PROUD SPONSOR
Lifestyle Letter
Investment is more than just numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about the choices we make every day to build a stronger future. Whether we’re investing in our homes, our businesses, or our community, the impact of those decisions shapes the world around us.
In this issue, we explore investment from multiple angles, starting with a look at a local zero-waste refilling station that’s changing the way we think about consumption. We also take a dive into new homeownership featuring a local program that’s helping people secure their futures.
For businesses, the smartest investment isn’t always in technology or infrastructure—it’s in people. That’s why we’re highlighting local companies that have seen firsthand how investing in employees leads to growth, retention, and success.
Durango is a community that thrives on innovation, sustainability, and community. We hope this issue inspires you to think about investment not just in financial terms, but as a way to create lasting value in every part of life.
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Branden (Brandy) Murray branden.murray@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
James Leonard | james.leonard@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jessica Valdez | jessica.valdez@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Denise Leslie | denise.leslie@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andy Wingerd | ignitedimagery@gmail.com
Kelly Miranda | kellymirandaphotography@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rachel Rosenthal | rachel.rosenthal@citylifestyle.com, Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com, Jennifer Mason | jennifer.mason@citylifestyle.com, Kalista Pena, Nicole Byrum
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andy Wingerd, Kelly Miranda
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Wild New Way's Free Book Club
Wild New Way's free book club is an immersive experience where we'll explore Like a Spark From Fire by Debra Maldonado. This isn't just a book club—it's a community of like-minded individuals on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and deeper connection. Online: Monday, April 7th 5 - 6:30pm Zoom link provided upon registration. In-Person: Tuesday, April 8th 5:30 - 7pm at 813 Main Ave. Email Cindy, or visit our website for details: cindy@wildnewway.com | wildnewway.com
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Shimmy Mob
Shimmy Mob is a celebration of fun and teamwork, where dancers in cities around the world unite for a common cause of supporting victims of domestic violence. Our events are not just about performing— they're about coming together as a community to make a difference. Every shimmy you take part in contributes to a greater purpose, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Go to shimmymob.com for more information on how to be a part of it.
Durango Arts Center Repertory Theatre 2025 Season
DAC has announced their 2025 Repertory Theatre Schedule - Lovers & Sinners! The season will include: 15TH ANNUAL 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL (May 30th to June 1st), 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE (July 18th to 27th), THE SPITFIRE GRILL: A MUSICAL (August 15th - 30th), HI-HO SILVER (September 19th to October 5th), RICHARD O'BRIEN'S THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (October 24th to November 1st.) and the 5TH ANNUAL 24 HR THEATRE (November 22nd.) Go to durangoartscenter.org for more information.
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WEFILL: DURANGO’S ORIGINAL ZERO-WASTE
Refilling Station
PRIORITIZING STEWARDSHIP TO THE LAND, AIR, AND WATER.
ARTICLE BY KALISTA PEÑA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD
Salaz recently returned from a two-week diving expedition in the Coral Triangle. Located between the Pacific and Indian oceans, the Coral Triangle is a globally recognized center of marine biodiversity. Salaz participated in thirty-six dives, but the second-to-last left her speechless, reminding her of why she started WeFill.
On this particular dive, tragically, the coral reef was bleached white. Salaz had tears in her eyes, she noticed the surrounding fish exhibiting unusual behaviors. She later learned that just a month prior, this section of the reef had been vibrant and pristine. “I think that that one dive was really important for not just me to see, but for anyone to see. Because we have to be reminded of what we are doing to the planet, this is our home,” said Salaz.
CONTINUED >
The global crisis of plastic waste is overwhelming, but “it can be approached one container at a time, one person at a time.” Salaz believes that community support is a vital factor for change, consequently, she greatly values community outreach and education.
