We had the good fortune of connecting with Steven & Laura Zsako and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven & Laura, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
No Risk. No Reward. Most endeavors that provide a fruitful return also entail taking some sort of risk. Whether you are joining a new company, getting Married, purchasing real estate or starting your own business risk is inherent in everything we do. It is part of Life. I began climbing Mountains in 2003. As I became more and more interested in the sport of mountaineering, the risks that I was taking became greater as the climbs I pursued were more challenging. I have experienced some of the greatest moments of Life by stepping through fear and taking a calculated risk.
Risk does not have to be reckless. Taking risks in climbing or in business, for that matter, should involve careful consideration and meticulous planning. As the saying goes, either you are planning or you are just planning to fail.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a photographer and YouTuber. These things began as a personal hobby for me. I am an avid mountain climber and during the course of my adventures I would take a plethora of beautiful and stunning photographs. For years people would tell me, “Steven, you take such great pictures! You should really be selling these!” Over the course of climbing over 600 mountain peaks in the western United States I have a giant collection of fine photo art. In 2022 Laura and I launched our photo art website, 14erfinisher.com where you can purchase our beautiful art. We have received many sales since launching our new site and our only regret is not doing this sooner. We now have a secondary source of income through our own business. We will be able to enjoy a better financial outlook with the benefit of our photo sales. We are offering fine art at affordable prices and people are just Loving it! Recently, in 2022 I bought a GoPro 10 and began filming on my adventures. This led to the creation of Laura and Steve’s “14er Finisher” YouTube channel. Although this channel is still very small, we are growing it very quickly and releasing new content weekly.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Denver, Colorado for a week long trip I would ease them into the mile high altitude. After picking up my best friend from DIA I would take him to DiCicco’s for some fine Italian dining. On day two we would explore Boulder, Colorado and hike to the summits of South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak. After the hiking we would stroll the Pearl Street Mall. Visiting the Boulder Book Store would be a must see! We would eat at Pasta Jay’s. Before heading back to Denver would definitely need to check out Neptune Mountaineering for some more outdoor gear.
Day three, a visit to the Denver Art Museum and dining at the Chop House in Downtown, Denver.
Day Four would be a hike to the top of Mount Sniktau from Loveland Pass, CO. This climb takes you above 13,000 feet and provides stunning vies of the Continental Divide. We would drive to Buena Vista, CO after the hike and stay at the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort.
Day Five – Climb of Mount Princeton from Hot Springs Resort. You can’t experience Colorado without going above 14,000!! The guest would be acclimatized by Day 5 and ready for this summit.
Day 6 – Rest and relaxation at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs.
Day 7 – Drive guest to DIA for outbound flight.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my Shoutout to my beautiful Wife: Laura Zsako. Without Laura’s Love and encouragement I never would have went into business by launching 14er Finisher (YouTube Channel) and our photo website: https://14erFinisher.Com. She encouraged and inspired me to take a big risk and finally launch my photographer and mountaineering guide service. This is something I have wanted to do since 2003 but wasn’t brave enough to launch until I had Laura’s support and encouragement. She has been a real think tank and provided so much value-add as my partner!

Website: https://14erfinisher.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXaDOsjNOGMzZK0vx6Wgzvw

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