Meet Ryan Harden

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Harden. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ryan, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

My passion has always centered on supporting others. Raised with a deep respect for people, I’ve pursued roles throughout my life that uplift and safeguard them—from teaching ATV and DNR safety courses, to serving as a lifeguard, and ultimately dedicating 22 years to insurance, where my focus was solely on providing protection. As I began cultivating my own garden and gaining insight into the shifting global landscape, I realized it was time to channel that drive into a broader impact. While many view The Backroads Company as just another enterprise, those who dive deeper discover it’s truly a vibrant community. For much of my life, I’ve guided folks in building collaborative groups, from grassroots and national 4-H chapters to powersports clubs and organizations. At its core, it’s about empowering people—and for that to endure, it thrives within a strong, interconnected community.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

The Backroads Company is a faith-driven enterprise nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, dedicated to fostering self-sufficiency, community, and outdoor adventure. More than just a business, it’s a vibrant hub for empowering individuals through hands-on training at our Homestead—covering everything from gardening and livestock care to 4X4 recovery, off-road motorcycle skills, and beekeeping—while offering tailored products and solutions for homesteaders and local governments. We also curate thrilling expeditions like multi-day 4X4 tours, e-bike adventures, and kayaking outings, alongside digital services such as trail mapping and dynamic online community platforms, all aimed at connecting people with the great outdoors and each other for sustainable, fulfilling lives.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey—from those early days teaching ATV and DNR safety to 22 years safeguarding families as an insurance agent, and now building The Backroads Company as a hub for self-reliance and connection—three elements stand out as the most pivotal: an unwavering commitment to service and protection, practical hands-on skills in self-sufficiency, and the art of fostering community.

First, that core drive to serve and protect others has been my north star. It started young, instilled by family values, and carried me through lifeguarding shifts where split-second decisions saved lives, safety classes that empowered riders to explore responsibly, and insurance policies that gave people peace of mind amid uncertainty. Without this empathy-fueled instinct, I wouldn’t have pivoted from corporate protection to creating real-world safeguards like our 4×4 recovery training and off-road expeditions at The Backroads Company.

Second, building tangible self-sufficiency skills—rooted in the soil, quite literally—opened my eyes to sustainable living. When I planted my first garden amid whispers of global shifts, it wasn’t just about tomatoes; it was about reclaiming control through knowledge of livestock care, beekeeping, and homesteading basics. This grounded expertise now powers our Homestead workshops, turning novices into confident stewards of their own backyards.

Third, the skill of cultivating communities turned individual sparks into lasting fires. From leading 4-H chapters and powersports associations to weaving The Backroads Company into a network of like-minded adventurers, I’ve seen how collaboration amplifies impact. It’s why we offer dynamic online platforms and club-organizing tools—sustainability demands shared shoulders.

For those just starting out, here’s my straightforward advice: Dive in with intention, but keep it simple to avoid burnout. To nurture service, volunteer in roles that stretch you—join a local safety patrol or mentor a youth group; the real growth comes from seeing your impact ripple. For self-sufficiency, begin micro-scale: plant a windowsill herb garden or tend a small flock of chickens, and devour free resources like extension service guides while learning from trial (and plenty of error). And for community-building, show up consistently—host a casual meetup via Meetup.com or a Facebook group around your passion, listen more than you lead at first, and celebrate small wins together. Remember, journeys like this aren’t solo sprints; they’re shared trails that get richer with every fellow traveler you lift along the way.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely, we’re always eager to connect and collaborate—networking is the lifeblood of what we do at The Backroads Company. Whether it’s co-hosting a 4×4 recovery workshop with a powersports club, partnering with a local farm-to-table business for sustainable supply chains, or teaming up with community leaders to map out new off-road trails that boost eco-tourism, we’re on the lookout for like-minded folks who share our passion for self-reliance, outdoor stewardship, and building resilient communities.

Think homestead suppliers, adventure outfitters, 4-H or scouting groups, regional governments eyeing rural development, or even digital creators focused on homesteading hacks—we thrive on those synergies that turn individual efforts into collective wins. If this sparks something for you, reach out! Jump into the conversations on our Old Way On forums at oldwayon.com to brainstorm ideas or check out our YouTube channel via backroadreviews.com for reviews and drop a comment or email us directly at to chat about potential projects. Let’s hit the trails together and make some real impact.

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Image Credits

Ryan Harden – The Backroads Company

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