Topics:
August 16, 2023 Last Edit: June 5, 2025
The Funtleyders' small business, Boundless Adventures, is a calling to serve the community.
NFIB NY Member Spotlight: From Wall Street to Boundless Adventures
Brian Funtleyder smiles in this group shot with some of the campers from Project H.O.O.D.
While their business is open to anyone who enjoys heart pounding experiences, there are special visitors they host at Boundless Adventures that to them make their small business more meaningful. Brian recently hosted a group of around 80 children as part of an outreach program through Project H.O.O.D., an organization offering “an alternative to violence and hopelessness” to youth in Chicago and underserved communities. Brian patiently walked his new “campers,” many of whom had never seen a forest, through climbing, obstacle courses, and zip lines, while developing their confidence through problem-solving, and communication and leadership skills. In Brian’s own words, the experience was life changing: “I never imagined what a profound imprint that the experience would leave on me for the rest of my life.”
Boundless Adventures in its Wisconsin location hosted about 80 campers this summer, many who had never spent much time outdoors.
Here’s just one of a few stories from the week in Brian’s words: “There was a boy named Mario that was having a little trouble operating the equipment, so I offered to climb with him. As we were about to start our first set of obstacles, a boy named Jamar asked if he could join us. Mario and I both enthusiastically said ‘yes!’ Within about five minutes, Mario got the hang of the clips and was off, burning through the obstacles. Even though he was moving faster than us, no matter how far ahead he was, he kept turning around to make sure that his friend Jamar was ok. “As for Jamar, I could tell by looking at him that he had more than enough strength and coordination to take the course by storm. Having said that, one could understand why being asked to climb though the tree canopy the first time that you have ever seen a forest, while being told to trust that their harness and clips would prevent them from falling, might cause a little anxiety. After said, step, Jamar said ‘I can’t do this, I want to get down,’ but through perseverance and a little coaxing from me, he pushed through. I am not embarrassed to say that I cried a little when Jamar cried. We could have taken Jamar down and called it a day at any point, but I knew that if he completed that obstacle, the experience would have a tremendous, lasting impact on his confidence. “After a lot of sweat and tears, Jamar made it! I could tell that he was proud of himself, because within ten seconds, he went from tears and uncertainty to a beaming smile and self-assurance.” Brian and Lorrie are excited to be new NFIB members. Like all small business owners, they don’t have time to keep track of what’s happening in Albany and D.C. and appreciate that NFIB is looking out for and advocating for them. Welcome Lorrie and Brian!
State:
Get to know NFIB
NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.
Related Articles
March 26, 2026
Passage of Tax Simplification Bill a Big Victory for KY Small Businesses
The measure had strong bipartisan support.
Read More
March 26, 2026
NFIB Urges LA House Committee to Support Sales Tax Amendment
The proposed state constitutional amendment would make things easier for small businesses.
Read More
March 23, 2026
Illinois House Committee Advances Bill to Give Unemployment Benefits to Striking Workers
The Illinois House Labor Committee voted to advance a bill that would give unemployment benefits to striking workers.
The measure, HB 2565 (Vella), would pe…
Read More
March 20, 2026
ICYMI: NFIB President Brad Close Joins the Radio on WSYR/Syracuse, WGY/Albany to Discuss the 20% Small Business Deduction
NFIB led the successful fight to make the federal Small Business Deduction permanent last year.
Read More