Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Joey Paulsonmorgan and I was born and raised in the Big Sky State. I am the owner of an outdoor media/apparel company called Why We Hunt.
What is one habit of yours that helps you be productive?
For me, productivity and motivation are directly correlated; the more motivated I am, the more productive I am. I’m highly motivated by seeing my gear in as many places as possible and seeing people representing my brand all around the country. With this, I have created the habit of reaching out to people who have tagged the company in social media to see what they are up to and what kind of adventures they are taking the brand on. Making an effort to see where my company is being represented has been the ultimate way for me to stay productive and driven.
What is your morning routine and how does it help you get the most out of your day?
I wake up early and hit the gym to get the blood flowing and confidence up. A confident start to the day means I’m ready for any task that’s coming my way. Whether it’s design, marketing, or communications, no day is perfect but I’m ready to take it on headfirst. I spend time each morning checking in on different media outlets so I’m aware of what’s going on within my target audience, so I know how to engage them.
In the last few years, what lifestyle, habit or behavior change has had the biggest positive impact on your life?
Being willing to reach out to other people! When I started Why We Hunt I had one partner that eventually got out because life is just hectic sometimes and running a startup is something that takes a lot of energy and time. After becoming the sole owner and operator, I felt like I had to make all the calls and know the answers. Yes, the owner does tend to make all the calls but there are an awful lot of areas where I am nowhere near an expert and could use the advice of others who have more experience. Now, I am constantly reaching out to others and bouncing ideas off them to determine what is best for the company. (Spoiler Alert: Just because you’re the owner doesn’t mean you always know what’s best!)
When you feel unfocused, what do you do?
Hit the mountains! My company was built on the foundation of hunting and other outdoor activities. I started this company because I wanted to share my greatest passion with others so when I am unfocused or come to one of the unavoidable lows, I simply fall back on that passion and lose myself in the very same setting the company started.
What is one piece of software or a web service that you get immense value out of? How do you use it?
I use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere religiously with my company. Whether I am designing product logos, publishing media, or editing, I am using one of these pieces of software to try to reach my target audience in a creative way.
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold.
I think of myself as a part-time business owner and full-time nerd. This book will test the intellect and comprehension of the great majority of people but will make everybody wonder why something is the way it is. It may have no relation to running a business or being successful in this over-saturated market; but Why We Hunt was formed from the love of the outdoors which wouldn’t be possible without the knowledge of conservation. If “Aldo Leopold” isn’t synonymous for “conservation”, then I don’t know what is.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
Don’t give up on your dreams but be willing to wait to chase them. Sometimes in order to chase a dream you have to gain experience first (well to be successful in chasing that dream at least). You can always chase a dream right away and although there are plenty of people who succeed by doing so, taking time to gain some experience and learn from others is invaluable. One piece of advice I think should be ignored is to never do a job that doesn’t make you happy. The jobs I have done that didn’t make me happy have been the most valuable of all; they were steppingstones and lit the path to a career that brings enjoyment.
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
“I woke up this morning feeling dangerous.” -Baker Mayfield
Be willing to take risks, life can be a scary unknown but it’s a lot less scary with a positive, confident mindset.
Connect
Email is an easy way to reach me
Instagram is another great outlet to connect with me @whywehunt or @jpaulsonmorgan