Whispering River has been chosen through Washington Mutual Banks by www.startupnation.com as a featured business on their radio program about successful businesses. Whispering River was selected by Washington Mutual as one of ten business in a five state region and then referred to Joel Welsh at www.startupnation.com . Much thanks to Amy Voehringer a regional VP at Washington Mutal.

Bob

Robert Castellino Photographer/Author/Publisher Whispering River, LLC 2339 High Lonesome Trail Lafayette, CO 80026 720-890-8655 Off 720-890-8656 Fax
url: www.whisperingriver.com
email: wildman@whisperingriver.com

Excerpted from StartupNation.com website:
Interview with Bob Castellino.

Why did you start up?

My business is built on what I love—photography and publishing. It’s a way to communicate everything I see in nature with people who are disconnected from it in urban environments.

Where did you come up with the name?

I’m a river guide. I was on the Green River at a camp site called “Rippling Brook.” I took a little hike up the canyon where, in the distance, I could hear the sounds of the river. It sounded like whispering.

How did you get funding:

Through purchase orders. I had just gone through a bankruptcy and had $7 in my pocket. So I pre-sold calendars and books to universities and other customers. Then I went to the printer with those orders. They gave me terms to pay, which I did successfully. I’m proud to say that I also paid all creditors associated with the previous bankruptcy.

Definition of success:

To be able to do what I love to do everyday without having to answer to anyone else, and to have enough financial success to be able to give back to society and the earth to make positive change.

Company you admire:

Patagonia. They are my heroes! Patagonia has a mission statement built on values driven by integrity and ethics. They seek to offer the best to customers while taking the least from the earth’s resources.

Advice to other startups:

Write a detailed business plan.
Define things enough so that friends, business contacts, financiers—whoever!—can
understand what you want to do and how they can help you.
Make sure you have a mission statement that acts as a guidepost in situations that are difficult or challenging. You’ll need this to stay on track.
Once you know who your target market is, sell, sell, sell! You can’t put enough energy into sales, even if you’re getting a lot of “No”s.
Go to IBI Global International to find like-minded people to collaborate with.
If you’re lacking inspiration, find some!

Future plans:

Growth by expanding our distribution into Whole Foods and Borders. It’s already in process! Also, I’m writing a new children’s book that I think people are going to love.

What is the movie of your life going to be called:

“Live Your Dream”

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