Risk is the most common topic that comes up in our conversations with entrepreneurs and so each week we ask entrepreneurs to talk to us on the record about how they think about risk.

Blackhawk Jones | Operations Manager: Carefree Camper Company

“God placed the best things in life on the other side of fear” – Will Smith. Carefree Camper Company was started when I sold my personal camper van and bought a 4-acre dirt lot. I built my first 6 camper vans on that dirt lot with only solar power. If it rained the day before we would have to wait till noon to run the table saw because we would have to let the solar recharge. 15 months later we have a 7000 sq ft building, team of 8 great employees, and we are working on 20+ campers at any given moment. When I look back there were many of times that I could have given up but knew that better things were right around the corner. Read more>>

Brent H. Robinson | Bestselling Author & Film Director

Taking risks is one of the most important things you can do to advance your lifestyle and career goals. My father always taught me to be fearless, and I approached every goal & obstacle in my life with that mindset. I sacrificed a lot of free time, sleep, and social events to better my writing. Taking risks has set me apart from many other writers, yet I’m never satisfied and I have much more books and screenplays to put out there to the world. Working hard is good, but working smart is greater. Read more>>

Alfonso & Carlos Wade | Co-Founder & Tree Expert

Wade Bros., Alfonso & Carlos Wade were both UPS drivers who thought they would retire within the job, prior to taking the leap in starting their own business. Alfonso Wade who is a recently new homeowner has needs to provide and trusted in himself and his brother to create a legacy for future generations. Carlos Wade is a father of two boys, Carlitos & Caden, he is also the sole provider for his family so leaving a great paying job with top benefits was a huge, but both brothers believed highly in their dreams. Read more>>

Rick McMullen | Founder, AlleviateTherapy.com

I think I used to think that entrepreneurs are natural risk-takers. I’ve since learned that that’s probably an over-generalization. Certainly my own experience reflects that. I do know that by the standards of others, I have the appearance of someone who is comfortable with risk. Early in my career, I turned down high-paying jobs to take lower-paying ones. More recently, I left a pretty lucrative, stable corporate role to found my own business. I think that could be perceived as risky behavior; yet I perceive myself as extremely risk-averse. Read more>>

Laura Johanna | Yoga Instructor, Massage therapist, Connectin with Nature

For me taking risks means a huge opportunity to grow and learn about myself. It feels scary to step outside the comfort box, but after doing so the development is inevitable. When I had my first yoga course for seven weeks, I remember being nervous teaching my first course class. in the end of the course I felt so peace and the teachings were giving me so much that I never expected that. And also it gave me lot of self confidence, if I was able to lead a course, then what else would I be able to do? Read more>>

Terrance Floyd | Holistic Health Coach & Mental Health Advisor

In life it is easy to find ourselves getting comfortable and being satisfied in that comfort zone. Inside that comfort zone we can begin to hinder ourselves from growth. Risk taking plays that huge factor in defeating that comfort zone and creating that space that is needed for us to grow. The power of risk taking makes growth inevitable. I use to fear risk taking, because I was afraid of failure. I changed my perception on the meaning of failure which allowed me to understand that risk taking is present to increase the need and ability to move forward. This is what has helped place in the position that I am in and life. It is also one of the pillars to my foundation for success. Read more>>

Christian Bailey | Mixologist / Bartender

I really love this question as I truly believe that you cannot live life without risk. It is a constant balance between the varied levels but in the end it’s about whether or not you were willing to make it happen. Sometimes putting yourself out there and being vulnerable means absorbing some criticism that you did not know existed. In my life, I really have had to learn to take that criticism. Whether it be how something looks, how I am doing my process, or how I could better my brand, it really took some opening up. Read more>>

Daniel Childs | Recording Artist & Entertainer33

Without risk, my career would be non-existent. That’s how it is when you go full-time with music, or with any creative career. The risk of an initial leap of faith, followed by continual leaps with no safety net, are the stepping stones that lead to independent success. For me, I quit my full-time job with no money and no lifeboat. Thanks to a lot of hard work, but even more faith, 2 1/2 years later I’m doing a better than I was before. Read more>>

Amanda Wolf | Ceramic Artist

When I was attending Indiana University of PA. My ceramics professor told us to take risks, that is risks in the art making process. I’ve always been compelled to try new techniques, firings and experiment in the process. Art has a way of creating a safe place for people to take risks. Read more>>

Sachiko Moore | Anime Content Creator & Cosplayer

Social media is scary–terrifying, even. With every photo, comment, or video you post, you’re submitting yourself to the judgements of not only your friends and family, but also to complete strangers. However, with the influx of our generation’s social media influencers, TikTok stars, and YouTubers, more and more people want to use social media platforms as a means of building a community and perhaps even making a living out of content creation. Read more>>