RTC Awards Funding for the Development of 10 Trail Projects Nationwide

Hiking a trail
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The recipient of a bachelor's degree in marketing from Akron University, Daniel "Dan" Prechtel has served as president of Atlanta, GA's OneSource Venture Capital, LLC, since 2012. In addition to providing assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs, Daniel Prechtel is an avid cyclist who supports the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), which redevelops former rail lines into walking and cycling trails. 

In support of its flagship initiatives like the Great American Rail-Trail and TrailNation, RTC awards annual funding to trail development projects nationwide through its Doppelt Family Trail Development Fund. On May 30, the nonprofit awarded $130,000 to 10 different trail projects in 10 different states. The Doppelt Fund, established in 2015, has supported more than 3 dozen projects since its inception. It was launched by New York philanthropist Jeff Doppelt and primarily targets smaller trail projects that might not otherwise qualify for traditional public funding sources. 

For the 2019 grant cycle, RTC received application requests in excess of a combined $4.7 million, which speaks to the importance of the fund. The primary benefactor of this year's grants was Mountain Heritage, Inc., in Virginia, which received $25,000 to restore a one-time railroad trestle and extend the Mendota Trail. Other recipients included Friends of the Bourne Rail Trail ($15,000), City of Farragut ($15,000), and Putnam Blueways & Trails Citizen Support Organization ($5,000).

Accessing Venture Capital Starts With Building Networks and Teams

Daniel “Dan” Prechtel is a respected presence in the Atlanta entrepreneurial community who leads OneSource Venture Capital, LLC. Focusing on businesses that can be funded through a single source, Daniel Prechtel matches angel investors with promising entrepreneurs.

One key to gaining traction with venture capital firms is to earning the trust of colleagues and fellow entrepreneurs, in order to gain warm introductions to those with capital. These professionals can include investment bankers, attorneys, and those who have already taken a great idea and run with it.

The first thing most investors look at, beyond the specific concept or technology in play, is whether a reliable, effective team has been built around it. Even in cases where investment firms place talent with companies they seed, having a committed, talented core team from the outset makes the process much easier and more effective. 

A proven route to building up these connections centers on gaining admission to incubators and technology accelerators, such as Y Combinator. This signals to investors a baseline level of competency and potential.

Cycling the Silver Comet Trail in Georgia

With extensive experience working with angel investors and entrepreneurs, Daniel (Dan) Prechtel has served as the president of OneSource Venture Capital, LLC, in Atlanta since 2012. A cycling enthusiast, Daniel Prechtel enjoys riding on local trails such as the Silver Comet Trail.

A paved trail about 61 miles long, the Silver Comet Trail begins in the city of Smyrna at the Mavell Road Trailhead and ends on the Alabama state line at the Esom Hill Trailhead by Cedartown. There it joins with another trail of 33 miles known as the Chief Ladiga Trail, which ends in Anniston, Alabama.

The Silver Comet Trail lies on an old railroad line and features reminders of its history with an 800-foot-long railroad tunnel and the Pumpkinville Trestle. Various trailheads along the way offer water, restrooms, and picnic tables. Those interested in camping on their trek can choose to stay at The Beautiful Rock Campground, located near mile 34.

The Ohio State vs. University of Michigan Football Rivalry

Business executive Daniel Prechtel serves as the president of OneSource Venture Capital, LLC, located in Atlanta, Georgia. A graduate of Akron University, Daniel (Dan) Prechtel is an enthusiastic fan of the Ohio State’s football team. Each year, during the last week of the regular season, the Ohio State Buckeyes face off against the University of Michigan Wolverines, a game that has garnered a reputation for being one of the biggest rivalries in college sports.

Since 1918, Ohio State and the University of Michigan have played 115 games against one another. The teams take turns dominating the event for several years in a row. For example, since 2004, the Ohio State Buckeyes have won 14 times. From 1983 through 2003 however, the University of Michigan Wolverines won 14 times. Michigan leads the record with 58 wins, 50 losses, and 6 ties.

Many traditions surround the OSU vs. U of M game on both sides. For example, each time the Buckeyes win over the Wolverines each member of the team receives a gold charm in the shape of a pair of football pants. The tradition stretches back to 1934 when coach Francis Schmidt answered questions about how the Buckeyes would perform against the Wolverines. He stated, “They put their pants on one leg at a time just like everybody else.” The Buckeyes won that year’s game as well as the next three games. The Buckeyes all received a gold charm in 2018 after their 62-39 victory over Michigan.

The Hobie 16 Catamaran

As the president of OneSource Venture Capital based in Atlanta, Dan Prechtel establishes productive funding/investment relationships between accredited angel investors and promising entrepreneurs. When he isn’t working, Daniel Prechtel is an avid recreational sailor whose watercraft of choice is the Hobie 16 Catamaran.

Like Mr. Prechtel, many sailors appreciate the versatility of Hobie 16 Catamaran as an exceptionally fast sailboat that can sail under a wide range of conditions under the operation of a single person. This boat first hit the market in 1970, and its dual lightweight and asymmetrical fiberglass hulls started a revolution in the sport of multihull sailing. Although a single skilled individual can sail the Hobie 16 with ease, the boat can support an additional three passengers/crew members. 

The latest iteration of the Hobie 16 measures just over 16-and-a-half feet in total length and weighs a slight 320 pounds. Its 218-square-foot sails come in two distinctive color combinations. Building on a history that includes more than 100,000 boats sold, the Hobie 16 holds an exclusive spot in the Sailboat Hall of Fame.