Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 20 | Trail Goods Co. Creator Luke Pearsall

🎙️ Episode 20 – Luke Pearsall | Founder of Trail Goods CompanyWhat happens when you pour everything into your dream… and it almost disappears overnight?In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Luke Pearsall, founder of Trail Goods Company, to unpack one of the most honest founder stories we’ve had on the show.Luke went from a 20-year career in commercial photography to building a premium backcountry food brand — only to lose his manufacturer, his inventory, and nearly his entire business in one blow.At one point, he had just $575 left in the bank before heading to a major trade show.This conversation is raw, real, and packed with insight for anyone building something in the outdoor industry.In this episode we cover:🥾 Why most freeze-dried meals miss the mark🔥 The true cost of sampling food at trade shows📦 What it means to lose your entire inventory for 8 months💸 Bootstrapping when everything is on the line🏭 USDA regulations, freeze-drying, and manufacturing reality🧠 The mindset required to survive as a small brand founder🎄 The “Christmas miracle” that saved Trail GoodsLuke doesn’t just talk about food — he talks about resilience, risk, and what it actually takes to build something from scratch.If you’ve ever considered launching a product-based business… this episode will hit home.🌄 Connect with Trail Goods CompanyWebsite: https://trailgoodscompany.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailgoodscompany🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.comFor those asking about safety gear we use outdoors — you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.