Meet Joel & Orly Ripmaster | Owners, Colorado Landmark, Realtors

from Shoutout ColoradoLocal Stories

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joel & Orly Ripmaster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joel & Orly, what principle do you value most?

Thanks for connecting with us, and for your mission of amplifying the exposure for small, local businesses. We consider ourselves lucky to be in business together as a father / daughter duo. In 1977, well before I was even born, Joel, my dad, founded Colorado Landmark, Realtors, Boulder’s leading luxury boutique brokerage. He has led the brokerage for 45 years independently until recently, when I came home to join him. After a career as a top private equity executive and working on a broad, global scale, returning back to Boulder to live local and honor both my family and my community felt right. My husband and I wanted to raise our boys (my dad’s grandsons) here in Boulder. Given our clear family ties, perhaps the most obvious principle we value is family; family is paramount, and we wouldn’t be in business together without that strong foundation. But there’s more to our partnership than family; together my dad and I have had a long-standing principle that we’ve shared since my freshman year in college: kindness. As a freshman at Harvard University in the early 2000’s one of my first emails home was a simple quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau:

“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?”

In and amongst the brightest and most accomplished minds in the world at Harvard, the principle and core ethos that stuck and continues to resonate today was that of kindness. That email still sits framed in my dad’s office as a totem to kindness above all else. It matters now more than ever when the pace of life is so fast and transactional that valuing and practicing kindness holds an important and intrinsic humanity that will hopefully spark a butterfly effect. Pairing family and kindness are the backbone of our relationship and that of our business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Colorado Landmark, Realtors is Boulder Valley’s leading luxury boutique real estate brokerage.

Our story started in 1968, when Joel Ripmaster graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he played football for the Buffaloes and would spend his time hiking from campus to Chautauqua Park with his college sweetheart and later to be wife. The two young Midwestern students would walk and daydream about one day owning a home in Boulder, starting a family and a business, and spending a life here. Joel fell in love with Boulder, his wife, and residential real estate and what it represented to his young family.

In 1977, Joel opened the Colorado Landmark doors for the first time with a clear mission:

Provide the most personalized support, flawless guidance and unrivaled knowledge of the real estate market to local and global Boulder County homebuyers and sellers.

This mission is living proof and rings as true today as it did decades ago. While the world changes, the economy and trends change, and the real estate markets change, one thing remains steadfast. People need a trusted advisor, a local expert, and a partner in the home buying and selling process. Colorado Landmark agents are amongst the top agents in the country. Our cohort of real estate executives are consummate professionals who together have helped build, shape and create the market that boulder is today.

“Every home is a Landmark to our clients and buying or selling a home is a Landmark occasion in their lives.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Start with breakfast at either of the best little spots in Colorado, the Village Coffee Shop or The Buff. Both are Boulder staples that offer fuel your body and your smiles. From there, head to Pearl Street and walk the pedestrian mall. The eclectic mix of stores, people, and flowers will help you truly understand what Boulder living is all about. Make sure you stop into Peppercorn, a landmark in Boulder retail and the go-to place for any impossible to find kitchen goods. The other staple is The Boulder Bookstore. It’s an incredible selection throughout a windy, whimsical layout where you can find any book you need. If you’re on Pearl on a Friday evening before a home football game, you’ll see the Buffalo Stampede and pep rally, and make sure you get a high five from Chip the Buffalo, you can grab a streamer from “Into the Wind” so you have something to cheer on the Buffs. Don’t miss Chautauqua Park and Mt. Sanitas for the full Boulder experience of living on the foothills. And if you need to rent a bike, head over to University Bikes and hit the road. You may be pedaling against Olympians and world class cyclists! Don’t miss a tour of the University of Colorado campus, one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. And when you’re exhausted after all of that, head over to the St. Julien Spa for a massage. Restaurants (and breweries) in Boulder are bountiful, and you can’t go wrong and you can’t have a hankering for something that you can’t find. And don’t miss Boulder on Memorial Day, running the Bolder Boulder is a quintessential local tradition that cannot be beat!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

As a father / daughter team it’s natural for the child to thank and recognize the parent. Every Superbowl winning moment incorporates a shoutout to parents for their love, support and belief. It is no different in our case, of course, because one doesn’t join a parent on a business venture unless love, support and belief are well established. But for us, we flip the script… it’s the parent who recognizes and thanks the child. Shoutout to the kids out there recognizing the importance of legacy in building on their parent’s dreams!

