Meet Joseph Anderson | Mountain Guide/ Author

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

Hi Joseph, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is life. In fact if I were to add one thing to Aristotle’s list of virtue ethics I would add risk at near the top of the list. On the lacking end of the spectrum, the more timid or “risk averse” amongst us might see the world as a museum: Everything is managed, behind glass, controlled to the point where the possibility of life and intrigue are extinguished. In the reverse, the more risk prone are what we may think of as reckless, or even belligerent leading towards the “accident prone”. Like any virtue, you can’t escape it, but would do best to embrace and step into the unknown as intelligently as possible. And like any virtue there’s a learning curve. In my career I have subjected myself to the whole spectrum, and in so doing I’ve both missed opportunities as well as face planted firmly in the mud. Looking back though, no success has ever occurred, whether it be athletic, financial or professional without taking risks.

What should our readers know about your business?
In 2008 I stepped away from a larger guide service and started my own mountain guide business called Peregrine Mountain Guides. At the time I had no investments and the required permits I needed were tied up with two or three of the largest guide services in the country. One of whom I was employed with. The two most important ingredients that made it work so well was a massive amount of belief in what I was doing and a sprinkle (more like a dumptruck full) of luck. To attain permits I required for success I contacted my local congressman to put pressure on the forest service to open up permits for “the little guy”. I was able to successfully make a case that the US Government was promoting a monopoly environment. I also found permit areas that were close to urban locations, such as Phoenix, AZ that were both available and underdeveloped. In 2011 the business took off full time and supported a family of five until 2018/19 when I was able to taper off and put more effort into writing projects. None of it was easy and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Although, I’m really proud of all of the programs that I started and the impact my work has had in the guiding world as well as all of the clients that I supported in achieving their goals. I was lucky to receive help and support from close friends who helped accomplish things like marketing strategies, SEO, website development etc. But I will say, that’s where the support stopped. Advice I always give to those going into business is understand that you are now seen differently by the public. Find a close network of allies you trust, and even do mutually beneficial business transactions in order to create a connection. I would warn that everyone thinks a business owner has money hidden under every rock, but you also MUST give the world the impression your a financially viable investment.
Also, as I was a younger mountain guide working for a large, well established brand name I was seen as the “expert” without having to sell my skills. Once I stepped out on my own I had been working in the industry for over ten years but suddenly I had to prove myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Considering I’m not much of a city slicker I’ll recommend a nice place for a walk or even a climb instead. If you’re in the Phoenix area and want to see just how cool the region is head out to Lost Dutchman State Park. Camp out for a few days and plan on hiking, and if you’re set up for it, climbing some really fun terrain. The Praying Hands and Hobgoblin Spire are fun climbs to start on (5.7 range), while the Flat Iron has more difficult climbs with better rock (5.10 range). On the south side of the range via the Perrialta Trail you can access a fun climb or hike to Weaver’s Needle or the Bark Canyon Wall. If it’s the warmer time of year don’t hike near Phoenix, it’s too hot. You can head north towards Flagstaff.

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?
Shout out to Lost Dutchman State Park: The greatest winter camp ground in the country. Without this launching pad running trips in the Superstition Mountains would have been much more difficult.

Website: www.wiredforadventurellc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseph_armand_anderson/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Image Credits
Photos taken in Glacier National Park, MT; Lost Dutchman, AZ; Sedona, AZ; Mt Baker National Forest, WA