Meet Andy Hartman

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

Hi Andy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After years in the nonprofit outdoor education space, I witnessed a troubling pattern: young people would have incredible outdoor experiences in our programs, only to lose that connection once they returned home. Despite our success, we were treating symptoms rather than addressing the root cause.
The reality hit me hard – these youth lacked the family support system to continue their outdoor journey independently. Without parents or guardians who shared their newfound passion, their outdoor adventures ended when our programs did. We were creating temporary transformations instead of lasting change.
This revelation sparked a fundamental shift in my approach. Real impact happens when entire families develop outdoor connections together. When parents and children share these experiences, the learning continues at home, skills are practiced together, and outdoor adventures become part of the family’s identity rather than isolated events.
But there was another problem I couldn’t ignore: the broken economics of the guiding industry. I watched passionate, skilled guides struggle financially while working in a system that undervalued their expertise. The traditional model of how guides are paid is fundamentally unsustainable and unfair.
XP Adventure was born to flip this equation. Our platform empowers guides to set their own rates, choose their ideal clients, and focus on activities they’re passionate about. Instead of growing the industry upward through bigger companies, we’re growing it outward by creating more sustainable, independent guide businesses.
We’re not just offering outdoor experiences – we’re reimagining how families connect with nature and how guides build meaningful careers. This is about creating lasting change, both in the lives we touch and in the industry we serve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets XP Adventure apart isn’t just what we do – it’s how we approach the entire outdoor industry. We operate year-round with endless opportunities for impact, but more importantly, we’ve flipped the traditional guiding model on its head. Our guides choose their own path and focus on what they love, while we handle the backend complexities like marketing, insurance, permits, consulting, and more.
I’m most excited about seeing the transformation happen in real time. Guides who left the industry due to unsustainable economics are coming back because our model actually works for them. Others are using our platform to launch their own outdoor businesses. That’s the kind of systemic change I’m passionate about creating.

Was it easy? I’d say I had a significant advantage – the confidence that comes from building something successful before. I had already founded a thriving nonprofit that brought outdoor education to Title 1 schools throughout the Denver area. The experience taught me that if you can make a nonprofit successful, you have the fundamental skills to build any kind of organization. But having confidence doesn’t eliminate challenges.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that nothing worthwhile comes easy. Building XP Adventure has required determination, drive, countless late nights, and sacrificed weekends. I’ve worked other jobs to pay the bills while simultaneously building the business from the ground up. That dual existence is exhausting, but it’s often necessary for entrepreneurs who refuse to compromise their vision.

Perhaps even more valuable has been learning the power of patience. Too many times, I felt rushed into decisions – accepting high quotes for insurance or other services because I needed answers quickly. But when I forced myself to slow down, continue researching, and wait for the right fit, I consistently found better solutions at much better costs. I’ve learned that things happen in the time they’re supposed to, not necessarily when we want them to.

What I want the world to know about XP Adventure is that we’re here to make outdoor recreation ethically accessible. This isn’t just marketing speak – it’s a fundamental commitment that drives every decision we make. We’re creating ethically accessible outdoor experiences while simultaneously transforming guiding into a sustainable career path.

We empower outdoor professionals with true entrepreneurial freedom, allowing them to be their own boss while pursuing their passion. This isn’t about getting rich quick or exploiting natural resources – it’s about creating a model where both guides and participants can thrive sustainably.

XP Adventure represents proof that business can be a force for positive change. We’re not just another outdoor company competing for market share. We’re building a new paradigm where ethical access to nature and sustainable careers can coexist and strengthen each other.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since most of what I do revolves around the outdoors, I’d design the ultimate nature-immersion experience. While I live in Denver, I’ll be honest – I can be quite the hermit when it comes to city life. My knowledge of urban hotspots is limited because I’d much rather spend my time hiking, rock climbing, camping, and exploring. That’s exactly what we’d do. We’d start with something completely unique to Colorado – the Great Sand Dunes. Next, we’d head to Rocky Mountain National Park for classic Colorado high country. I’d take them up to some of my favorite alpine lakes and possibly attempt a 14er if they’re up for it. I’d introduce them to beginner-friendly climbing sites – maybe Clear Creek Canyon or some of the easier routes near Boulder. We’d explore small mountain towns like Georgetown or Idaho Springs, discovering the local restaurant scenes that give each place its character.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I believe my shoutout has to go to a friend of mine, Leyla, who introduced me to the outdoor program that propelled me into an industry that I am passionate about and in which I can and want to create change. Thank you, Leyla!

Website: https://www.xpadventure.org

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