Previously, Salaz mentored two interns from Animas High School, challenging them to work on skills outside their comfort zones. One student chose to tackle public speaking and created a 10-minute presentation for grade school kids focusing on alternatives to plastic use. “Getting the kids involved is something that I think is super important,” said Salaz. Once they start talking about ways to limit single-use plastic, they tell everyone—their families, their friends—and help spread awareness.
Salaz keeps costs down, “If it is not affordable, then we are not going to make a dent”
As people are becoming more environmentally conscious, Salaz’s first piece of advice is to pick the low-hanging fruit—find the most feasible action for them. This can be simple, like refilling a coffee cup or water bottle instead of buying single-use plastic. In the refilling business, “Every time somebody refills something or buys something plastic-free… we turn the tap of plastic production closer to off,” said Salaz. These small acts illustrate a willingness to make change and protect the planet.
— Salaz
“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. That is not the goal. What we need is a billion people doing it imperfectly,” said Salaz. As a community, we are capable of making a bigger impact than we think. Check it out for yourself—visit WeFill and join Salaz’s mission to reduce single-use plastic.
BUILDING RENOVATING or a home?
Don’t let design mistakes cost you time and money—contact us first! We’ll set you on the right path to your ideal mountain home.
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RESTORE YOUR BODY AND SOUL.
Pause approaches wellness with a focus on empowering individuals to make meaningful, sustainable changes in their habits and lifestyles. We emphasize taking small, consistent steps that lead to significant transformations. From personalized nutrition plans and expert-guided mindful practices of yoga and pilates, we support individuals in living lives with equilibrium and vitality. We are here to help you discover the joy of a healthier, more confident, and empowered YOU. RIVERSIDE STUDIO AND NUTRITION SERVICES: 1970 E 3RD AVE, STE 111 PURPLE CLIFFS STUDIO: 1305 ESCALANTE DR, STE 202 CLASS SCHEDULE AND TO BOOK NUTRITION SERVICES: PAUSEFITNESSNUTRITION.COM
HomesFund: Making Homeownership Possible
HOMESFUND SUPPORTS FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
GIVING THEM PROPER TOOLS AND KNOWLEDGE
ARTICLE BY KALISTA PEÑA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD
Buying a house is a major endeavor that can feel daunting and overwhelming, but thankfully, we have HomesFund. HomesFund is a non-profit focused on helping families achieve their dreams of homeownership in Southwest Colorado.
HomesFund was created in 2008 by the Regional Housing Alliance (RHA). In 2012, HomesFund separated from the RHA and became a Community Development Finance Institute (CDFI), allowing HomesFund to ask for loan capital from state and federal sources.
Pam Moore has been with HomesFund since the beginning, serving as the Deputy Director for 13 years before becoming Executive Director last April. She has seen a lot of change throughout the years, but the mission has always been the same: to prepare people for the homebuying process by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.
The first step and tool is HomesFund’s home-buying education class. Offered once a month, the class covers everything in the home buying process including, financial management, pros and cons of renting versus buying a home, homeowners’ insurance, and credit reports. Guest speakers such as realtor partners, mortgage lenders, and home inspectors talk about their part in the homebuying process. The class is designed to help potential homebuyers determine if they are ready for homeownership and what their next steps are in their journey.
HomesFund also offers one-on-one financial counseling, a fantastic resource assessing personal finance, budgeting, and adjustments, further preparing you to get approved for your first mortgage. “It [helped] me get on track with my finances,” said Cydney Distin. Distin is a first-time homeowner and recently closed on her home in late January.
She loved working with HomesFund and found their education model extremely informative. She also felt immense support from Pam and the HomesFund staff, and truly felt that they wanted her to succeed. Distin said, “They helped me get into a position where I am very comfortable and confident going into [the future].”
A popular program the HomesFund offers is the shared appreciation mortgage. When considering this loan, think of HomesFund as a co-investor in your property. They will provide loan assistance with no monthly payments, and in return, they ask that you repay the loan amount in 30 years, at the time of resale or transfer of the home, or if the home is no longer a primary residence. This, combined with any grants and loans the homebuyer qualifies for, helps lower the monthly mortgage payment. HomesFund is also well known for their ability to stack these loans and grants getting the best deal possible for their clients.
