

Chad — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:39:31 +0000

Just drove through Madison this weekend. Great article and being genuine is uncommon these days! Keep up the hard work Darren!

Dig AoM!

By: Darren

Darren — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:20:35 +0000

John, I didn’t mean it personally — but IT is a headache. I have a great MIS guy — his title is Minister of Technology, but you have to admit that there is a perfect correlation between the server taking a nose dive and the IT guy being on vacation… :-)

Your responses have been most encouraging. Thank you, it made my week. If any of you are ever in Madison, Wisconsin, you know where to find me.

In Manliness,

Darren

By: Tom Anderson

Tom Anderson — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 23:30:01 +0000

Great article and very life-affirming thoughts. Darren you definitely know what’s up.
For others interested in finding their vocation I recommend The Element by Ken Robinson.