As a fourth-generation Chaffee and Saguache County descendent, what a pleasure it is to travel the paths of numerous ancestors. Prior to relocating to the greater Salida area eight years ago, frequent visits to Salida, Ute Trail, Garfield, Bonanza, and Alder Creek were highlights of my earlier years. Great-grand parents, John and Addie Belle Elarton came to the area in the very earlier 1900’s. Grandparents, O.D. and Edna Elarton lived in Chaffee and northern Saguache County. O.D. worked in the mines and prospected on his own. After moving to Salida in the late 1940’s, he was an active member/officer of the Chaffee County Mineral and Gem Society. Edna, in addition to raising three children including my father Reid (born in Garfield in 1919), was the last Postmistress of the Alder Post Office from 1924 to 1930. Edna’s later years were spent as bookkeeper for the old City Market and ultimately the Minit Market Chain.

Between focused efforts in the real estate business, a career in public education evolved. Although a high school teacher (business subjects) and athletic coach for several years, administration was the primary focus including a total of 22 years as a high school principal, district finance director, and school district superintendent. Teamed with my spouse Mary, a marvelous mother and career educator, four children were raised. Oldest son Ryan, finance director for Pueblo School District 70, married Diane Foster daughter of John and Sylvia Foster of Salida. Scott (wife Laurie) has enjoyed sixteen years as a professional baseball player and now owns a ranch in Eastern Colorado. Daughter Erin, a 2000 graduate of the Air Force Academy is a regional supervisor for Davita an international kidney dialysis company. Shannon, a Chicago resident for 10 years, works as a consultant to a large domestic and international businesses for Booz and Company.

To become affiliated with United Country – Heart of the Rockies Real Estate as an associate broker has been quite a thrill. Serving the residents of the area and those seeking to be residents, presents a marvelous opportunity to demonstrate a lifelong commitment to professionalism, honesty, and integrity. It is very fulfilling to help people accomplish their desires and goals in the real estate realm whether they are buyers oe sellers. Seeing that each “deal” is culminated with dedication to accuracy, attention to detail, fairness, and efficiency is the performance standard.

Let me put my vast networking, knowledge and experience to work for you. Whether buying your dream property or selling your ranch, home, or business, I will give you a competitive advantage and guide you through a trouble free transaction.