We recently had the chance to connect with Ryan Hartegan and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ryan, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Who are you learning from right now?
My daughter. There is so much to learn from your child if you take the time to sit down with them and try to understand what they are going through. Children are great at living in the moment and using their imagination. It’s unfortunate that as adults we begin to lose some of these child-like characteristics that bring such simple joy. Instead we tend to focus on materialistic things and keeping up with the Jones’. Being true to oneself and honest is a key piece to life’s puzzle.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ryan Hartegan and I founded, own and operate Golden State Guiding. A California based guide service that specializes in guided rock, ice and alpine climbing, backcountry skiing, splitboarding, and backpacking, and avalanche education. While there are many great guide services throughout California, I saw a need to establish a service that was based around the community, team, and giving back to the places we commercially operate and recreate in. We are one of the few, if not the only guide service that is a 1% for the Planet member and we hold high standards for the way we operate within our small space in the outdoor industry.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Rather than one particular moment, it’s been the accumulative years of building a business from the ground up that has shaped how I view the world. Going down the path of entrepreneurship has instilled a high level of confidence in my every day life and it has also humbled me. We as humans are capable of so much if you just put in the time and effort. As it pertains to business, yes you need a good idea and vision, but what really matters is the drive and determination towards executing that idea and vision. Business is about riding the highs with the lows, not throwing in the towel when things get tough.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Follow your heart and seek experiences, we don’t have much time on this planet. Spend that time wisely and with intent, doing what you want to do with the people you love and that matter most to you. The rest of life will come together.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
While I generally agree that AI (Artificial Intelligence) will help humanity, it’s hard to overlook the negatives that will come with this new technology. As humans we need connectivity in our everyday lives. Stimulation through relationships and experiences are vital to humanity as we edge towards the future. We must be diligent with how AI is implemented and rolled out to ensure that we remain connected on a cellular level, not through screens and digital avatars.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Working as much as I do and just simply enjoy life with my family and friends. Everyone is working too much these days with too little return.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goldenstateguiding.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenstateguiding/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hartegan-3a742a26/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldenstateguiding
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-state-guiding-san-diego?osq=Golden+State+Guiding
