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Rising into the Unknown

Life is a journey, let’s chase the summits and relish the adventure all along the way.

latest adventure posts

The Power of Wearing Your Pride

“Always stand up for what you believe in, just like my senior quote.” This is what Colorado Grand Valley High School senior Naomi Peña Villasano said, which is a fitting representation of her recent struggle with her school board and local government about wearing a Mexican-American sash on graduation day. The school principal, district superintendent, and a Denver U.S. District Court judge told her no. Their reasoning cited district authorities' fears of triggering displays of the Confederate flag and wanting to “protect the symbolic traditions that signify the graduates’ academic accomplishments and services to the community.”

My Own “Blind Side” Story – but even Better!

I have said that blood is thicker than water, but that you can welcome people into your blood, and you should – meaning the concept of family can be built, structured, and strengthened in the ways you choose, or how life chooses for you. I started Clayco in 1984 when I was 25 and bought a dilapidated building in a rough neighborhood (Robertson, Missouri) because it was all I could afford at the time. The very first day that I was on site, a 12-year-old black kid approached me and said, “Hey, Mister, can I get a job?”

Receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor

As someone who works hard to create a positive impact and legacy for the benefit of global communities, I am humbled to be included on the prestigious list of Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients. I would like to thank my friend and amazing North American hero, Anthony von Mandl, for nominating me and attending the ceremony, and my wife Jane and my children for attending.

Celebrating Earth Day

Every Earth Day, I’m reminded how far I have come. In the early 90s, I was working from home one day ― a rarity ― when my son Shawn was about seven years old. I was in my study, focusing on some key priorities I had that day, when Shawn darted in and out of the room a couple of times. I finally looked up and noticed that his shirt had a picture of the Earth on the front.

Minnesota Expo 2027: Bringing the World to the American Heartlands

It has been great working as co-chair for the Minnesota Expo 2027 to help bring the first World’s Fair onto U.S. soil in over 40 years. Minnesota will be an excellent location to host international citizens and already has the necessary infrastructure for future development. The plan is that for 93 days in the summer of 2027, Bloomington and the Twin Cities will be home to various Expo events, including international pavilions, unveiling new technology, art, culture, science, and much more. Our proposed Expo site is 62 acres east of the Mall of America with an urban center, transportation networks and is near the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The City of Bloomington has also been an essential expo supporter and asset in identifying site options that fit temporary needs and long-term city and commercial developments. Our effort to bring the expo to the American Heartlands is made up of political, civic, and business leaders that see the value of assembling the world to have a meaningful conversation about the well-being of Earth through the “Healthy People, Healthy Planet” themed exposition.

Enlightening Trip to Egypt and Jordan

My recent trip to Egypt and Jordan felt like a journey back in time! I had the opportunity to visit so many historic sites that were truly incredible to witness firsthand. Immersing myself in the local culture and history was the best part of my trip. I visited Tahrir Square, or "Martyr Square,” in downtown Cairo where most political demonstrations have been held since the early 20th century. Both the 2011 Egyptian revolution and the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak happened there.

ADVENTURE

Building Buttercup

a fence in a field with trees in the background

I can’t describe the powerful emotion I felt at this moment, for everything lost and gained in my whole life. It was a spiritual experience, from my heart.

ADVENTURE

Climbing Capitol Peak

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Adventure

Adventure is in my DNA

Ever since I read the stories of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, I’ve looked at all of my life as an adventure. Listening and learning from my father was amazing story in history over the course of 40 years taught me that adventure was in my DNA at conception.

I’ve always been able to keep calm and have a level head and every situation I can remember. The only exception of this rule is that I don’t believe a person should not panic if they’re drowning. I would definitely drown panicking.

Beyond that all of life’s twists and turns good and bad ecstatic or heartbroken all add up to the different color crayons in your crayon box. That was a quote from my dad upon hearing some shocking news about my own colorful life.