Armed with my two dogs, an old-school paper map, and a DIY trailer hooked up to my 2-wheel drive Tacoma (yes, without a proper hitch), I embarked on my Alaskan journey.
I've always had a knack for making do with whatever tools and materials were at hand.
The surprising part wasn't my decision to head to Alaska; it was the reactions I received when I shared my plans with others.
I was met with doubt, uncertainty, and even negativity.
It struck me as odd because I was surrounded by people familiar with risk and adventure.
At the time, I spent my summers as a raft guide and my winters with Siberian Huskies in Breckenridge, Colorado, gaining enough experience to eventually work with the elite Iditarod kennels in Alaska.
Yet, it seemed that many couldn't fathom the idea of a successful life up North. It was as if they couldn't envision the possibilities or perhaps were skeptical of the unknown.
Communication was limited during this pre-social media era, so I may have missed hearing support from many due to my lack of a cell phone or laptop.
Nonetheless, I couldn't comprehend the doubts cast upon me. Did they think I'd fall off the (paved) Alaskan highway, become bear food, or freeze to death in April?
While I may never know their true reasons, I do know that their skepticism only fueled my determination.
Backed by two decades of planning, excitement, and hope, my journey was a "do or die" endeavor; there was no version of my life that didn't include Alaska.
Fast forward to today, and I'm writing from sunny Colorado, the very place I left behind when I set off for Alaska.
I did fulfill my dream of running sled dogs for nearly a decade in Northern Alaska. Life often has its own plans, and I now find myself exploring the roadways of the West in my truck rig, as my nomadic spirit has lived on.
As I share my life stories, I often observe how people view the places I've called home.
Colorado is seen as safe, sunny, and comfortable, while Alaska is often regarded as hard, cold, and impossible.
But I can attest that those perceptions are just one side of the Alaskan coin.
I find the Colorado I-70 traffic to be much more difficult than most Alaskan endeavors.
Some Alaskan aspects were less than luxurious, like six years without indoor plumbing, but none of that mattered because I was living my dream.
People often tell me, "I could never do the Alaskan life."
But my response is simple: anyone can, given the right motivation.
When we set our goals with unwavering determination and pursue them relentlessly, success becomes inevitable, and we continuously discover innovative ways to overcome challenges.
And there can be a lot of beauty found along the way.
Alaskan winters, with their long dawns and pastel-hued horizons, offer a unique allure. Even at forty below zero, the cold creates a winter wonderland unlike anywhere else.
The community in harsh environments is something truly special. Regardless of politics or religion, when it's sub-zero temperatures, someone will always pick you up from the side of the road.
I share this story because there's nothing extraordinary about me. I simply chased a dream that meant everything to me.
So, I ask you, what's your dream? What are you willing to pursue, no matter what others say or your current circumstances?
There's always a way if you're committed enough.
My week-long journey to Alaska was an adventure in itself. I camped in the back of my truck; the eerie tales of murder mysteries playing through my audiobooks kept me driving late into the night, and surprisingly, I never had to dip into my spare gas reserve.
I collected all my gas receipts along the way, but I never bothered to calculate the total cost. Back then, I wasn't entirely certain if I had enough money for the trip, but one thing was crystal clear – I was determined to make it, no matter what.
I'd love to hear about your ONE big dream at this moment. What are you willing to pursue no matter what others think?
When your vision is clear, and your drive is unstoppable, success becomes inevitable. The key is knowing your strengths and how to use them strategically.
That’s where the Brand Archetype Quiz comes in. It reveals your unique strengths so you can scale your business in a way that aligns with YOU—without second-guessing your path.
Take the Brand Archetype Quiz now and step into your next big move with clarity.