Despite only working together officially since early 2022, Joel’s desk’s nameplate for the past 15 years has read “Orly’s Dad”. Joel’s welcoming of Orly to the business allowed him to further elongate his career and not be forced into an unnatural, early exit/sale of a business he’s curated for 45 years. Partnering with parents honors their achievements and provides merit to their life’s work, a work that has helped raise us up.

Website: https://www.coloradolandmark.com/

Instagram: @Coloradolandmarkrealtors

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/colorado-landmark-realtors

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COlandmark

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Free Pop Up Shop – For Anyone Impacted By the Marshal Fire

Free Market for Fire Survivors IG Post-3

Marshall Fire Free Pop Up with Live Music!
This Saturday, January 22nd from 1-4pm
At Colorado Landmark, Realtors Niwot Office
136 2nd Avenue, Niwot 80503

We are honored and humbled by the generosity of our incredible community and has been collecting donations of all kinds across our offices. We want to connect these donations with anyone impacted by the fire.

In partnership with Deborah Read Fowler Real Estate on Saturday from 1-4pm. Join us for live music, cookies, cocoa and community. Shop for free, take what you need or for those you know.

Anyone displaced or on behalf of those displaced come pop in and shop.

Marshall Fire Resources

We have complied a list of resources from our clients, friends and the community. You will find many resources below as well advice from a homeowner whose entire home was swept away in the 2013 floods. 


Resources

 

INSURANCE 

United Policyholders, it is a 501(c) (3) (non-profit) that offers advocacy for those affected in dealing with their insurance companies.  www.Uphelp.org

Recommended first steps to fire insurance here.
What to ask your adjuster? Tips here.

RENTAL PROPERTIES

Boulder Area Rental Housing Association BARHA
https://www.barhaonline.org/available-properties-for-displaced-tenants/ 

LOCAL CONGRESSMEN

If you have any questions about assistance or need help replacing any federal documents, please call Joe Neguse’s office at 303-335-1045

TRANSIT

Marshall Fire-Related Transportation and Transit Resources
https://www.bouldercounty.org/transportation/multimodal/marshall-fire-transit/
For any questions please reach out Andrea Meneghel, andreameneghel@boulderchamber.com

HOME INSPECTION

Please contact Scott Home Inspection for discounts to any homeowners whose homes were in the fire zone and is still  standing https://scotthomeinspection.com/ 

SMOKE REMEDIATION & ENVIRONMENTAL

Jeanine Humphrey Certify IAQ Pros, 303-995-7015. She was very informative and can test the homes for VOC,  Formaldehyde and for particulates.

Don Humphrey at RDA Environmental 720-238-2417. They deal with all sorts of contamination issues, and I have found  them to be reasonably prices.

More tips on Smoke Remediation here.

FEMA

Those with uninsured or underinsured losses should apply for assistance with FEMA by visiting DisasterAssistance.Gov; calling  1-800-621-3362; or downloading the FEMA app.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf 

** The more people register to FEMA in the community, the more funding the  community will receive… please apply**

**NOT TO TOUCH/DIG THOUGH THE ASH FOOTPRINT, IT MAY IMPACT YOUR ABILITY TO GET PROPER FUNDING**

When applying, it’s helpful to have the following information available:

  • Address of the dwelling/structure where the damage occurred; Current mailing address; Current telephone number; Insurance information; Total household annual income; Social Security number; Routing and account number for checking or savings account; and A description of disaster-caused damage and losses.

           

The Boulder Chamber and Northwest Chamber Alliance‘s Fire Emergency Response and Recovery Resources

Boulder Chamber’s Fire Emergency Response and Recovery Resources 

Northwest Chamber Alliance Provides a list of resources HERE.

