Exploring Life & Business with Jeffrey Winzenried of Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffrey Winzenried.

Hi Jeffrey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey has always been rooted in helping people become the person they were always meant to be—whether through health, fitness, inspiration, or, now, tattoo removal.

Before launching Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal, I owned a gym and fitness business in Milwaukee for 10 years and worked as a personal trainer for 17 years. Supporting others in transforming their health and confidence was my passion and purpose.

After closing my gym in 2019, I decided to take time for my own transformation. I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, which was a profound experience that allowed me to reflect, reset, and step into the next chapter of who I wanted to become. In January 2021, I moved from Wisconsin to Colorado and began working for a solar company. But when I was laid off in May 2024, I found myself in a place of uncertainty—trying to find a new job while feeling disconnected from the kind of work that truly inspired me.

That frustration eventually became fuel. I knew I wanted to get back into business for myself and do something that would allow me to make a positive impact. When I started researching the tattoo industry, I was amazed by the trends, the growth projections, and the opportunity to help people in a completely new way.

Opening Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal has given me the chance to bring together everything I care about—supporting people through personal change, creating a welcoming and professional environment, and using advanced technology to help clients remove something that no longer serves them. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone reclaim their confidence and feel ready for their next chapter. That’s what motivates me every single day.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any meaningful journey, there have been a lot of challenges and obstacles along the way.

Closing my gym after 10 years was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I had poured so much of myself into that business—my time, my energy, and my heart—and it was more than just a job. It was a community. Walking away from that chapter felt like losing a part of my identity, and it took a lot of soul-searching to accept that it was time for something new.

After that, I decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail alone. It was a beautiful but grueling experience—physically demanding and mentally clarifying. I knew I wanted to keep growing, which inspired me to move across the country to Colorado. Uprooting my life and starting over in a new state by myself was exciting, but also incredibly lonely and uncertain at times.

When I eventually landed a job in the solar industry, I was relieved to have some stability again. But after I was laid off in 2024, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. I was facing unemployment in a place where I didn’t have a long-established network, and it forced me to confront a lot of doubt and frustration.

But looking back, all of those experiences—closing my gym, moving somewhere new, losing my job—became turning points. They pushed me to get clear about what I truly wanted: to be back in control of my own path and to do work that felt meaningful. That clarity is ultimately what inspired me to build Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal. It wasn’t easy, but every obstacle taught me something important about resilience, reinvention, and staying true to my mission to help people transform their lives.

As you know, we’re big fans of Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal is all about helping people start fresh with confidence. We specialize exclusively in laser tattoo removal using the most advanced technology on the market—the PicoWay® laser system. This system delivers fast, effective results on a wider range of ink colors and skin types, all with less discomfort and downtime compared to traditional lasers.

But what truly sets us apart isn’t just the equipment—it’s the experience we create for our clients. From the moment someone walks into our clinic, our goal is to make them feel respected, understood, and supported. Removing a tattoo can be a very personal decision, sometimes tied to past memories or life transitions, and we don’t take that lightly. We’ve worked hard to build an environment that feels clean, modern, and professional, while also warm and welcoming.

We’re known for our compassionate, no-pressure approach. Every consultation is complimentary, and we take time to educate people on their options, explain the process, and set realistic expectations. There’s no judgment—just support and expert guidance.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve earned. People come to us ready to let go of something that no longer serves them, and it’s an honor to be part of that transformation. Our tagline, Confidence, Uncovered, perfectly sums up what we do: We help people reveal the version of themselves they feel most aligned with today.

I’d love for readers to know that whether you have a small piece you’ve outgrown or a large, colorful design you never thought could fade, our clinic is here to help you move forward safely, comfortably, and confidently. We offer free consultations, flexible payment options, and a genuine commitment to your results and wellbeing.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think finding a mentor starts with getting really clear about who you are and what you value. For me, a lot of that clarity came from my own journey through personal development. Hiking across America on the Pacific Crest Trail was transformative—it taught me what I’m capable of when I’m willing to push myself past the limits I thought existed. When you strip everything down to the essentials, you realize how much of your potential is determined by mindset and perseverance.

That perspective has shaped how I approach mentorship and networking. I look for people who genuinely inspire me—not just because of their success on paper, but because of how they live, lead, and overcome challenges. I’ve found that when you’re authentic about your own story and transparent about what you’re working toward, it naturally attracts the right connections.

My advice for finding a mentor is to be proactive and a little fearless. Reach out to people you admire, even if you think they’re “too busy.” Ask thoughtful questions, show that you’ve done your homework, and be clear about why you’re reaching out. You don’t have to ask someone to be your formal mentor on day one—sometimes it starts with a single conversation that evolves over time into something more meaningful.

When it comes to networking in general, I’ve learned to approach it with curiosity rather than an agenda. Some of my best relationships have come from simply showing up, being present, and finding ways to add value without expecting anything in return. And don’t underestimate the power of community events, industry conferences, or even social media groups—sometimes one introduction can open doors you never imagined.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to keep showing up as yourself. When you know who you are and what matters to you, it’s much easier to recognize mentors and peers who align with your vision and values.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mountainedge.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountainedgeco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountainedgeco
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/mountainedgeco

Image Credits
Jeffrey Winzenried