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

Hi Jack, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk management is extremely important to maintain our perfect safety record. The safety of our passengers always out ways the money factor. Making calculated risks means having limitations and staying within them. We rather be on the ground wishing we were in the sky than be in the sky wishing we were on the ground.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Grand Adventure Balloon Tours is part of who I am and who my family is. We have been operating over 30 years and when you do something that long it becomes part of who you are. It has been a long difficult road, changing weather patterns, recessions, 9/11, Covid-19, are just a few of the challenges faced over the past decades. I have found keeping a low overhead and not overextending yourself helps you get through the lean times; at the same time, you must be willing to take some risk in order to grow. Grand Adventure Balloon Tours thrives to provide the best experience possible; we hope you leave having one of the best times of your life and gaining knowledge of hot air ballooning and an appreciation for Winter Park, The Fraser Valley and Grand County.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of the places I send family and friends while visiting are Winter Park Resort, Devils Thumb Ranch, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Fontenot’s Restaurant. I usually tell people to check out the Winter Park & Fraser Chamber of Commerce (playwinterpark.com), where you can find all the information you need for a visit to the area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ian Cox, a balloon pilot I was working for in Steamboat Springs recognized my enthusiasm for ballooning and offered to train me. It was his skill, patience, and consideration for safety that help make me the pilot I am today. My wife Sue and daughter Madeleine who have acted as crew, hostess, and reservationist are a big part of making our business a success.

Website: https://grandadventureballoon.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.