Forestry & Trail Solutions: Trailblazing Outdoor Adventures Across the West

By Denise Leslie

Brody Kunz, a Colorado native, has a passion for the outdoors that dates back to his childhood in Colorado Springs. After moving to Durango to attend Fort Lewis College, where he studied Geology, Brody’s love for nature and the environment deepened. This passion ultimately led him to establish Forestry & Trail Solutions in 2019, a trail design and construction company focused on creating bike parks.

While Forestry & Trail Solutions is still a relatively new company, having only been in operation for a year, it is already making waves in the Western United States. Based out of Durango, Colorado, the business serves clients across public land agencies, non-profits, and private sectors. Brody and his team specialize in creating trails that connect people with the natural environment, allowing them to enjoy outdoor recreation sustainably and meaningfully.

Brody’s inspiration for starting Forestry and Trail Solutions was rooted in his early experiences volunteering on trail projects. This hands-on work gave him a deep appreciation for the art and science of trail construction. He found joy in the physical labor of shaping trails and the knowledge that he was crafting spaces where others could connect with nature. “This is the most rewarding work I have done,” Brody says, “and it’s a true privilege to be able to shape how people experience the outdoors.”

That drive to enhance outdoor experiences became the cornerstone of his business philosophy. Whether working on a public park, a non-profit project, or a private venture, Brody aims to leave a lasting, positive impact on the land and its people. For him, trail design is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to shape people’s interactions with nature in safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible ways.

Like many entrepreneurs, Brody faced several hurdles when starting his business. “Getting started was the hardest part,” he admits. Finding skilled staff, managing contracts, and learning the intricacies of regulations across multiple states were significant challenges during the early months of operation.

Brody credits mentor guidance and the support of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for helping him navigate these challenges. Through consultations with industry experts, he’s gained valuable insights into construction management and other essential business practices. “I’d like to give a shout-out, especially to SBDC consultant Rich Lindblad, as he has been incredibly helpful, and I plan to continue using SBDC services as the business expands,” he shares.

As Forestry and Trail Solutions continues establishing itself, Brody is excited about the future. His vision for the company is to expand beyond bike parks, taking on more diverse projects that will enhance outdoor recreation in all its forms. With a deep commitment to sustainability and a desire to positively impact the lives of outdoor enthusiasts, Brody is poised to lead his company toward continued success.

In a region where outdoor adventure is woven into the fabric of everyday life, Brody Kunz and Forestry and Trail Solutions are helping to ensure that future generations can experience the natural beauty of the Western United States in thrilling and sustainable ways.

Durango Running Company

Durango Running Company owner, Brett Sublett had lots of experience in the outdoor retail and athletic shoe industries but had never owned his own store. Sublett had managed Your Running Store for four years and then became the footwear buyer at Back Country Experience for three years. He also knew a lot about running and running shoes since he Coached Cross Country at Fort Lewis. When Sublett decided he wanted his own store, he contacted

Read More »
Mancos Early Childhood Learning Center

By Malia Durbano Many people and organizations came together to bring the Mancos Early Childhood Learning Center to fruition. Ken Charles, with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, read about the proposed center in the Mancos Times. He contacted Brian Hanson, Superintendent of Schools for the Mancos School District and encouraged him to apply for a Community Development Block Grant to build the school. The grant comes from HUD, the Department of Housing and Urban

Read More »
Crossroads Coffee

Coffee is more than a recipe…it’s an art form. Jon Roberts, owner of Crossroads Coffee on 11th and Main, couldn’t agree more. As a latté artist who competed nationally and took third, he’ll tell you, “Slinging coffee is a fantastic way to make a living.” After running the coffee shop at Mercy Regional Hospital for several years, he came down with COVID and wasn’t able to continue working at the hospital. After several months, he

Read More »
Ana Smith’s Recipe for Change: Making Healthy Eating Easy and Accessible

written by Denise Leslie Ana Smith, a South Texas native, has dedicated 22 years to the food and beverage industry, building her expertise through hands-on experience and sheer determination. Frustrated with a food system that prioritizes convenience over health, Ana saw an opportunity to make a real difference. “People aren’t always choosing fast food because they want to —they eat it often because it’s quick and easy,” she explains. Motivated to offer a better alternative, Ana founded SoCo Mountain Food Services, a

Read More »
Mary Tesitor’s Journey: From Corporate to Consulting

written by Denise Leslie Mary Tesitor, the founder of *Tesitor Consulting*, has built an inspiring career that spans both the arts and finance. A Boulder native, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Arts Management from the University of Colorado Boulder. In 1993, she relocated to Durango, where her career took a sharp turn. Initially rooted in the arts, Mary shifted gears and entered the oil and gas industry, starting

Read More »
Skip to content