Home and Ranch Guide

Durango Home and Ranch Event Guide • April 22, 2012 – 3

We’ve had a mild winter, but most of us are still quite ready for Spring and all that it brings. This year’s Durango Home & Ranch Showhas so much to offer for all kinds of people and all kinds of homes. Many of our vendors will have drawings for great prizes at theirbooths, so be sure to go by each one and sign up!

Our featured artist, Melissa Lewis-Barnes, makes handcrafted cowboy hats, and one of those hats graces our Event Guide cover andour show poster. As an added bonus, Melissa is giving away a full custom hat valued at $600 and made to order in the customer’schoice of style and color. Be sure to sign up for the drawing at Melissa’s booth, Durango Custom Hats & Saddles, in the ExtensionBuilding.

Our co-sponsor is Alpine Lumber and Trus Joist Products, with displays in the outdoor lot and in the Exhibit Hall. See them beforeyou build anything. It’s time to get out on the deck!

On Sunday at 1 p.m., as part of their “Homes with Hearts” fundraiser, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado will hold a draw-ing for a playhouse built by Durango High School students. Raffle tickets are on sale for $5 at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters booth inthe parking lot. Be sure to visit the La Plata County Humane Society booth, also in the parking lot, and cuddle with some of the cutedogs available for adoption. Spring is a great time to get a new pet!

Gate proceeds from this show will benefit the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado, so you know your $2 admis-sion donation will stay in our community. Norton’s Catering will be serving delicious breakfast and lunch goodies in the Exhibit Halland the Extension Building – take advantage of their great food while you visit the show.

Have fun and enjoy the show!

Sharon Hermes, Durango Home & Ranch Show Coordinator

45

68-2112-1319

Featured Artist: Melissa Lewis-BarnesCo-Sponsor: Alpine Lumber & Trus JoistProductsDining: Norton’s CateringFeatured ExhibitorsMap & Exhibitor ListEvent Beneficiary: CommunityFoundation Serving Southwest Colorado

Publisher: Richard BallantineGeneral Manager: Ken Admundson

Vice President of Advertising: Paul HayDirector of Sales and Marketing: Mark Drudge

Marketing • Promotions • Events: Sharon HermesDesign Manager: Brady SutherlinMagazine Editor: Karla Sluis

Layout & Design: Laney Peterson

Advertising Design/Prepress:Janelle Farnam, Jennifer DickensLaney Peterson, Michelle UhlMitchell Carter, Tracy Willbanks

Account Executives:Adam Adimoolah, Chuck Jillson, Darryl Hunt, Karolann Latimer,

Ralph Macarone, Shawna Long

Advertising Assistant:Cora Younie

The Durango Herald uses reasonable effort to include accurate andup-to-date information for its magazine publications. However, allinformation comes from a variety of sources and may change atany time for any reason. To verify specific information, refer to theorganzation or business noted. To see the online version of this

guide, click the link at www.durangoherald.com

4 –Durango Home and Ranch Event Guide • April 22, 2012

“

Hats off to local artistCustomer’s personality shines in

Melissa Lewis-Barnes’ wearable art form

The cowboy hat is a symbolof the West. Its functional shapefits the landscape and weather,and its design details convey apowerful message of Americanindividualism.

Local artist Melissa Lewis-Barnes, owner of DurangoCustom Hats and Saddles, hascaptured this spirit with herwearable works of art. She spe-cializes in hand-producing cus-tom-made cowboy hats. Herpassion is creating the perfect fit, along with artistic accents such asbeaded or braided bands, stampede strings and hand-painteddesigns to suit clients’ individual tastes and style.

Lewis-Barnes is the featured artist of the 2012 Durango Home& Ranch Show, and her work is pictured on the cover of this guide.One of her hats will be a drawing prize at the event, held April 28and 29 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Find out what inspiresher in the Q&A interview below.

Q :How did you learn your art?

A : I was offered a sales job to work with a hat company that waslocated here in Durango many years ago. I was interested by

the hands-on process of making hats. Back then, the guys did all themanual work, such as blocking and sanding, and the ladies did allthe tailored detail work of sewing and shaping. From observing mysurroundings, I was able to eventually take apart a hat and figureout how to reassemble it by myself. Believe me, it took a while; butI knew what a good hat needed to look like, and eventually theprocess came together.

