Your Monthly Chamber Connection

August 2025

Thank you to our partners:

Fail Quickly—Don’t Wait to Get Started

By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce

Opportunities don’t stand still. By the time you’ve fine-tuned every detail, the moment may have passed. Some of the best ideas never see daylight, not because they weren’t strong, but because their launch got delayed chasing perfection.

Whether you're leading a business, nonprofit, or new initiative, your edge comes from action, not polish. The “fail quickly” mindset is about moving forward with purpose, getting your idea into the world while it's still relevant, then improving it in motion.

It's not about lowering the bar. It’s about raising your tolerance for iteration, feedback, and growth. Because progress depends less on being right at the start and more on being willing to learn fast.

That’s the spirit behind the “fail quickly” mindset. You don’t need flawless rollouts; you need forward motion. Releasing early kickstarts the real work—testing, learning, improving. It’s not reckless, it’s responsive.

But teams don’t take risks unless they feel safe to do so, and leadership sets the tone. Giving people room to take smart risks without fear of blame is essential. If your team sees you reacting harshly to missteps, they'll play it safe. But if they see you adjusting course in real time, they'll follow your lead.

Speed doesn’t mean sloppy, it means relevant. Failing quickly shouldn’t sacrifice quality. It’s about activating the Continuous Improvement Cycle—launch, learn, improve, repeat. It keeps teams sharp and ideas relevant. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’re solving the right problems.

The “fail quickly” approach was critical during my time at Fort Lewis College in the early months of the COVID pandemic. We had to make decisions fast, with limited information and constantly changing conditions. Whether it was shifting to remote learning, quarantine protocols, or campus operations, we couldn’t wait for perfect plans. We had to move quickly, communicate clearly, and adjust as new realities emerged. That experience still shapes how I lead today.

In our current landscape, adaptability matters more than polish. Perfection is a moving target, and chasing it often leads to missed opportunities. Markets shift, customer needs evolve, and the best time to launch is before you're fully “ready.”

Four Ways to Build a ‘Fail Quickly’ Culture:

Start with the solution. What’s the essential benefit your idea provides? Launch that first.
Create feedback loops. Use surveys and usage data to understand what’s working.
Set short review cycles. Don’t wait six months to evaluate. Check in weekly or monthly.
Normalize public iteration. Let your team improve in the open, without shame or finger-pointing.

The goal isn’t to fail. The goal is to learn fast enough that mistakes become momentum. That only happens when you drop the perfection standard and shift the focus to iteration.

Relevance isn’t earned by getting it perfect. It’s earned by getting it moving.

If you’re holding off on launching a project, program, or partnership until it’s airtight—don’t bother. It’ll never be perfect. Move at 80–90%. Build the plane in flight. Fail quickly, improve continuously, and deliver value sooner.

Interested in learning more about how you can get connected and involved? Reach out to our team by emailing chamber@durangobusiness.org

Spend A Moment with First Southwest Bank

Upcoming Chamber Events

Annual Employment Law Update for Businesses & Nonprofits

Stay compliant with insights on current employment laws, strategies, and solutions to common HR challenges. Presented by employment law expert Michael Santo with Bechtel & Santo.

August 20, 8am-4pm

Fort Lewis College Student Union

Save with Early Bird Pricing!

Business After Hours at Four Leaves Winery!

Featured Nonprofit:

Durango Independent Film Festival

Join us for an enjoyable after-hours networking event where you can build meaningful connections, create opportunities and share ideas.

August 21, 5-7pm

Four Leaves Winery, 528 Main Avenue

Lunch & Learn

AI in Action: Practical Tools to Boost Your Workflow

Curious about AI but not sure where to start? Join Colleen Dunning, Development Director at LPCHS, for a beginner-friendly workshop that shows you simple, practical tools to save time, spark ideas, and boost your workflow.

