Tom Hale

Founder and CEO of Backroads, an active-travel company; discussed starting the business in 1979, growing it without outside capital, and navigating major crises like 9/11, the Great Recession, and COVID-19.

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Nov 10, 2025 • 51min

Backroads: Tom Hale. How a desk worker became a trailblazer in active travel

Tom Hale, the visionary Founder and CEO of Backroads, started his active-travel company in 1979 with a simple idea born from frustration at his desk job. He shares the story of his first trip in Death Valley with just four guests and how he grew the company without outside capital. Tom reveals how he navigated crises like 9/11 and COVID-19 while ensuring quality experiences. Discover the ingenious 'collect early, pay late' strategy that fueled growth, and how Backroads evolved to offer diverse travel options, steering clear of crowded Instagram spots.

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