Q : How has your style evolved over the years?

A : It has evolved so much. Ten years ago, my target base was onlymaking hats for the demands of cowboys and outdoor enthu-

siasts. I found a formula that worked to build tough, durable hatsthat fit well. Now, even though a good fit is still a main feature, I amable to broaden my scope by creating hats that have flair, designand soul. I want every hat to speak for itself: to tell who the client is,where they are from and what they do. A lot of attention goes intothe outside detail work, like hatbands, stampede strings, bead col-ors, leather color and painted designs. This is where I get to show-case the personality of the client through the hat.

Q : What inspires you?

A : My customers. I love it when people see that I have a passionfor my work. It set me on the path that is needed to create a

piece of wearable art. This is the detective part of my work. I want toknow where the client will be wearing the hat, and which colors arefavorites. I look at face shape, height, color of eyes and hair all ofthese details are intertwined, and that gets me excited and inspiredwith every hat.

Q : You stress the uniqueness of your hats, why is that impor-tant?

A : Uniqueness, to me, says individuality! I don’t do cookie-cuttertype hats. I get to explore different ways to make hats unique,

such as braiding the hat edge, beading a hatband, or braiding astampede string that has a beautiful beaded closure. Because Imake all my own hat accessories, the world is the limit. I have yet torun out of ideas! I don’t know of any other hat-maker that doeseverything on the hats. I refuse to outsource, mainly because I usethe leather, beads and paint to pull the theme together for a hat. Imay sometimes start over several times before I create somethingthat flows well.

Q : How does your cultural background as a Native Americanwho grew up with a cowboy heritage influence your art?

A : It inspires me! My grandfather started our family ranch in the1930s, where he raised sheep and cattle. Eighty years later, it is

still up and running. I spent a lot of time as a child with my grand-parents helping out at the ranch. My grandmother was a traditionalrug weaver, and my mother use to be a silversmith and a seamstresswhen she was younger. We are a hands-on type of family: We arealways making things. I remember as a young girl watching as mymom or grandmother created designs, and how they used color tobring a piece of work alive. I guess it’s in my blood. I also surroundmyself with outstanding art. Every year, I am invited to participate atthe Santa Fe Indian Market and Heard Museum Guild art show. Talkabout wonders of the world! I can’t help but be inspired and proudof my culture.

Q : What’s the most challenging thing about your work?

A : I get impatient waiting for the raw material to come in. All mymaterial is special-ordered, so it takes a little while to gather all

that is needed to start my projects. I get excited. It’s hard to wait!

Q : And the most rewarding thing?

A : I love to hear the stories about where my hats have gone.Occasionally, a client will meet anoth-

er hat client, and they exchange the “DidMelissa make you that hat?” It’s like myown hat club. Just recently, at the NationalMuseum of American Indians in D.C., oneof my clients from Massachusetts talkedabout my work with a security guard at themuseum. It tickled me that the hatbrought two unknown people together. Ialways say my clients are like extendedfamily, and the hats are like my kids.

Q : Where can people buy your hats inthe Durango area?

A : I am represented by Rain Dance Gallery at 945 Main Ave.People can view the hats at www.durangocustomhatsand-

saddles.com.


To get a strong, stable home, talk to the folks at Alpine LumberCompany about a Trus Joist® Engineered Wood Products home.The structural integrity of your home never goes out of style.Make sure that you have a stronger, more stable home – a TrusJoist® home.

Alpine Lumber Co. in Durango is part of a family of lumberyards, truss plants and millwork shops stretched over two states,Colorado and New Mexico, in 16 operations, which include bigyards in Denver and postage-stamp sized in Crested Butte. TheDurango branch services contractors and owner-builders withbuilding materials. Contractor products and services include:lumber, trusses, FastFrame, windows, doors, millwork, delivery,building materials, log home products, FSC products, and more.The dedicated employee-owners are committed to being thebest suppliers of materials and related services to the profession-al builder.

For more information, call 385-1855. Drop by theAlpine/Timbertech booth, Alpine/Durango Decks booth and theAlpine/Weyerhaeuser booth (Outdoor Lots) and learn how to cre-ate an outdoor living space with a deck that matches your houseand lifestyle.


