Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robert Anderson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Robert, appreciate you joining us today. Before we talk about all of your success, let’s start with a story of failure. Can you open up about a time when you’ve failed?

I am currently on hiatus from the guide side of my business, just fresh off the pursuit of a life achievement—the Pacific Crest Trail. I chose to temporarily step away from the demands of conventional society, seeking to assess my genuine affinity for the outdoor lifestyle that forms the foundation of my business. Simultaneously, I aimed to establish a reputation as a proficient and trusted backpacking guide through the accomplishment of significant milestones, such as completing the Pacific Crest Trail.

Over the 114 days, covering the stretch from Mexico to central Oregon, I embarked on the challenging Pacific Crest Trail, although regrettably falling short of completing its entirety. To undertake this monumental journey, I made substantial adjustments to my life. I resigned from my full-time job, a pivotal source of funding for my business, and meticulously managed expenses. This included reductions in business-related costs such as commercial vehicle insurance, enabling me to temporarily step away from my entrepreneurial pursuits and fully immerse myself in this transformative adventure.

Upon my return, I realized that completing the entire Pacific Crest Trail proved challenging due to planning constraints within just two months of the start date. Despite being awarded the permit, I was initially in denial about even starting until two months before the set date. At the time, I was in a three-year relationship, renting a house, working a full-time job, managing my own business, and leaving behind the comfortable life I had built for myself. However, I chose to leave it all behind to fulfill my life achievement.

Compounded by a record-high snow year and financial limitations, my journey spanned only 114 days, falling short of the finish line. Nevertheless, within this abbreviated experience, I discovered a profound sense of purpose.

Life, as I learned, does not lay out a golden brick road for one to follow; it is inherently imperfect. Accepting this reality became crucial. People embark on their paths at different times, converging on common destinations—be it success, relationships, or the simple joys, like finding the next clean water source. Though others might perceive my attempt as a failure, for me, it was a source of fulfillment. I found satisfaction in the endeavor, recognizing the value in the attempt itself.

Although I fell short of my goal to complete the trail, the experience reshaped my concept of success. Upon returning to Las Vegas, I aimed to revitalize my business armed with the credentials of spending a continuous 114 days on the trail, an endeavor that brought me genuine happiness as I immersed myself in the wilderness each day. The momentum built from blogging on the popular long-distance backpacking website, TheTrek.co, was significant. However, my plans were met with a setback in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary.

Routes to my most popular hikes, such as Arizona Hot Springs, and trails up Mt. Charleston were closed due to damage, either to the trail itself or the roads, rendering them unsafe. The lessons learned during my time on the PCT, particularly the importance of accepting what is beyond my control, became particularly relevant in navigating these unexpected challenges.

Confronting these setbacks, I made the strategic decision to temporarily shift my focus to merchandise sales, even though it’s not my primary business focus. This approach serves as a means to stay afloat while adapting to unforeseen challenges. I want to emphasize my comfort in handling such situations, leveraging the fact that my business operates with minimal overhead. Recognizing that waiting it out is a viable strategy, I am confident that this adaptive approach will position my business for resilience in the face of unexpected hurdles.

In essence, these experiences teach us that pursuing our passions requires embracing the unexpected. A positive attitude goes a long way, even in the face of failure.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Lone Wolf Outdoor Adventures is an outdoor adventure company dedicated to creating immersive experiences that become lifelong memories. Embracing the spirit of a lone wolf—someone independent and solitary—I founded this venture when my invitations to friends for remote backpacking trips were frequently declined. Shifting my mindset, I decided to embark on these adventures solo, encouraging others to do the same.

The essence of our business lies in the enjoyment of our guests, fostering bonds, pursuing shared goals, and reaching destinations that offer unique experiences. Rather than focusing on identifying every shrub or bush, our emphasis is on the well-being of our clients, the reasons behind their presence, and guiding them toward extraordinary experiences. Recognizing the essential connection people have with the outdoors, we believe it fulfills primitive needs we all have for exploring and adventure.

Starting this business has been a test of perseverance. There were moments when the costs and challenges tempted me to quit for something easier with a better payday. However, my dedication lies in creating meaningful experiences for people. The hikes and adventures, while familiar to me, take on new meaning when shared with someone new. Observing the happiness these adventures bring to people surpasses any monetary value, reinforcing my belief that continuing to pursue and revive one’s passion for the outdoors is a core principle of my business.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am currently navigating a significant pivot in both my business and personal life. Rather than returning to my fully funded role as a general manager, I’ve opted to address the setbacks my business encountered post-tropical storm. For the time being, my focus has shifted to merchandise production, originally conceived as an add-on but now serving as a more direct means of sustaining my business amid existing challenges. While it has created a new income stream, it remains insufficient to cover all life expenses.

Presently, I am selectively seeking employment opportunities with companies that align with my passions or complement my lifestyle. Concurrently, I coach Muay Thai striking at Tribe Fitness & Martial Arts in Las Vegas, drawing upon my own experience in competitive combat sports. This shift reflects my commitment to follow my passions for a better quality of life, prioritizing fulfillment over merely trading time for a higher-paying job. Through this journey, I’ve come to realize that I exert much more effort and dedication when working toward goals that truly resonate with my passions.

I anticipated consequences upon my return, understanding the complexities of reinserting myself into the “real world” after such an immersive journey. However, the adventure I embarked on and its potential impact on my customers outweighed these challenges. Despite feeling proficient in navigating the outdoor industry, revising my business model while taking on a regular job to meet essential life expenses—like food, vehicle payments, and insurance—is a challenging endeavor.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

I believe I’m approaching a critical juncture for my business. The renewal of my business license at the end of March 2024 looms ahead, and I anticipate it may mark one of the most significant decisions in my entrepreneurial career. This venture, my first business, has been sustained by my well-paying regular job throughout its existence. Now, at a crossroads, I find myself grappling with the challenges previously outlined, all while seeking sustainability for my everyday life expenses. I am faced with the decision of whether to continue renewing this business or close it for good.

Despite the weight of this situation, I don’t harbor worry or sadness. I recognize that I’ve given my all to this endeavor, much like the challenging experience of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. I embarked on this business journey not just for myself but to be a part of a community of individuals who dare to try, to inspire those who may never have attempted, and to serve as a beacon of hope within my small circle of family and friends.

I encourage everyone to take such leaps of faith in their lives, making multiple attempts if necessary, to demonstrate resilience and fortitude in the face of challenges. Whether climbing out of a negative past, stepping into a ring for a high-stakes fight, starting a business, or attempting a long and arduous hike, these near-death experiences—whether in business or, more frighteningly, in real life—define who we are and leave remarkable stories about our character in their wake.

Recognizing that everything will come to an end, I choose to embrace the chaos as a conscious decision. Welcoming the end signifies not just closure but the potential for a new and transformative beginning.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.LoneWolfLasVegas.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lone_wolf_outdoor_adventures/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/LoneWolfLasVegas/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOppX5VqXGJlJuaUM7oLndw
• Other: Blogging articles about my Pacific Crest Trail journey on the popular long-distance backpacking website, TheTrek.co, https://thetrek.co/author/robert-anderson/