My passion for travel started in high school when I was unexpectedly asked to fill-in as a US delegate in a special study abroad program after a friend dropped out. Several weeks later I was off to Costa Rica which forever changed the course of my life. It was mind opening and motivated my decision to get dual degrees in Finance and Spanish with a focus on International Business. I wanted to continue to travel the world while working. My first job out of university brought me to work in Mexico, live in the Netherlands for nearly 7 years with a stint in Brazil in between. Then I met Karen who recently returned home after living and teaching English in Korea for 4 years. I adored her live-in-the-moment and follow your dreams mentality and quit my job to be with her in ironically my home state from childhood. I had always wanted to start my own business but I was not ready yet and decided to work for another company that brought my wife and I to Panama for one and a half years and then to Chile for nearly five years. As fate had it, the company moved us back “home” to Denver. It was finally time to follow my dream and I could not think of a better person to start this new [Ad]venture than with my wife, my partner in everything no matter where or what.
My path to adventure has been quite distinct. I was primed from a young age to love change and meeting new people. I often boast that I moved to 15 different homes with my family before even going to university. Besides my loving family, my two constants were playing soccer and my dad as my soccer coach. Eventually I played D1 soccer on a partial scholarship (Go Blue!). After university, my love for adventure, combined with the fact I had no idea what I wanted to do next, found me backpacking throughout Mexico and Central America. Once my traveling came to an end (i.e. I ran out of money), I focused on my passion of helping, working as a social worker running a group home in Chicago. A couple of years went by, and I started to get itchy feet. I loved that I could help people in my job, but I dreamed about doing the same while seeing more of the world. When my older brother visited and shared his teaching abroad experience in South Korea, I knew what I needed to do. I planned to stay only six months, but four years later I was still there. I fell in love with Korea and the region. I loved teaching. I loved the spirit of collectivism. I loved the respect for people older than you. I love that ultimately, I found Ben and we keep exploring together.
We believe that cultural connections are vital to preserving our past and future. A tasty discovery, an unforgettable moment, a human bond — these connections bring meaning to life. We love the connections we have made around the world, and by creating Mishkin Enterprises, we will aim to make the world more accessible. Adventure Delivered