Michael Candelario
Michael Candelario was born in Miami Florida. He graduated high school and attended University of Wisconsin – School of Business from the years 2005 to 2009 studying Real Estate and Urban Land Economics. Michael Candelario is a dedicated husband and father of 3. During his time at the University of Wisconsin he began his entrepreneurial career founding MAC Property Solutions. In the year 2016 Michael became the CEO at Original Goods and in 2019 he co-founded Whole ‘nother mother’.
What is your hobby?
I enjoy spending quality time outdoors with my family: camping, hiking, and visiting the national geographic parks with my children and wife. I feel that walking through nature and breathing clean air helps us relax and get away from the stress. The scenery, explorations, solitude and all that nature has to offer whilst simultaneously showing and teaching my kids new experiences and giving us a good fun time together as a family.
How did you get started with this hobby?
I grew up in West Virginia where I hiked and camped the Appalachian trail, on the East coast. This is where my passion and love for hiking began. Most of the Appalachian trail is in the forest Wildlands, although some portions traverse towns, roads, and farms. The trail passes through 14 states, and I have spent many years throughout my life enjoying and completing this breath-taking, panoramic trail.
Tell us what you love about your hobby.
Family bonding time has been an important value, me and my wife feel strongly about. Fusing my favorite hobby with family time has enhanced the experience for me. In addition to family bonding time, it has always been important for me and for my family to be able to detach from both technology and the busy aspects that control most of our lives. New experiences, nature’s natural beauty, and isolation is a time for me and my family. Showing and teaching my kids the simpler ways of life in the wilderness can create a fun-filled adventure.
What types of things/equipment have you spent money on for your hobby?
My favorite items are my Osprey Bag and Nemo dragonfly tent, I’ve taken them on multiple hikes and trips with me and my family and have been used them extensively.
What are some of your favorite places to shop for your hobby?
My favorite places to shop for my outdoors camping equipment are Recreational Equipment (REI) and Patagonia. They’re range and quality of products are extensive, additionally with each purchase made they donate 1% to support the planet.
How much money have you invested into this? How much would a beginner have to invest to get started?
At the beginning I invested very little, and overtime I have increased the quantity of equipment I own. Start by investing in smaller amounts and over time expand your equipment. With experience, you begin to learn and familiarize yourself with what is more useful during hikes, and what you need. Often, this only occurs whilst you have taken a particular hike and discovered an item is missing and needs to be purchased. These items for me have been an investment and will hopefully last forever if taken care of.
Are there any good books for beginners?
National Geographic Complete is a magazine that covers topics generally concerning science, geography, history, and world culture. I’ve been reading National Geographic since I was a child and it always fascinated me. Within the magazine they show all the different cultures, places and ways of living through articles and amazing photography. Within the selection of magazines, the NGC also focuses and zooms in into certain areas, such as the National Parks of the United States. These magazines provide you with an enormous amount of information regarding the best parks to visit, the best time of year and more. They are a must have for all outdoorsy people.
Are there any online videos you recommend to help beginners?
I highly recommend YouTube as a means to find more information via photography, Videography and blogs. There is an unlimited amount of videos regarding for example the national Parks of America and Vlogs which provides us with the information on scenic beautiful spots to visit. My favorite channels are Joe Robinet and Survival Lilly. Joe Robinet is a Canadian YouTuber. Joe uploads a log of his bushcraft and camping videos. My personal favorite videos are where Joe constructs items from natural materials. Another YouTuber I recommend is survival Lilly who is an Austrian YouTuber with a niche and passion for nature and within her videos teaches us important survival skills. YouTube is a treasure chest of information and advice, a place for learning new skills an expanding your knowledge
How has your hobby changed your life?
Camping and spending time outdoors reminds me of my childhood roots and happy memories. It enables me to escape the stress of the corporate world. In addition, being outside in the beautiful scenery is physically and mentally healthy. It relaxes me and refreshes my soul. Showing my kids nature and its natural beauty was important to me for them to also be able to detach from technology.
What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?
Patience is key. Start slow, don’t be afraid to let go and you’ll be surprised how well you connect with nature, the outdoors, and the freedom it provides if you allow yourself. Use the wonders of nature in order to recharge your batteries in order to continue to work hard, with different perspectives and outlook.
Connect with Michael Candelario:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-candelario-6984a3178