Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wildlife but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kelly Triece, Senior Ecologist of Adaptation (AES), located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Adaptation (AES) is a wildlife organization. Adaptation is on a mission to improve human-snake interactions and reduce snakebites through education. We are the only venomous snake safety training designed and taught by professionals, for professionals. Courses include identification, natural history, safety, and handling. We will focus on venomous snakes in your area and tailor the course to your specific needs. Our customers include organizations that encounter venomous snakes on or around their properties. These include wildlife professionals, the military, first responders, energy workers, wildlife control operators, zookeepers, and more.
Tell us about yourself
Our business was started in 2012 with the goal of providing a service to local and state agencies by providing insight into the wildlife on their properties. As our business grew and expanded, we saw a need for venomous snake safety training. I joined the business in 2017 with an education and wildlife background. I love bringing the two together.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is our team of instructors. Our training course instructors are not simply snake enthusiasts, but each has over 20 years (and some twice that) of professional venomous snake experience in zoos and field research. Our instructors are researchers, zoologists, and wildlife biologists. We bring our team together monthly to discuss the latest news in our field and to share it with each other. Our instructors are not only well-trained professionals, but we are a team.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is learning about business. As I mentioned, my background is in wildlife and education. My degrees are in Biology. I do not know how to run a business. Between taxes, HR, marketing, website design, outreach, etc., it can be a lot to learn! I have learned how to teach myself a lot, but I have also learned to reach out to other experts and mentors for assistance. This has been key. I cannot do it alone.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get started - Don’t wait until the stars align to get started on your business. Start now and keep going every day.
- Get help - Know that you cannot do it alone. Surround yourself with honest, trustworthy people who can help you on your journey. And know that sometimes the relationships may not work out, and that is ok.
- Business Plan - Write a business plan. It does not have to be lengthy but write one. Check-in with that plan every month and use that as your guiding light. Be sure to include your mission and vision.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.adaptationenvironmental.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdaptationEnvironmental
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaptationenvironmental/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-triece-4311a421/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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