We were lucky to catch up with Jesse Proie recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jesse, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
It turns out; life isn’t all about money. I spent the better part of 15 years working in sales. I spent roughly 60 hours a week dedicating my life to becoming the best in the business. I missed some weddings, birthdays, and special moments that I would have preferred to be at. After about 12 years of working hard, and offering as much of my time as possible, I made my way to the top of the ladder. I became a very young General Manager of my company. At first, it was the dream come true. Finally, I could implement my own ideas on how to grow our business, and make it as strong as it could be. The money was incredible. Never needing to worry about my future was a good feeling. Unfortunately, I still felt I was missing way too many things in life.
It was around this time that I started taking my photography more seriously. I started booking small sessions with clients, and actually selling some prints of my work around my hometown. I was having fun. Seeing new places, and appreciating the scenery that had always felt basic.
I finally took my first big trip west. I packed up the Jeep, brought a long a good friend of mine, and we headed west in search of a wild adventure. Camping in remote wilderness, taking insane trails that I wouldn’t have dared to look at previously; all in the search of feeling alive.
It worked! I had found a new sense of what it means to be alive. Fully appreciating the outdoors again, seeing absolutely beautiful sights, and doing things I never thought I would be able to do.
Fast forward a couple of years. I took a few additional trips. Finally made it to see some of the best national parks I had on my list, and enjoyed every second of it. I even managed to drive all the way to Death Valley to see some of the most remote places our country has to offer.
After what felt like the most difficult conversation I’ve had to date, and what felt like years of contemplation. I decided to leave my life as a salesperson and pursue something greater. Something that made everything feel incredible. I wanted to see as much as possible. I packed, and left.
Seeing Banff National Park in Canada for the first time made me feel like I’ve made the right choice. Watching elk roam freely through fields of northern Montana solidified that feeling. Seeing the untapped scenery that most people never think about has given my life true meaning.
Now I spend as much time as I can with my family. Spend my free time working on my photographs of previous trips, and never looking back. The one thing I never thought I would be able to do has given my life the most meaning. I finally have my time back, I have a true appreciation for the mountains and wildlife that I would have only been able to see on TV, and every where I go I have my camera by my side.
It turns out, life isn’t just about making the most money possible. It’s about building and maintaining relationships, slowing time down a little to appreciate the little things, and to enjoy new experiences that at one point may have felt impossible.
Don’t over think it. Every time someone you looked up to said, “Make a life you really enjoy”, or ”
You can be anything you want to be”, as it turns out, they were telling the truth. With some intentional planning, and a bit of thought, you can make it happen. Take the risk, life is way too short to be unhappy.
Jesse, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Jesse. Born and raised near Pittsburgh, Pa. I always had a love for the outdoors. Growing up with a love of riding bikes, fishing, and spending as much time outside as possible. It wasn’t until much later in life that I fell in love with camping. Getting to places that most people will never see.
My main job is in contracting. I spent what seemed like a lifetime working in sales, and my expertise has been in business growth. However, I now spend the bulk of my time helping people complete the tasks in and around their home that they may have not felt that could complete on their own. I also spend some time building custom saunas and wine rooms for a business also founded here in Pittsburgh.
In my free time, I look for new places I’d like to see. I grab my camera, pack my truck, and go. I generally look for places that may have not been photographed thousands of times before. I sell prints of these shots, and complete custom work for clients as well.
I do offer personal photography sessions here in Pittsburgh as well. Primarily custom headshots for commercial or private use, engagement sessions, and photography for private businesses to help them grown their online or print presence.
I have fun with my work, I enjoy seeing people laugh and smile. I don’t believe in taking things too seriously when they should be enjoyed.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Owning the right gear to complete a photography job can be very expensive. It took me quite a while to put together a kit I was really happy with. I would spend a lot of time saving before making a big purchase, and I’d spend a lot of time debating if I really needed what I was purchasing. The good news, is while you are starting out, there are a lot of resources out there to help with this issue. Primarily in the cost of camera bodies/lenses.
Never be afraid to look at used gear, especially lenses. Find a reputable company, check them regularly for a lens or piece of gear you have been after, and never be afraid to ask questions. Speaking it out is the best way to accomplish the goals. Initial costs can seem horrifying at first, but if you are able to break it down into smaller increments, it won’t seem as scary.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
There are almost too many avenues to do this these days. I may be aging myself, but before the internet had such a presence, this was very difficult. Now, there are what feels like endless avenues to find clients.
I have found the best way to land a job is through networking. Everyone knows someone that is ultimately looking for what you offer. Asking someone if they need some photos done for their business, if they need some work done on their house, asking if someone needs help finding something they are looking for; this can all lead to more work for you. Sometimes the best way to get your name out there is by old fashioned, face to face networking. Let them know what you do. Maybe show some examples, just be yourself.
Most of the time this will lead to new opportunity. You make get 30 “no’s” before hearing your first “yes”. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
An online presence is absolutely essential for any business these days too. Posting your finished product on social media, collaborating with other people on the same level as you, and finding new clients who don’t know where else to look can always be a win.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.proiesworld.com
- Instagram: ProiesWorld
- Facebook: ProiesWorld
- Linkedin: Jesse Proie
