At Fountainhead Commercial, we believe in the adage, “Work hard, then play hard.” Of course, we’re meticulous when learning about our clients’ needs and then taking all necessary steps to achieve their best possible commercial real estate outcomes. But we’re also passionate about enjoying the great outdoor recreational opportunities colorful Colorado and the southwest have to offer.
When the work/play worlds intersect, life is good, like when we go fly fishing or golfing (that would be Lowrey) or mountain biking or hiking 14ers (that would be Justin) with a prospect or client. After all, you don’t really get to know a person over coffee or lunch or at a networking event. Those interactions have a vital role, but we’ve found that shared recreational experiences can add building blocks to an enduring business relationship foundation.
Here’s Lowrey to tell you about just a couple of his many outdoor passions and where you can meet up with him after hours and on weekends:
“I’ve been golfing since I was 10 years old. It was a family thing – both of my parents were avid (some might say fanatical) golfers, and they taught me the game. Though I don’t hit it now like I did when competing in Kansas high school golf tournaments, I still love golfing because you’re competing against yourself (the mental game), the course (weather/conditions) and other players simultaneously. Whether I’m trying to hit the perfectly positioned drive for my team during a scramble, make a putt to push the skin to next hole or just score lower than my playing partners, the challenges push me to reach new levels – both highs and plenty of lows. There’s the drama of: ‘Will I break 75 or birdie that 420-yard par 4 dogleg?’ The sport is lifelong, but it’s also about living in the moment.
Fly fishing is another passion of mine. Like golf, I’m usually competing against myself to improve my skills while admiring God’s creation. Trout do not live in ugly places! Chasing those beautiful Rainbows, Cuts, Brookies and Browns has taught me persistence, patience and attention to detail, all of which are critical in my business too. Growing up, every year our extended family of 40 or so would travel to one of Colorado’s most pristine, remote areas (I can’t tell you where, sorry!) and cast flies from morning to dusk surrounded by high-country peaks, wildlife and endless evergreen forests. I’m still hooked on it – I can’t wait for the next two-mile hike through the river’s canyon with one of my dogs or with a friend and client. Tight lines.”
Justin has his own fish stories – they’re just connected to different passions!
“During my college years at the University of Texas, I came to Colorado most summers to stay with a friend whose parents owned a home in Beaver Creek. We’d go camping, river rafting and hiking every day. As a result of these experiences, I decided to move from Austin to Colorado immediately after graduation to go “all in” on what the state had to offer!
Colorado is a jungle gym 11 months out of the year. Over the 20+ years since I moved here, I can report that I’ve accomplished all that I’ve desired. I’ve collected quite a number of lifelong friends, including clients, prospective clients and networking partners. I’ll admit now that I initially chose Colorado more for the outdoor recreation and lifestyle rather than professional reasons, but the Denver metro area and the State of Colorado are great places to live, recreate and do business!
As for my preferred activities, I find myself drawn to fast-paced sports that create an element of surprise internally – sports like skiing, mountain biking and rock climbing. Recently I spent a long weekend in Utah with a former coworker, her husband plus a client and longtime friend of mine, on a canyoneering trip, which is a hybrid between hiking and rock climbing. We spent three full days in the desert camping, cooking, hiking, rappelling and climbing while exploring Blue John Canyon, the “cork screws” and other surrounding canyons.
If I’m not heading out of state, I’m usually here in Colorado riding with our mountain bike networking group over at Green Mountain or along other Front Range trails between Golden and Evergreen. It’s always fun crossing over activities with family … and with other professionals that become family. I can’t wait to embark on new “weekend warrior” adventures this spring, summer and fall! We’re looking for new people to join in our adventures, help us identify new spots to explore and make lasting memories along the way.”
We’d love to hear your stories about the sports and recreational activities you’re passionate about. Then let’s meet up on the golf course or in the mountains and make some memories together!