We were lucky to catch up with Air Gustafson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Air, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
I approach risk like a master chef experimenting with a new recipe. Mix the ingredients of uncertainty and opportunity, then taste the potential rewards. While diligent preparation is the key ingredient, I also leave ample space for flow and innovation.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I embarked on a journey to create a gathering space where dogs and humans can come together safely – a place that materialized as “Morty’s Bark & Brew.” This unique blend of an indoor-outdoor dog park and craft beer bar is more than a mere concept; it’s a testament to our commitment to the well-being of both two and four-legged. At its heart, our venture fosters a holistic approach to animal welfare through education, enjoyment, and of course, a sip of beer.
As we finalize a perfect location right here in Minnesota that resonates with our vision, a new insight emerged: the education aspect deserved a stage of its own. Thus, a sister company, “MEATSPACE; Your Dog’s Health. Our Unleashed Passion!” is taking shape – an empowering mobile app designed to champion our educational mission.
Stay tuned as we embark on this intentional journey to empower and enrich the lives of both dogs and their caretakers.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say resilience, adaptability, and network and collaboration were the game-changers for me. You’re gonna take hits along the way, no doubt. But it’s all about springing back and finding that fire to keep pushing. Starting as a newbie in the entrepreneur world, I felt like a total lone ranger. Zero connections! but then I started piecing together a team of mentors, business buddies, and partners. Turned out, people are pretty cool when you reach out and show you’re serious – staying committed to your vision even when it gets awkward.
I’m no wallflower, but asking for help? Yes, that was a curveball and skill in the making, for sure. Asking for feedback can also be draining. One mentor says this, and another says that. It’s like a mentor ping-pong. But there’s gold in those critiques, a launchpad of betterment. And yeah, not everyone’s here to chat and offer good advice – some just want to gripe. The best way to deal with it is to acknowledge, nod, and let it slide. No sense in carrying extra baggage when it isn’t worth the effort. That – to me – is self-care in action.
So, long story short: roll with the punches, hustle for your team and remember to dust off your shoulders when the negativity isn’t worth your time.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents totally nailed it by giving me the space to carve out my own path. They cared, sure, but they had this uncanny knack for letting me figure stuff out on my own terms. No hovering, no endless lectures about what I messed up. Just a solid vibe of “go for it.” They permitted me to practice “adulthood”, and that made all the difference.
What I love is that they didn’t drop those classic lines like “I told you so” when things hit the fan. They rolled with it and let me process my own screw-ups. They sort of recalibrated their expectations to match my reality – now that’s a skill! It’s like they know when to step in and when to chill. Their support was this quiet strength, never stifling.
So, in a nutshell, my parents rocked it by being in my corner without pushing me to fit some mold. It’s like they gave me this freedom to stumble and soar, and I’m beyond grateful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mortysbarkbrew.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mortysbarkbrew/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mortysbarkbrew
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/airgustafson63/