  • General Resources
  • For Your Business
  • For Your Workplace
  • To Offer Support
  • Restaurant Offers
  • COVID-19 Resources

Advice For Those Who May Have Suffered the Loss of a Home

The following information was put together by a homeowner whose entire home was swept away in the  2013 floods. It offers valuable advice for those who may have suffered the tragic loss of a home in the  Marshall fire.

SHELTER – find somewhere as fast as you can that will give you some stability and peace. The sooner you can “settle” without  bouncing around friends, the better. If possible, rent for 6 mos minimum.

INSURANCE – file asap. There will be a long queue, better to get to the front of the line. Be prepared to be incredibly persistent  and fight when necessary. Hopefully, depending on your situation, you will have coverage and the sooner you know what that  looks like the sooner you can start to assess your options for the longer term. Depending on your insurance situation you may  have options for reimbursement on basic living expenses (hotel, clothing etc.) during this immediate phase. Keep receipts for  everything. When in doubt, just keep the receipt.

FIND A FRIEND WHO IS YOUR “REPRESENTATIVE”. Make them the contact person to triage all the inbound offers of help from  everyone else who wants to help you. Trust me, there will be lots of offers. Have your representative help you come up with a  list of basic needs for living, clothing sizes etc. This will give folks some clear direction on how to help you.

CASH IS KING. Believe me it’s the weirdest thing to accept money but we did and you should. Cash and gift cards help most  vs hand me downs. But you will need both so breathe in and out and say thank you. You might know what you need for the  next few days but not the next few weeks and months. Encourage your representative to suggest cash and gift cards as they  will offer the most flexibility but take what is offered and pass on what you don’t think you’ll need.

PEOPLE WILL WANT TO HELP. People you don’t know, never will know. Accept it. It’s weird and strange but this is community,  this is love. You will see the best in humans and it will bring out the best in yourselves. Thank them, don’t feel guilty. One  day you’ll pay it forward and in the meantime it will give you great comfort.

CATALOG EVERY LOST ITEM: As soon as you’re ready, try to build a list of every item you’ve lost. I mean EVERY item. You  may or may not need it for insurance. You will want it for taxes as you’ll be filing a casualty loss.

APPLY FOR EVERYTHING The Boulder Community Foundation and other organizations will set up grants. Apply for everything. Friends can apply for programs on your behalf. We got $300 from a church I’ve never been to and $1,000 from Oscar Blues.  Every bit helps. This will take some time before these things are available but you will want to be plugged in to the City of  Louisville / Superior so you can go to the meetings which will talk about options for grants, rebuilding etc. etc. These  meetings aren’t easy as the need will be great but being smart about this will help you.

STAY HOPEFUL FOR FEMA. Biden has declared the Marshall Fire a federal disaster but not yet for individual personal property  loss. This is still possible as they continue to survey the damage and would be helpful as it opens federal support, including up  to $35,500 in FEMA aid. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.

IF YOUR NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE. FIND SOMEONE. If you need to scream, scream. This is a loss. A real loss you should not  feel guilty for or minimize. Grieve how you need. If you normally make quick decisions on big things. Do. If you don’t, give  yourself time. If you’re lost, be kind to yourself and give yourself time. Your ideas about what you want to do will change.

MORTGAGE – if you have one, call your mortgage company. Some will be prepared to work with you to temporarily payments  while you sort things out. Your options here can vary widely so definitely be making this call right away. It will also help that  FEMA has made the designation to offer assistance (this means something to national mortgage companies) as of today.


Recommended GO Bag Contents

What we wish we would have known in case of an emergency.  Recommendations on how to pack a GO bag here.


From our hearts to yours, this community will inspire the world with our resilience. Please reach out for any needs or assistance. 

 

Oktoberfest in CO + Tips to Relocate to Boulder

Sponsored by First Bite


Love Boulder like we do? Follow along easily on  Facebook  and  Instagram.
We want to see your Boulder adventures too! Use the tag #travelboulder on IG for a chance to be featured on our page.

LUKI Brewery is hosting an Oktoberfest for two weeks this fall. Courtesy photo

Oktoberfests in Colorado

In Things to do by Sarah Kuta September 15th, 2021

Nothing says fall quite like sipping a pumpkin beer or an Oktoberfest lager, surrounded by people eating pretzels, wearing lederhosen and dancing the polka.

