Meet Dan Hillenbrand | Serial Entrepreneur & Modern Cowboy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dan Hillenbrand and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dan, how do you think about risk?
I have always had a very high tolerance for risk, almost to a fault. Being willing to take risks is where I grow and I have learned to be comfortable, being uncomfortable. It has also taught me to accept the consequences as many times ideas do not turn out the way you planned and you need to pivot.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started working for my Father in the summers at 14. He was a very successful building contractor but not a very good teacher. I was “thrown to the wolves” so to speak amongst grown men and as the bosses son it seemed I was always defending myself, in part because I was a smart ass. I dropped out of High School at 17 and went to work full time. At 19 I built my own home a 3 bedroom 1 bath 1086 sqft that cost $30,000.
At 21 years old I decided to go to college after an on the job injury to become a Chiropractor. No one in my Family had ever gone to college. I took and passed my GED entered a junior college then transferred to Chiropractic College. I met Stephanie while I was in college, graduated in 1988 and practiced in my home town in Northern California. In 1989 Stephanie and I were married and built a beautiful 4000 sqft home on 20 acres and had our 1st Son Jake. In 1994 I learned my 1st big lesson as an entrepreneur due to an unforeseen illness and poor decisions on my part we lost approximately 1.5 million in assets and literally had to rebuild our lives. That was a huge test and strain on our Family and when I found out what I was capable of enduring.
During this time we had our 2nd Son Tyler moved and opened another practice, It took 6 years of hard work but we purchase 7 acres and built another beautiful home and planted a small vineyard and made our own wine. I volunteered and taught Hunter Education / I was an NRA Certified Instructor & had a small firearms training school.
While still practicing as a chiropractor I obtained my general contractors license and began building home and doing land development.
I was diagnosed with a hereditary genetic disorder “Hemochromatosis” that resulted unforeseen irreversible damage & disability. It took several years to obtain the correct treatment & assemble the team of doctors required to manage my condition. Through everything I continued to create and grow subsequently developing the Modern Cowboy Brand & Podcast. We are in a major retailer in the Cowboy, Rodeo & Western Lifestyle space.
I continue to invest in real estate, build new homes & develop land.
That is a quick look at the time line. What sets me apart? The same thing that sets most all entrepreneurs apart “No Quit” / Drive / Hunger…
Was it easy or is it easy? Absolutely not but the freedom is worth it.
What do I want the world to know about my Brand’s / Story? If I can you can…. Anyone can do it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wickenburg AZ Rancho Rio Arena To a Team Roping Bullriding & Concert at “Where They Buck” Roadrunner Saloon in New River AZ
UFC Fight
Downtown Gilbert AZ for the night life

I would cook… My Wife & I are Amazing Cooks and rarely dine out, only at very specific restaurants.

Chorizo Burritos / Grilled jalapenos w/ cheese /

Salmon / Roasted Brussel Sprouts w/ Bacon / Sweet Potato’s

Lasagna / Bruschetta / Green Salad

Protein Drinks with my own brand of Protein Powder “The Cowboy WHEY”

Lemon Water
Fresh Brewed Ice Tea
Zevia
Red Wine

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my Amazing Wife Stephanie. We have been married 33 years and have been together a total of 35 years. She is my best friend. I never new what that meant when I was younger but when I realized there is no one I love to hang out with and spend my time with more than her after all these years, is the definition of “Best Friend”. She is highly motivated and a very successful business woman. She challenges me to be better and is a shining example of a loving, caring person who truly loves people and has supported me unconditionally.

Website: www.moderncowboy.global

Instagram: @moderncowboypodcast

Facebook: Modern Cowboy Brand

Other: My other company… www.pdspropertiesllc.com Facebook: PDS Properties LLC