Backroads: Tom Hale. How a desk worker became a trailblazer in active travel - How I Built This with Guy Raz Recap

Podcast: How I Built This with Guy Raz

Published: 2025-11-10

Duration: 51 min

Summary

Tom Hale's journey from a desk job in environmental planning to founding Backroads, a leading active travel company, showcases the power of following one's passion and the impact of a spontaneous idea. His story illustrates that with determination and a willingness to take risks, one can create a successful business without outside capital.

What Happened

In this episode, Guy Raz interviews Tom Hale, the founder of Backroads, who reflects on his unconventional path to entrepreneurship. Tom's journey began in 1979 when he woke up in the middle of the night with a compelling idea to take people on bike trips. With no prior experience in leading tours and little financial backing, he decided to quit his stable job in environmental planning. Despite the risks, he was driven by a desire for passion and excitement in his work, recognizing early on that he needed to pursue something that resonated with him personally.

Tom's first foray into the business was modest, leading just four guests on a bike trip while washing dishes at night to make ends meet. Over the years, his dedication and innovative spirit transformed Backroads into one of the largest active travel companies globally, offering biking and hiking adventures in over 60 countries. Tom's story emphasizes the significance of taking bold steps and trusting one's instincts, as he navigated challenges without any outside capital, relying solely on his vision and perseverance.

Key Insights

• The importance of following your passion in career choices.
• How a spontaneous idea can lead to significant entrepreneurial success.
• The value of resilience and determination in overcoming early business challenges.
• Building a company without external funding through innovation and hard work.

Key Questions Answered

What inspired Tom Hale to start Backroads?

Tom Hale's inspiration to start Backroads came during a midnight epiphany where he recognized his desire to lead bike trips. Despite having no prior experience in leading tours, he felt a strong connection to the idea of helping others experience travel in an active way, which he believed would resonate with people. This spontaneous thought was a reaction against his unsatisfactory job in Las Vegas, where he felt disconnected from his passion for the environment and outdoor activities.

How did Tom Hale grow Backroads without outside funding?

Tom Hale grew Backroads into a leading active travel company without taking outside capital by focusing on organic growth and leveraging his unique vision. Initially, he led trips himself, which allowed him to connect directly with customers and refine the business model based on their feedback. His dedication and hands-on approach, combined with his willingness to face challenges head-on, enabled him to build a sustainable business that attracted more customers over time.

What were the early challenges Tom Hale faced when starting Backroads?

In the early days of Backroads, Tom faced several challenges, including financial instability and the need to juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet. He initially led trips with only four guests, which required him to wash dishes at night to cover his living expenses. Furthermore, he dealt with logistical issues, such as tracking down stolen bikes, which added to the complexity of running a new business while trying to establish a reputation in the active travel industry.

What role did Tom Hale's background play in his business success?

Tom Hale's background in environmental planning and his experiences as a track runner influenced his approach to building Backroads. His educational background equipped him with skills in organization and planning, which were crucial in establishing a structured business model. Additionally, his passion for biking and the outdoors allowed him to create authentic travel experiences that resonated with customers, ultimately leading to the company's success.

How did Tom Hale's vision for Backroads evolve over time?

Initially, Tom Hale's vision for Backroads was quite simple; he wanted to lead bike trips for people. However, as he gained experience and feedback from customers, his vision expanded to include a broader range of adventures and travel experiences. He realized that there was a significant demand for active travel options, and this insight allowed him to diversify the offerings of Backroads, making it one of the largest active travel companies in the world.