Today, we are joined by a very special guest, Treven Hokland. Thoughtful, disciplined, and quietly compelling, Treven brings a presence that speaks as much through reflection as it does through action. In this interview, he opens up with honesty and intention, sharing insights into the moments, values, and experiences that have shaped who he is today. We invite you to read on and discover his story in his own words.
1. Treven, let's start at the very beginning. Can you take us back to where your story first began, where you were born, the environment you grew up in, and what your childhood felt like? Looking back now, are there moments or small memories that still live vividly in you today? Perhaps a quiet experience from your early years that, in hindsight, feels like an early signal of the man you were becoming.
Born and raised in Nampa, Idaho often referred to as "the Potato State" opportunities for recreation were limited, which led me to become deeply involved in football and wrestling. Drawn to fitness from an early age, one of my earliest memories is being seven years old and doing push-ups, an early glimpse into the discipline that would later define me. Through athletics, I developed focus, resilience, and a strong work ethic, earning an All-American recognition in wrestling. Sports played a key role in keeping me grounded and driving me toward long term success.
2. Growing up, who were you really, the shy observer quietly taking in the world, or the mischievous spirit always pushing boundaries and stirring laughter? Or perhaps a blend of both, depending on the moment and the company.
Growing up, I was definitely the quiet observer, the kind of kid who took everything in before speaking. I wasn't the loudest in the room but I was always watching, learning, and paying attention. Sports changed that for me. Through football and wrestling, I started to come out of my shell and by my freshman year, I felt more confident owning who I was. Athletics gave me a voice, helped me trust myself, and allowed me to show up more fully both on and off the mat.
3. If you could sit down with your ten-year-old self, look him in the eyes, and speak from everything you've learned since, what would you say to him? What words of reassurance, warning, or encouragement would you offer, about fear, dreams, failure, and believing in himself, knowing the road that lies ahead?
I would tell him to trust himself and believe in who he is, no matter what anyone else says. Not everyone will understand him and that's okay. Everyone is working through their own battles and everyone has a purpose, even when it isn't clear yet. I'd remind him to always be himself, because the moment you stop, you risk losing sight of who you truly are. Find ways to keep yourself motivated and genuinely happy, even when the road gets difficult. There are millions of ways to become successful, you just have to find what fits you. Believe in yourself relentlessly, stay the course, and never give up.
4. Looking back to the years before recognition and public milestones, who were the people in your early life who believed in you before success ever had a name? How did their faith, guidance, or quiet encouragement shape the way you see yourself today? Are there specific moments, conversations, or acts of support that still stay with you, especially during times when the path ahead felt uncertain?
Looking back, I was fortunate to have teachers, coaches, and family who encouraged me and believed in my potential early on. But my biggest supporter was myself. Whenever I faced an obstacle, I learned to push through it on my own. I wasn't someone who sought attention or asked for help easily. I internalized a lot and used that as fuel. That self motivation shaped how I see myself today. It taught me resilience, self belief, and the confidence to keep moving forward, even when the path ahead felt uncertain.
5. Fitness is often reduced to the physical, strength, endurance, appearance. But beyond the visible results, what has training taught you emotionally and mentally? How has discipline in the gym shaped your resilience, self-talk, or sense of purpose in everyday life? Are there lessons you've learned through training that now guide you far beyond fitness itself?
Fitness has always been more than just physical for me, it's my biggest stress reliever. Training clears my head, centers me and leaves me feeling grounded and energized. When I feel good physically, it translates into confidence mentally and emotionally. The discipline I've built in the gym has shaped how I talk to myself and how I show up in everyday life. It's taught me consistency, self respect and the importance of showing up even on hard days. I also love helping others with their own fitness journeys, seeing people grow stronger reminds me that training isn't just about how you look, but how you feel and who you become. For me, looking good and feeling good go hand in hand, and that mindset carries far beyond the gym.
6. Your body has been both a tool for competition and a visible part of your public identity. How has your relationship with it evolved over time, from performance, comparison, and external expectations to self-respect, balance, and purpose? Was there a moment when you stopped training for approval and began training for yourself?
I never viewed the gym or working out as a comparison or competition with anyone else. I've always shared my life as it genuinely is. There was never a performative aspect to it. This has always been who I am, who I continue to be and who I intend to remain. My vision has never shifted and it has consistently remained the same.
7. Representing Wyoming at Mister USA placed you under a national lens, carrying not only personal ambition but also the identity of a place and its people. What did that experience awaken in you on a personal level? Did it shift how you see yourself, your responsibility, or the kind of example you want to set moving forward?
Stepping on the Mr. USA stage was nothing short of life changing. The experience pushed me, challenged me, and reminded me why I'm chasing this dream. the stage, the challenge, the energy, it all showed me exactly where I want to go. I've never been more motivated to grow, work harder, and make my mark as a model and influencer also inspiring others. As the youngest competitor I made it to the top 14 of the mister USA competition. I made so many new friends and met so many cool people that I will never forget. The competition also made me conquer some of my fears one being talking in front of thousands of people and sharing my message to the world.
