Professional Builder Profile Interview: Patrick Podolski of Golden Dirt Trails in British Columbia
It’s not an overstatement that British Columbia is a Mecca and hotspot for mountain biking. With iconic places like the North Shore and Whistler (and many more), people travel from all over the world to ride and shred the loam. As we continue our Professional Builder Profile interview series, I am excited to introduce you to Patrick Podolski. Patrick has been digging and building on the North Shore for years. He now runs his own operation called Golden Dirt Trails. Here’s a little bit about Golden Dirt Trails:
Golden Dirt Trails was formed in 2010 by Patrick Podolski; A lifelong trail builder based out of the infamous North Shore. Growing up riding and building Patrick decided that he wanted to follow his life long passion of Trail Building and what he calls Trail Art to offer sustainable long last trails for everyone to enjoy.
I am grateful that Patrick has agreed to jump into the interview series. I know his story will resonate with many of you. Even more exciting is to share stories and feature professional trail builders from all over the world. Trail building is a great connection point for all of us.
Sean: What are you currently doing?
Patrick: We are currently getting tools and machinery ready for a extremely busy building Season. We just finished a design of a new adaptive mountain bike loop coming to a local area which we are very excited about.
Sean: What prompted you to take the plunge in launching out and starting your own trail building company?
Patrick: I started as a volunteer working on my local trails in my spare time. Over time I was asked if I would take on a maintenance contract, and then I was given an opportunity to build a new trail. 12 years later I'm still doing what I love and building in the forest.
Sean: What’s been the craziest story or a-ha moment so far?
Patrick: I think building in very bedrock-ridden areas in the Rocky Mountains of BC and wondering how the heck I'm going to squeeze a sustainable trail in an area that will still be fun. Thinking outside the box and adapting to areas has got me through what-the-heck moments.
Sean: What was the biggest obstacle you faced when starting?
Patrick: I think just figuring out the business side and building relationships. I have clients that have lofty goals for areas that might not sustain what they are trying to achieve. Knowing what's possible in certain areas can only come with trial and error and going for it with the best plan possible.
Sean: What is one thing you wish you knew when you started?
Patrick: In the beginning I think I was just chasing my passion and love for bikes and trail building and I wasn't thinking about my bottom line or the business side enough. I think when you love what you do it's hard to look at it from multiple angles. Reflecting on goals and ambitions is important in any career.
Sean: What advice would you give to someone thinking of venturing out to start their own trail building company?
Patrick: I think if you love something just go for it. The chances of failure was something I always struggled with, but I knew the first time I built my first jump at 10 years old that I loved creating and building. 28 years later I'm still that kid deep down, just playing in my big sand box.
Interview by: Sean Benesh Photos: Supplied by Patrick Podolski
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sean Benesh
Sean is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Trail Builder Mag. He is also the Communications Director for the Northwest Trail Alliance in Portland, Oregon. While in grad school, he worked as a mountain biking guide in Southern Arizona. Sean also spends time in the classroom as a digital media instructor at Warner Pacific University.
