Today we’d like to introduce you to Canaan Hagin.
Canaan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, I spent some time on the road with my dad, who was a truck driver. We traveled across the country, and the mountains always left the biggest impression on me. Their presence felt grounding, inspiring—something I never quite forgot.
Years later, after a short trip to Utah to complete the Mighty 5 National Parks, my wife and I knew we were meant to be here. We packed up our life in Florida and made the move west. The mountains were calling, and this time, I answered.
I started consistently posting content, hoping to combine my love for off-roading and overlanding with a deeper purpose—building something meaningful through content creation. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with companies like Window Shield Defense, SuperPro, and my primary sponsor, Novsight Off-Road Lighting.
With Novsight, I’ve attended expos throughout the West and even had the honor of featuring my Jeep at the SEMA automotive trade show in Las Vegas. These experiences have only deepened my passion for the off-road community and the lifestyle it represents.
I still work full-time while chasing this dream, but I’m committed. I believe the journey is just beginning—and I know it’ll pay off.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely had its fair share of challenges, no doubt. But I’ve come to realize that when you’re truly passionate about something, those challenges don’t seem as insurmountable. In fact, they can be part of what makes the journey so rewarding. The key is to stay focused on your goals and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. There’s always a way around obstacles if you’re dedicated enough, and the process itself can be incredibly fulfilling if you approach it with the right mindset.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of celebrating the small wins. We often get caught up in the idea of waiting for the big moment, but those little victories—whether it’s finishing a task, learning something new, or seeing small progress—add up over time. They’re what keep the momentum going and help you stay motivated. Looking back, I can see how much smoother my journey has felt, mainly because I’ve been driven by passion rather than feeling like I’m just pushing through tasks out of obligation. It’s that drive that makes everything feel more natural and less like a grind.
The whole process isn’t a sprint. It’s much more like a long, challenging hike through mountains—there are steep inclines, difficult stretches, and times when you feel like you can’t go any further. But there are also those easier, flat stretches and downhill breaks that give you a chance to catch your breath and appreciate how far you’ve come. Those moments of relief are part of the journey too, and they help keep you going when things get tough. The highs and lows are all part of the ride, and I’ve learned to embrace them. At the end of the day, it’s not about rushing to the finish line; it’s about appreciating the whole process and the lessons you learn along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Right now, my work involves a lot of travel and long days—sometimes I’m away for two weeks at a time. Family is always my top priority, but I’m also juggling a career, managing finances, and making the most of the time I get to spend with my wife and our furry kids when I’m home. On top of that, I’m constantly gathering content, whether it’s shooting a quick video or capturing photos of my Jeep and its mods. The social media side of things doesn’t yet bring in enough to cover all my expenses, but it’s slowly starting to pay off. Ultimately, my goal is to be able to work remotely, focusing on photography and adventure, sharing amazing places with my current followers and hopefully many more in the future. It’s all about creating more time for my family and making lasting memories outdoors, and that’s my main focus at the moment.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, I started thinking about moving my family to the other side of the country so we could enjoy the outdoors more frequently and without the crowds. We wanted to avoid the social distancing struggles and the constant hustle of densely populated areas. The west coast, where we’ve ended up, has a much lower population density compared to the east, and there are way more remote areas to explore. While there are some remote spots on the east coast, nothing beats the vast, open spaces here.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
All my own photos