Breakfastat the Home & Ranch Show

Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (prices include sales tax)

Cinnamon Roll ($2.50)

Whole Fruit ($1.50)

Hot Croissant Sandwich w/Egg and Sprouts ($7.00)with, choose one:

bacon, ham, Swiss, cheddar

Norton’s Breakfast Burrito w/Salsa ($5.50)Sausage, Bacon & Green Chile;Spinach, Mushroom and Swiss;Ham with Jack and Cheddar;or Jack Cheddar Cheese

N orton’s Catering Company wascreated in 1989 by chef ChuckNorton. A native of New

Orleans, Chef Norton creates flavorsfrom a variety of food styles, such asCajun, Italian, Mexican andSouthwestern. Along the way, Chuckwas co-creator and owner of restau-rants in Louisiana, Aspen, Telluride,Ouray and Durango.

After settling in Durango, his reputa-tion for excellent food and servicequickly established Norton’s Catering

as one of the premier caterers in the area. With his highly trainedstaff, Norton’s Catering has become a logical choice for nearly anyconceivable event, including corporate events and weddings.Serving 400 or more is not uncommon for Chuck and his team.

Since the opening in 2009, The Highway 3 Roadhouse andOyster Bar has been a rousing success. With an excellent wine list,it’s all served in a laid-back style, embracing the warm and heartystyle that bespeaks Chuck’s Southern roots.

The Highway 3 Roadhouse and Oyster Bar, at 955 StateHighway 3 in Durango. The bar is open at 4 p.m. and the kitchenis open from 4:30 til 8:00 p.m., Wednesday through Friday.Chuck’s tantalizing menu changes week-to-week, so visitwww.nortonscatering.com frequently to review his current selec-tions.

Lunchat the Home & Ranch Show

Hours: Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (prices include sales tax)

SOUPChicken Tortilla with Roll

SALADSSpinach Salad w/Fresh Fruit & Citrus Dressing

with Bread ($6.50)

Caesar Salad w/Bread ($6.50)with Grilled Chicken (add $3.00)

SANDWICHES(substitute Caesar Salad for Chips, $.75)

Cuban Sandwich w/Spicy Pork, Ham, Cheese,Pickle, with Chips ($7.50)

Traditional Gyro w/Pita, Diced Tomato & Onionwith Chips ($7.50)

8-oz Angus Burger on Ciabatta Roll w/Chips ($8.00),with Cheddar, Blue Cheese, Swiss or

Green Chiles (add $.75)

BBQ Brisket Sandwich w/Chips ($7.50)

All-American 5-ounce Hot Dogw/Chips or Caesar ($6.00)

Croissant Sandwich w/Chips ($7.50)with Blackened Chicken; Herb-Crusted Turkey; Provolone, Sprouts, Tomato, Roasted Red Bell

(add $.75)

BEVERAGESAssorted Sodas, Coffee & Waters ($1.75

Assorted Juices ($2.75)Mango Mint Iced Tea or Lemonade ($1.75)

SWEETSBrownies ($2.50) • Assorted Cookies ($1.50)


Recap of Home & Ranch 2011


A J’s Road and Landscape, owned by Alan Dickenssince 2005, offers road building systems andwater-drainage solutions.

With the cost of asphalt and concrete continuously increas-ing, AJ’s has come up with an environmentally friendly solutionthat is one-third the cost of hot, rolled, oil-based asphalt. Theirproduct bridges the price gap between dirt road and asphaltroad systems, and addresses most of the pros and cons of bothsystems. This is a step above the traditional 1” loose, clean,crushed gravel applied normally to reduce mud. Your snow plowdriver will love you, and there will be no more piles of gravel atthe end of the drive to clean up in the spring.

The company binds three different loose-fill materials. Thechoices include: ¾” aggregate road base (dirt road), recycledasphalt, or 3/8” chips (chip seal), without using expensive oil-based products. The chip seal is crushed, clean 3/8” gravel. It isextremely colorful, and does not crunch when you walk on it. Itforms a semi-ridged surface similar to asphalt. It has the samelight and dark grays, and different shades of reds – all the colorsof the rocks that surround us. For those who want a more naturallook, and want their road to blend in with the surrounding ter-rain, this is the way to go. The crushed gravel provides an even,smooth surface.