Ryan Champion, a local mortgage lender working from Maverick Capital Lending, helped Distin work through most of the paperwork and answered any questions she had along the way. Champion has helped four families purchase their homes using the shared appreciation loan and speaks highly of it, stating, “It’s a game changer, it’s the one you want.”
“They were able to make magic happen for me, and I can’t express how grateful and fortunate I am to be involved with them,” said Distin. There are many people like Distin, who have always dreamed of homeownership but did not think it was in their cards. HomesFund is here to prove that you can achieve this dream, supporting you every step of the way. To learn more about the shared appreciation loan and other programs HomesFund offers visit their website at www.homesfund.org .
“Focused specifically on helping people in our region, HomesFund works with clients to find them the best deal. Since 2012, they have helped 443 families buy a home.”
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MASON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD
Owners James & Christi with their wagon wheel crew
Most companies recruit and retain employees using a common assortment of benefits including competitive living wages, access to free or affordable healthcare, a 3% match on retirement, staff appreciate celebrations, and paid professional training. However, a few of Durango’s best businesses really stand out thanks to some extra creative perks and exceptional employee investment strategies. Interestingly, this spare-no-expense approach may have beneficial ripple-effects across the wider community.
REWARD EXPERTISE
With seven decades in business, Wagon Wheel Liquors has a reputation to uphold. No surprise owners James Dempsey and Christi Williams invest a lot in staffing their store with experts. “We start people at a wage that is higher than is what they would get at another place,” Dempsey notes. As a result, their team possesses a combined century’s worth of knowledge about wine, beer, spirits, and liquor!
But the most notable benefit may be the unlimited paid time off. The official policy is: take the time you need and cover your shifts. Employees value the peace of mind knowing they can step away from work to manage their lives or recuperate on vacation.
However, what keeps employees firmly rooted at the store has little to do with money. Instead, it’s the positive, supportive culture they love. “You get treated well. You’re respected,” says wine buyer Scottie Wells.
LITTLE TREATS, BIG IMPACT
Treats. Turns out, they aren’t just for pups. They’re also a big deal for the people serving in doggie day care and pet boarding!
“There’s a lot of burnout in animal care,” attests Stacy Sutton, owner of Willow Tree Kennels. Since opening in 1982, the company has found myriad ways to treat its employees with compassion and respect.
Creative perks include tip sharing, work bonuses, flexible schedules, plus additional benefits like free dog food for senior staff and all employees enjoy free boarding or daycare for their doggies. And then there are the gifts! WTK employees receive the essential tools to boost job performance and satisfaction. Fanny packs, hats, jackets, and rope leashes are great for the puppy playground.
Opposite Top: Wagon Wheel Liquor Team
Opposite Left Bottom: James Dempsey, Owner of Wagon Wheel Liquor
Above: Willow Tree Kennels Team
“...WHAT KEEPS EMPLOYEES FIRMLY ROOTED...HAS LITTLE TO DO WITH MONEY. INSTEAD, IT’S THE POSITIVE, SUPPORTIVE CULTURE THEY LOVE.”
Like Sutton, most WTK team members started at the kennels as teens. She credits her own and others’ long tenures to the intentional efforts to train, mentor, and nurture the young, emerging workforce.
BE NICE TO PEOPLE
Payroll processing and HR solutions are highly technical services, heavy on legal compliance. And while most processing companies are replacing human employees with AI bots, The Payroll Department, Inc. is doubling down on human as a service. In other words, people helping people run successful businesses.
