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

Hi Kyle, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Life’s a constant balancing act of the risks you’re comfortable with and the ones you avoid. Starting a company? Super risky; failure’s a real possibility. Sticking with a big company and a 401k your whole life? Also risky – layoffs happen, economies crash. Even waiting for the “perfect” time to start a family can be a gamble, as those opportunities might just disappear.

As a small business owner, I see risk not as a roadblock, but as a necessity for growth. Launching a business is a leap of faith, trading a steady paycheck for the chaos of building something from scratch. You’re pouring in cash, time, and emotional stability with zero guarantees. But that’s also exactly where you find success. It’s not about being reckless; it’s about understanding the risks, minimizing what you can, and being brave enough to jump when the payoff looks worth it.

Risk-taking has been important for every step in my career and life. Every big step forward came from leaning into a risk that felt uncomfortable at the time. That meant tackling projects way out of my comfort zone. Later, it was ditching a stable job to chase my own dream. These weren’t spur-of-the-moment decisions; they were informed bets where I weighed the chance of failing against the bigger risk of regret. Those leaps taught me resilience, how to roll with the punches, and the confidence to navigate the unpredictable world of business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is a transportation company, specifically focused on party buses here in Denver. What sets us apart, and what I’m most proud of, is the deliberate, bus-by-bus growth we’ve achieved over the past five years. We started with just one bus and now, against all odds, we’re up to seven.

We launched just three months before COVID-19 hit. It was terrifying. We had to pivot, focusing on essential transport when possible, and tightening our belts beyond what I thought was possible. We survived by being incredibly lean and adaptable, always prioritizing our clients.

Resilience is non-negotiable. You’ll face setbacks, often unexpected. Reputation is everything in this business. We’ve focused relentlessly on providing a great experience, being on time, and keeping our buses immaculate and safe. That’s why I’m incredibly proud of the growth and reputation we have relative to other party bus companies in Denver. Our story is about perseverance, smart growth, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. We built this business one bus at a time, through sheer determination, learning from every challenge, and always putting service first.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I think about showing someone the best of Denver, my mind immediately goes to the incredible outdoor escapes just beyond the downtown core. This area is fantastic because you can be in the mountains or on a lake in less than an hour, which really showcases what makes Colorado special. My favorite way to enjoy it is getting out on the water, whether it’s floating the river in Morrison, or just paddleboarding a reservoir with mountain views. Nothing beats seeing a concert at Red Rocks, and even just visiting the park to hike the trails is an experience. I also love the ability to escape into the foothills for some camping with a campfire and stargazing. And while I appreciate the city’s energy, catching a Rockies game at Coors Field as the sun sets over the mountains is a pretty unbeatable Denver experience. For me, it’s about the outdoors, the combination of adventure and incredible scenery that’s right on our doorstep.

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?
For my shoutout, I’m dedicating it to the individuals throughout history who built incredible things from nothing. My entire premise for life and business has always been fueled by the stories of people who started with next to zero – no connections, no money, no education – just willpower and a sharp mind.

I’m talking about the Howard Schultz, the JK Rowlings, the Jan Koums of the world. These are the people who looked at their humble beginnings and built something from it. They saw problems and figured out solutions. They faced adversity that would make most of us quit. Their stories are a testament to what determination can achieve, proving that innovation and success aren’t reserved for the privileged.

Their journeys, often starting from places of extreme poverty or disadvantage, have always been an inspiration to me. They taught me that if you have an idea, the grit to pursue it, and the willingness to learn, you can truly build something meaningful. That belief has been a constant motivation in my own life, reminding me that even when things are tough, the most powerful assets you possess are your own two hands and your brain.

Website: https://www.foreverpartybus.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreverpartybus/?hl=en

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/forever-party-bus-thornton

Other: https://g.co/kgs/fSVXCrZ

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.