August 27, 12-1pm

TBK Bank (259 W 9 St)

Mornings at El Moro

Join us for a timely discussion on the budgetary challenges La Plata County faces and possible solutions, including the impacts of a proposed one-cent sales tax increase—projected to raise $18 million annually and cost residents around $30 per month.

September 2, 7:45-9am

El Moro Tavern (945 Main Ave.)

Save Your Seat!

Forums for Progress: Legislative Insight

Advocate. Engage. Impact.

Join Sen. Cleave Simpson and Rep. Katie Stewart for a conversation on the outcomes of the legislative session and what to expect in 2026. From workforce policy to budget priorities, this forum offers access to the lawmakers shaping Colorado’s future—and your bottom line.

September 3, 8:30-10am

Durango Public Library

COME TO IRELAND WITH US!

7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS

MARCH 16-22, 2026

This lively, perfectly paced tour is an ideal introduction to Ireland. The Taste of Ireland experience covers all the must-see sights, from the legendary Blarney Castle to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher.

PLUS, enjoy a special evening of networking with the Killarney Chamber of Commerce!

Dublin - Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Cliffs of Moher - & Galway!

Spots Are Limited- Book Now!

Advocate, Engage, Impact!

Meet Your Local Legislators at the Next Forum

Kim Oyler, COO- Durango Chamber of Commerce

Being involved and informed on policy issues is crucial for businesses of all sizes. You can help shape the policies that affect your operations, and our community where we all live and work.

Join us for Forums for Progress: Legislative Insight with Senator Cleave Simpson and Representative Katie Stewart on Wed, Sept 3 at 8:30am.

Hear directly from your elected leaders as they break down key issues—from water and education funding to Medicaid and economic development—in the wake of a $1.2 billion budget shortfall.

Why YOUR participation matters:

Timely Insight: Learn about current priorities, including how proposed legislation could impact workforce, taxes, and regulatory frameworks.
Policy Influence: Share your business perspective directly with our lawmakers to help ensure legislation balances economic health and community needs.
Build Relationships: Develop meaningful connections with Rep. Stewart and Sen. Simpson who are helping shape the future of Colorado!

Join Us. Stay Informed. Get Involved.

This forum is a powerful opportunity to connect, learn, and make a difference. Bring your questions and engage directly with your legislators.

RSVP for Sept 3!

Business Connection:

Electrical Technologies Group (ETG)

By Sara Lynn Valentine

“We started in 2005,” says Mihai Simon, president of ETG, “and have grown to four locations - Denver, Durango, Steamboat, and Cheyenne. Many of our clients are local government entities, higher education systems, and commercial and industrial telecom and data centers. Here in the Durango area, we work with the Southern Ute Tribe, with La Plata County, Fort Lewis, and Mercy Regional Medical Center, just to name a few. We specialize in what we call ‘enterprise’ systems.”

In a nutshell, ETG provides superior quality, high tech security systems to a variety of clients in diverse situations, ranging from sophisticated fire and intrusion alarms to keycard door access systems, video surveillance, structured cable wiring for computers and phone jacks and fiber optics systems.

“We provide more complex, integrated multi-site and multi-purpose security systems than what you would find in a typical small business that needs only a couple cameras and a door alarm,” Mihai says. “The remote video monitoring we’re doing is new in the industry. When an alarm goes off at 2:00 am, the last thing the owner or manager wants is a phone call. Most often it’s a false alarm - a door that swung open because it was unlocked, or a sensor that tripped in the office. Video verification lets us see what’s really going on, and police are much more responsive to a video verified alarm.”

New high tech surveillance cameras can determine whether an alarm is triggered by an animal, car or person and contact the appropriate responder. “We no longer have to spend hours going over footage,” Mihai says. “We can ask, for example, to see footage of any person with a backpack at a specific site in a given time frame.”