“You can’t have good customer experience without good employee experience,” says CEO Michael Hennon. To attract and retain top talent, TPD doubles the conventional retirement match, provides a monthly HSA contribution plus an annual wellness stipend to purchase gym memberships or fitness equipment. Paid time off for birthdays and volunteering, free bi-weekly yoga at the office, retreats packed with rafting or ax-throwing, hot springs, plus professional enrichment training—the perks trickle ever on!
The bulk of these perks date back to TPD’s founding in 1993. Owner Bryan Dear’s core philosophy of BNTP (Be Nice to People) has enabled the company to balloon from a staff of three to a team of 21 employees serving over 900 clients!
PERK UP LEADERSHIP
For Joe Lloyd, CEO and founder of Durango Joe’s Coffee, nothing fills his cup quite like shaping the next generation of leaders. More than a casual sippery, the local coffee house actually serves as an epicenter for savvy business and leadership training thanks to its innovative DJU— Durango Joe’s University.
“We don’t have management positions at Durango Joe’s; we have leadership positions,” Lloyd explains, noting that management skills largely boil down to organizational talent. Leadership is vastly different and must be ingrained.
Founded in 2004, Durango Joe’s has blossomed to multiple locations run by roughly 170 employees—most between the ages of 17 and 23, working part-time. Lloyd does not shy away from hiring less experienced young people. Nor does he mind that the barista gig may only be a stepping stone to some other career. Lloyd loves seeing his baristas go on to become successful architects, doctors, bankers, or entrepreneurs who all acquired transferrable skills and a work ethic as robust as any dark roast all while behind the coffee counter.
Left : The Payroll Department Team
Top: Durango Joe’s Team
Bottom: The art of coffee!
VALUE QUALITY
What happens when dudes brewing beer in the garage churn out award-winning beverages paired with exceptional food? You get a fun work atmosphere hyper-focused on quality. What began as Steamworks Brewing Company swiftly expanded into Peak Food and Beverage Co., which now also umbrellas the original flagship plus El Moro Spirits and Tavern, and Home Slice Pizza.
According to HR Director Lisa Blue, Peak coordinates some 300 employees. Typically, turnover and burnout run high in hospitality and food service. Peak bucks this trend by enabling employees to own shares in the business, affording them equity in profits and voting rights. At present, Peak is 40% employee-owned with a super stable management whose tenures span 15-20 years.
“Our team really believes in taking care of employees,” Blue says. This care is also evident in Peak’s annual brag-worthy employee appreciation week, complete with a Wheel of Fortune big prize giveaway!
SPREAD THE LOVE
Judging by the evidence, investments bolstering rich connections across the team have the greatest impact on retention. Happy employees can deliver outstanding service with leftover fuel in the tank to enjoy family, friends, and hobbies. At the end of the day, that’s a boon to the whole community.
Top : Barista in Action
Left: Steamworks Crew at Work
Bottom: Steamworks Brewery Team
-15TH ANNUAL 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL MAY 30TH - JUNE 1ST, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT 7:30, SUNDAY 2 PM.
-5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE
JULY 18TH-27TH, THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT 7:30 PM, SUNDAY AT 2 PM.
-THE SPITFIRE GRILL: A MUSICAL AUGUST 15TH-30TH, FRIDAY & SATURDAY AT 7:30 PM, SUNDAY AT 2 PM.
-HI HO SILVER!
SEPTEMBER 19TH - OCTOBER 5TH, FRIDAY & SATURDAY AT 7:30 PM, SUNDAY AT 2 PM. SPECIAL PWC MONDAY PEFORMANCE 9/29 AT 2PM
-RICHARD O'BRIEN'S THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW OCTOBER 24TH - NOVEMBER 1ST, THURSDAY & FRIDAY AT 7:30 PM, SATURDAY AT 7:30 PM AND 10 PM, SUNDAY AT 2 PM
-5TH ANNUAL 24 HR THEATRE NOVEMBER 22ND AT 7:30 PM.
