About Rory Schmeir
Rory Schmeir is the owner of Masterpiece Home Improvement and previous owner of Crown Construction, a custom home and remodeling business, and the General Manager of Hotter Ranch. Hotter Ranch is a family operation that raises 300 acres of premium grass hay.
Rory Schmier’s Career Path: From Farm Hand to Custom Home Builder
After graduating high school, Rory began working as a farm hand for his former in-laws until he was 23. He then took a job as a mason in Las Vegas, Nevada, for one year before returning to Monte Vista, Colorado, and opening a liquor store, Chief Liquor, with his father. Chief Liquor, which was located 15 miles from Monte Vista, Colorado, operated for five years until Rory and his dad sold it.
Rory decided to start Masterpiece Home Improvement and Crown Construction and has spent two decades building custom homes and remodeling. He is self-taught, has well-honed homebuilding skills and expert craftsmanship, and has built some of the most beautiful homes during his 20 years of owning Masterpiece Home Improvement and Crown Construction. Rory and his crew have received considerable recognition for the gorgeous homes they’ve built in the San Luis Valley and Durango/Arboles areas.
Talent and Skills Distinguish Rory in the Homebuilding Space
Rory’s construction and technical expertise have made people’s dream homes a reality and his company a success. He understands that quality work involves specific construction methods and materials, as well as building code and safety compliance. Rory works with architects and engineers to execute designs accurately. He also ensures that each structure meets engineering standards and is knowledgeable about electrical and plumbing fundamentals when working with subcontractors and his crew.
Rory Schmeir’s project management skills keep new builds and remodels on track, coordinating material deliveries, subcontractors, and inspections. He quickly addresses issues that arise – like supply delays or weather disruptions – and is adept at handling multiple job sites.
Rory also understands the critical importance of accurately pricing materials, labor, and subcontractor costs to ensure profitability. He is responsible for contract management and reviewing agreements with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.
His responsibilities include managing cash flow, profit margins, and project financing to keep his operation running smoothly. Keeping up with permits, building codes, OSHA regulations, and contractor licensing requirements is also included in Rory’s responsibilities.
Understanding Clients’ Needs
Beyond his technical skills, he takes the time to understand homeowner preferences to bring custom design to life. He works on optimizing remodel layouts to ensure functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics. When working on custom homes, Rory also keeps up with design trends, smart home technology, and sustainable building practices.
In 2012, after years of creating custom builds in the Monte Vista area, Rory Schmier returned to the Durango area where he was born and put his talent, knowledge, and experience into building his own home in Arboles as well as for others in the area.
Rory uses his construction talent to help out, too. He volunteers to provide the elderly with residential repair and maintenance work when needed.
Rory’s Role as General Manager at Hotter Ranch
Once Rory finished building his home, he decided to take over the General Manager position at his grandmother’s hay ranch, Hotter Ranch. His grandparents, Joe and Frances Hotter, ranched their entire lives, including owning the hay operation Rory currently runs and raising several head of registered Hereford cattle and some of the world-famous registered quarter horses.
Rory is responsible for everything from planting to harvesting hay, selling hay, land and fieldwork, irrigation, equipment maintenance, fertilizing, and all other tasks involved in running the ranch. Rory also maintains and rents two homes on the ranch.
On the Personal Side
Born in Durango, Colorado, in 1969 to Fred and Bobbe Jo, Rory Schmeir spent his formative years in his hometown until moving to Pagosa Springs and later to Monte Vista, where he graduated high school. His father passed away in 2013, and his mother is retired and splits her time between Monte Vista and Durango, where she cared for Rory’s grandmother until her passing in 2022.
Rory has two younger sisters. His one sister, Shelly, lives in Monte Vista and helps run the family ranch along with owning her own real estate business, Dreamcatcher Properties. His sister Kiley lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she graduated from the University of New Mexico (UNM) with a Master’s in Psychology. She is currently getting ready to open her own practice. Rory has four nephews and a niece.
Rory Schmier is happy to be back where his roots are, permanently settled in the Durango area and near his family.
Rory’s Hobbies
A real outdoorsman, Rory enjoys riding dirt bikes, Harleys, boating, water skiing, hunting, and camping. When he was younger, he raced motocross and enduro for several years. Unsurprisingly, he also enjoys working on home projects during his downtime.