On the fire alarm front, ETG is rolling out a private radio system that doesn’t rely on cell phones or internet to relay information. This eliminates communication problems. Additionally, ETG is capturing a niche market with a specialized fire suppression system for clients who want to protect valuable items that would be destroyed by water - an IT center for example, or a valuable stamp collection or irreplaceable museum piece. ETG uses a clean gas that stops any fire. It is safe for humans and leaves no residual powder.

“The Durango Chamber of Commerce is great,” Mihai says. “I always love meeting new people and forging connections, even if it’s not related to our services. Knowing who does what in the community and being part of the Chamber expands our network overall, and creates opportunities where I might be able to help someone else. Knowing who’s who and being able to help others when they need it is important to me."

Interested in learning more? Visit ETGsystems.com

Email info@ETGsystems.com, or all Mihai at 720-644-9300

YPODs in Action: JulyRecap

This month, the Young Professionals gathered at EsoTerra Ciderworks for a lively happy hour filled with connection and conversation. Fourteen YPODs enjoyed the relaxed setting, sipped local cider, and built meaningful relationships with fellow professionals. It was the perfect way to wind down a summer evening and grow your network at the same time.

Interested in upcoming philanthropic, social and educational events?

See upcoming YPOD events here!

The Young Professionals of Durango are sponsored by:

Meet the Diplomats:

Johnny Castillo

What’s a typical day like for you in your business or profession?

My role involves identifying, interviewing, and vetting potential partners for Johnson Controls’ product line. I lead the onboarding and training process, equipping partners with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed, and collaborate closely with Area Sales Managers. I also actively identify opportunities to improve internal workflows and develop process enhancements that drive greater efficiency and support for our partners.

What motivated you to join the Chamber Diplomat program?

When I moved to Durango in 2019, I was eager to find the same vibrant sense of connection I enjoyed as an active member of the business community in my previous town. As a remote worker, staying involved locally isn’t just something I enjoy—it’s essential. Volunteering and engaging with the community gives me the chance to meet amazing people, stay rooted, and truly get to know what makes Durango such a special place to live and work.

What’s a skill, hobby, or passion you have outside of work?

I’m all about mountain adventures—if it involves fresh air and elevation, count me in! But my real passion? Ditching the daily grind and disappearing into the wild for days at a time, where the only deadlines are sunrise and sunset.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

It's a tool not a jewel

Interested in becoming a Diplomat and getting involved with the local business community? Learn more here.

Congratulations to Nunn Construction on their New Location!

Congratulations on the Grand Opening of the Durango Surgery Center in Three Springs!

Congratulations to Durango Creative District on their New Location!

Congratulations to Les Schwab Tires on their Grand Opening in Durango!

Congratulations to Mountain to Desert Mortgage on their New Location!

August 9, 12:15pm

Graze Colorado Grand Opening!

View Details

August 14, 5:15pm

EsoTerra Arboretum Grand Opening!

View Details

Click Here to Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting!

Leadership La Plata Alumni Feature:

Jasper Welch

What do you do for a living?

Since 1991, I’ve run Four Corners Management Systems (FCMS). We provide executive coaching, management consulting and business model support to small to medium size companies and non-profits. In addition, I’ve co-founded DurangoSpace (2011), operating flexible Workspace in Durango, located in the Crossroads/Alpine bank building.

What LLP Class were you in?

I was an original founding member of Leadership La Plata. Working with Steve Parker (beginning in 1980), along other Durango community members, we coordinated with the Durango Chamber to launch LLP in the fall of 1988. For ten years I was on the LLP Steering committee, as the initial Co-Chair & Chair.

What do you love about LLP?

For over 35 years, LLP has been an essential part of the Durango civic community. More than 500 community members have been involved in LLP, including LLP Alumni being engaged in La Plata county leadership and service.

Share a lesser-known fact about you?

I’ve had the opportunity with my FCMS consulting business, as a volunteer with SCAPE and business advisor with SBDC, to help dozens of startups and emerging companies in the Four Corners region.

