Just Getting Started

Howdy, neighbors. Buck Timber here.

Every once in a while you come across a story that sticks with you, not because it’s flashy, but because it feels familiar. The kind where someone didn’t wait until everything lined up. They just started with what they had and figured the rest out along the way.

That’s what stood out to me about Jon Smith’s story. No grand plan. No perfect timing. Just work, patience, and a willingness to keep going when things didn’t cooperate.

What does the word skijoring originally come from?

It started with a Harley and a simple request for a raise.

Jon Smith's entrepreneurial journey began with a bold decision and a single piece of equipment. After his request for a raise was denied, Jon leveraged his motorcycle to secure a loan, purchased a skid steer, and rented an excavator to start his own venture.

Today, Jon oversees two seven-figure companies in Estes Park, employing approximately 35 to 40 individuals. His enterprises encompass a gravel pit, a concrete company, a welding shop, a mechanic shop, and a recently launched building company.

Reflecting on his beginnings, Jon admits, "I didn't know what I was doing, didn't have a big vision. I just figured I've been doing excavation my whole life and I'm going to try it."

The initial years were challenging. Shortly after hiring his first employees, a significant project fell through, compelling Jon to actively seek out any available work, from driveways to small projects.

Three years ago, with support from Peak Capital Mortgage and High Country Double Diamond, Jon acquired Kitchen and Company, including a gravel pit. This acquisition paved the way for the establishment of his concrete company and building division.

Jon remains dedicated to supporting the local community. He hires from the local high school, trains young workers in welding and mechanics, and positions his companies to handle commercial projects that might otherwise go to out-of-town contractors.

His wife occasionally asks when he plans to slow down. Jon laughs, knowing that retirement isn't in his immediate plans. "They say if you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life. Are there bad days? Yeah. But at the end of the day I absolutely love what I do."

Jon reflects, "Philanthropy in Estes Valley means the world to our family here at High Plains. We are so blessed to be able to lend a helping hand to those in need when we can. We strive for excellence in everything we do and try to lead by example. It shows that we care about our community and the people in it."

Through his dedication and hard work, Jon Smith has not only built successful businesses but also made a lasting impact on the Estes Park community.

Rich Flanery is the founder of Peak Capital Mortgage and High Country Double Diamond, serving the Estes Park community with local financing solutions. To watch the Full Interview Click Here. 

Alpenglow Beauty: Skincare That Holds Up in Mountain Weather

Winter doesn’t ease up just because the holidays are over. Cold air, wind, and low humidity stick around, and skin feels it fast.

Alpenglow Beauty is made for life at elevation, where dry conditions aren’t seasonal, they’re normal. Their clean, nourishing formulas help keep skin balanced without complicating your routine.

If winter has your skin feeling tight or dry, their Whipped Tallow Balm is especially worth a look.

Explore the collection at AlpenglowBeauty.com and enjoy 20% off with code WINDY20.

Estes Park is buzzing with anticipation for the Skijor event this weekend, where horses and riders team up with skiers for a thrilling competition on a snow-packed course.

Tickets for Saturday are expected to sell out, and organizers encourage fans to purchase early or catch the action live online via the Rocky Mountain Channel.

Registration to stream is free, needing only an email, and the event is accessible through smart TVs and online platforms.

From novice runs to fierce contests for cash prizes, Skijor blends Colorado’s skiing spirit and cowboy heritage in a fast-paced showcase.

Families and visitors will find no shortage of winter attractions around town, while the event’s main lot supports the Estes High School fundraiser with $5 parking.

Local rules require children under 8 to enter free and allow only service dogs away from the track for safety.

Don’t miss this exciting weekend capturing the rugged and lively essence of Estes Park.

🐎 Estes Park Skijor Weekend

January 23–25
Estes Park Events Complex

If you’ve never seen a skier pulled by a horse at full speed through gates and jumps, this is the weekend to fix that. Skijor blends winter sport with old-school horsepower, and it draws a good crowd every year. Even if you don’t stay long, it’s worth stopping by to see it once.

Buck’s Note: You don’t have to understand it to appreciate the commitment.

🌲 Winter Wildlife Watching in Rocky Mountain National Park

Ongoing | Daylight hours

Late January is a good time to spot elk, deer, and other wildlife along the lower elevations of the park. The crowds are thinner, the animals are easier to see, and the pace is slower.

Dress warm. Bring patience. Leave expectations flexible.

☕ Coffee Shops & Warm Places to Linger

All week

Not officially an event, but still worth mentioning. January is when coffee shops earn their keep. If you’re looking for a place to read, catch up, or just thaw out, this is the season. Here are a few of my favorites: 

Coffee on the Rocks

Inwell & Brew

Kind Coffee

Raven's Roast

The Spice Rack

Alteatude

DID YOU KNOW? – (Small Business Edition)

• Winter is often when long-term plans are made, even if the work itself doesn’t show up until spring.

• According to small-business surveys, most successful owners didn’t start with a five-year plan, they started with a next step.

• About 20% of small businesses fail in their first year, and roughly 50% fail by year five. Jon Smith beat those odds by staying hungry and adapting when jobs fell through.

Buck's Joke Of The Day

Why don’t skiers ever get bored during skijoring?

Because they’re always being pulled into it.

Mo Pass said he prefers hobbies that don’t involve ropes.

The word comes from a Norwegian term meaning “ski driving,” and the sport dates back more than a century.