Business & Property News

TF’S MAJOR TO STEP DOWN

In the early 2000s, as Hideo Morita discussed the purchase of the Telluride Ski Resort from then-owners Ron Allred and Jim Wells, he and Allred hit on the idea of forming a community nonprofit. Together, the pair pooled some money, began building a network of donors and hired Paul Major to lead the brand-new Telluride Foundation. With Major at the helm, the foundation has become a giving juggernaut. The largest funder on the Western Slope, it has put over $60 million into the community since its inception and played a key role in supporting local families, businesses and nonprofits during the pandemic. Now, with two decades under his belt, Major has announced he will be stepping down, sparking a search for a new head.

In announcing Major’s decision, the foundation’s board chair, Daniel Tishman, praised the former ski industry executive and national ski team coach and manager, adding, “He leaves big shoes to fill.”

REACH, ROAM, RECHARGE

RESET Telluride, an ultra-luxury trekking and wellness retreat offering breakthrough experiences, opens in May 2022. Created by Telluride locals Dylan Bates and Holli Owen, RESET’s infinitely personalized programming combines treks through our stunning backcountry with indulgent recovery therapies and the highest level of service. Says Owen, “For the ultimate reset, you need the ultimate setting. That’s Telluride.”

Josh King Photography

REALTORS FIND REWARDS IN VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING

Lars Carlson, a broker with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty and Telluride Association of Realtors 2020 Realtor of the Year, moved to Telluride in 1985. Carlson said his love for the community drove him to get involved as much as possible. Twenty-one years ago, he joined the Telluride Volunteer Fire Department and is currently a member of the Telluride Town Council.

Has his role as a volunteer firefighter for two decades been a rewarding experience? “Absolutely,” he says. “I think the most rewarding aspect is when you are helping people. A few years ago, I helped to save a guy’s life and he still gives me hugs on the street. Those are the things you remember.”

Independence Day, when local firefighters put on a barbecue for the community, is a highlight, says Carlson, who chuckles recalling that the event gives him the opportunity to make his clients feel at home by treating them to a beer from the fire department’s beer booth. “It helps them feel very connected to the community.”

A number of Realtors have worked for the Telluride’s fire department over the years, including recently retired chief David Wadley, a broker associate with Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties, and Scott Bennett of Telluride Real Estate Brokers, another former chief, whose father also headed up the department and whose brother is the current chief. Another volunteer was Compass broker associate Jim Lucarelli, the current Telluride Association of Realtors president-elect, who says he found a family when he joined the TVFD in the early 1990s. The longtime local, a former department captain, served for more two decades, giving him plenty of time to accumulate treasured memories. One of those reminiscences involves the late Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, who owned a home in the Telluride area for many years: “Gen. Schwarzkopf, his last Fourth of July in Telluride, called up our then-chief, Jamie Schuler, and said ‘I want to spend the day with the firefighters.’ So, he came to the barbecue and came up on the hill with us for the fireworks. He was invited to every big event there was on July 4th, but he just wanted to be with the firefighters.”

Lucarelli, who has since retired, remains involved as a board member and remarks that the fire department serves as a link to the area’s mining past. “When I joined, the fire department was the old timers … It was Gary Bennet, Joe Smart — guys left over from the mining days with a lot of great traditions, a lot of social functions that were so important in our small community. There was that real connection to Telluride’s past. It was very special. It still is very special.”

LATITUDE 38 PARTNERS WITH VACASA

Local property management company Latitude 38 has gained a high-profile partner. Vacasa, a leading vacation rental management platform, has linked with Latitude, which was founded in 2009 by longtime local Kevin Jones. The move sees Vacasa assuming management of more than 185 area vacation rentals while maintaining the Latitude 38 brand and local operations. Jones, well known in the community where he also serves as a volunteer firefighter, says he intends to join Vacasa in a management role.

Melissa Plantz

TWO SKIRTS AT 20

Since 2001, Two Skirts has dressed locals, part-timers and visitors alike with beautiful pieces that run the gamut from fun to fabulously elegant. The hip boutique began life in cozy digs on Pacific Avenue before moving to its current spot, a wonderful 1,200-square-foot space on Main Street’s sunny side. Two Skirts is more than just a pretty face, though. With a deep commitment to service, owner Kristin Holbrook, a former Telluride Citizen of the Year, is involved in a number of community efforts, including the annual Clutch for a Cause fundraiser, which sees women donate purses and bags that Two Skirts then resells to benefit the San Miguel Resource Center.

INSPIRING NEW BUSINESSES

Kiki Dickson Do the stunning San Juans provide inspiration for budding entrepreneurs? Judging from the fresh crop of local startups, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. Humans looking for a new ‘do can head to newcomers Hair9 Salon (in the Nugget Building on West Colorado Ave.) and Alchëmy Salon, located adjacent to Lift 7 in the West End. Pooches with a similar need can visit newbie Dirt Dawg on East Colorado for pet supplies, grooming and washing services. Yoga devotees should try Practice Telluride, a new yoga studio with a tranquil and welcoming vibe, while art lovers should check out Tellurado Studios for fine art, fine wine and provisions. In addition, two co-working facilities have opened recently: Alt Space, located above Clark’s Market, and Spark Telluride in Lawson Hill. Those looking for a novel outdoor adventure can contact Telluride Moto for guided motorcycle tours. And then there’s Dirty Sturdy’s Mountain Compost, where owner Mark Sturdevant provides composting solutions and logistics. Lots of bright ideas in this box canyon.

W E L I V E H E R E . W E W O R K H E R E . W E P L A Y H E R E .