Learn more about Leadership La Plata at LeadershipLaPlata.org.

Leadership La Plata is presented by:

Leadership Insights (powered by LLP)

Why Systems Thinking is a Game-Changer

for Your Business

by Beth Porter

Senior Marketing Consultant at Four Corners Broadcasting & LLP Class of 2015-2016

No matter the size or focus of your business, there are countless moving parts that interact—often producing unintended outcomes. Many of these issues stem from decisions being made in isolation, without considering how interconnected everything is. That’s where systems thinking comes in.

It’s about seeing the big picture—viewing your business as a network of interdependent parts rather than separate functions. This approach can lead to significant improvements.

Systems exist in leadership, finance, team dynamics, marketing, and operations. With systems thinking, how each area functions and connects is clearly documented. When problems arise, the focus shifts from blaming individuals to identifying where the system broke down.

Systems thinking is a mindset—and it can be learned. Here's how it reshapes organizational thinking:

Interconnectedness: Traditional analysis isolates issues—like tracing a shipping error to the shipping department—when the root cause might lie elsewhere, such as customer service. Systems thinking considers the ripple effects across the entire organization.
Feedback Loops: Both positive (reinforcing) and negative (balancing) feedback affect how systems respond to change. Rather than tweaking one area, systems thinking addresses how all parts interact to improve results.
Emergence: Changes often lead to unexpected outcomes or innovative solutions that arise from how different components interact—sometimes in surprising ways.
Mental Models: This approach helps uncover unspoken assumptions and biases. Challenging these mental models promotes more objective, strategic decision-making.

The Strategic Benefits

Gain a holistic understanding of how internal and external factors impact your business.
Anticipate change and build more resilient, adaptive strategies.
Pinpoint leverage points where small changes can drive major improvements.
Mitigate risks by identifying early warning signs of disruption.
Foster continuous improvement and innovation as a cultural norm.

If you're ready to improve how your organization functions, systems thinking is worth exploring—especially for entrepreneurs looking to scale smartly.

Want to keep growing? Leadership La Plata is committed to supporting your leadership journey through education and seminars. If you're an LLP alum, make sure we have your updated contact info.

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members?

Find more events on our calendar.

Every Wednesday American Legion Trujillo-Sheets Post 28 Luncheons

Every Wednesday True Western Roundup Rodeo

Every Saturday: Sip & Song at EsoTerra Arboretum

August 1 -14 Durango Botanic Gardens Bulb Sale

August 5 Vectra Bank hosts SBA Financing Options for Businesses

August 9: Fish-Along at William's Creek Reservoir by 5 Rivers Trout Unlimited

August 13: Great Garden Series - Preserving the Harvest by the Durango Botanic Gardens

August 15: Our Nature: Threshold by Durango Creative District

August 29: Iron Horse Rodeo w/ Four Corners Motorcycle Rally and Tue Western Roundup

Want your event listed? It’s free! Log into your member portal.

Brain Train Durango

Kristi Dean

288 Animas View Dr Trlr 97

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (727) 643‑7358

BrainTrainDurango.com

The Colorado Health Foundation

Marga Martinez

1780 Pennsylvania St.

Denver, CO 80203

Phone: (303) 953‑3600

www.coloradohealth.org

Foundational Wealth Partners

Karina Guerrero

1295 Escalante Dr Unit 14

Durango, CO 81303

Phone: (719) 252‑0472

foundationalwealthpartners.com

Pupuseria Torogoz LLC

Arely Sanchez

2137 Main Ave

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (970) 749‑4719

Royal Gold

Michelle Hill

255 Valle Dr.

Durango, CO 81303

Phone: 970902379

Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.

Steve Winters

934 Main Ave. Unit C

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (970) 385‑4546

sehinc.com

Thank you to all our renewed members! Consider checking our member directory to ensure you are shopping local and supporting other chamber businesses!

Member Directory