At StorQuest, we believe adventure isn’t just something you plan — it’s a mindset you bring to everything you do. Few people embody that spirit more fully than Jasper Newman. Whether he’s summiting Colorado’s 14ers, chasing high-altitude goals, or leading his team in Denver, Jasper brings the same focus, grit, and curiosity to every pursuit.
Earlier this year, he reached the summit of Aconcagua — the tallest mountain in the Western Hemisphere — a milestone that reflects not only his physical endurance, but his relentless drive to keep pushing higher in every aspect of life.
We caught up with Jasper to hear what drives him — and how choosing adventure fuels growth, grit, and greatness.
SQ: Tell us a little about your Aconcagua expedition — what inspired you to take on this challenge?
JN: Aconcagua (22,837 ft) has been on my radar for most of my adult life. I started climbing when I was 18, with the goal of summiting all 58 of Colorado’s 14ers — and I’ve only got six left. That passion has pushed me to travel farther and aim higher. Aconcagua stood out because it’s the tallest peak outside the Himalayas, and it felt like a big, bold goal I could realistically take on. I spent 14 days on the mountain with a team of 13 climbers. Eight of us made it to the summit — standing at the top of the Western Hemisphere was unforgettable.
SQ: What was the most memorable moment or biggest surprise from your climb?
JN: For me, it wasn’t just the summit — it was the entire experience. The team dynamic, the guides, the porters, and the energy of people from all over the world sharing the same goal — that’s what really stayed with me. Sure, the summit was amazing, but the camaraderie and the shared journey are what made it meaningful.
SQ: How did you prepare physically and mentally for the journey?
JN: I spent about 10 months training. I ran over 1,000 miles, climbed as many 14ers as I could, and took on the Manitou Incline multiple times. That thing gains 2,000 feet in less than a mile — it’s no joke. It wasn’t just about physical prep, though. Mentally, I focused on staying present and trusting the process, even when it got hard.
SQ: What does adventure mean to you — and how do you keep that spirit alive in everyday life?
JN: To me, adventure is about pushing your limits — chasing something unknown and seeing what you’re really capable of. If you know you can do it, is it really an adventure? I try to keep that mindset in everything I do. Aconcagua was a milestone, but it also opened up a new chapter. If I can reach the tallest peak in the Western Hemisphere, what’s next?
SQ: How has your love of adventure influenced your work at StorQuest?
JN: That drive to go all in, to prepare, to show up fully — that’s how I lead and how I work. Whether I’m on a mountain or in the store, I’m focused on giving it my best. Adventure teaches you to stay resilient, stay humble, and never stop learning — and those lessons definitely show up in how I run my team.
SQ: What advice would you give to someone thinking about stepping outside their comfort zone?
JN: Find someone who’s been there and learn from them. I’ve mentored a lot of people in the mountains, and the one thing I always say is: just start. You’d be amazed what you can do when you commit. That said, preparation is key. Have the right gear, the right mindset, and take it one step at a time. Suddenly, you’re higher than anything around you.
SQ: When you’re not climbing mountains, how do you stay active and inspired locally?
JN: Anything outdoors with fun gear — count me in. I’m a cyclist, distance runner, swimmer, backpacker, and casual hiker. One of my favorite spots is the Manitou Incline — it’s quick, intense, and always a challenge. If you’re ever near Manitou Springs, give it a shot.
SQ: Do you have a favorite quote or motto that keeps you going?
JN: “Closer than we’ve ever been.”
Someone said it on a climb once when someone else asked, “How much further?” It was kind of sarcastic, but also super motivating. It’s stuck with me ever since. Whether you’re pushing toward a summit or a big life goal, it’s a reminder that progress is still progress. You’re closer than you were — and that counts for a lot.