For more information, visit Booth 146 or call (970) 759-3033.

Above is the chip sealmethod with a retainer wall

and steps added.

AJ Road & Landscape


C ardwell Aukerman Photography is full-service photogra-phy studio specializing in environmental family portraitureand cutting-edge high school senior portrait photography.

They also photograph newborns, children and select weddings.They offer a full range of products, from beautiful mounted,sprayed and textured portrait prints, to fine art gallery wraps, wallportraits, metal murals, family and senior albums, and an array ofspecialty items.

“The number one unique factor of our business is ourguarantee,” said owner Carol Cardwell. “We absolutely guaranteeyou’ll be thrilled, not just satisfied, with your photographs and ourservice. “If you aren’t thrilled, for any reason, we will either do what-ever is necessary to see to it you are thrilled, or if you aren’t thrilled,we will cheerfully give you all your money back. No hassles, and nohard feelings, either.”

Cardwell said one ofthe most rewarding thingsabout her business is work-ing with her daughter,Tiffany. “We have so muchfun spinning off of eachother’s ideas and pushingthe other to do even bet-ter,” she said.

The other big reward is the satisfaction of sharingthe joy and emotion of clients when they view their imagesfor the first time. “We putour heart and our soulinto creating emotionalimages to capture notonly a moment in time,but also the emotions ofthe ones our clientslove,” said Cardwell.

The business isinvolved with many non-profits, such as Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, Hospice of Mercy,Crossing Thin Ice, Women United in Christ. The business alsodonates to the La Plata Family Center Coalition, The PregnancyCenter and Habitat for Humanity.

Cardwell Aukerman Photography is located at 556Main Ave., open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. For more information, call (970) 259-5442 or visitwww.DurangoPhotographer.com

Cardwell Aukerman Photography


B eth Wheeler and Herb Folsom have been a col-laborative calligraphy/picture framing team inthe Mancos Valley since 1991.

Cultivating her childhood interest in letterforms, Beth first for-mally studied calligraphy in 1988 at San Juan College inFarmington. She continues this lifelong study by attending work-shops at Ghost Ranch, N.M., nearly every summer, learning fromthe finest calligraphers in the world. She has also studied letteringand design in England. In addition to pen and Western brush,Beth works in Chinese brush lettering and the book arts.

Herb apprenticed in the picture framing department of Toh AtinGallery in Durango in the early 1990s. Shortly thereafter, heopened his own picture frame shop in Mancos. Herb attends theannual international picture framers’ conference to keep up withthe latest techniques of the trade.

Both Beth and Herb pride themselves in their attention to detail,which shows in the high quality of their work. They also challengethemselves by stretching the limits of their respective mediums.Beth has lettered on fly rods, silk, china, a mandolin, canoes andsurfboards. In addition to conservation framing of fine art, Herbcan frame anything from banjos to 17th-century swords.

Be sure to stop by their booth, #121A in the Extension Building.

Custom Calligraphy & Frame


E agle Block Company was established in 1951 by GinoPiccoli and his father, James Piccoli Sr. Today, the full-ser-vice masonry supply store is still a family business, with

Gino’s sons and daughters as the main workforce.

“I enjoy looking at homes and businesses in Durango, espe-cially those in the downtown area, and knowing that my grand-children can tell their children that their great-grandfather hadsomething to do with that building, and that one, and that oneover there as well,” said Don Piccoli.

Eagle Block Company is a manufacturer of building-blockmaterials of various sizes, as well as a retail location for rock,

cement, lime, sand, landscape pavers andelements, fireplace components, brick,cultured stone, and glass block. They alsohave 13 types of flagstone, boulders,landscaping gravel and retaining-wallblock. All block and some landscapepavers are made on-site by the Piccolifamily, including some of Gino’s grand-children. The company has two truckswith mounted forklifts for deliveries inthe Four Corners.

“We just try to offer the best service,the most in-stock items, and the best pricing,” said DonPiccoli, “and then let the customers decide if we deserve theirbusiness.”

Eagle BlockCompany is alsoinvested in thecommunity. Everyyear, they donateto the United Wayradiothon, and inthe past they haveworked withWomen’s ResourceCenter, DaveSpencer Classic,Special Olympicsand high schoolsports teams.

