We Are All Things Long-Distance Backpacking

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in content creation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zach Davis, founder of The Trek, located in Golden, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

The Trek is a media company dedicated to long-distance backpackers. Our audience consists of those who aspire to spend multiple days, weeks, or months on the trail and in the backcountry.

Tell us about yourself

In 2011, I thru-hiked the 2,181-mile Appalachian Trail, extending from Georgia to Maine. It was my first backpacking trip of any length. Following the hike, I wrote a book to help other aspiring AT hikers, titled "Appalachian Trials," aimed at helping them prepare mentally for the half-year endeavor. The book website turned into a blog, and the blog grew into a community. In 2016, we re-branded to The Trek, and now the website, our social media channels, and our podcasts are consumed by more than one million people per month. I am motivated each day to inspire others to experience the joy and freedom that comes along with spending extended periods in the backcountry.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is curating the wonderful and talented team of backpackers who make up The Trek's other employees and contributors.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The difficulty of checking out of work. As an entrepreneur, you can "sprint" over the short term. Attempting to do this over the long term will amount to burnout. Carving out time to recharge is a challenge for every entrepreneur I know.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

You must love the work that you're doing with an undying passion, or else you will fall out of love with it.
Your enthusiasm for the work will ebb and flow. Don't mistake the ebbs as your cue to bail on the mission.
Figure out your strengths and delegate as much as you can of everything that doesn't fall under that category. At first, this will be hard as you may lack the resources to do so, but make this a top priority and execute as soon as possible.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thetrek.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theTrek.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrek.co/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thetrek_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-trek/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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