Story & Lesson Highlights with John Hunt of Broomfield, CO

We recently had the chance to connect with John Hunt and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning John, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Great question….I think there’s weight in all three of those. Intelligence can get you pretty far but not all by itself….being smart is a great quality but it’s got to be paired with other things. Energy pointed in the wrong direction is a problem…..energy is a great trait but it has to be aimed and harnessed in the right ways to be a positive impact. Integrity, on the other hand, can stand alone….having integrity in business is a huge super power….it might not always make you money…but it gives you repeat clients, it shows you can’t be bought, and it can stand alone in life without the others……Integrity is important in all aspects of life and will continue to bring you positive outcomes.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a business owner that lives outside Boulder, CO and have worked in a number of industries over the years. I’ve built businesses and sold them….have started new projects internationally and focus my time on the outdoors sector as much as possible now to continue to future for my kids and other generations through conservation, experiences, and adventures. The main businesses we are focusing on growth are Moccasin Fly Club, Rod & Rifle lodge, Hook & Hunt lodge, and our family of outfitters, guides, and destinations worldwide. We help anglers and hunters find unique adventures all over the world. During those adventures we take time to give back to local communities through donations of finances, time, and capturing the traditions they hold close. I love the outdoors and wanted to build something my sons and grandkids could enjoy in the future while traveling the world to meet new people and develop a network of passionate business owners.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My family has taught me more about work than anyone. I come from divorced parents that both worked full time. My grandparents helped raise me and instilled character and habits that I understand are different than others. My parents still work full time to this day and have found happiness in work….one in the corporate lifestyle and the other as a business owner. They have similar traits…..focus on the long term, make impact daily, and do something you love so it’s a daily pleasure. I’ve been working since the 6th grade and have learned to enjoy work for many reasons….at first it was a paycheck….then it was a career….and now I work for the legacy of the future.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I’m an addict….an alcoholic and a substance abuser. I stopped drinking when I was 19 in college after having some problems and almost being expelled from school. I stopped smoking cannabis at 37 after having anaphylactic shock and being in the ER three times in the span of 6 months…..those wounds where growth for me. I haven’t had a drop of alcohol since Aug 28, 2000….I’m 44 years old and 25 years of my life have been without alcohol…..7 years without cannabis…and I was very involved in the cannabis industry as a dispensary owner in 2 states and consulting in 3 others…it was my livelihood….but changes is the only constant in life. Those wounds were big changes for me but now I’m thankful for them…..as I was able to heal/champion those issues. Addiction is not an easy topic in the world today but the more we talk about it….the more others can find help to champion their issues.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I think that people should have the ability and access to tell their own story. I travel all over the world and I get to listen to amazing stories (good and bad) from people that don’t have a massive platform. From the Amazon in Brazil to the northern rivers in Mongolia to the bayou in Louisianna, everyone has stories, history, and traditions from the past….and I think they all should be able to tell their side of those experiences. In today’s world, the loudest person gets to tell the story…their way…with their bias. I feel having perspective that there’s 3 sides to every story is a big deal…..1) your side 2) their side and 3) the real story….being able to listen to both sides of anything allows you to sift through to the “the real story” and that isn’t something everyone believes should be told or heard…..

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that the story is about my character and focus on others than it is my discipline and persistence. I hope it includes my love for my family and the intent I give to the future of my kids and their kids. I would love for it to include some experiences that I enjoyed but those are my memories….not their memories of me. I hope they talk about my ability to enjoy the day to day but build for the long term….I hope they all talk about some littles things I did to make their days better.

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