Meet Trenton Radford | Author & Engineer

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

Hi Trenton, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think a lot of people see work and life as this constant balancing act, trying to find the perfect ratio to feel successful in both. I used to carry a lot of guilt around that, especially when work got intense. But over time, I realized it’s less about balance and more about intentionality—moments and communication.

It all starts with communication. I talk with my partner and together we figure out the best course of action and what really matters to us, what moments matter. That shared understanding allows us to be more present and aligned in how we spend our time.

For me, it’s quality over quantity. I can work 70 hours a week if needed, but every night I make it a point to give my partner a massage and talk about our day. My daughter knows that when she has soccer or swimming, her dad will be there cheering her on. Those are non-negotiables for me.

I’ve come to see it as work-life integration more than balance. I did trim the fat, no more video games or binge-watching Netflix, but I’m okay with that because what I’ve gained is far more valuable: meaningful connection and lifelong memories with my family. And when I’m present, I’m really present—with my team, my business, and my family.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There’s a saying about the easy things in life… but this wasn’t easy. Jordan and I met at a time when both of us were at a turning point. Everyone walks their own path, facing unique trials and tribulations, and our story is no different. What sets us apart is the foundation we built around refinement and perseverance in the face of adversity.

We started from the bottom of the bottom, but we rose to the occasion. That struggle shaped not just who we are, but what Youniversal Theory stands for. Our brand is about unity. It’s about healing the rift between science and philosophy. We believe both are essential lenses for understanding life, and when brought together, they help people see more clearly, both outwardly and inwardly.

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?
There are so many amazing things to do in Colorado, so let’s get specific. We’ll skip winter for now—because honestly, if it were winter, we’d be snowboarding in the mountains the whole time. But for a perfect summer adventure, here’s how I’d spend the week:

Day One: We kick things off with brunch at French Press—hands down one of my favorite spots. I’ve never had a bad meal there. After fueling up, it’s time for some adrenaline with white water rafting. We wrap the day with sushi at Blue Sushi in LoDo—fresh, creative, and the perfect way to cool down after an adventurous day.

Day Two: Yep, back to French Press—it’s that good. Then we’re off to hike to the Hanging Lake. It’s a beautiful spot sitting on a fault line, and the hike to get there is well worth it.

Day Three: We head out to North St. Vrain for some exceptional primitive camping. There are great hikes, and if you’re lucky, your site is right on the creek. No fancy food tonight—just nature, a fire, and sleeping under the stars.

Day Four: From St. Vrain, we make our way to Glenwood Springs for some well-deserved R&R. Iron Mountain Hot Springs has a great mix of pools and an amazing view. Then we head back to Aurora for dinner at Monsoon, an Indian restaurant we can never get enough of.

Day Five: We venture to Garden of the Gods. The name says it all—it’s breathtaking. Great photo ops, interesting geology, and some solid hiking to boot.

Day Six: No Colorado summer is complete without Red Rocks. Whether you’re catching a concert or just hiking the amphitheater and taking it all in, it’s bucket list material. There’s just something magical about that place.

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?
I would be remiss if I didn’t give credit to my co-author and business partner, Jordan Evans. Jordan and I have been friends for over a decade, and in 2022, we decided to make our dream a reality by co-founding Youniversal Theory, a space where science meets philosophy, and people from all walks of life can come together to talk about life.

Jordan is a true autodidact with immense knowledge in philosophy, religion, and psychology, while I bring a background in physics, mathematics, and computer science. We’re complete opposites in our approaches, but that’s exactly what makes our partnership so powerful. We complement each other, where one might see weakness, the other provides strength.

None of it would be possible without the unwavering support of our partners, who not only keep us grounded but also help us stay aligned with the vision.

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