Community Involvement

Telluride Science, Telluride Academy, Pinhead Institute, Telluride Film Festival, Out of the Box (Canyon) Scholarship, Telluride Theater, Telluride Aids Benefit, Telluride Top Chef, Sheridan Opera House, Telluride and Placerville Volunteer Fire Department, Just for Kids, Bosom Buddies, KOTO, Lone Tree Cemetery, Telluride Medical Center, Telluride Mountain Film, Telluride Horror Festival, Original Thinkers Festival, Telluride Aids Benefit, Balloon Festival, Telluride Transfer Warehouse, Comedy Festival/Opera House, Wild West Festival, Telluride Adaptive Sports, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Neuromorphs, Blues and Brews Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival, Telluride Ride Festival

Early Years in Telluride

Initially, Lee worked at the local newspaper, ski shops and bars, including The Old Roma and The Last Dollar Saloon (The Buck). 

Another one of her first contributions was serving on the Board of Directors of Rainbow Preschool. 

During Lee’s time on the board for Rainbow Preschool, she helped secure funding and oversaw the construction of a new facility on Main Street. The old building was in such poor condition they feared it might collapse—endangering the children it served. That experience taught her the importance of a safe and solid foundation, not just in buildings, but in the community.

The Telluride Academy

After Lee’s work with Rainbow Preschool, she joined the Board of Directors at The Telluride Academy. Over the years, the board raised thousands of dollars for local scholarships, secured a permanent home for the Academy, and even created an endowment fund to ensure its future sustainability. They also had the privilege of sending kids all over the world to expand their horizons.

Telluride Volunteer Fire District

A few years later, Lee served on the Telluride Volunteer Fire District Board of Directors, eventually becoming Chairperson for another term. During her tenure, the board secured land and built a new facility at San Bernardo to serve the southern end of the district. They also worked to increase volunteer pensions and maintain one of the most highly regarded volunteer fire departments in the state. These were just a few of the many milestones achieved, and the lasting difference made in the community remains one of Lee’s proudest accomplishments.

Lizard Head Hockey and Supporting Local Youth

In addition to Lee’s work with nonprofits, she also served on the Lizard Head Hockey Board. As a passionate hockey mom, Lee couldn’t resist jumping in to help. She was able to contribute her experience in financial management, fundraising, and organizational leadership, ensuring the program continued to thrive and provide local youth with opportunities.

A Transition to Business Ownership

Along the way, Lee also held various roles in other companies, donated to several non-profits, and constantly encouraged others in the community to support local businesses. After spending some time in the mortgage industry, she decided to pursue her long-time dream of owning her own business. The hospitality industry in Telluride seemed like a perfect fit.

On September 24, 2004, Lee transitioned from mortgages to short-term rentals. From the beginning, she knew that being an engaged member of the community was crucial to success. Lee’s team continually offered discounts, free lodging, and donations to various guests, volunteers, staff, and events throughout the years. Supporting the community has always been a priority and, as Lee says, one of the biggest reasons her success has been intertwined with the health and vibrancy of the region she calls home.