For episode 206, I’m joined by Mark Eller from Leave No Trace. This might sound like a straightforward conversation. It isn’t. Mark is a veteran of the outdoor industry, with more than a decade at IMBA during a period of major program expansion, and he continues his work today at Leave No Trace. His background includes climbing, mountain biking, and decades of time spent outdoors. This episode sits at the intersection of marketing, mountain biking, trails, and how we show up outdoors in ways that are practical and low impact.

Topics Include:

• How Mark landed in the Outdoor Marketing space more than 2 decades ago


• Landing at IMBA doing Communications and Marketing


• Mark working at IMBA during the time of the Trail Solutions Book, The Ride Center, Regional Directors, and more


• The Impact of the Trail Solutions Book on Land Managers and Modern Trail Design and Construction taking a real science backed approach


• What are some things that trails / mountain biking has gotten right and wrong from a marketing perspective


• The Leave No Trace Backstory


• The Seven Principals of Leave No Trace


• Common Misconceptions about Leave No Trace


• Best method for learning Mark has found during his career


• Surprises for Mark while at IMBA and Leave No Trace


• What bad habit would Mark get trail users to change


• What Mark Looks for in Trail Communities


• Outdoor Marketing Boot Camp


• Closing Comments

Trail EAffect Show Links:

Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org/

Show Support By:

Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp: https://www.outdoormarketingbootcamp.com/

KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh

Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/josh

Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com

Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com

Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com

This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services