About Rory Schmier
Rory Schmier is a 56-year-old construction professional and ranch manager based in Arboles, Colorado. Born in Durango, Colorado, Schmier spent his early childhood years moving throughout the Colorado region with his family. His formative years included time in Pagosa Springs, where he attended school through fifth grade before his family relocated to Monte Vista, Colorado. It was in Monte Vista where Schmier completed his education and graduated from high school, establishing the foundation for his diverse professional journey.
Growing up in rural Colorado provided Schmier with an early appreciation for hard work and practical skills. The frequent family relocations throughout his youth exposed him to different communities and work environments across the state, experiences that would later influence his adaptability and comprehensive understanding of rural Colorado’s economic landscape.
After completing his education, Schmier began his professional career as a farm hand working for a local family operation. This six-year period proved instrumental in developing his work ethic and understanding of agricultural operations. The hands-on experience taught him the fundamentals of land management, equipment operation, and seasonal agricultural cycles. Seeking to expand his skill set and explore new opportunities, Schmier ventured to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he worked as a mason for a year. This experience in masonry provided him with foundational construction skills and exposure to commercial building techniques that would later prove invaluable in his construction career.
Returning to Colorado with newfound construction knowledge, Schmier initially entered the retail industry, co-owning and operating a liquor store in the Alamosa area for five years. This business venture taught him valuable lessons in customer service, inventory management, and small business operations. However, his true passion lay in construction and home building, where he could combine his masonry skills with his natural aptitude for craftsmanship.
Drawing on his diverse work background, Schmier established a custom home building and remodeling company that he operated successfully for over two decades. As a self-taught contractor, he demonstrated remarkable dedication to learning and perfecting his craft. His company specialized in high-end custom homes and sophisticated remodeling projects, serving clients throughout the San Luis Valley and Durango areas.
During his time as a contractor, Schmier built an impressive reputation for quality craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. His self-taught approach to construction allowed him to develop innovative solutions and maintain flexibility in his building methods. The company’s portfolio included some of the region’s most distinguished custom homes, earning recognition from clients, industry peers, and local building professionals. His commitment to excellence and ability to manage complex projects established him as a respected figure in the regional construction industry.
Schmier’s construction business required him to master multiple aspects of project management, from initial design consultation and permitting to final inspection and client satisfaction. He developed expertise in various construction disciplines, including foundation work, framing, electrical systems coordination, plumbing integration, and finish carpentry. His hands-on approach meant he often worked alongside his crew, ensuring quality control and maintaining the high standards that became his company’s trademark.
In 2012, as the construction industry experienced challenges, Schmier made a strategic career transition to agricultural management, taking on the role of ranch manager at a premium hay operation in the Durango area. This transition allowed him to return to his agricultural roots while applying the management and problem-solving skills he had developed during his construction career.
from the blog