Meet our team! In this series we feature Machine Operator Kellie Schantz!
PTD: Kellie, what do you enjoy most about trail building?
KS: I love spending my days at work outside, with my dog. But I really love how satisfying it is when you’re building and all the shapes come together, like you’re making a sculpture.
PTD: What are you working on currently?
KS: I am currently working on finishing up the Rock Yard Bike Park in Tulsa. Today I did the finish rake on a couple of the big drops, moved some stuff around in the skid steer, and finished a berm in the mini ex. It’s been a really fun project to see come together.
PTD: Favorite project so far?
KS: My favorite project so far was doing hand cut trails along the Pedernales River in Dripping Springs TX. The area was beautiful and I really enjoyed living close to Austin.
PTD: What are some of the challenges you face in this line of work?
KS: One challenge has been proving myself in a male-dominated industry. I’ve had to work extra hard to be taken seriously, but that’s pushed me to develop really solid skills and confidence in my work.
PTD: What advice do you have for women interested in working in the trial building industry?
KS: I always tell other women to give it a try — I’ve found over the years that women are better than men at a lot of things, but one thing we tend to lack is confidence. So, go for it and believe in yourself.
PTD: What do you get into outside of work?
KS: I like to ride my mountain bike of course! But I also spend a lot of time at the skatepark. Mostly on roller skates but I do a little skateboarding and BMXing too! I also love reading, traveling, and spending time with my dog Mrs. Pebbles.
