We had the good fortune of connecting with Colin Rheingans and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Colin, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from a small town in Michigan, about an hour north of Detroit. I was born and raised there and attended college less than 2 hours away. I had never really ventured out of this area, until the year I turned 28. Taking a job in Phoenix, it had me leaving the only lifestyle I knew, for a completely different one, 2,000 miles away. Although I only stayed for less than a year, it was an experience I wouldn’t change for the world. When I returned to Michigan, I was now living in the metro-Detroit area. Removed from my hometown and with my experiences from the Southwest, it wasn’t until this point that I truly realized where I came from. Although the first 28 years of my life in one area is what shaped me, I am thankful for my upbringing being the thing that molded me. I couldn’t be more excited to now bring these experiences to a city where I can thrive, in Denver.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I earned a Sport Management degree in college because my dream was to work behind the scenes for the Detroit Pistons. One late-night near the end of my sophomore year, I was looking for jobs with the team and applied for a box office seller position. I thought this would be a good way to get my foot in the door, and it would allow me to work in one of my favorite places. This part-time, 4 hour shift job that I drove 45 minutes to, went from a first-step, to a career. I fell in love with ticketing and all the work that goes on behind the scenes.
I eventually took my first full-time position with a major concert promoter in Phoenix, AZ to continue what was my new dream. I ended up back in Michigan by the end of that year and was desperate to get that next full-time position doing what I love. When COVID hit in 2020, my entire industry shut-down and now there weren’t any jobs to look for.
During this down time, it allowed me to focus much more on Dare To Everywhere. We updated our blog, spent more time creating and sharing content and even started an Etsy shop, in an attempt to share our favorite travels with others. We were still able to get away during this time and it was great to be able to come home and focus on sharing our latest adventures.
After a year and a half of being unemployed, I finally not only was able to get back to work, but found my next dream position. This new full-time ticketing position is what brought us to Denver. And while this has been the biggest blessing, it meant that our brand was put on the back burner for a while. Now that we are settled-in and comfortable in our new home, we hope to continue to explore and share our love of travel with the world!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a huge craft beer nerd, so I am very happy to be in such a great beer city. There are about 10 breweries within a 15 minute walk of our apartment, so breweries are always at the top of the list. Our favorite spot for cocktails is definitely American Bonded. We love the food trucks at Improper City, the experience at Number Thirty Eight and Cherry Cricket is by far our go-to.
When we’ve had family in town, Red Rocks and the “Love this City Denver” mural are always must-stops. We’ve enjoyed walking down to Coors Field to take-in a game and playing trivia with $2 burgers at Smash Face Brewing on Tuesdays. Our apartment has some great amenities, so we’ve spent many days and nights taking advantage of the fun and views just outside our door.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout definitely belongs to my girlfriend and second half of Dare To Everywhere, Kayla. It was her idea that launched our traveling spirit full force, resulting in our brand. We’ve been together 10ish years and I can’t imagine doing life without her. She’s my best friend and the most amazing dog mom to our JoJo!
Website: https://www.daretoeverywhere.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daretoeverywhere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DareToEverywhere/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRzAZEEnVtW_82_K8u7uGTg
Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DareToEverywhere
Image Credits
All photos are taken by Kayla or myself.
Amazing article. Our Michigan guy is in the papers. We’re so proud of Kayla and you so much. Also a little jealous, what a beautiful adventure your living. Love you grandson so much. And we miss you all.