Eagle Block Company is located at 16073 U.S. Highway 550 S.Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. andSaturday from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, call (970)247-3636 or visit www.eagleblock.com.

Eagle Block Company

12 – Durango Home and Ranch Event Guide • April 22, 2012

AbracadabraAlpine Lumber/Trus Joist Engineered WoodProducts

Alpine Mobile CreteAJ Road & Landscape LLCAlternative SystemsAmbient, LLCArtesanos Design CollectionArtistic Designs in WoodAshes Away, LLCAtmos EnergyAuthentic Saunas By Timo Lahdekorpi

Best Cleaning & Disaster RestorationServices, Inc.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of SW CoBlack Canyon BuildersBobcat of DurangoBudget BlindsBuilding Specialties StoreCH Property ServiceCal Steel & Sheet MetalCardwell Aukerman PhotographyChaparral MaterialsClosets Plus

10241

147146

5143116109

702354

38

14144

1429

45,46,55,56135

1539, 40

9959,60


Colorado Parks & WildlifeCommercial Floor Services, Inc.Community Foundation ServingSW ColoradoCrazy Dog Window Washing, LLCCustom Calligraphy & FrameCustom Window CoveringsDietz Market, Inc.Directory PlusDogwatch of the Western Slope, LLCDurango Custom Hats & SaddlesDurango Door & Cabinet Co.Durango Electrical ServicesDurango HandymanDurango HeraldDurango Marble & GraniteDurango Nursery & SupplyDurango Sewing CenterEagle Block CompanyEco-Safe Waste Water, LLCEndless Energy Systems, Inc. Exclusive Remodeling & Home Repair, Inc.First Cut GC & First Melt InstallationsFoam Insulation Specialists LLCFor the BirdsFour Corners Stoves & SpasGalbraith Builders/Earth Source Geo LLCGarrh’s, Inc.Glass Doctor of DurangoGood HandsGrasshoppers LandscapeGreat Solar Works!Green Mountain TechnologiesGreenline Equipment Co.Hall's Furniture and Hot TubsHealthy GourmetHermosa Creek HomesHi Fashion Sewing Machines of DurangoHigh Country FlagpolesHigh Plains NurseryHome Builders Assoc. of SW ColoradoINFORMATIONJill CreatesJohn’s Vacuum ServiceKogan BuildersLa Plata County Humane SocietyLa Plata Electric Assn., Inc.La Plata Quilters GuildLewis True Value MercantileLifestyle Homes

Living SolarLorien Timberframes LLCLouisa's Movie House & ElectronicsM & M Enterprises, Inc.McCormick Tile & StoneMercy Regional Medical CenterMesa PropaneMountain Oasis, Inc.Nature’s Way DriftwoodNorton’s CateringPalo Duro Homes, Inc.Pasco, SWPeak to Peak Elevator LLCPhantastic ScreensPine River Valley BankPrecision AsphaltPrecision Granite, LLCPrudential InsuranceQuality Air, Inc.Reflections of the SouthwestRich's Performance MarineRiverview Landscaping/CretescapesSachs Door & Window, LLCSmart Enterprises

Solar Today and TomorrowSouthwest AGSouthwest ApplianceSpectrum Construction/Real Log HomesSteve Gates Architect/E-Terra ConstructionSunburst HorizonsSunflower Plant ServiceSunglo Window FilmSunrose LandscapingTarget Rental & SalesTask Masters of SW Colorado IncThe Tile & Carpet Store of DurangoThree SpringsTrex/Boise/Alpine LumberTrex/Durango Decks/Alpine LumberTransparent Watercolor Paintingsby Joe Toledo

Town & Country Cedar HomesUte Country Homes, Inc.Water FurnaceWestwood CulliganWildshots, Inc.Wind River Timberframes, Inc.

6862

120

29121A

53676434

10633,42

46

6561

124105133

7118B

1323052

Dining Area94-98

3121

79,80144122

187,88

14586

16,24131443

129101

120A111104

47, 48139

27, 36117

26, 35131

13666

11969

49, 50282278

150 72, 118A

1101237

2121148

318

140112137128

8182,83,84,85,89,

90,91,92,93103125

17,857

71A51

94A100149127

5810,11

32138130115

108126

19 & 2063

10725


T he business of heating and air conditioning is allin the family for brothers Mark and Travis Oliger.They have owned Garrhs Inc. for more than 28

years, and their father and grandfather were in business in theregion since the mid-1950s.

