Meet Aaron Friedland | Woodworker/Entrepreneur

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

Hi Aaron, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I get on well with the work that I do, so I may not be experiencing the same stark contrast between ‘work’ and ‘life’ that others do. However, there is still a big part of me that would always love to be wandering the winding streets of some foreign city, or lost in the jungle embarrassing myself trying to speak a non-native language. I can’t let those dreams fade to too dim a shade, nor can I get lost in the vibrancy of them and let my work ethic slip. My plan is to work hard for the time being, make the most of it, and then earn an extended break from all work related obligations within the next 2-3 years. During that time I am working, though, I plan to give myself weekends, take a weekday here and there to go snowboarding, and plan several 2-3 week trips abroad when work slows down. I have no advice for others looking to find their own balance between work and life. I’ll just do what feels right to me.

What should our readers know about your business?
Oasis Campervans is focused on quality and simplicity. Our product offering is meant to be used by customers over years. We are not fully steeped in the artisan method, placing full emphasis on the art form, but we maintain a connection with that. The artisan touch meets our production goals at a point that we feel good about. It allows us to do enough work to keep moving, but also provides enough craftsman opportunity to feel challenged and rewarded through the work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I like this question! Colorado and the Southwest are full of great opportunities outdoors and socially. I particularly enjoy the warm weather months in this region, as they offer backpacking and outdoor live music opportunities. We would probably do a fair around the Flatirons in Boulder, because I feel like it doesn’t require a ton of planning, and once you get a couple miles from the trailheads, can feel very much like a wilderness experience. We would definitely have a meal at Cilantro’s in Boulder, Tibet Kitchen, and probably Jerusalem’s in Denver. If we wanted to venture out from the metro area, I’d take them out towards Grand Junction to experience the desert (Maybe we’d even dip into Utah! Sorry, Colorado, Utah is so enticing). Of course, we’d have to hit Red Rocks for a show, and if they happen to be here in late summer, we’d try to get lucky and get Phish tickets to see them at Dick’s.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d dedicate this to all of those who believe in themselves and their goals. Your boldness inspires! My family, of course, deserves a lot of credit for supporting and never doubting me in this, and other endeavors. My parents, sister, cousins, and others have been instrumental in the success. Additionally, I lived in Hanoi, Vietnam for 2.5 years between 2016 and 2019. There is so much creative, unbound energy in that city, and people believe in themselves in pursuit of their goals, regardless of where they are starting from. Being there gave me a lot of insight into what kind of directed effort is necessary to achieve a goal.

Website: www.oasiscampervans.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasiscampervans/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oasisvans

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOafzt-YyFIV9k6X4CUHFHw

Image Credits
Passion House Media