We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeff Grant. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeff below.
Jeff, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
Our journey started when we realized we were chasing the “American Dream” but missing out on what mattered most—family time. With Jeff working 60+ hours a week and rising housing costs, we decided to trade our brick-and-mortar life for a home on wheels. Over two years, we downsized, found a great homeschooling program, and transitioned to remote work. We purchased an RV and a new truck, sold most of our stuff, and prepared for a life of adventure. It was a leap of faith, but the promise of freedom and memories made it worth it.
Once we hit the road, family and friends had so many questions about our crazy new life that we started social media pages to share updates. Fast forward a bit, and now we’re full-time content creators with brand deals and a YouTube channel the whole family loves. The kids have fully embraced being on camera—Dean is our “King Bean” and Gertie’s motto is “Never stop dancing!” What started as a way to keep people updated has blossomed into a fun family adventure, both on and off the screen.
Jeff, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
We’re the Grant family—Jeff, Monica, Dean, and Gertie—Known on the road as “Dean and Gertie Explore the World,” and we’re on a mission to make the most out of life by living and traveling full-time in our 2022 PUMA 32RBFQ Travel Trailer. Our story began when we decided to leave behind the grind of traditional life, trading long work hours and fleeting family moments for a life of adventure and connection on the road.
Today, we’re full-time content creators, sharing the realities of RV living and inspiring others to embrace a life of exploration. Through our social media and YouTube channel, we provide practical tips, road-schooling insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at what living in a house on wheels is like. We also collaborate with brands that align with our lifestyle, offering recommendations for RV-friendly products and services that we genuinely use and love.
What makes us unique is our family-centered, relatable approach—we don’t sugarcoat the challenges, but we celebrate the joys of this lifestyle. Whether it’s Gertie’s “never stop dancing” motto or Dean’s hilarious “King Bean” commentary, we aim to bring humor, authenticity, and positivity to everything we share.
We’re most proud of the connections we’ve built with our community. Our journey has resonated with fellow adventurers, families, and dreamers, proving that it’s never too late to chase a life that feels meaningful. For us, it’s not just about the miles we travel—it’s about inspiring others to create their own unforgettable memories.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
One of the biggest things non-creatives struggle to understand about our journey is the concept of living on the road. It’s not the “normal” way of life, and for some, it can be hard to wrap their heads around. We’ve had people question our choices, criticize our lifestyle, and even suggest that we’re doing it all wrong. But here’s the thing: this life works for us.
Living on the road means trading stability for adventure and routine for freedom. It’s not always easy—there are challenges like small living spaces, constant planning, and unexpected hiccups—but the rewards far outweigh the struggles. The memories we’re creating and the lessons our kids are learning are priceless.
To anyone who doesn’t understand, we’d say: it’s okay if it’s not for you. But don’t knock someone else’s dream just because it’s different. For us, living on the road isn’t just about traveling—it’s about creating a life full of meaning, connection, and exploration. And if we can inspire others to step outside their comfort zones, even just a little, then we’ve done something right.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
RV life is incredible, but it’s not always smooth sailing—like the summer we blew four tires in five months. Every time we moved, it felt like the universe was playing a prank on us. We were frustrated, tired, and seriously considered throwing in the towel. But instead of quitting, we decided to turn our misadventures into content!
We documented each blowout on our social media and YouTube channel, sharing not just the headaches but also the hilarious moments and lessons learned. Our followers got a kick out of our tire troubles, and some even shared their own stories and tips. Turning this challenging period into content not only helped us cope but also connected us with our community in a deeper way. It was a tough time, but it taught us resilience and reminded us that sometimes, you just have to laugh and keep rolling—preferably on fully inflated tires!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://deanandgertie.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanandgertieexploretheworld/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeanandGertie
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-and-gertie-explore-the-world-5944712a4/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@deangertieexploretheworld
Image Credits
All images were created by and are owned by Dean and Gertie Explore the World