Garrhs Heating & Air Conditioning, located at 721 TurnerDrive, has installed more than 2,500 indoor weather systems inthe region. The company installs, services and supports residen-tial and commercial heating and air-conditioning systems. Theyalso do custom sheet-metal fabrication and restaurant kitchenventilation. Garrhs provides custom plasma cutting capabilitiesfrom CAD drawings or through office professionals. They offerCarrier heating and air conditioning equipment. Garrhs servicesalso include: preventive maintenance agreements, service for allmakes and models, certified technicians; emergency service, andduct cleaning.

Travis Oliger said the company specializes in high perfor-mance, state-of-the-art systems, including remote Internet moni-toring of building systems. Garrhs also offers design and buildingservices for commercial buildings, such as the Durango-La PlataCounty Airport, the Durango Discovery Museum and many otherwell-known facilities.

“The biggest challenge of my business is keeping up with thechanging technologies and client expectations,” said Oliger. “Andalthough it’s challenging, it’s also fun.”

He said the biggest reward of his business is being able toprovide good jobs for employees and help solve customers’ con-cerns with innovative solutions.

Garrhs gives back to the community as a sponsor of theAdaptive Sports Association and the Durango Youth BaseballAssociation. They also contribute to many other charitable orga-nizations, such as the Manna Soup Kitchen & the Boys and GirlsClub. Recently, Garrhs contributed over $30,000 to the DurangoDiscovery Museum.

Garrhs is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.For more information, call (970) 259-5579

or visit www.garrhs.com.

Garrh’s Inc.


Grasshoppers Landscape and Supply has been in businessin Durango for 30 years.

Services include lawnmaintenance, spring andfall cleanup, mow andtrim, pruning, fertilize,aerate, thatch and rake,grass seeding, sod instil-lation, landscaping, hard-scape, water features,retaining walls, sprinklerinstillations and repair,and snow removal.

The company offers full maintenance and landscape and alsodoes retail sales at the office location in Gem Village. Retail itemsthat are sold at the office location include: colored gravel, land-scape boulders, flagstone, river cobble, landscape metal edging,shrubs, evergreen and deciduous trees, bark mulch, Soil Menderproducts, Yum Yum Mix products and Back to Earth products.

The most rewarding part of the business, according toGrasshoppers worker Amy Briscoe, is seeing a job completed andothers in the neighborhood requesting work to be done.

The company contributes to thecommunity by working with Habitat for Humanity andUnited Way.

The retail office is located at 39738 Hwy 160 East. Summerhours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. andSaturdays from Memorial Day weekend through September from9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (970) 884-9400.

Grasshoppers Landscape and Supply


S ince 2005, Rich’s Performance Marine has been inthe business of selling fun. From boating to water-skiing, wakeboarding and towables to camping, it’s

all about getting out there and enjoying the outdoors.

RPM, owned and operated by Rich and Linda Dexter, is a full-service boat and motor dealership featuring Crestliner boats,Cypress Cay pontoon boats, Mercury Marine outboards andsterndrive engines. RPM is proud to announce the arrival of theLivinlite line of ultra-lightweight towable campers. They feature100 percent wood-free construction, are 98 percent recyclable ,and can be towed with almost any vehicle. The company also hasseveral Camplite hardside trailers and Quicksilver tent trailers instock. RPM features a fully stocked accessory showroom withwater toys, HO water skis, Hyperlyte wakeboards, ships’ store andcamping accessories. They also stock replacement parts forMercury outboards and Mercruiser engines.

The service department at Rich’s Performance Marine haswon Mercury Marines’ Customer Satisfaction Index award two ofthe last three years. This award is given to fewer than 2 percent ofthe dealers in North America.

“Our philosophy is that all we really have to sell is service,”said Rich Dexter. “There is nothing in our store that someone has

to own, so we do our best to take care of each customer, whetherhe is buying a boat, a spark plug or is just looking for someadvice.”

