Left to right: Rick George, Athletic Director, CU Athletics; DB Wilson, Managing Broker, RE/MAX of Boulder; Jay Kalinski, Broker/Owner, RE/MAX of Boulder.
BOULDER – RE/MAX of Boulder has a proud history. A locally owned business, it was founded in 1977 by Tom Kalinski, who is still at the helm. It was the third RE/MAX office to open in the United States. Next year the top real estate company turns 40.
“We are a community organization,” Kalinski says. “Our vision is to make Boulder Valley the best home possible. We do this by turning outward to do more for our community, by forging pivotal partnerships between local companies, nonprofits and residents across our community. We have a caring commitment to our clients and deep connections in the communities we serve.”
Broker/Owner Jay Kalinski concurs with his father: “We love our friends and neighbors and our community; our purpose is to make life even better. Everything we do comes from that perspective.”
With that in mind, in addition to a major push to support nonprofit and charitable organizations, RE/MAX of Boulder is working closely with an array of local companies to bring them together and boost the vibrant local economy.
President and CEO of the Boulder Chamber, John Tayer, whose dynamic leadership is galvanizing the business community, remarks, “Through their partnerships with local businesses and their philanthropic and volunteer efforts, the RE/MAX of Boulder team demonstrates their personal investment in the long-term vitality of the Boulder economy and the preservation of the qualities that make our community such a wonderful place to live and work.”
Richard Foy, Board Chair, Downtown Boulder Inc. (left) with Tom Kalinski, Owner/Founder, RE/MAX of Boulder (right).
Business community leadership
As long-time local residents with in-depth knowledge of Boulder Valley, RE/MAX of Boulder Realtors® and management are active community leaders who support local businesses large and small, established and up-and-coming. They help promote locally owned businesses to their clients and networks. This is a way for RE/MAX of Boulder to support community wellbeing and encourage local prosperity.
RE/MAX of Boulder Managing Broker DB Wilson, who has been with RE/MAX of Boulder for 26 years, says, “We’re all members of the Boulder community – we raise our families here. The vitality of the area is important to us and our Realtors® deeply care about getting involved and giving back to the community.”
For example, RE/MAX of Boulder created a community news website, the Boulder Source (bouldersource.com), to showcase behind-the-scenes stories about local businesses, people, and nonprofits. Makeboulderhome.com, RE/MAX of Boulder’s recently launched relocation website, is a resource for visitors and newcomers to Boulder and highlights Boulder businesses and the wonderful quality of life. RE/MAX of Boulder also connects with companies to hold community events.
Sean Maher, CEO of Downtown Boulder, Inc. and Downtown Boulder Improvement District, and former head of the Boulder Economic Council, understands the importance of community involvement from businesses.
Maher says, “One of the great things about Boulder is the sense of community and the willingness of those who have been successful here to give back. Tom and Jay Kalinski are the perfect example of that community spirit. When they opened the downtown RE/MAX of Boulder office, they immediately reached out to us and asked how they could be involved. They are now in their third year as title sponsor of Bands on the Bricks and we feel lucky to have them as neighbors and supporters.”
Standing together
From a partnership with leading institutions such as CU Athletics to alliances with smaller businesses and startups, RE/MAX of Boulder has connections that run deep.
“We’re proud to be partners with RE/MAX of Boulder because RE/MAX of Boulder is a leader in the community and truly cares about giving back,” says CU Athletic Director Rick George who has overseen the transformation of the CU athletic facilities into a world-class, state-of-the-art athletic complex. “Together we want to build the excellence of our student-athletes and athletic programs, showcase CU Boulder, and make a meaningful and positive lasting impact on our local businesses and the greater Boulder Valley community.”
Among the many organizations and companies that RE/MAX of Boulder works with closely are Big Red F Restaurant Group, Skratch Labs, Kilwins, Vitalé Studio, Brandzooka, Sforno, Laughing Goat Coffeehouse, and Crossfit Sanitas. RE/MAX of Boulder is also a strong supporter of the Boulder Chamber and Downtown Boulder.
“As a Boulder-based startup, it has always been important to us to celebrate our local community. This makes the effort that RE/MAX of Boulder, an established local business, puts in to supporting us even more meaningful. It’s clear that RE/MAX of Boulder cares about helping Boulder businesses across all industries,” point out Executive VP of Operations, Patrick O’Neil, Director of Sales, Jennifer McSween, and Director of Marketing, Arlynn Ilgenfritz, of the breakthrough video marketing platform and local start up, Brandzooka.
As entrepreneurs, Tom and Jay Kalinski also want to support other business owners because they understand entrepreneurial challenges and paths to success as well as the local market.
“As a new entrepreneur with an innovative business model, it’s been wonderful to work
RE/MAX of Boulder Managing Partners (left to right): Tom Kalinski, Owner/Founder; Jay Kalinski, Broker/Owner; DB Wilson, Managing Broker.
with RE/MAX of Boulder because they ‘get it.’ They value what I do at Vitalé Studio and they are helping me promote my business to their clients, networks and to the public. They understand how important it is for businesses to support each other and the community,” comments Alex Gil, holistic lifestyle coach and owner of the sleek new Vitalé Studio.
Owners Stacie and Tom Holbel, who moved to Boulder from Michigan to realize their dream of opening a Kilwins chocolate and confectionary store, remark,
“RE/MAX of Boulder was incredibly helpful in launching our new store on Pearl Street. They understand the challenges of starting a small business and offered us opportunities to spread the word about our store and Grand Opening on August 5 to 7. We’re so glad RE/MAX of Boulder will join us to celebrate!”
RE/MAX of Boulder Realtors® also acquaint newcomers and clients with top local businesses. Dana Faulk Query from Big Red F Restaurant Group, the award-winning multi-concept restaurant company created by talented Chef Dave Query, says, “RE/MAX of Boulder is a great partner and we enjoy working with them on projects that help better our community, giving Boulder those unique touches that make it such a great destination for travelers and people who want to relocate somewhere truly special.”
Ian MacGregor, CEO of innovative natural hydration and nutrition company, Skratch Labs, notes, “It’s been great to partner with RE/MAX of Boulder who, like us, encourages a healthy and active lifestyle for our customers as well as our friends and families.”
“The more robust businesses here are, the better it is for us all,” says RE/MAX of Boulder’s Jay Kalinski. “We thank our wonderful community, and together, we are dedicated to making it stronger.”
For more information about RE/MAX of Boulder or its involvement in the community, visit boulderco.com or call 303.449.7000.
By Judy Finman, At Home. Photos by Bob Truemper for RE/MAX of Boulder.
