Rory Schmier
Ranch Manager / Custom Home Builder
Rory Schmier is a construction professional and ranch manager based in Arboles, Colorado, with decades of experience in agriculture, construction, business operations, and property management. Born in Durango, Colorado, he spent much of his childhood moving throughout the state with his family. His early years included time in Pagosa Springs, where he attended school through the fifth grade before relocating to Monte Vista. It was there that he completed his education and graduated from high school. These experiences introduced him to a variety of communities and work environments, helping him develop the adaptability and practical mindset that would become important throughout his career. Growing up in rural Colorado also gave him an early appreciation for hard work, responsibility, and the value of learning through experience.
Early Career and Agricultural Foundations
After completing his education, Rory began his professional journey as a farm hand working for a local family operation. Over the course of six years, he gained firsthand experience in agricultural work and developed a strong understanding of land management, equipment operation, and seasonal farming cycles. The position taught him the importance of consistency, attention to detail, and long-term planning, all of which would benefit him in future roles.
Seeking to expand his opportunities and build new skills, Schmier later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he worked as a mason for one year. This experience introduced him to construction practices and commercial building methods while strengthening his knowledge of craftsmanship and structural work. The lessons learned during this period became an important foundation for his future success in the construction industry.
Construction and Business Leadership
Upon returning to Colorado, Rory entered the retail sector and became a co-owner and operator of a liquor store in the Alamosa area. During five years in business ownership, he gained valuable experience in customer service, inventory control, and day-to-day operations. Managing a small business helped him better understand the challenges of entrepreneurship while strengthening his organizational and leadership abilities.
Although Schmier appreciated the business experience, his greatest interest remained in construction and home building. Drawing on his agricultural background, masonry experience, and business knowledge, he established a custom home building and remodeling company. As a self-taught contractor, he dedicated himself to continuously improving his skills and expanding his knowledge of the trade.
His work required expertise in many areas of construction, including foundation work, framing, coordination of electrical and plumbing systems, finish carpentry, permitting, inspections, and project management. By remaining actively involved on job sites, Schmier ensured that projects met the standards he had established for his company. Over time, his dedication to quality and customer satisfaction earned him respect among clients, industry professionals, and members of the local building community.
Agricultural Management and Current Responsibilities
In 2012, as conditions in the construction industry shifted, Rory returned to agriculture by accepting a ranch management position at a premium hay operation in the Durango area. The move allowed him to reconnect with his agricultural roots while applying the management skills and problem-solving abilities he had developed during his years in construction.
Today, Schmier oversees all aspects of a 300-acre hay production facility. His responsibilities include soil preparation, planting schedules, irrigation management, crop monitoring, harvesting operations, equipment maintenance, and post-harvest processing. He also coordinates fertilization programs and monitors weather conditions to help ensure successful harvests throughout the growing season.
His combination of agricultural knowledge, construction expertise, and business experience allows him to approach ranch operations from multiple perspectives. This broad skill set contributes to efficient management practices and supports the operation's long-term productivity.
Personal Interests and Community Involvement
Schmier enjoys an active lifestyle that reflects his connection to Colorado and the outdoors. He has long been interested in motorcycles and participated in motocross and enduro racing during his younger years. Those experiences helped develop skills and interests that continue to influence his recreational activities today.
He regularly enjoys riding dirt bikes and touring on motorcycles, exploring Colorado’s landscapes while maintaining an active lifestyle. He also participates in boating and water skiing, activities that provide opportunities for relaxation and time with family and friends. Additional interests include hunting, camping, and home improvement projects, all of which help him stay connected to the outdoors and continue applying his practical skills.
His commitment to the community extends beyond his professional work. Rory regularly volunteers his time and construction expertise to assist elderly residents with home maintenance and repair projects. By helping others maintain safe, comfortable living environments, he demonstrates a belief in applying his personal skills and experience to benefit those around him.
Having returned permanently to the Durango area after years of professional growth and diverse career experiences, he values being close to family and the region where he was raised. His background in construction, agriculture, and business has made him a trusted resource within the community. Through his dedication to hard work, practical problem-solving, and service to others, Rory Schmier continues to contribute to the economic and social fabric of southwestern Colorado.
More about Rory Schmier visit here:
Rory Schmier: A Ranch Manager's Perspective on Hay Production in the Durango Area