Meet Buck Branson

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

Hi Buck, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
It’s funny because risk management and fear is a constant to manage in rock climbing and learning how to deal with them to be successful has a direct correlation to every aspect of life. Especially business. Risk management is a game of odds. Previous experience helps adjust those odds when running the calculations for your next move. I’ve noticed that some of the more successful businessmen I’ve worked with have the ability to make these calculations in an instant but can still take time to look at every angle. I’ve tried to handle risk with confidence but not brash expedience.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I embody “Jack of all trades & master of none”. Currently the Operations Manager for a climbing gym that has 2 locations but I’ve been in construction, built multiple houses ground up, was a professional climber, sales rep in the Outdoor Industry, athlete manager/climbing shoe designer/sales manager/marketing director/Minister of Culture nationally and internationally for a large climbing shoe company, business development for a water purification company that specialized in custom reverse osmosis systems that produced commercial volumes of water for the Agriculture Industry but always an entrepreneur at heart who gets excited about finding solutions to problems.

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.
San Diego has so much to offer but the 2 things that I always focus on with visiting friends is the weather and food. If it’s a little colder out then desert trips are a must. Climbing outdoors is always better colder than warmer and San Diego has TONS of very accessible outdoor climbing areas for all skill sets. If it’s warmer then the beach and the higher altitude mountains. One of the prettiest day drives is heading up to Mt. Laguna from the 8 and connecting all the way to Idylwild on San Jacinto and then looping back down to the 15 fwy for a straight shot home. As far as food goes there are too many hidden restaurant gems in San Diego county to count. Pick a cuisine and I’ll give you a list of “best” from unknown to historic to michelin star. But the real gem of San Diego culinary is the local fresh produce and proteins. The farmers markets, at least locally, are year round and there’s nothing better than spending an evening after a day at the beach, or climbing at the crag, then to prepare a meal with friends with local farm to table on hand.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wayne Gregory – Founder of Gregory Packs. Lifelong friend, taught me the importance of needing to have control of manufacturing/keeping it as in-house as possible. The constant solution finding, tinkering and inventing that happens around manufacturing spurs creativity and growth. Removing that element from life & business, especially if only financially driven by margins, kills your ability to disrupt future markets with innovation.
Beaver Theodaksis- Founder of Prana clothing. Hands down the smartest, most intuitive businessman I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Has shown me the importance of authenticity over everything. When creating a business your ability to be authentic in your brand, marketing and by default your product, will resonate with the end user and lead to success. Just as important is the inverse with being unauthentic.
The book “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss. If you are a good communicator read this. If you are good at sales read this. If you are good with the relationships in your life, read this. It will make you better.

Website: https://thewallclimbinggym.com

Instagram: b3branson

Other: https://redmaynetech.com