Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Chris Tansey | Rock Climbing Gym Owner & Operator

Life is full of risks and rewards. Opening Gecko Climbing Gym for me was a journey into the unknown, a walk of faith, with so many chances to fail and fall flat on my face. Although I went to school and received a youth ministry’s and biblical studies degree as well as achieved a Masters of Divinity, I believed this was possible. I served as a children’s, youth and college pastor for about 14 years of my adult life and always maintained a passion for the outdoors, camping, cycling, trail running and of course rock climbing. Read more>>

Alison Harvey | Owner – Philabaum Glass Gallery

You have to take the risk or lose the chance. When you are truly passionate about something, risk feels a little less scary (just a little!). Without taking risks, I wouldn’t be in the position I am right now. After managing Philabaum Glass Gallery for over a decade, my husband, Dylan, and I were given the opportunity to purchase the business in October of 2020. It was a very, very uncertain and uneasy time for everyone, and an especially uneasy time to be taking over a retail business. Read more>>

Damian Noszkowicz | Photographer & Poet

It’s important to challenge yourself and take risks. When I was in my early twenties I moved to Paris without any knowledge of the French language and with very few contacts. I just had a gut feeling that it’s a place for me to be in and I didn’t have any plan B. I’ve never regretted any decisions I had made because they got me to the where I am today. It’s a cliché to say it but you always end up regretting the risks you didn’t take. Read more>>

Aixa Tearne | Doggy Daycare Owner/Operator & Dog Trainer

I grew up poor and feeling like I didn’t have much to lose, so I take calculated risks. Running a doggy daycare is full of risk, everything is a constant experiment because behavior can be unpredictable at times. We do our best to be educated on the possibilities and to be familiar with disaster prevention methods so that we can manage the risk to the best of our abilities and we do a great job at it because we care a lot about our patrons and their pets Read more>>