Meet Grayson
#1 of 15
Trail Name: Van Man
I'll begin by introducing myself as the oldest member. This series will follow the order of oldest to youngest, with my Mom and Smoky being the follow-ups.
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I go by Grayson, and I am the eldest member of the Bettis crew at 25 years old. Raised in the heart of West Texas, my journey has been a dynamic fusion of entrepreneurship, hobbies, and a deep appreciation for creativity.​
At the age of 11, I embarked on my entrepreneurial path, starting a chicken business that revolved around selling eggs. By the time I was 12, I had enough profits to purchase my very first vehicle, igniting my fascination with all things motorized – from trains and boats to planes and race cars. I'm also an avid admirer of architecture. While I haven't delved into formal studies, my admiration for intricate designs and aesthetically pleasing structures fuels my aspiration to design my own home within the next 5-7 years.
Other hobbies I indulge in are comedy shows, football, and I also played rugby for 4 years. I also love DH MTB (Downhill mountain biking). I mean, who doesn't love riding downhill? Lol
Beyond my hobbies lies my true passion: entrepreneurship, brand building, and exploration. I find solace in traversing the globe while simultaneously crafting opportunities to make a livelihood. My journey towards leadership and organization began when I achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. This accomplishment equipped me with invaluable skills, setting the stage for my 17-year-old self to initiate a carpentry business centered around crafting pallet flags – a venture that grew to become one of the East Coast's largest, selling around 500 dining sets and living room suites annually. Adversity struck when the pandemic led to astronomical wood price hikes, forcing a liquidation of assets and a restart from ground zero. From this experience, I gleaned the importance of anticipating the unforeseen.
Following the closure, I turned to investments established prior to the setback and even delved into an unexpected avenue – sports betting, leveraging my NFL insights. Despite the shift, my ambition remains steadfast in resurrecting another thriving business. The fast-paced lifestyle, the thrill of number crunching, and the excitement of problem-solving draw me in. Above all, it's the competition with myself that propels me forward.
Within all of that, I met my best friend Mikayla, to whom I credit a lot of my recent success. We have been together for 4 years. She pops up in some of my mom's pictures here and there, but I've got to be honest, she is not the biggest fan of hiking. She is a go-getter entrepreneur herself and is the one who created my Mom's logo and merch line. Love you, Mikayla!
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Obtain my Recreational Pilot's License
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If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Vietnam, it is gorgeous.
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Do you collect anything?
Probably more than I should, actually. Lol.
I collect ashtrays, old currency (I metal detect a lot), Ford wrenches, but really any old tools that catch my eye. I love anything Mid Century Modern, so I collect stuff from then too, like lamps, chairs, pocket watches, etc.
What is your favorite sweet treat?
Coffee, probably lame, but I love iced coffee and I'm not a real big fan of candy.
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Who inspires you the most and why?
I have a number of people that I am inspired by. #1 would have to be Elon Musk, though. I know he is unliked by most and is considered a big bad billionaire, but being swayed by popular opinion has not really been practiced by my family. I believe he has good intentions at heart. I am big into technological advances, and watching his companies operate fascinates me and proves that if you are determined, you can do anything.
