Ep. 21 | Crafting Handmade Teardrop Trailers with Matt Bettman and Matt Shivers

Written By Sarah Bettman
 
 

In episode 21 of the Live Stoked, Lead Stoked podcast, I had the pleasure hearing the journey through the fascinating life and entrepreneurial adventure of my brother, Matt Bettman, and my husband, Matt Shivers, the co-founders of All Good Equipment Co. Their conversation brings to light not only their passion for quality craftsmanship but also their dedication to living a fulfilled, "stoked" life.

From Sea to Land: A Lifestyle Transformations

Matt Bettman’s story begins with his family living on a boat. However, with twin children becoming more mischievous as they grew older, his family decided it was time to anchor their lives on land. They settled into a more grounded lifestyle, and for the first time, Matt found himself with a garage, sparking a journey back into craftsmanship.

The Birth of a Teardrop Trailer

Matt’s introduction to teardrop trailers was somewhat serendipitous. Borrowing a folding trailer from his brother led him to explore the charming world of teardrop camping. With his extensive experience from boat living, he meticulously designed a teardrop trailer using CAD software, a process that took a painstaking year and a half before he finally transitioned to the building phase.

Matt Shivers describes these teardrop trailers as cozy, retro-style camping upgrades. Outfitted with a queen-size bed and a compact kitchen area, these trailers provide an elevated camping experience without the bulkiness of an RV. As Matt Bettman puts it, "It’s like an elevated form of tent camping."

Crafting Quality: A Principle and Passion

A significant point of pride in Matt Bettman’s design is the minimal use of plastic, which contrasts starkly with many conventional trailers. By employing real materials like wood, he ensures that each trailer not only ages gracefully but also withstands the rigors of outdoor adventures. This thoughtful approach is about more than aesthetics; it's a firm stance against the pervasive plastic waste problem.

Both Matts are united by their commitment to building premium handmade trailers. They emphasize quality and durability, drawing from their shared passion for camping and high-quality gear. The trailers avoid complex technology and built-in appliances, which ensures their timeless utility and simplicity.

The Business of Building Dreams

Transitioning from personal projects to a full-fledged business, both Matts ventured into creating All Good Equipment Co. Their mutual commitment to quality, straightforwardness in their working relationship, and compatible tastes in music and camping gear laid a strong foundation for their partnership.

Their goal is not just to sell trailers but to forge products that will be cherished for generations. They believe that the decline in product quality, driven by shareholder value, is a disservice to consumers. Their mission is to create trailers that people will not only use but also form sentimental attachments to, much like a well-crafted knife passed down by our father (listen to the episode to hear how this knife relates to the trailers).


Inspiration and Reflection

During the podcast, Matt Bettman opened up about his introspective journey. He shares a desire to feel comfortable in his own skin, a sentiment many can relate to. This personal insight dovetails with their professional journey—both deeply rooted in feeling "stoked" about life and work.

Matt Shivers' diverse experiences—from woodworking to managing a cannabis farm—highlight the value of quality and durability. Learning from a young age to cherish quality items, he realized over time that the true essence of quality lies in frequent use, enhancing life experiences.

Building a Legacy

As the conversation wraps up, I poignantly note the different approaches the Matts have to life—Matt Bettman’s philosophical approach and Matt Shivers' hands-on, impactful perspective. This balance keeps their business grounded and visionary.

To experience the quality of All Good Equipment Co. trailers firsthand, they host an open house every third Thursday of the month in San Carlos, with upcoming appearances at the Overland Adventure and Powersports Show at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Potential customers are encouraged to come into the Bay Area to test these exceptional trailers.

Their journey is a testament to living a life filled with passion, quality, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. For those interested in learning more, visit allgoodequipment.com or follow them on Instagram.

In essence, this episode isn't just about building trailers; it's about crafting a legacy, creating something meaningful and lasting—something that truly embodies the spirit of living stoked.

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More About Live Stoked | Lead Stoked

Have you ever wondered if there is something more? Are you ready for something to change, but aren’t sure how to get started…or even what to change? Do you dream of living life on your own terms, full of purpose and the ability to choose what’s best for you? Are you ready to live stoked?

You’ve come to the right place! In this podcast, we will explore what it means to live stoked. To live a life on your terms, one where we’ve tossed away the pressures of roles, expectations, and identities that have been put on you and that you did not choose, is a bold choice. Frankly, it’s a series of small choices in micro-moments that lead to a bold life.

I am Sarah Bettman, coach, consultant, and speaker, but more importantly, I’m a person who found myself waking up in the wrong life and needed to find a way to me. 

I am on a mission to unravel the things we tell ourselves, the roles and/or identities we’ve taken on, and the expectations that drive our decision making, so that we can begin to live our most authentic and stoked lives. My guests and I will share our stories, solutions, and multitude of ideas…since one size definitely doesn’t not fit all. 

My hope is that you will find something meaningful for you, in the moment, that will move you forward on your path.

Sarah Bettman
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