From Left to Right: Lori Ann Glass, George Glass, Christian Waelder, Dr. Kirsten “KIcki” Searfus, MD, Dr. Emmy Lawrason-Kobobel, DO
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Live On
Three Ways You Can Leave a Legacy that Lasts
The dictionary defines ‘legacy’ as a gift of money or personal property bequeathed in a will. On a deeper level, your legacy is what you leave behind when you are gone—how your essence ripples beyond your physical existence. How your essence ripples beyond your physical existence.
As such, legacies have the power to shape communities for future generations. Therefore, it is vital to support them through thoughtful planning. By including valued nonprofits in your financial planning, you can ensure your legacy impacts the community in a meaningful way for years to come. Here are three ways to do that:
1. INCLUDE NONPROFITS IN YOUR WILL
There are many ways to create a legacy through estate planning: gifts in your will, retirement plan assets, life insurance policies, trusts, or properties. Consider leaving a portion of your assets to a nonprofit that is important to you to help ensure its prosperity. Be sure to discuss your wishes with the nonprofit in advance.
2. QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS (QCDS)
If you have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) you are likely aware of the required minimum distributions (RMDs) that
ARTICLE BY RACHEL ROSENTHAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD
become mandatory once you reach age 73. Whether you need the money or not, the funds must be disbursed, and taxes paid. QCDs allow individuals aged 70 ½ or older to donate up to $105,000 per year to nonprofits from a taxable IRA without tax consequences.
3. START A DONOR ADVISED FUND
A Donor Advised Fund allows individuals, families, or organizations to make financial contributions that are invested and eligible for an immediate tax deduction. Donors make recommendations for distributing the funds to qualified nonprofit organizations on their own timetable.
As a community facilitator, the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado enhances efficiency, sustainability, and success for nonprofits while maximizing effective grant-making for philanthropists. Learn more about their donor services at SWCommunityFoundation.org .
PHOTOGRAPHY!
Elevate your
eat kind
EMBRACING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR BODY
Wellness isn’t about restricting — it’s really about giving. Giving to yourself and to your body in a way that allows them both to thrive. The cool part? The things that give to your body naturally give to your mind, your hormones, your earth, your relationships, and so on — it’s all beautifully interconnected in that way. Eat your greens, cook at home, choose local produce and quality meats, don’t be scared of healthy fats — but also support local farmers, move in a way that makes your body and mind feel good, prioritize times of mindfulness and stillness.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 6 oz. filets of wild caught salmon
• 1 Tbsp. avocado oil
• 1 Tbsp. coconut aminos
• Zest and juice from one lemon
• 1 Tbsp. stone ground mustard
• 1 4 oz. container coconut yogurt, unsweetened
• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced
• 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and minced
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice, coconut aminos, and stone ground mustard for up to two hours.
2. Drizzle salmon with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper, and broil on high for five to seven minutes, until cooked to desired temperature.
3. Mix coconut cream, lemon zest, dill, capers, and ground pepper together.
4. Top salmon with coconut cream, serve with roasted or sautéed veggies, brown or cauliflower rice, or fresh greens. Enjoy!
simple roasted salmon with dill coconut cream
APRIL 3RD
Durango PlayFest’s Youth Speaker Series - Actress Erika Vetter
Mainstage Theatre Fort Lewis College, Theatre, Durango, CO 81301 | 1:00 PM
Durango Playfest is excited to welcome Erica Vetter, a stage, television, and film actor from Brooklyn, for the Playfest Youth Speaker Series! Erica is a part of Playfest’s REAL-WORLD SPEAKER series, where actors and playwrights share with students their experiences working in industry. This event is open to college students, local middle and high school students, and the general public.
