We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brian Gill. Check out our conversation below.
Brian, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
There’s one thing that can make me lose track of time and find myself and that’s riding my bike. Getting on the bike and doing a 30 or 40 mile ride is calming, relaxing and gives me time to let everything go and just be.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brian Gill and I run an organization called Cool Critters Outreach. We’re an exotic animal education and rescue organization in Cincinnati, OH that takes in unwanted exotic pets and utilizes them in hands-on educational programs all around town. We attend schools, scouts, birthday parties, block parties, nursing home events and just about anything else you can think of!
This is a small family business and that’s just how we like it. All of our animals are local, rescued, legal exotic pets that most people get and decide after awhile of caring for it that it’s not for them. Our goal is to let people get hands-on with the animals, learn about them and be able to make an informed decision if they’re planning on taking in a new pet.
In addition to talking about them as pets we also talk about where they’re native to, their diet, adaptations, etc. We conduct programs for anyone of any age, from the infant in daycare to the elderly in living assisted facilities and we enjoy every single program.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I would say between my grandfather and my father they’re the ones that gave me the work ethic I have today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think when running your own business there’s always going to be times that you want to give up. Over the last close to 20 years it’s happened several times. When I get there I step away from work, I remember that I used to sit in a cubicle and I don’t want to do that ever again. I think about the fact that while my hours are 24/7 they’re MY hours. I don’t have to ask anyone for a day off, I don’t have to work on my birthday, I don’t have to ask if it’s ok if I go on vacation because I make the schedule. It’s not for everyone but it’s definitely for me.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think, for the most part, the public version of me is the real me. Yes, being in front of a crowd is intimidating and causes a bit of anxiety, but, I’m just a guy talking about snakes and lizards. Like everyone I’m just making it through life, trying to keep that smile on my face and maybe help to put a smile on someone else’s as well.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I’m doing what I was born to do. I was told if I got a job with a company they would appreciate my work. I was told that company would promote me. I was told I would make great money and get vacations and be able to retire because the company would care. That’s what I was told growing up, that’s what I believed…until November 2008 when the company didn’t care anymore.
That’s when the light really brightened. I had been running my own business for 2 years at that point, part-time, scared to go full-time. After being laid off I had nothing to lose so I went for it. Best decision ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coolcrittersoutreach.com
- Instagram: coolcrittersoutreach
- Facebook: Cool Critters Outreach
