Meet Brandon Olson | Small Business Owner and University Professor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Olson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started Olson Outdoors as a means to provide a living for my family. I finished my Ph.D. from Boston University and had a job lined up at Tufts University but my heart was in Denver. My wife and I decided to turn down the stability of the Tufts job offer and move back to Denver. With 15 years of graduate school culminating in three Masters degrees and a Ph.D., I found my self unemployed upon our arrival. I decided to start a lawn care and landscaping business to sustain my family while I pursued an academic job. Luckily the academic job came within a few months and I decided to take a position at Metropolitan State University of Denver while building Olson Outdoors.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a first generation college student, imposter syndrome was a constant fear I experienced throughout my academic and professional life. I have always had a passion for archaeology and history. I initially pursued an undergraduate degree in anthropology , which only increased my passion, so I went off to graduate school. Fifteen years later I earned three MAs, a Ph.D., and I currently lead an archaeological field school in Cyprus. The two things that drove me over the years were the enduring interest I had in the past and my drive. I overcame imposter syndrome with a heart-felt belief that I can out work anyone. Growing up on a farm and having great role models (father, grandfathers, uncles) gave me a very strong work ethic. This put my mind at ease and allowed me to succeed academically. Starting a business after I returned to Denver was a logical step. I went all in, even though that meant 18 hours days, 7 days a week, for at least two years to establish a solid business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would spend a few days in Denver and then drive to the southwest corner of the state.
Grab a bite at the Melting Pot and catch a Nuggets or Broncos game
Drive to Durango and take the Durango-Silverton rail line to check out the scenery
Drive to Mesa Verde to check out the Cliff Dwellings
Drive back to Denver but make a pit stop in Trinidad to explore one of the oldest cities in Colorado

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This one is a no brainer…my wife deserves recognition. She is an invaluable sounding board, an available shoulder to lean on, and the ultimate support network. None of my accomplishments would have been possible without her.

Website: https://www.olsonoutdoors.com

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Image Credits
Olson Outdoors