Though many events are smaller or are requiring some special considerations because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado’s Oktoberfests are back nonetheless. Below are a few of our favorites — add them to your calendar now so you can make the most of the Centennial State’s most colorful season.


Upslope

Sept. 16
More info: https://www.upslopebrewing.com/events/oktoberfest-at-upslope/

Upslope’s Oktoberfest will turn your boring Thursday evening into a night you won’t forget. They’re serving up Bavarian-inspired beers and brats from Mighty Burgers, plus hosting a stein-hoisting challenge, too. They’re offering custom Upslope half-liter steins for $12 with a free first refill of Oktoberfest or German pilsner.

 

MainStage Brewing Company

Sept. 17-18
More info: https://www.mainstagebrewing.com/

If you haven’t made it up to Lyons in a while, now is the time to go and check out the new MainStage Brewing Company. The brewery is hosting an epic Oktoberfest bash Sept. 17 and 18 featuring dozens of Oktoberfests, Marzens, Festbiers and other beer styles from breweries across the Front Range. The event is free to attend and there will be polka, pretzels and games.

 

LUKI Brewery

Sept. 18-Oct. 2
More info: https://www.lukibrew.com/

LUKI is a new circus-themed brewery that opened in Arvada in the summer of 2020. This year, they’re going all out with a two-week Oktoberfest celebration that features a coloring contest, Bavarian pretzels with German mustard and cold brews. They’re also doing other fun events like stein painting, beer and cupcake pairings and live polka music.

 

READ MORE


Hiking trail in Boulder

What to Know About Relocating to Boulder

In  Living  by Catherine Burgess September 14, 2021

So you’re considering planting your life in Boulder? Beyond the “usual” —  more days of sunshine than Miami, a cultural commitment to intellectual and physical health, ardent love of quality food and dazzling outdoor adventure — what does a Boulder relocation offer you?

 

A Welcoming Community

Unlike some parts of the country, in which your family needs three or four generations to be considered real contributors, northern Colorado quickly welcomes newcomers. With government research laboratories (NOAANIST) and University of Colorado Boulder bringing visiting scholars and scientists for sabbatical years, and with aggressive hiring in our burgeoning tech and entrepreneurial industries, for decades, our local culture has invited new transplants to get involved right from the get-go.

Boulder places of worship, libraries and museums actively encourage dynamic community engagement. For example, the Museum of Boulder not only explores the untold/underrepresented roots of our community and what will be tomorrow’s history, but their mission also empowers the museum to function as a community center. In addition to permanent and rotating exhibits, they host rooftop yoga and dance classes, blood drives, film screenings, benefits, community conversations on relationships and parties of all kinds. They shine a spotlight on other non-profits, as well as local artists and musicians. The museum provides a multitude of volunteer opportunities; currently, it is asking for community help preparing a latinx Voces Vivas exhibit.  Additionally, the Museum of Boulder continuously asks for suggestions/interpretations about what in our current Boulder experience should be preserved for future generations.


Travel Boulder Magazine

Winter / Spring issue is now accepting advertising
Space deadline Oct.1stPublished
December 2021 thru May 2022Reserve your advertising space today and receive a 1/4 page ad for $600.
Distributed at 105+ locations across Boulder county year round.
Now mailed to 17,000 + high income households and business in Boulder zip codes.
Travelboulder.com is the ultimate guide to exploring, staying, living, dining and enjoying Boulder, for both locals and visitors. Together, the popular website and the Travel Boulder print magazine offer the most comprehensive guides to Boulder County, written and published by locals. Since launching in 2017, Travel Boulder has become respected as the top guide to all things Boulder.

Contact:
john@travelboulder.com
720-708-6803


 

Preparation, Presentation & Pricing

THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION, PRESENTATION & PRICING

Featuring Colorado Landmark agent Phil Booth

We may be in a strong sellers’ market this year, but we firmly believe that in order to sell for top dollar in a timely manner that the three P’s are super important… preparation, presentation, and pricing!

