We had the good fortune of connecting with Blake Fox and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Blake, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I see risk as an essential part of success. If you’re not willing to step into the unknown, hold your breath, and take the leap, your chances of achieving something great are slim. As the saying goes, “No risk, no reward.”

Being a business owner means facing competition, and if you don’t take the risk, someone else will. I believe every young person should embrace risk as much as possible—you never know what opportunities might come from it.

Most importantly, never give up. No matter how tough things get, pushing forward is always easier than living with the regret of giving up.

What should our readers know about your business?
Xtent Survival is an up-and-coming survival gear company focused on providing affordable and sustainable gear for a variety of scenarios. Unlike most companies, we prioritize only the necessities—ensuring that no matter your location, you and your family stay safe and prepared. We take pride in offering high-quality, practical gear without unnecessary markups, making emergency preparedness accessible to everyone.

I started Xtent Survival after witnessing firsthand how unprepared people were for major disasters. From the Texas snowstorm in 2020 to the Palisades fire, it became clear that most survival gear on the market wasn’t built for real-world situations or was priced out of reach for the average person. I wanted to create a brand that actually helps people stay ready for the unexpected—without breaking the bank.

Building this business hasn’t been easy. As a college student, I had limited time, faced setbacks in launching my website, and even had a few failed product ideas along the way. But I never let those obstacles stop me. Instead, I used every free moment to keep pushing forward, learning valuable lessons about time management, persistence, and the realities of running a business.

At its core, Xtent Survival is for the people. Our mission is to provide peace of mind in an unpredictable world, ensuring that everyone—regardless of their financial situation—has access to quality survival gear. This brand isn’t just about selling products; it’s about empowering people to be prepared for whatever life throws their way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
1. Start the trip with Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee in Costa Mesa.
2. Head to Laguna Beach, walk through Heisler Park, and explore the tide pools.
3. Relax at Thousand Steps Beach and take in the ocean views.
4. Drive up to Top of the World for an incredible sunset.
5. Eat at The Deck on Laguna Beach to end the night.
6. Spend the entire day at Disneyland & California Adventure, hitting all the major rides.
7. Grab drinks at Oga’s Cantina and a meal inside Blue Bayou.
8. Finish the night with a late-night In-N-Out run.
9. Rent jet skis in Newport Beach and ride through the harbor.
10. Grab food at Bear Flag Fish Co. before exploring Balboa Island and getting a frozen banana.
11. Go go-kart racing at K1 Speed or try indoor skydiving at iFLY.
12. Take a trip to Los Angeles, stopping at Hollywood Boulevard & Griffith Observatory.
13. Eat at Grand Central Market and grab drinks at Perch with city views.
14. Spend a morning hiking Crystal Cove State Park and checking out the hidden beaches.
15. Eat at Beachcomber Café, a beachfront spot inside Crystal Cove.
16. Walk around Pacific City in Huntington Beach and check out the shops.
17. Drive down Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at scenic viewpoints in Dana Point & San Clemente.
18. Grab a meal at Nick’s San Clemente and explore the beach town.
19. Watch the sunset at Dana Point Harbor to end the day.
20. Spend the last afternoon renting bikes or relaxing on Newport Beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my parents, who have consistently supported me and led me in the right direction. Throughout my journey, their support has been a continual source of strength. It has been incredibly motivating to watch them progress in their own business careers, which has influenced my own entrepreneurial spirit. I am also appreciative of my friends, whose encouragement and faith in me have helped me through hardship. Having a solid support network has been crucial, and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Website: https://xtentsurvival.com

Instagram: @xtentsurvival

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