We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zach Hoheisel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zach below.
Zach, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My father, a dedicated painter during his formative years, possessed a strong work ethic coupled with a desire for greater achievements. His determination culminated in the establishment of a highly successful painting company in our local area. From a young age, he instilled in me the value of hard work, and I vividly recall my initiation into the workforce at his paint shop around the age of 10 or 11.
This early exposure to the world of labor left a mark, as evidenced by my first 40-hour work week and the first paycheck I ever received. The ability to independently procure items I coveted fueled my ambition, and I consistently sought employment opportunities in various blue-collar domains—ranging from painting and construction to landscaping and various side jobs. My endeavors were motivated by a desire to finance my outdoor passions, such as acquiring new fishing rods and archery equipment, or whatever else I may have needed through my teenage and college years.
As my interests evolved towards the realm of creativity, I seamlessly transitioned the blue-collar mentality onto my endeavors. While my current vocation involves working with cameras and computers, I remain steadfast in applying the ‘hard hat and lunchbox’ mentality inherited from my early years. This steadfast commitment to diligence and a hands-on approach continues to shape my approach to creative projects, anchoring my work in a foundation of discipline and work ethic.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My foremost passions are centered around outdoor pursuits, with a primary focus on hunting, fishing, and dog training. A significant portion of my time is dedicated to these endeavors. Another dimension of my passion involves capturing and sharing these experiences through the lens of a camera. In the early stages of my creative career, I initially took up photography and videography as a means of documenting my hunting and fishing adventures, aspiring to eventually carve a niche in the outdoor industry.
Over the years, as I captured my own personal adventures, a profound passion for photography and videography emerged. Continuous opportunities for improvement presented themselves, and I seized them diligently. Presently, I am actively engaged in documenting my adventures through my personal brand, Growing Wild TV. Whether it’s hunting, fishing, preparing wild game, or enjoying moments with my family at the cabin, I am committed to documenting my outdoor lifestyle and sharing it with a wider audience. This endeavor stands as my passion project, and I derive immense satisfaction from it. Looking ahead, I envision being able to revisit these moments when age restricts my ability to partake in such adventures, cherishing the memories and witnessing my children develop a similar passion for the outdoors.
On the professional front, I hold the role of Creative Lead at Alpha Dog Nutrition. Dogs, particularly hunting dogs, have played a pivotal role in my life, and I find great joy in training and hunting alongside them. This position seamlessly blends my creative inclinations with my love for dogs. Working with remarkable people, alongside amazing dogs, and in picturesque locations is a source of continual gratitude. The long-term aspiration of establishing a full-time career within the outdoor industry has materialized.
Balancing responsibilities between Growing Wild TV and Alpha Dog Nutrition allows me to spend the majority of my days with a camera in hand, engaged in activities I hold dear.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In my perspective, the three paramount attributes for success are passion, the development of hard skills, and a strong work ethic.
Passion serves as the driving force behind every endeavor. The genuine love for the activities I capture on camera sustains me through the challenges of this profession, sleepless nights, extensive drives, and prolonged periods on the road. Without an authentic passion for these adventures, the risk of burnout becomes imminent. You have to have passion for what you do.
Following closely, the refinement of hard skills is indispensable. Continuous enhancement in photography, videography, and post-production capabilities not only signifies personal growth but also broadens the spectrum of professional opportunities.
Lastly, an unwavering work ethic is the most important thing. Regardless of inherent talent or passion, sustainable success is impossible without a diligent and disciplined commitment to hard work. A strong work ethic is the catalyst that transforms aspirations into tangible achievements, ensuring a consistent and upward trajectory in one’s professional journey.
If you have a strong passion that carries you through the hard times, an ability to continuously improve your skills, and a strong work ethic, everything else will fall into place.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Currently, my biggest challenge lies in establishing an optimal work/life balance. The demands of my career often present difficulties with having a young family at home. While enjoying quality time with my children, I find myself longing for the next big adventure. Conversely, amid the excitement of these excursions, I find myself wanting to get back home to my family.
In my pursuit of a harmonious work/life dynamic, I aspire to explore opportunities that facilitate the inclusion of my family in more of these adventures. Actively seeking ways to integrate them into my professional journey is a future goal. While I am fortunate to be engaged in work aligned with my passion, the prospect of sharing these experiences more intimately with my family holds significant appeal. Striking this balance remains a work in progress, but the aspiration is to create a fulfilling balance between my professional pursuits and the invaluable moments spent with my loved ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.growingwildtv.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingwild_tv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowingWildTV
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-hoheisel-9b1352187/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@growingwildtv
Image Credits
These are all my photos
