Success Stories

Ruby Jo Walker: Transforming Trauma Therapy Through Innovation and Training
by Denise Leslie

By age 16, Ruby Jo Walker was determined to turn her passion for helping people into a career as a social worker. She has since conducted over 33,000therapy sessions and developed numerous trauma-informed trainings. Ruby Jo Walker, LCSW, is an expert therapist and trainer specializing in the neurobiology of trauma and resilience. For over thirty years, she has dedicated herself to helping individuals navigate the complex landscape of trauma. Her extensive experience and specialized knowledge led Walker to want to support other professionals.

Walker’s career took a significant turn when she found she loved supporting professionals in their knowledge of trauma and resilience. This shift required a new business model. She contacted the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and enrolled in the Leading Edge program. This program played an important role in her transition by providing access to a network of consultants offering personalized advice and practical solutions for her business needs, helping her develop a comprehensive plan for her new business. 

One key area where the SBDC’s support was instrumental was in marketing. Walker learned to leverage digital platforms to reach a broader audience and updated her website. These efforts significantly boosted her visibility and allowed her to connect with more agencies seeking trauma training. The SBDC’s guidance was crucial in this process, highlighting the importance of external support in professional growth.

Since founding Southwest Trauma Training, Walker has offered unique trauma-informed workshops to diverse professionals. Her influence stretches across Colorado and the Four Corners region, including the Navajo Nation. In her work, she has ensured that professionals have the latest information to address various kinds of trauma more skillfully. Additionally, she also offers staff resilience training. 

At the core of Walker’s approach is the innovative Post-Traumatic Growth Somatic Therapy, which she developed. Using applied Polyvagal Theory, this therapy combines somatic practices with resilience, trauma healing, and attachment theory. Walker’s method integrates neurobiological understanding to create deep transformation in clients, reflecting her dedication to helping professionals and clients harness neurobiology for healing and growth. As a contributing author, her work will be featured in a Norton Press book on Somatic Trauma Therapies to be published in 2025.  Over the past two years, Walker has successfully transitioned her business model, with training now constituting more than half of her workload within one year of working with SBDC. This shift allowed her to bring on a Curriculum Design Specialist, Emily Newcomer, and an Associate Trainer, Chrishana Woody. Ruby Jo says, “My life has been about looking at growth and not letting things hold me back. My work as a therapist gives back to me in meaningful ways as I continue to teach and learn how neurobiology creates compassion for profound growth. It’s deeply nourishing.” Ruby Jo Walker’s dedication and innovative approach continue to shape the field of trauma therapy, making a lasting impact on both professionals and clients.

Ride, Rest, and Connect at the Dolores Bike Hostel in Colorado
By Denise Leslie

Nestled in the scenic town of Dolores, Colorado, the Dolores Bike Hostel has quickly become a favorite spot for adventure seekers and travelers alike. Managed by siblings Jacob and Hannah Carloni, this vibrant hostel has, in just nine months, become the ultimate base camp for exploring the stunning landscapes and thrilling trails of Southwest Colorado.

Starting the Dolores Bike Hostel was no small feat. Jacob took on the massive task of transforming an old building into a cozy retreat. The structure was gutted to its studs and rebuilt creatively and resourcefully, transforming it into a warm, inviting space. Furniture was sourced from Facebook Marketplace, and recycled materials from leftover projects were used. Despite the hefty renovation costs of around $250,000, the focus remained on creating a comfortable and affordable haven for guests, ensuring every detail had both form and function.

Jacob’s sister, Hannah, arrived a couple of months before opening to assist with the final preparations and worked on back-end operations like booking platforms, lock systems, property management systems, and the website. She is the General Manager, and Jacob says, “It’s been super fun figuring out how to run the business with her.”

The renovation journey was a blend of planning, problem-solving, and laughter. Each step, from installing fire suppression systems to ensuring ADA compliance, was a valuable learning experience. Jacob focused on making thoughtful investments where they mattered most, such as insulation, heating, and cooling systems, to ensure a comfortable stay for guests. These upgrades were driven by a commitment to energy efficiency. Jacob says, “I think it’s important for new businesses, especially brick-and-mortar businesses, to do whatever they can afford to make their spaces as energy efficient as possible.” Next summer, approximately 50 solar panels will be added to achieve net-zero electricity impact.

