817. Passion for Writing Stories Let Him Create His Life Script

“Growing up, I’d make up stories. That was my thing. I was super creative, with a wild imagination and have always loved telling stories.  Later on, I channeled my writing by studying screenwriting. I just loved it. Whether it was writing or listening to all kinds of music, or learning about advertising or marketing, I knew I had to be creative.”

Struggling at an insurance job that wasn’t satisfying, Kirk applied to some advertising agencies. One of them offered him a job that checked all the boxes: good pay, working with creative people. As he was about to accept it, a clear thought came to him. “Maybe I could create something like this for myself, bringing together other creative people from marketing and film.” His then-girlfriend, now his wife, was on-board. “She said I should just run with it, so I did!” That became his obsession, and he created Treehouse 51.

“Even when you follow your passion, there will be failure and hard work. Not everything will work out, so you’ve really got to want it. But when you find that spot, it’s not just a job. Treehouse 51 and The Bug Squasher are much more than jobs to me, they’re my babies. We’re fighting for a bigger cause. I don’t mind if it’s Saturday at 3 a.m. and I’m working, because it’s mine.”

1. Feed your creativity by opening yourself to a variety of people, places and activities that stimulate you.

2. Pursue your passion first as a side gig as you accumulate resources to sustain you when you take it full-time.

3. Don’t be mindlessly lulled into following a path that is not for you. Stay clear about your goals throughout the temporary setbacks and delays.