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.
Construction and Business Leadership
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.
Agricultural Management and Current Role
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.
In his current position, Schmier oversees all aspects of a 300-acre hay production facility, managing one of the region’s most productive agricultural operations. His responsibilities encompass the complete agricultural cycle, including soil preparation, planting schedules, crop monitoring, irrigation system management, harvesting operations, and post-harvest processing. He coordinates fertilization programs, monitors weather patterns for optimal harvest timing, and maintains sophisticated farm equipment essential to large-scale hay production.
Beyond crop production, Schmier’s role extends to comprehensive property management. He oversees maintenance and rental of residential properties located on the ranch, coordinating tenant relations and property upkeep. His construction background proves invaluable in this capacity, allowing him to handle maintenance issues efficiently and cost-effectively. Additionally, he manages hay sales and distribution, maintaining relationships with local buyers and coordinating delivery logistics throughout the region.
Schmier’s diverse professional background uniquely positions him to excel in agricultural management. His construction expertise allows him to maintain and repair farm infrastructure, while his business experience helps him optimize operational efficiency and profitability. This combination of hands-on construction skills and comprehensive agricultural knowledge provides him with a distinctive perspective on rural Colorado business operations and sustainable land management practices.
Personal Interests and Community Involvement
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Schmier maintains an active lifestyle that authentically reflects his Colorado roots and adventurous spirit. He is a dedicated motorcycle enthusiast with a rich history in competitive motorsports. During his younger years, he actively participated in motocross and enduro racing for several years, developing skills and passion that continue to influence his recreational activities today.
Schmier’s current recreational pursuits include regular dirt bike riding through Colorado’s extensive trail systems and motorcycle touring on his Harley-Davidson. These activities allow him to explore the state’s diverse landscapes while maintaining the physical fitness and mental clarity essential to his demanding professional responsibilities. He also enjoys water sports, including boating and water skiing, activities that provide relaxation and family bonding opportunities during Colorado’s warmer months.
His outdoor interests extend to hunting and camping, pursuits that connect him with Colorado’s natural environment and wildlife. These activities reflect his deep appreciation for conservation and responsible land stewardship. Additionally, Schmier maintains active involvement in various home improvement projects, applying his construction expertise to personal endeavors and continuously refining his skills.
Schmier’s commitment to his community extends beyond his professional contributions through meaningful volunteer work. He regularly provides handyman services to elderly residents in need, donating his construction expertise to help maintain safe and comfortable living conditions for community members. This volunteer work exemplifies his belief in using professional skills to benefit others and demonstrates his commitment to the well-being of his neighbors and community.
Having returned to the Durango area permanently after years of professional travel and diverse career experiences, Schmier deeply appreciates being close to family and the landscape where he grew up. His extensive family connections in the region, combined with his diverse professional experience, make him a valuable resource on both construction practices and agricultural operations throughout southwestern Colorado. His unique combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and community commitment continues to contribute to the region’s economic and social fabric.
