In this episode ofChess Not Checkers, hosts Jordan Tampien and Keith Riddle sit down with Joel Barbour, co-founder of The Great Pacific Northwest (PNW), to discuss his journey from graphic designer to multi-business entrepreneur. Joel shares how his creative passion, strategic thinking, and adaptability helped him build successful ventures across different industries, from branding to real estate. They explore the challenges of balancing multiple businesses, the importance of staying true to your values, and how to find harmony between professional success and personal life.

00:00 – Welcome ‘Joel Barbour’

00:49 – How We Met

02:46 – Joel Barbour’s Background and Inspiration

07:15 – Starting The Great PNW: The Early Days

09:23 – Kickstarter Campaign and Initial Success

11:42 – Business Growth and Financial Lessons

15:44 – Entrepreneurial Challenges and Lessons Learned

16:58 – Balancing Work and Family Life

22:40 – Reflecting on Past Jobs and Career Choices

27:26 – Generational Wealth and Expectations

29:03 – Teaching Kids Resilience

30:37 – Mindset and Upbringing

33:07 – The Power of Positive Self-Talk

37:46 – Entrepreneurial Lessons and Risks

43:38 – Balancing Business and Family

48:23 – Diverse Business Ventures

54:28 – Exciting New Ventures

55:13 – The Great PNW and Bison

55:39 – Fundamental Business Principles

57:49 – Evaluating New Opportunities

01:00:14 – Real Estate Investments

01:01:49 – Balancing Work and Personal Life

01:04:14 – Entrepreneurial Challenges and Successes

01:06:00 – The Role of Luck in Business

01:14:23 – Honesty and Self-Awareness

01:22:43 – Protecting Time and Priorities