8. Beyond the titles, lights, and applause, what did the pageant journey teach you about the balance between confidence and vulnerability? Did stepping into that space challenge you to be more open, more self-aware, or more honest with yourself than you expected? How has that experience reshaped the way you now show up, both onstage and in life?
I think what surprised me the most was the brotherhood that existed. All these men from different walks, backgrounds, lifestyle, competing for this title. Yet it wasn't a competition with each other. Behind the scenes we were vulnerable and supportive confidence wasn't looked at as a threat. That is something that is not widely accepted in society. We laughed, we cried, we cheered but most importantly we learned to coexist in a way that most people don't get to experience. I found confidence within the support of my competitors.
9. During the competition, was there a defining moment, perhaps quiet and internal, or unexpectedly powerful, when you realized you were capable of more than you had ever imagined? What happened in that instant, and how did it change the way you viewed your limits, your confidence, or your sense of self moving forward?
When I stepped up to the microphone and spoke in front of thousands of people, I was genuinely terrified. Public speaking had never been a strength of mine. For me, this moment felt like a turning point. Once I pushed through it, the fear no longer had control. That experience changed me permanently and showed me that if I could overcome that, I could overcome anything.
10. You often speak about the peace found in outdoor life, away from noise, expectation, and constant motion. What do nature and solitude give you that the world cannot? In moments of quiet, whether in open land, early mornings, or stillness, what parts of yourself feel most restored or most understood?
The noise quiets when I step into nature. The air feels different, the atmosphere shifts, and everything slows down. Early mornings spent fishing or hiking, before the rest of the world wakes, have become deeply grounding for me. They bring me fully into the present moment, with nowhere to be and nothing demanding my attention. I've learned that solitude is a choice, unlike isolation. It allows me to create space to hear my own voice more clearly, rather than the many voices competing for attention in everyday life. In that stillness, it's just the landscape, my thoughts and a sense of clarity I can't find anywhere else.
11. On the days when social media goes quiet and the cameras are gone, who is Treven when no one is watching? What routines, thoughts, or simple moments ground you in your truest self? And in that private space, away from validation and visibility, what matters most to you?
It's simple really. Waking up and being happy no matter what life throws your way. What you see on social media is who I am. Take that all away and I will still wake up, eat good food, work out, and stay positive. So authenticity creates happiness. Not competing with others or performing just being real to who I am.
12. There's a special kind of bond that forms when ambition, trust, and shared experiences collide, and I like to think of you three as the modern Three Musketeers: Treven Hokland, Seth Edeen, and Shay Dinneen. Can you tell us about the brotherhood you share? How did that connection grow, and what does it mean to have men beside you who understand the journey, the pressure, and the dreams in a way few others can? In moments of challenge or celebration, how does that bond ground you and push you forward?
Seth and Shay have been like older brothers to me. I deeply respect their work ethic and determination, and seeing how consistently they pursue their goals has inspired me to keep working harder and remain committed to my own path.
13. I love to ask this question. Your presence already carries a strong narrative quality, discipline, emotion, and screen awareness. When might we see you step into the vertical-drama space, adding the mantle of actor to your resume? Is storytelling on screen something you feel drawn toward, and if so, what kind of roles or stories would you want to explore first?
Acting is something I'm definitely drawn to and watching Seth and Shay pursue that path has been a big inspiration for me. Seeing their discipline and commitment to the craft has given me a deeper respect for storytelling on screen. When the time is right, I'd love to explore roles rooted in authenticity. Stories about growth, struggle, faith, and real human experience.
14. Ten years from today, when the noise has softened and the milestones have settled into memory, where do you hope to find yourself? And beyond titles, success, or public recognition, who do you hope to be as a man, in your values, your relationships, and the life you've built around you?
Of course, I aspire to build a meaningful life. Success in my career, a strong family and a future rooted in purpose. Beyond any external achievement, what I value most is happiness and fulfillment. When all is said and done, I hope to remain someone who shows up each day with intention, inspiring others to prioritize their health, live with discipline, and become the best version of themselves.
15. Finally, for those who are still waiting for permission to believe in themselves, what message would you want to leave them with? From your own journey, through discipline, doubt, and self-discovery, what truth do you wish someone had told you earlier, and what would you say now to remind them that they are already enough to begin?
Start with what you have and commit to getting a little better every day. The only limitations that truly exist are the ones we place on ourselves. Take opportunities when they arise, and if they don't, have the courage to create your own. Above all, understand that belief can't be borrowed, no matter how many people support you, it has to start with you. No one else can do that work for you.
As our conversation comes to a close, we'd like to sincerely thank Treven Hokland for his openness, reflection, and generosity throughout this interview. His words reveal a grounded perspective shaped by discipline, self-belief, and quiet determination, offering inspiration without pretense. We wish Treven continued success in all that lies ahead and look forward to seeing how his journey continues to unfold.
Photo Credits: @themisterusa, @alevieraphoto, @michaeldownsworld
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