The currenteconomic climatehas been particu-larly difficult in theboating industry,with approximate-ly 40 percent ofboat dealers goingout of business inthe last threeyears. To meetthese challenges,RPM strives to stayahead of the competition by providing superior customer serviceand helping people make the most of their fun time.

Rich’s Performance Marine is located at 39894 Hwy 160 inGem Village, and it is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 am. to 5 p.m. For more information,call (970) 884-9635 or visit www.rpmarine.com.

Rich’s Performance Marine


MMalaika Mestas’ parentsfounded Smart Enterprisesin 1989.

“I have never forgotten our firstyears in business as a mobile wind-shield-replacement and repair compa-ny with a 25-year-old van and a toolbox,” said Mestas. “Now, my three chil-dren are helping customers when theyare in the store.

When Mestas purchased the busi-ness in 1997, her parents had justexpanded to include a full-serviceglass shop, picture framing, sunroomsand hot tubs to their product line up.They added these products becausethey could not find them locally.Mestas expanded further to includeawnings, fireplaces, solar shades, pooltables, outdoor kitchens and barbecues.

One of Mestas’ top priorities is to make sure her staff is com-pletely trained and certified in all the products they sell andinstall. “Our customers feel confident we can do the job right the

first time,” saidMestas. “Our products are award-winning in design and in energy con-servation.”

The shop, located at1400 MainAve., has a large showroom with full-size product displays. Builders andhomeowners feel comfortable in thedesign center because they are work-ing with knowledgeable staff.

It is still a family business.Some employees have been with thecompany from the beginning. Thebusiness has always been active in thecommunity and supported many non-profits, such as The Durango BotanicalSociety, The Parade of Homes and vari-ous childcare facilities.

For more information, call (970) 247-2927 or visitwww.smartenterprises.net.

Smart Enterprises


J im Duke, owner of Target Rental, is excited aboutthe Durango Home & Ranch Show this yearbecause his company is branching out this spring.

“We still have customers who don’tknow we sell propane or offer small enginerepair services,” said Duke. “This is why wedecided to change the name of our newlawn and garden services division toDurango Outdoor Power Equipment. Thename Target Rental didn’t reflect everythingwe have to offer out here.”

Target Rental, which has been operat-ing since 1983, specializes in renting con-struction-related equipment. The small con-tractor and DIYer is the company’s mainclientele. Durango Outdoor PowerEquipment started off as a small engine repair shop in the springof 2011, and it has grown into selling and repairing all types oflawn and garden equipment.

Duke said customer service sets his business apart from oth-ers. “Usually before you enter our doors, you will be greeted witha smile and this question: ‘How can I help you today?’ We consid-

er our customers more like partners than anything else.”

Customer satisfaction is Duke’s biggest reward. “Whether it’sa garden or a well site, people come to us because we have spe-

cial tools that help make their jobs easier. It’svery rewarding to see customers bring backequipment and thank us for our advice andquality of the equipment.”

Duke said Target Rental views the com-munity as a reflection of itself. He donatesequipment for many different reasons,including baseball field construction, BMXtrack maintenance, the Iron Horse BicycleClassic, and other nonprofits’ needs. Duke isa firm believer in the United Way and saidthe company is proud to sponsor one oftheir events.

Target Rental and Durango Outdoor Power Equipment arelocated at 989 Camino del Rio, and they are both open from 7:30a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more informationon Target Rental, call (970) 247-0161 or visitwww.targetrental.com. For DOP Equipment, call (970) 247-8889or visit www.durangooutdoorpower.com.

Target Rental


T he Community Foundation Serving Southwest Coloradoenhances the experience and impact of giving by mak-ing a difference through philanthropic leadership, non-

profit support, education, and initiatives.

The Community Foundation administers an enormous rangeof grants locally, touching all segments of our community. In

2011 we granted$400,000 in grants,$354,000 in scholar-ships, and $561,000 inprogram grants. Weare able to achieve thisthrough the generoussupport of our believ-ers who see us as thecenter of philanthropyin our five countyregion. Together wecan continue toimprove the lives ofpeople within ourcommunity.

The Foundation manages over $2.1 million dollars in 96Funds to meet donor and community needs. We are proud of ourNational Certification and pride ourselves on deep communityknowledge and the ability to collaborate enabling partnershipsso that the public at large benefits.

