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Live The Life You Always Wanted
They’re doing it. Read their success stories below.
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Jamison and Heather McGlasson, G2 Contractors — Entrepreneurial Couple, Telecommuters
Jamison and Heather McGlasson, owners of G2 Contractors, compiled a list of towns that offered the outdoor lifestyle they were seeking. After living in Jackson, Wyoming, and then Texas, they sought to get back to the mountains in a place that offered cool nights and sunny days. They wanted a small community, but large enough to support a healthy economy. Good air service also was key to their decision. When Durango appealed to all their needs, they made the move and instantly melded into a culture of contented people with an uplifting work-life balance. They found great schools and terrific restaurants with fresh food. Today their business contributes to the economic health of La Plata County and they spend their free time, from not being stuck in traffic, exploring the outdoors.[/vc_column_text][/text_box][/one_half][one_half_last][vc_column_text]
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Chris McCroskey, IdeaLoop — Entrepreneur, Telecommuter
When Chris McCroskey was visiting Durango he overheard two local old timers complaining about the heat. He knew that back home in Dallas it was 100 degrees with 60 percent humidity. He imagined what it would be like for his kids to play outside in what the Durango men considered “heat.” He already owned a successful software company, IdeaLoop, with a philosophy that encouraged people to work where they were most happy. So, he followed his own guidelines and moved his family to a cooler environment. They made a home on some land close to the Durango—La Plata County Airport, which Chris uses for business travel. His kids now enjoy the outdoors year-round. They ski, play sports, take hikes and hunt for shed antlers on their property, just as Chris had imagined.[/vc_column_text][/text_box][/one_half_last][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][one_half][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/one_half][one_half_last][/one_half_last][/vc_column][vc_column el_class=”clear”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1463697944519{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][one_half][vc_column_text]
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Dave Thibodeau, Ska Brewery — Business Partner, Entrepreneur
Dave Thibodeau searched for the ideal mountain community by fishing his way through Colorado. He began in Steamboat Springs and ended in Durango. After his fishing endeavor, and having spent time in Durango during college, he knew he wanted to call it home. He lived as a ski bum while devising a plan to merge his love for craft beer and ska music. Today, Ska Brewing is world-renowned and an integral part of La Plata County. Ska’s philosophy, “community reigns supreme,” is at the core of every business decision. As a debt of gratitude, the brewery stays actively involved in community affairs to help keep Durango vibrant and strong. Dave also personally engages in his surroundings, not only as a business owner, but as a family man and outdoor enthusiast as well.[/vc_column_text][/text_box][/one_half][one_half_last][vc_column_text]
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Julie Dunn Brown, ReLove — Family Owned Business, Entrepreneur
Moving to Durango brought a lot of firsts for Julie Dunn Brown. She had never lived in a rural area with unfamiliar nighttime sounds. She overcame those unknowns by walking her land and finding appreciation in the old native ways. Being a single mom was new for Julie, too. She conquered that obstacle through her continued work with the family center and making connections with other mothers. Forming a business and purchasing a building became another maiden voyage. That was possible through Durango’s strong networking opportunities. And then there was the brave act of asking Charlie out, a first in dating that led to marriage and her passion for fly fishing. Today, Julie’s moved beyond those challenging firsts and is now on to seconds. She and her daughter, Paige, own a popular secondhand furniture store called Re-Love.[/vc_column_text][/text_box][/one_half_last][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][one_half][/one_half][one_half_last][/one_half_last][/vc_column][/vc_row]