Navigating the financial ups and downs of a seasonal business can be daunting. The hostel’s income ebbs and flows with the tourist seasons, presenting ongoing challenges. Jacob and Hannah found a reliable partner in the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC provided essential support, helping them craft a solid business plan and connect with mentors who offered invaluable advice. This guidance was crucial in helping the hostel survive and thrive through its early stages.

But at the Dolores Bike Hostel, it’s not just about providing a place to sleep; it’s about fostering a community and sharing adventures. Jacob and Hannah have created a space where guests can connect over shared experiences, from hiking to dizzying heights to biking through deep canyons. The hostel’s Tuesday run club is a big hit, bringing together locals and visitors for a fun run followed by camaraderie and cold brews.

The Dolores Beer Mile is one of the hostel’s quirkiest and most beloved traditions. Imagine a crowd of runners chugging beers and sprinting through laps, all for the sheer joy of it. This fun event and other lively gatherings showcase the hostel’s vibrant spirit and commitment to building a sense of community among its guests.

The occasional appearance of Boots and Bat, the two resident cats, makes everyone feel at home. Whether sharing a meal in the communal kitchen or swapping stories over coffee, every guest becomes part of the hostel’s family. Looking to the future, Jacob and Hannah remain dedicated to making each guest’s stay as memorable as possible. With over 100 five-star reviews and counting, they focus on creating a space where adventure meets comfort, and every guest leaves with a smile.

Taking a concept from idea to inception is not always an easy feat.

But, this is what Dylan McClain and Dalton Bevill do best. As the founders and owners of Animas Artisans, they specialize in high-end steel fabrication, concrete casting, and woodwork. They focus on finished goods, such as railings, concrete countertops, steel wraps, planter boxes, pergolas…and just about anything else that requires custom design and fabrication.

Both Dylan and Dalton have a passion for being creative and artistic, and they bring unique skills to the company. Dalton’s background is in custom fabrication and agricultural management, and Dylan is a creative problem solver with a degree in mechanical engineering.

“When we decided to launch the business, we had all these grand ideas and started to put them on paper. We quickly realized we didn’t know how to go about it. The SBDC made it easier for us,” Dalton says.

They enrolled in the SBDC’s Starting Your Business Workshop and put a business plan together. After the workshop, they met with some of the SBDC’s consultants to dial in the specifics.

The company is now entering its third year of business. For the first two years, the focus was heavily on marketing and growth. They had a booth at the Farmer’s Market and spent considerable time building professional relationships in the community. “Durango is a perfect spot for community support. Once we started making the connections, the word spread. We are stoked to collaborate with so many people in this area.”

Now, they have a steady stream of work coming in, and their focus has shifted to growing to a healthy, manageable size. “Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important to us, and we are working on optimizing our processes so we can be as efficient as possible.”

Dylan is currently teaching a welding class at Animas High School through Animas Artisans, and this year, they took on two high school interns for several weeks. “It was a learning process, and it was great,” they said.

Looking ahead, Dylan and Dalton want to keep pushing the creative envelope and pursuing their aspirations to maintain their livelihood. So far, they’ve taken advantage of the Lodger’s Tax grants and funding from the Durango Creative District to create works of art. “Finding the balance of art vs. work is an ongoing challenge,” Dalton says. The team is also passionate about sustainable art—recycling, upcycling, etc., and they hope to grow this side of their business by working with clients who want to repurpose things they already have.

Reflecting back on the past two years, the duo offers this advice: “Keep striving to learn. Especially as a new business owner, you will make a lot of mistakes…you’re going to mess up a lot of things, whether it’s projects, financial stuff, decisions, or whatever. You will lose a lot of time and some money, but instead of getting down on yourself, keep the mentality of ‘We’re getting paid to learn. We may not be the most efficient yet, but we are getting paid to learn.’”

When it comes to real estate, relationships are everything.

At least, that’s what Heather Erb believes, and this guiding principle is what inspired her to start her own real estate company.

