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Taylor is the Director of Client Services for Kochava where he works with major brands to grow their mobile apps. He’s also the creator of The Mobile Marketing Podcast, a show that features interviews with industry-leading experts. When he’s not learning about marketing and ad tech, he’s exploring the Idaho wilderness. He hunts, fishes, hikes, and snowboards as much as possible. He's also a recent father and plans to spend a lot of time outside with his son James.

Regarding your favorite outdoor passion, how did you get into what you do?

My dad and grandpa are avid hunters and fishers, so I picked it up from them. I was lucky to go on all kinds of adventures as a kid -- deep sea fishing in Alaska, pheasant hunting in Montana, fly fishing in Canada, deer hunting in Idaho.

When I left for college, I stopped hunting. Then I moved between Oregon, New York, and California for work. It was a hassle to get outside while in a big city, so that part of my life was put on the back burner while I focused on my career.

In 2015, I moved back to Idaho to take a job with Kochava. That created a ton of opportunities for me to get back into outdoor sports. Now I have a much greater appreciation for hunting than I did when I was younger. Having lived in big, crowded cities, now I can’t wait to get out in nature.

I took up bow hunting this year and am having a blast. It's a huge challenge and frustrating at times, but I love it. It's made me a better all-around hunter and marksman.

Tell us about the first time you had a successful adventure. i.e. your first amazing trip, successful hunt,  or fishing trip.

The first successful trip that I remember was dove hunting around Bonners Ferry, Idaho. I had been out with my dad on a few other occasions, but this was the first trip where I actually had my own gun and wasn't just along for the ride.

I didn't want to go because I hated waking up early. I would have rather slept in, but my dad dragged me out of bed. It was a good thing he did.

We went with a group of family friends on opening day. We met before sunrise and hunted throughout the morning. I was by far the youngest person in the group and the only one without any real experience. When we were done for the day, we all got together for lunch. I remember cleaning the birds I had shot while everyone told stories of the day. Difficult shots they had made, easy shots they had missed, how the dogs did on retrieving. It was a rite of passage for me. If only for a few hours, I went from a kid to someone that was part of this group of adults.

What’s the first thing you say to people when they ask why you do what you do?

I do it to be more self-sufficient. I get a ton of satisfaction out of knowing that I'm able to take care of my most basic needs on my own.

How do you mix/balance your professional life with adventure?

I don't do it very well. I prioritize work, but try to make full use of my weekends. I also just had my first child, so it's even harder now. But I'm looking forward to hunting with my son when he gets older and to passing on the traditions that I learned from my dad.

What are the 3 pieces of gear you would never go without?

Yeti lowball - Yes, I'm drinking the Yeti Kool-Aid...but at least it stays cold for hours in this thing.

Havalon knife - The replaceable blades are amazing.

Sous vide cooker - Even an amateur chef like me can cook amazing wild game.

What do you do to stay in field shape?

I go to the gym every day before work. I'm not a morning person at all, but it's the only way I can guarantee that I'll get it done. Between having a demanding work schedule and a baby at home, all bets are off if I try to go later. Consistency is king, so I just make sure I do some form of exercise every day.

Do you have any advice for the guy or girl reading this who is considering a leap into your world?

Hunting can be extremely frustrating, and there are a lot more failures than successes (for me at least). Enjoy the process, find someone that's experienced and have them show you the ropes.

What’s one thing we could do as a society to protect the environment vital to your passion?

Support legislation that protects public lands.

Tell us something that's true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Following the news and "staying informed" is a waste of time. It's designed to focus on the latest disaster or scandal so it creates a constant state of fear and outrage. I'd rather use my energy to focus on things within my control.

What is your favorite quote?

To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Instagram:
@taylorjmorris

LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorjmorris/

Website:
www.themobilemarketingpodcast.com

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