Risk is the most common topic that comes up in our conversations with entrepreneurs and so each week we ask entrepreneurs to talk to us on the record about how they think about risk.

Mike Telle | CO- Owner of American Combat Cans

Risk taking is something I have never had an issue with. My thought process has always been we are in the United States of America. The only place in the world where failure is an option and you can rebound from with the correct mindset. Honestly if it doesn’t work out as planned you always have other options . Read more>>

April Wheat | Singer/Actress/Educator

In general, I’m not a big risk taker. I like to keep things routine and for a while it showed up in my professional life. I went through a period where I was not booking anything and I got discouraged. I thought about quitting and then my community swooped in and reminded me about taking the risk. Read more>>

Kristin Sumrall | Hair Salon Owner

I grew up in an entrepreneur-based family; I watched my grandfather & my father grow their business from the ground up and it sincerely led me to think this was also the only option for myself, When it comes to taking risks, starting a business is just a huge gamble..I knew that going into it. For years I knew what I wanted to do with my life and my career, but I never felt ready to place that bet. Read more>>

Ryan Langford | Realtor @ Coldwell Banker Realty

Making a career change in your 40’s can be a challenge. When I think about risk, often I think it is the risks that we don’t take that we regret the most. Everyone’s propensity for risk is different. Writing a song and showing it to someone for feedback can feel like a risk. For many, standing on stage and singing in front of people is a risk. Launching a new career is a risk. Purchasing an investment property is a risk. Read more>>

Katie Park | Marketing Partner & Photographer

I think most people that know me would agree that I am a risk taker in my professional life and in my personal life. Not everyone has the luxury of doing what they love, and it happens to fit into corporate America or a high-paying career. At the end of the day, you really must ask yourself what will make you happy in the long run and then chase after it. Read more>>

Gil Starks | Photographer & Surrealism Artist

The biggest risk is not taking one at all, right? Right. Photography was a hobby that I wanted to turn into a career, but was still moving as if it were a hobby and my excuse was “finding a niche”. I took the kind of photos that I’d want to see in the art world, until I pretty much lost creativity due to simply comparing myself to others. Read more>>