After more than 20 years of working as a Realtor and running real estate offices, Heather knew she was ready to launch out on her own.

“Since I had spent many years in management, I didn’t have the same questions that many others might have had in my shoes. But, when I walked into the bank with the first draft of my business plan, they laughed.”

Heather reached out to Laura at Region 9, who put her in touch with the SBDC. Mary explained that there are only a few ways to get a business loan and connected her with Bob Jagfeld, who proved to be instrumental.

“Bob’s background is in the financial industry. In just 40 minutes, he skillfully answered my questions and guided me through the sections of my business plan that needed work. His responses were nothing I could have anticipated. He told me, ‘Pick one thing and go for it. Create attainable goals, then blow them away.’”

After Heather redrafted her business plan, Bob met with her again and made a few more suggestions. “I can’t explain how much help that was. This time, I found the right loan product and walked out with the money I needed to launch my business…all because I was steered in the right direction.”

Destination DRO Real Estate Group launched in January of this year, and Heather is thoroughly enjoying the joys and challenges that come with small business ownership. The company is locally owned and operated, and all of the branding is based on life in Southwest Colorado.

“We pride ourselves on the collective belief that there is a different way to run a business. We are customer centric, value driven, and rooted in the belief that we will never compromise our core values. In our view, it’s relationships that matter.”

Destination DRO was named because the company seeks to serve people who are already here—people who have made Durango and the surrounding communities their destination and home. The real estate group serves La Plata and Montezuma Counties, including Durango, Mancos, Ignacio, and Bayfield. The company is actively growing and expects to have five Realtors by fall.

“It’s such a joyful and totally terrifying experience to open a business,” Heather says. “But there is a network of people who will help you get there, support you, and cheer you on. When you have a great plan, you can keep using it day to day. The more time you spend on it up front, the less fear and more joy you will have in the process. Thanks to the SBDC, it’s been 95% elation and 5% terrifying…without them, it would be more like 50/50.”

She encourages other entrepreneurs, “Take time to plan up front, then take the plunge—don’t let fear hold you back.”

When it comes to real estate transactions, experience counts.

And, that’s exactly what sets Three Rivers Title apart. Anne Alexander has more than 25 years of experience in the title business—and closings are her specialty.

That’s exactly what inspired her to open her own title company. She explained, “Often, title companies are opened by a title officer or attorney who don’t have as much experience on the closing piece. I’ve worked with most realtors in the region, and they appreciate my attention to detail and that I’m a great communicator. I strive to keep everyone up to date and am easily reached.”

The more she thought about it, the more she realized she had a unique niche and could provide a specialty service for the Four Corners.

When she got serious about starting the business, she reached out to the SBDC. “I met with Mary, who is a great resource. She gave me ideas of who to reach out to and guided me through my business plan.”

After doing some research, Anne found an organization that specializes in helping new title companies get off the ground. They helped her get her website up and running while guiding her through the launch process. “It was a great experience,” she says. “They helped me get up and running much faster than if I had tried to do it all on my own.”

Then of course, the business needed a name. In a nod to the beauty of living in Southwest Colorado, Anne named the company Three Rivers Title. With a smile, she explains, “The name came about because I cross three rivers on my way to and from work each day.”

The business has been open since July 2023, and Anne is loving it. “I provide another closing option with a more personalized approach. I’m locally and woman owned, and my expertise lends itself to closings.”

Anne has worked hard to get her name out to the local community and has joined the Durango Association of Realtors, Land Title Association of Colorado, the Durango Chamber of Commerce, a Chamber Leads Group, and the Business Improvement District (BID).

“It was a very productive and busy fall leading into winter,” Anne said. “I recently reached out to the SBDC again, just to check in. They provided support on my financials and directed me to Handshake, so I can look into getting additional help from interns in the future.” Currently, Anne has one, part-time assistant, and she is looking forward to growing and providing opportunities for college students to learn the business.

Three Rivers Title is located behind Alpine Bank, just across the street from 11^th Street Station. She looks forward to continuing to build the Durango community through positive relationships with realtors, lenders, buyers, and sellers.