Meet Lance Panigutti | Race Director and owner of Without Limits Productions

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

Hi Lance, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I was fortunate to be raised in a family that always took an outside the box approach to risk. Risk didn’t exist if you were having fun in your passions and keeping all eyes forward on success. That mindset evolved for me personally when I started skydiving and quickly fell in love with BASE Jumping. Two endeveours people consider the riskiest of all, but I never viewed it that way. It’s always been, “your perfect in every aspect of the adventure, it’s the only option you give yourself.” Then you can let go of any external fears and worries, to me that’s peace. I’ve been able to take that same approach in the event business, which is extremely unpredictable, but 15 years later I still find comfort in the unpredictability.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
If anyone has participated in our triathlons the first thing they’ll notice is that the branding, the imagery, and our t-shirt designs are uniquely different from every other triathlon in the industry. From day one I wanted triathlon to be more than a race, but a lifestyle centered on healthy living and fitness. So we pulled inspiration from a lot of lifestyle sports, surfing being the main inspiration. When I’m traveling the state or out grocery shopping and I see our t-shirts then I know we hit a home run. The designs have to be creative, and captures the imagination that it’s more than just a triathlon. I’ve always loved hearing people’s stories outside of race day, that’s what this community is really about. Back in 2007 we had no money to hire a graphic designer, so using hours of YouTube videos I was able to teach myself. It was one of the best decisions looking back. Each season my heart and creative intent is fully captured in each design for our community to hopefully embrace!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely plan to be outside as much as possible, that’s what makes Denver so special. I’m one of those EDM fans, you either love it or hate it so no judging, but so many friends have visited around a Red Rocks concert. Then we’d hike Saint Mary’s Glacier, take them tubing down Boulder Creek, and visit some of the best indoor/outdoor bars in RiNo. You can’t show them Denver without touring all the amazing street murals, and a stop to Honey Elixir Bar or Beacon. If we have extra time then we’d take them to Meow Wolff for a one of a kind adventure! The goal would be to show them what makes Denver standout, the zany, quirky, creative side that often gets missed by most tourists.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Most race directors have a long corporate career prior to pursuing the events industry. I was the complete opposite, co-founding my company at 25 years old. I was a pro triathlete at the time and deep down I knew my shelf life racing at that international level was limited, but my passion for the sport of triathlon was stronger than ever. People ask, how does one get into event production, what college degree or internship programs paved the way. Looking back it was my history and classics (Latin) degrees that created the foundation for small business success. Most talk about modern day idols, but I’d rather look to the lessons from the past. Stories like Julius Caesar burning his armies boats’ after landing on the shores of Britannia, or Andrew Jackson taking down the 2nd US central bank cartel are timeless lessons. I’ve also greatly admired Richard Branson of Virgin fame for doing things his way and laughing through the challenges. I’d recommend for anyone starting a business to create thier own mastermind group of 3-5 individuals who’s ideals they want to embody.

Website: www.withoutlimits.co

Instagram: instagram.com/withoutlimitsco

Twitter: twitter.com/withoutlimitsco

Facebook: facebook.com/withoutlimitsproductions

Other: I love to connect and network with people, so if you have an event idea, want to work in the event industry, or just want to say hello – please don’t be a stranger!

Image Credits
Kenny Withrow