Rory Schmier

Rory Schmier

Ranch Manager / Custom Home Builder


Rory Schmier is a 56-year-old construction professional and ranch manager currently based in Arboles, Colorado. He was born in Durango and spent his early years moving with his family across various regions of Colorado. His childhood included time in Pagosa Springs, where he attended school through the fifth grade before relocating to Monte Vista. It was there that he completed high school, setting the stage for a career rooted in hard work, practical skills, and a deep understanding of rural Colorado.

Growing up in different parts of the state gave him early exposure to a range of work environments and community settings. These experiences helped him develop adaptability and a strong work ethic, qualities that would carry over into every phase of his professional life. The lessons learned during these early years became the foundation for a career that would span both construction and agriculture.

After high school, Rory began his working life as a farmhand for a local family-run agricultural operation. Over six years, he gained hands-on experience in farming, learning the core aspects of land management, equipment use, and seasonal agrarian cycles. Eager to expand his knowledge, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he worked for one year as a mason. This job introduced him to commercial construction methods and masonry, which would later serve as a stepping stone into the homebuilding industry.

Construction and Business Leadership

With construction skills in hand, Rory returned to Colorado and entered the retail sector. For five years, he co-owned and managed a liquor store in the Alamosa area. This venture provided valuable experience in business operations, customer service, and inventory control. Despite success in retail, his genuine interest remained in building and craftsmanship, which led him to shift his focus entirely to construction.

Rory founded a company specializing in custom home building and remodeling, which he operated for more than twenty years. As a self-taught contractor, he committed himself to mastering every aspect of the building process. His work focused on high-end residential projects throughout the San Luis Valley and Durango areas. He earned a reputation for quality, consistency, and dedication to client needs.

Rory took a hands-on approach to all his projects, often working directly alongside his team. This involvement enabled him to ensure quality control and resolve problems on the job site in real-time real-time. His responsibilities spanned the full range of construction—from design consultation and permitting to final inspections and finishing work.

Through years of experience, he became proficient in foundational construction, framing, coordination of electrical and plumbing systems, and custom carpentry. His ability to manage both the big picture and the small details made him a respected figure in the local construction industry.

Agricultural Management and Current Role

In 2012, as the construction market shifted, Rory returned to his agricultural roots and accepted a position as ranch manager at a hay production facility near Durango. This move allowed him to blend his farming background with the management and problem-solving skills he had developed in construction.

Today, Rory oversees the daily operations of a 300-acre hay ranch. His responsibilities include soil preparation, planting, crop monitoring, irrigation, harvest scheduling, and post-harvest management. He also handles fertilization programs, tracks weather conditions, and maintains a full range of equipment used in hay production.

In addition to farming, Rory manages several residential rental properties located on the ranch. He handles tenant communications, property maintenance, and repairs—many of which he completes himself using his construction background. He is also responsible for coordinating hay sales and deliveries, managing relationships with local buyers, and overseeing logistics throughout the region.

Rory's combined experience in construction, agriculture, and small business ownership allows him to operate the ranch efficiently. His hands-on approach and ability to manage multiple aspects of the operation have made him a reliable and capable leader in his current role.

Personal Interests and Community Involvement

Outside of his professional work, he maintains an active lifestyle with a strong connection to Colorado’s outdoors. He has a long-standing interest in motorsports, having participated in motocross and enduro racing during his earlier life. He continues to enjoy dirt biking on local trails and touring on his Harley-Davidson, activities that reflect his love for the outdoors and adventure.

Rory also enjoys water sports such as boating and water skiing, particularly in the warmer months. These hobbies offer a balance between physical activity and relaxation. Hunting and camping are also part of his routine, providing opportunities to connect with nature and practice responsible land use. In his spare time, he frequently undertakes personal building projects, applying his construction knowledge to enhance his surroundings.

Rory actively contributes to his community by volunteering as a handyman for elderly residents. By helping with repairs and home maintenance tasks, he supports those who may not have the resources to undertake these tasks on their own. His volunteer efforts reflect a commitment to service and a strong connection to the people around him.

Now permanently settled in the Durango area, Rory Schmier values being close to family and the familiar landscapes that shaped his life and career. With decades of experience in both construction and agriculture and a deep-rooted connection to his community, he consistently brings practical knowledge, leadership, and care to every role he undertakes.

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