Randy Martin

Randy Martin, President, Trailscape

www.trailscapeinc.com

The Home Trust International (HTI): What first compelled you to enter your business field? 

Randy Martin (RM): I have been running trails since college, and I volunteered on trail maintenance crews in my 30’s.  As part of a real estate project I was involved in I suggested trail be a part of the amenities.  As I researched the idea I “unearthed” the idea to specialize in providing trail to estate owners

HTI: Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why?

RM: I was a ski Instructor in college and I understand the mechanics of turns. I can look at a hillside and know immediately where the trail should go as if I were looking down a hill and choosing a route to ski.

HTI: If you could have told your 20 year-old self one thing, what would it have been?

RM: Look for a career that is a blend of personal passion tempered with market demand and then pursue it with integrity and grace.

HTI: Please tell us about your family and your personal life.  

RM: I have launched four children into their adulthood after their mother passed away due to cancer. Now I have found myself in the middle of a love affair with my wife of seven years who is my best friend.

HTI: What is the best advice you have received and who was it from?

RM: Forgive others as I have been forgiven. The Lords Prayer.

HTI: Is there a common thread that runs through all great products?  

RM: All Great projects have Commodity, Firmness and Delight (Vitruvious). As applied to trails, Usefulness, Sustainability and Beauty. We like to have the trail not just go to a great view but to deliver the view so a person heart wants to sing!

HTI: Do you prefer the country or the city?

RM: I am more comfortable in the country, yet the city is where people dwell. I love people so I love the city.

HTI: What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

RM: While we build a trail to please the owner, my favorite ones are for those that my clients like to run and cycle on them. One in particular is in Half Moon Bay, Ca. It meanders and flows and “delivers” the ocean view over and over from different angles.

HTI: In what ways has your company or your industry changed over the years? 

RM: After doing most everything in the beginning from marketing to trail building to equipment maintenance we have developed a team of trail builders and maintenance crews so I can focus on team building and trail design and then delegate the actual trail building to trail artists that have a passion for building trail.

HTI: The one thing I’ve had forever is:  

RM: I still have remnants of my Grandfather’s drafting equipment from when I was in High school.

HTI: What makes land sing?

RM: Slopes between 20-40% grade allow us to undulate and meander the trail like a beautiful ribbon on the hillside.  When it is too flat it is mundane, and if too steep we are focused on survival (but we would do it anyway).

HTI: Please tell us about your taste in music or books. 

RM: Favorite Old Band: Loggins and Messina.  As far as books, I mostly listen to books while traveling.  I’m currently listening to ‘Forged in Crisis: The Power of Courageous Leadership in Turbulent Times,’ written by Nancy Koehn.

HTI: What is your favorite brand?

RM: Eddie Bauer: Good solid outdoor gear, reasonably priced (so when I ruin it in the field, it doesn’t hurt too much.

HTI: What makes a great organization?

RM: A place where most of the people are doing work that aligns with their natural talent so they are thriving.

HTI: If you weren’t in your current field, what would you be doing? 

RM: Mentoring young men to help them launch in to their life and career.

HTI: Who is on your personal ‘Board of Directors?’ 

RM: I have three close friends from my college ski instructing days. We go skiing and Deer Valley most years and challenge each other personally and professionally and spiritually.

HTI: Randy, thank you. We’re very proud you are a Leader in Luxury + Design