Alpine Medical

Tabitha Zappone loves the conveniences in Pagosa Springs and considers it a “big city with coffee shops and restaurants.” Before moving to Pagosa, she and her husband both worked in a hospital in rural Alaska, in the town of Bethel. He is an Emergency Room nurse and she is a Nurse Practitioner. The two served people from 57 villages. “They would come in on dogsleds, four wheelers or small airplanes. In the winter it would get to 60 degrees below zero and would be absolutely dangerous to go outside.”

They went to Alaska because the salaries there would help them pay off her husband’s nursing school loans quickly. But they couldn’t wait to get back to Colorado. “These winters are nothing compared to up there,” she says. Tabitha attended the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs and then lived in Durango before heading to Bethel.

They returned to Pagosa because they really like the community and her parents are there. Tabitha had worked for a small practice in Pagosa, then a clinic in Alamosa. She decided to open her own practice to “get back home and to offer additional services.” She enjoys offering specialty aesthetics and cosmetic services that provide instant gratification to her clients.

She explains, “I know medicine, but don’t know how to run a business. I’ve always worked for other Clinics and for the Pagosa Medical Center.” She was referred to the SBDC and worked with advisor Rich Lindblad, who also lives in Pagosa. They met and Tabitha shared her vision for the clinic she’d like to open. When he said, “Sure we can make that happen!” she was so relieved.

He gave her homework which was to put her ideas into a business plan using the Business Model Canvas template. After several meetings, the plan was complete and ready to present to the bank for a small business loan. “Thanks to Rich, the plan was very thorough, the process went smoothly and I got approved for the SBA loan from First Southwest Bank.” She also got a loan from the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation.

“I was so nervous and unsure if I could really create a successful business. Having Rich there for support and guidance made all the difference in the world. It might not have happened without him.”

She has been very fortunate in this educational journey. After the first location fell through, her mother suggested another location. The space had to built- out to suit her needs – an expense she thought she couldn’t afford. When she met with the owner they both realized that he had been a former patient. He offered to customize the space for her at his own expense explaining, “We miss you and we want you back here.”

Alpine Medical and Specialties officially opened their doors on March 14, 2016. She is thrilled that former clients remember her and are happy she’s back.
“Earning the trust of my patients and building a good rapport is really important to me. They become like my family.”

Her on-going relationship and the mentorship of Rich Lindblad also created a deep friendship that she values. “It’s an emotionally raw experience going out on your own and with a new baby. Having Rich to walk me through the process with reassurance was invaluable.”

Tabitha chose this photo because, “When I am not working I am outside, hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, you name it.”

Out West Saddlery

By Malia Durbano Out West Saddlery owner Terri Beecher knew advisor Rich Lindblad since they both live in Pagosa. She contacted him for some advice.While most businesses contact the SBDC for help with getting started or growing, Terri had a different problem. After several visits, Rich concluded that the business had great potential for growth. However, Terri explained what a hard time they had finding good help. She and her husband had built a wonderful,

Read More »
San Juan Trading Post

By Malia Durbano Ryan, Tom and Ellen Beavers are all partners in San Juan Trading Post, a new business that opened in Pagosa Springs in October of 2013. Parents Tom and Ellen live in Pagosa and develop properties there. Son Ryan was managing a pawn shop in Ohio. When Tom and Ellen looked around, they realized there wasn’t a pawn shop in Pagosa and thought it might be a good place to open one. Ryan

Read More »
Por Dia Preschool & Learning Center

Amy Long purchased Por Dia Preschool & Learning Center sixteen years ago. Por Dia is licensed to serve up to 60 children. They offer daily preschool, toddler care, and before/after school care. Long approached Joe Keck for help in expanding her Toddler program. Beginning in August of 2011, they worked together for six to eight months. “Joe personally came by my business to consult with me, and we met at the SBDC office at the

Read More »
A Fusion of Expertise: Mind Body Soleil

Fifteen years ago, Marie Soleil fell in love with the healing arts. Like many, she had grown up indoctrinated in western medicine. But, when it couldn’t help her overcome a panic disorder, she pursued more natural means of healing. “When I realized that I could heal myself,” she says, “I was hooked.” She started working as a massage therapist and soon became a personal trainer, yoga teacher, stretchologist, Master Meditation Teacher, and group fitness instructor.

Read More »
Mountain View TLC

By Malia Durbano Family Physician, Kirsten “Kicki” Searfus originally approached the SBDC to learn how to structure the partnership she was entering with Megan Lewis Grotefund. Instead, Megan moved away and on June 1, 2013, Kicki officially was in private practice. Having always been an employee at clinics or hospitals, she was wondering where to start in figuring out how to be an entrepreneur. Advisor Joe Bishop “was super helpful” in assisting her regarding the

Read More »
Doggy Day Care

Jeff Edens learned about Doggy Day Care in Pagosa Springs because his friends Maria and Linda worked there. He purchased the business in July of 2011 and now they both work for him. Edens had a good business background as a result of previous business experience as a home builder and realtor. Doggie Day Care provides socialization for the dogs which includes reinforcing proper social manners such as no barking, no fighting and no jumping.

Read More »
Skip to content