By: Trip Chaser

The life of an entrepreneur often starts with a problem needing a solution. For Dalene Heck, co-founder of Trip Chaser, the path to entrepreneurship started with a profound personal crisis that sparked an epic journey around the globe and eventually led to the creation of a business that encapsulates the essence of travel and personal growth.

Raised in the remote expanses of northern Alberta, Canada, Dalene grew up surrounded by family and snow—an environment that was both comforting and constrictive. The vast, snowy landscapes of her childhood sparked an early curiosity about the world beyond her small town.

“Growing up, I felt both protected and isolated. I knew I wanted to see more of the world, to understand it beyond the confines of my experience,” Dalene recalls.

Discovering Beyond The Borders

In 2007, Dalene’s life took an unexpected turn. She and her husband, grappling with personal tragedies, decided to make a radical change. They sold almost everything they owned and set out on what they thought would be a one-year adventure around the world. This year stretched into almost eight, fundamentally changing their perspective on life and career.

“Sometimes the hardest pushes in life lead to rewarding paths. For us, choosing to travel was like stepping out into the unknown with faith that we would land where we needed to be,” Dalene explains.

Living out of a backpack for nearly eight years taught Dalene the value of minimalism. This lifestyle shift involved not only physical belongings but also emotional and mental clutter.

“There’s something liberating about realizing how little you need to be happy and fulfilled. This lesson in minimalism has stayed with us, influencing not just how we live but how we conduct our business,” she notes.

Her philosophy extends beyond minimalism to include mindfulness—being fully present and engaged, whether you’re navigating a busy street in Bangkok or discovering different cultures in every corner of the world. 

The Birth of Trip Chaser

It was during these years of travel that the seeds for Trip Chaser were planted. As Dalene and her husband navigated different cultures and faced numerous challenges, they collected experiences and lessons that were both enriching and transformative. This collection of adventures would later become the foundation of their travel-themed card game.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the travel industry came to a near standstill, Dalene saw an opportunity amidst the crisis. With 80% of their business revenue evaporating overnight, pivoting became not just an option but a necessity.

“Losing most of our business was terrifying but also a catalyst. We needed to pivot, and we wanted it to be something sustainable, something that could bring the joy of travel to people, even if they were stuck at home,” explains Dalene.

This pivot led to the creation of Trip Chaser, a game that distills the essence of their travels into a format that others can experience from their living rooms. The game has been a way to channel their extensive travel knowledge into a product that teaches, challenges, and entertains.

Navigating Life’s Challenges

Dalene’s journey has not been without its obstacles. From severe health scares like getting diagnosed with leukemia in a foreign country to financial instability when the pandemic hit, she has had to muster considerable resilience. Yet, these challenges have also been sources of profound learning and personal growth.

Reflecting on her fight with leukemia, Dalene shares, “Being diagnosed was a wake-up call on many levels. It made me prioritize my health, cherish every moment, and pursue only what truly matters.”

Learning from this adversity made her even more steadfast in building Trip Chaser. “Entrepreneurship is as much about adapting to challenges as it is celebrating successes. It’s about learning to navigate the unknown,” she emphasized.

As Trip Chaser grows and evolves, Dalene continues to draw inspiration from her travels and the countless interactions with people from diverse backgrounds. The game is just the beginning. She envisions a series of products that can bring the world closer to those seeking adventure, knowledge, and personal transformation.

Dalene’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the profound impact of embracing life’s journeys, no matter where they lead. Her entrepreneurial spirit, fueled by personal experiences and a passion for travel, continues to inspire those dreaming of a different life and the courage to chase it—even beyond the borders.

Published By: Aize Perez