In 2012 the Foundation is a proud part of the DowntownDurango Welcome Center and the School Based Health Centers.

We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the DurangoHerald and hope you enjoy the Durango Home and Ranch Show,and want to thank the Durango Herald for their support of theFoundation and the community.

Please visit www.swcommunityfoundation.org or call 970-375-5807 to be a part of the active link between philanthropyand need.

Community FoundationServing Southwest Colorado


The local nonprofit is offering anexciting fundraising raffle calledHomes With Hearts at the DurangoHome & Ranch Show. At the showbooth, you’ll see an amazing playhousebuilt by students at Durango HighSchool. Tickets are only $5 each, andevery ticket you purchase increasesyour chance of winning. Don’t haveroom in your yard for a full-size play-house? You can still purchase tickets;and if you win, you can donate theplayhouse to the Girl Scouts’ communi-ty garden or to a number of other localorganizations. Winners will receivecomplimentary delivery service within25 miles of Durango (must be easyaccess with truck and trailer). The draw-ing will be held at the show at 1 p.m. onSunday, April 29 at the La Plata CountyFairgrounds. For ticket information,contact the office at 247-3720.

Big Brothers Big Sisters ofSouthwest Colorado’s vision is success-ful mentoring relationships for all chil-dren who need and want them, con-tributing to brighter futures, betterschools and stronger communities forall. Their mission is to help childrenreach their potential through professionallysupported, one-to-one relationships withmeasurable impact. Big Brothers Big Sistersprovides children with the friendship of anadult that will grow for many years. BigBrothers Big Sisters is a national and inter-national movement that began in 1902with the first Big Sisters agency. In 1946, thefirst national Big Brothers agency began,and 31 years later, the two organizationsmerged to form the first Big Brothers BigSisters of America agency. There are currentlyover 507 national agencies as well as interna-tional programs.

For more information, visit:http://www.bbig.org/site/c.buIVJeNTKlL6G/b.8032597/k.9CD9/W

in_a_playhouse.htm

Playhouse built by Durango High School students’ for the 2011 Home & Ranch Show.

Big Brothers Big Sistersof Southwest Colorado

W hen Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado does something for children, they do it BIG. Their annual playhouse pro-ject is no exception: The 8’ by 12’ structure has stucco, a stylish rusted-corrugated finish and a removable slide.


S ome furry friends will be strolling around the booths at theshow this year. La Plata County Humane Society volunteerswill let mutts strut their stuff in the hopes of being adopt-

ed. Watch for these dogs in their“adopt me” jackets, and take aminute to meet and greet them.

Kitten season is coming up,and LPCHS always needs morefoster parents to take care of kit-tens that are too young to befixed. LPCHS provides every-thing needed to care for the kit-tens. Foster parents supply loveand care. If fostering sounds likefun to you, call Becca at 259-2847 or e-mail [email protected] and fill out theapplication. You can also fosterpuppies.

LPCHS is a nonprofit orga-nization created to enhance thequality of life in our communityby encouraging the humanetreatment of animals. LPCHS was created to provide shelter forhomeless animals, to rescue animals in distress, to assist in theinvestigation and prosecution of reported cruelty and abuse, andto encourage kindness and responsibility toward all living thingsthrough humane education.

LPCHS is always looking for help, and volunteering is won-derful work for people who love animals but can’t adopt a pet oftheir own. There are many volunteer opportunities, such as: walk-

ing dogs, playing with cats, grooming andbathing, retail, administrative assistance, Mutts in theMountains (hiking), doggy outings, helping with advertising

(photography and videos), fos-tering and more.

For more information,visit Booth 139 or

www.lpchumanesociety.org.

La Plata County Humane Society


Advertising IndexAlpine Lumber Co.

Kroegers

Mesa Propane

Three Springs

Lewis Mercantile

Waterworks Sprinkler Systems

Native Roots

La Plata Electric Association

Outdoor & Travel Expo

Aspen Design Studio

Closets Plus

Commercial Floor Services

Durango Door & Cabinet Co.

McCormick Tile & Stone

GreenScapes

Quilt Raffle

Buzztown

Southwest Ag, Inc.

Pasco/SW

Directory Plus

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Home and Ranch Guide

Documents

Transcript of Home and Ranch Guide