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

Hi Derrick, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I enjoy my day job and still have it to this day, but I wouldn’t be doing it if I wasn’t getting paid for it. I’m very passionate about the outdoors and inspiring others to get outside and recreate responsibly. I am an avid hiker and backpacker and i have always loved capturing photos and videos on my trips, so I thought that I should share my favorite places with others to help them get out and explore too. This started as a passion project but has blossomed into something that I could see myself doing full time in the future.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am definitely not the most talented photographer or videographer, but I believe what sets me apart is my ability to curate content and information in a way that is very digestible for my audience. I’m very proud of how many people I have been able to help explore new places and I am most excited for the adventures that are still to come. I got to where I am today by being consistent even when it feels like I’m not making any progress. I didn’t let setbacks stop me from waking up at 2am and driving hours just to get one piece of content. It still isn’t easy, but I love it, so it’s all worth it. Through this process I have learned that you don’t have to be a professional in the beginning, you just have to be willing to start and you can develop the skills along the way. I hope what people take away from my content is to always leave places better than you found them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Chief Mountain for sunrise because it’s the best bang for your buck hike close to Denver. Then I would drive out I70 and stop in the Silverthorne area for lunch at Chimayo Grill and take in the views around lake Dillion from Sapphire Point Overlook. Then I would drive out towards Leadville and stop and hike Mayflower gulch on the way. Once in Leadville, we would explore the town and get pizza at High Mountain Pies. Then we would head over to twin lakes reservoir to watch sunset and camp out for the night under the stars.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife Katherine deserves so much credit. She will follow me up any mountain often times not knowing how long or strenuous the trip might be and always encourages me to follow my passions.

Instagram: @the.guidebook

Youtube: @the.guidebook

Other: TikTok: @the.guidebook

Image Credits
Derrick Merwin

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