Get to Know Andrew Muse from Tiny Home Adventure
Andrew Muse is many things. Among them an outdoor adventurer, an animal lover, a craftsman, a free spirit, a Mountain America Credit Union member … and a survivor.
If you’re not familiar with Andrew, he documents his life on his YouTube channel, and started the web series, Tiny Home Adventure. His channel features his extreme adventures as he crisscrosses North America with his dog in a home on wheels. His journey includes challenges, successes and, at times, heartbreaks, as he explores backcountry trails and seeks out epic experiences.
Everyone at Mountain America has been so captivated by Andrew that we decided to feature his story. Check out the video above! Then come back and read our exclusive interview with the man himself!
Mountain America: What motivates you to do what you do?
Andrew Muse: The pursuit of happiness. I grew up in a tough situation and didn’t know any adults that were living a happy, healthy life. I knew I didn’t want my life to be like that. All I know is that I’m here, right now, and I want to make the absolute most of it. I found solace in the outdoors as a kid and that continues to be the place where I feel most fulfilled.
MA: Have you always loved animals?
AM: Yes! I feel like I speak dog language better than human language. I’ve always had a bit of anxiety when I’m around people—but, with animals, I seem to connect on a deeper level.
MA: Why is it so important to bring Kicker on your adventures?
AM: I had wanted a dog for a long time but wanted to wait until I could give it the best life possible. For me, that meant not leaving the dog at home alone while I worked. I saw the incredible bond that was created between my first dog, Booter, and I when we did everything together and I wanted to continue that type of relationship with Kicker. I know what he needs from me and he knows what I expect from him. A tired, dirty dog is a happy, well-behaved dog. Our relationship is mutually beneficial—in the pursuit of giving my dog the best life possible, I have gotten to live my own best life.
MA: If you could go back in time, what “lesson learned” would you impart to your younger self?
AM: Know your limits and don’t rush things. The accident that destroyed my truck, everything I owned and took Booter from me could have been avoided had I known my limits and just pulled over on the side of the road to grab a little sleep. I’ll have to live with that choice for the rest of my life.
Now, though, I’m never in a rush, and certainly never push it when I’m driving. If I’m tired, I just pull over and catch a nap without a second thought.
MA: Do you ever have doubts about the path you’re on? How do you overcome those and continue to innovate?
AM: Constantly! This path I’m on is uncertain and stability is limited. Things have been good so far and we continue to progress—but the path forward is sometimes a big question mark. This last year, while building our vehicle for season three, we encountered some of our biggest challenges yet. The key is to stay positive and trust that everything happens for a reason. I just keep trying to be the best I can be and, thankfully, it continues to pay off!
MA: What has been your most satisfying moment or achievement so far?
AM: I would have to say my most satisfying achievement so far is being able to move into the Expedition vehicle I built by hand. It took more than a year of the hardest work of my life—and the most sacrifices—but seeing a rough sketch evolve into an actual home I can live in is pretty cool!
MA: What are you looking forward to in the future?
AM: I’m looking forward to continuing to learn new things and pushing myself to improve in all areas of life. I’m excited to be back living on the road and focusing more on what I’m passionate about like turning our adventures into content for others to enjoy and be inspired by.
MA: What led you to Mountain America for your banking?
AM: Mountain America came highly recommended by a roommate that was a little bit older than I was at the time. I wanted to bank with a company I could trust with my money, develop a long-term relationship with and that could help me build my credit.
MA: What made your initial experience at Mountain America different than what you have experienced at other financial institutions?
AM: The staff was happy to take the time to help me prioritize my goals. They made me feel like they truly cared about my overall success. After a few branch visits, they remembered my name and treated me like a friend. I had never had that type of relationship with my financial institution before.
MA: Why would you recommend Mountain America to others?
AM: The employees at Mountain America truly want to help you succeed. They take the time to get to know you, what your goals are and what your current situation is, then they offer advice with your best interests in mind.
MA: How has Mountain America made a difference in the life you’re leading?
AM: You guys helped make my dreams a reality. At 25, I took out my first auto loan for a truck that ended up being the base vehicle for season one of Tiny Home Adventure. That launched the career path I’m still following today. After my accident, Mountain America helped me find a great snowmobile loan with an interest rate and payments I could afford—I was going to need it for season two that was filming in Alaska!
Because Mountain America helped me to see the path to making my dreams come true, and they were there as my financial partner to find the best products for me, I was able to see that the next logical step was to invest in myself and my business. So, I decided to take out a small business loan to upgrade my camera equipment and push my production quality to the next level. Shortly after producing footage with the new equipment, a project came along that allowed me to nearly pay the loan off.
MA: What’s next for you and Kicker?
AM: We just moved into the vehicle we built for season three. The plan is to continue to progress, to push myself out of my comfort zone and to elevate what we are doing. We’re looking to get season three picked up by a major network to take it to a new level!
Andrew, we are so happy for you and Kicker and can’t wait for the new season!
