MOVERS and SHAKERS Interview with Alicia Waldner

Tell us your name and a little about yourself.

My name is Alicia Waldner, and I am just like every single person reading this article. I used to conform to the societal norm. I went to college straight out of high school, got an internship, and worked a typical “9-5” job. When the advancement I was promised fell through, I also found out that my department was being dissolved. Little did I know that it was the best thing that could have happened to me! Even though I learned everything from that position, I knew that path wasn’t right for me. So, I decided to do something about it and take my life into my own hands. I co-founded a company that not only thrives in a fully-saturated market, but also provides job security to employees that are more like family to me.

What exactly does your company do?

Adventure Marketing is a digital marketing company that specializes in website design, SEO and videography. We are known for our three main services which separate us from much of our competition. In addition, our creative edge is what truly defines us. There are many marketing companies that create a general template for every client, whereas ADventure puts the clients’ best interests ahead of its own. We only offer what is truly best for the client and their industry.

What were the biggest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge to date is to find a true work-life balance. With as much passion as I have for my team, my work, and my goals, it’s hard to find reasons strong enough to slow down. The cliche saying, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life” is true only to an extent for me. There are days where I wake up bright-eyed and ready to take on the world. However, there are also days when it takes every ounce of willpower just to open my eyes. My ability to continue on has been the realization that the days filled with success and progress outweigh the hard days tenfold.

What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

The advice that has been driving me recently is all too simple: “Keep going.” With tons of responsibility thrown at us every day, it’s so easy to lose motivation and the drive to “keep going”. It would be easy to just throw in the towel and stop grinding every day. That was especially true back when I first started. With all of the unknowns piling up, it would have been so simple to just apply to another 9-5 job and answer to someone else. If I’d known where I’d be where I am, the thought of giving up wouldn’t have come close to crossing my mind.

Who are your biggest influences and people you admire and why?

This always changes for me, as there are thousands of people to be inspired by. Currently, my inspiration is a 26-year-old name Travis Montaque. I researched his company after hearing about him through a friend, and I was blown away by his business model. His story, humility, and perseverance have been truly admirable. My main reason for starting my own company was to provide others with the job security that I didn’t have in my time of need. Travis has been accomplishing that goal by providing others with job security at a level that is nothing short of incredible, and I’m grateful to be inspired by his story.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?

Jenna Summers is an inspiration to just about everyone she meets. With countless clients, she’s somehow able to create such a meaningful connection to each individual. She’s opened so many doors for me personally, from introducing me to all the right people to helping me realize I had potential before I knew I did. She changed my entire mindset and life, and she is always there to help me grow.

What do you see as your greatest success in life?

With so much still unknown in my career, I am truly grateful for every opportunity that comes along. Out of all that I’ve been fortunate to undertake, my greatest success so far has been founding multiple companies, employing over 10 people, and providing them with the opportunity I didn’t have.

How can people follow your journey? Please list your social media URLs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliciawaldner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-waldner/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQjQt5CVi0ucbwDWGGWHPKg

Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/50e9cdbfedae/awalenterprises

Website: https://aliciawaldner.com/contact-me/