APRIL 11TH-13TH
29th Annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown
Durango Arts Center, 802 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
This well loved local festival is always filled with great memories and fantastic music. For three days, national recording artists, regional, and local bluegrass bands take over five venues including the Durango Arts Center, Animas City Theater, and Wild Horse Saloon. Grab your tickets online or locally at Animas Trading Company! For more info, visit www.durangomeltdown.com
APRIL 12TH
Durango's Earth Day Parade and Celebration
Buckley Park, 1250 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301 | 11:00 AM
Tell your friends and bring the family to the 2025 Earth Day Parade and celebration at Buckley Park. There will be live music and entertainment, vendors, and food. Be sure to check it out and come as your favorite species - plant, animal or fungi! For more info and other events visit, earthdaydurango.com.
APRIL 13TH
Fort Lewis Health and Human Performance "Run the Rim" 5K
Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Dr, Durango, CO 81301 | 8:30 AM
This annual event is organized by students in the HHP department at Fort Lewis College (FLC). Welcoming runners, walkers, and supporters, this 5k around the rim is bound to be loads of fun! All the proceeds go towards scholarships for the students. For more info go to Fort Lewis College’s website and search “Run the Rim 5k”.
APRIL 24TH
Four Leaves Winery Songwriters Showcase
Four Leaves Winery, 528 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301 | 5:00 PM
This is the third night of Four Leaves Winery Songwriters Showcase series celebrating local musical talent! This showcase offers a platform for talented local artists to present their original homegrown music. Enjoy a unique and intimate musical experience with fine wines in a welcoming and vibrant environment at Four Leaves Winery.
APRIL 25TH-26TH
Durango Wine Experience
Historic Downtown Durango
Brought to you by the Community Foundation serving southwest Colorado, the Durango Wine Experience is a local favorite with a weekend full of wine tasting and community. Friday evening is the downtown Walkabout, where you can pursue historic downtown tasting featured wines. The Grand Tasting is on Saturday showcasing delectable wines and Colorado spirits. Buy tickets online at durangowine.com!
Let us know you
Breathe Easy This Spring with Equine Salt Therapy!
Spring allergies are in full swing, and your horse may be feeling the effects -- coughing, congestion, and respiratory irritation from pollen and dust. Give them the relief they deserve with Equine Salt Therapy! Riding and event season is just around the corner. Help your horse’s performance, stamina, and oxygen carrying capacity with this holistic treatment. Let your horse experience the power of pure, therapeutic salt!
Elevate Your Investment
Luxury Home Management for Maximum Value
Your home is more than just a place of retreat—it’s an appreciating asset. As a homeowner in Durango’s competitive real estate market, you must prioritize proactive maintenance to preserve and increase your property’s value. Maintaining your property isn’t just about upkeep; it’s about protecting and maximizing your investment.
Here are several key strategies to maximize your home investment:
1. Routine Inspections - Regular property check-ups help identify issues before they turn into costly repairs.
2. Preventative Maintenance - Scheduling services like HVAC tune-ups, roof inspections, and plumbing checks extends the lifespan of essential systems.
3. Seasonal Property Care - Preparing for Durango’s changing seasons, such as winterizing irrigation systems and clearing gutters, helps prevent weather-related damage.
4. Landscaping and Exterior Upkeep - Maintaining outdoor spaces not only enhances curb appeal but also prevents structural damage from overgrown vegetation or drainage issues.
5. Vendor Coordination and Oversight - Working with trusted professionals ensures quality repairs and upkeep.
6. Emergency Response Planning - Having a plan for power outages, extreme weather, or unexpected maintenance issues minimizes disruptions and potential losses.
Luxury properties require more than occasional check-ins; they require consistent oversight. Minor issues, if left unattended, can escalate into costly repairs. A small roof leak can lead to structural damage, while an unmaintained HVAC system may require premature replacement. Research shows that homes with proactive, high-level maintenance not only retain their value but also appreciate at a higher rate than those managed reactively. I’m passionate about helping homeowners enjoy the rewards of ownership without the burden of oversight. Please reach out to see how I can help maintain your investment with a free consultation at coloradoconcierge.com
ARTICLE BY NICOLE BYRUM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD
