Baltimore Chief Adventure Officer Launches Successful Encore Career
Matt Baker, Chief Adventure Officer at Terrapin Adventures in Howard County, Maryland, accomplished his 'encore' in a remarkable manner by transitioning from a career building successful medical businesses to overseeing the many challenging activities offered at his popular outdoor theme park.
Baker started out with a B.S. in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Massachusetts and later obtained an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland.
What inspired you to start Terrapin Adventures?
"I have always enjoyed being outside, pushing the envelope. I used to mountain bike ride before they called it mountain biking. After a family vacation to Costa Rica, I was inspired to develop this business."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"While our business is all about relationships and outdoor fun, it is a business. My career path as a solar energy economist taught me important analytical and communication skills. My 25 years as a healthcare executive taught me how to run businesses taking care of human resources, finance, marketing, operations, information systems, etc. My undergraduate and masters programs provided me with tangible skills to allow me to evaluate opportunities and threats and enact decisions."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"Managing other people's businesses taught me a lot. When it is your own money, decisions get very real quickly."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to change careers?
"Don't worry about forever. I have made three major career changes, four if you count my entrepreneurial house painting business in college. Have a passion for what you do and you will enjoy work all the more."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.