 

Case in point:  Rising Star Award recipient and agent Phil Booth picked up an expired Boulder Townhome listing this fall. The home was vacant, and fairly outdated. It had been on the market for three months without selling. His sellers spent $4,500 on some maintenance issues, new bathroom counters and interior painting throughout (preparation), and $2,000 on staging (presentation). They priced it carefully, based on direct comparisons in the area (pricing). It went under contract in one  day for $12,000 above the expired listing price!

 

Below are the incredible before and after photos documenting this transformation.

 

 

Colorado Landmark offers a variety of tools through our Landmark Advantage Program to bring maximum value to our clients, and take the stress out of buying and selling a home.  Given that every house is unique, we thoughtfully create a customized plan for each client.  We have partnered with fantastic companies to add even more value. Concierge and Staging Solutions fueled by Zoom Casa and access to the Transitional Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) program from Elevations Credit Union, the No. 1 credit union mortgage lender in Colorado, are just a couple of them. To learn more about Landmark Advantage, contact us today!

 

CLR Agent Brett Sawyer sworn in as 2021 Chairman of the Boulder Area Realtor Association

Colorado Landmark is so proud of our agent, Brett Sawyer who was sworn in as the Chairman of the Boulder Area Realtor Association for 2021.

Brett Sawyer, 2021 BARA Chairman

Brett has been a leader in the Boulder Real Estate Community for many years, previously serving on the BARA Board of Directors, and as Chairman of the BARA Communication Committee.  Being elected as the 2021 Chairman is a testament to his incredible leadership, integrity and innovation in this ever-changing business. 

Brett was sworn in during the virtual Board of Directors meeting by Colorado Landmark President and Founder Joel Ripmaster.

BARA Installation October 21, 2020

As a Boulder Native, Brett’s knowledge of the local market is superb, and he has traveled and transacted throughout the communities and neighborhoods of Boulder County throughout his life and career.

This latest role furthers Brett’s commitment to the continued improvement of the real estate industry as a trainer and coach of real estate professionals. 

Check out Brett’s Website to see his current listings, client testimonials, or to contact Brett. 

Enjoy A Night of Cultural Celebration!

Organized by Niwot High School Freshman, Oliver Fowler, Bringing Cultures Together with One Meal aims to highlight the diversity of our community through two universal languages – food and music!

The Niwot Tavern, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and Boulder Symphony worked in harmony to bring you a Take Out Family Dinner featuring dishes from around the world to enjoy with family and friends. Let’s celebrate the diverse heritages of our community!

 

We have orchestrated this fabulous menu for you to savor:

 

North American Fare
Cucumber tomato salad with a fresh herb dressing

Latin American Fare
Platanos maduros fritos – fried sweet plantain slices

African Fare
Ghanaian waakye topped with a chicken and vegetable tomato based stew. (veggies include carrots, red peppers, onions and zucchini)

Asian Fare
Japanese cheesecake – rich and creamy taste, light and fluffy texture.

 

Grab your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bringing-cultures-together-with-one-meal-tickets-115229259818

 

Boulder Named Among Most Stable Housing Markets In U.S.

Boulder, CO has been once again named as one of the most Stable Housing Markets in the US, according to a study just released by Smart Asset.

Boulder was number 3 on the list, and according to the study, “The Boulder, Colorado metro area also had a 0% chance of a 5% drop in housing price in the 10 years after it was purchased, within the time period from 1995 to 2019. The overall growth in home prices in Boulder in those 25 years was 251.21%, the 15th-highest growth rate across all 357 metro areas in the study.”

Fort Collins, CO also made the list at #6, and Denver, CO at #35. 

Boulder Named #1 Small City in America by Monocle Magazine

Monocole Magazine, World Famous Travel and Culture Publication, has declared Boulder the #1 Small city in America and the only American city in the top 10.

“There’s something fascinating about the currents moving through this place, from tech start-ups to regenerative farming projects via health-food brands. Boulder punches above its weight because it seems to have perfected the work-life balance (people “work to live” here, according to one Boulderite).”

Since 1977, Colorado Landmark Realtors has been setting the tone for Local Real Estate Excellence in the best small city in America. Let us help you find your home in the best community in America.