No Limits Ranch

A Sanctuary for Healing, Inclusion, & Empowerment

No Limits Ranch in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is more than just a retreat; it is a sanctuary for children and young adults with disabilities and their families. Founded by Carolyn Arnold and her son, Andy Arnold, the ranch builds on their earlier initiative, No Limits Art. Andy, who was born with Down syndrome, has been the heart of this mission, using his artistic talents to support disabled veterans. His inspiration comes from his older brother, a disabled veteran, whose experiences shaped Andy’s passion for service. Over time, this dedication evolved into No Limits Ranch—a place where families can heal, bond, and grow through art, horses, and shared experiences.

Operating from Elk Trace Ranch Bed & Breakfast, No Limits Ranch offers a unique mix of outdoor activities and creative outlets designed to foster connections and personal growth. Families take part in therapeutic horseback riding and engage in artistic projects that promote healing and camaraderie. By partnering with various organizations, the ranch also extends its support to disabled veterans and their families, with plans for a major event in North Texas in 2026. By providing a welcoming and inclusive environment, No Limits Ranch ensures that guests can enjoy nature, express themselves creatively, and build lasting friendships.
One of No Limits Ranch's defining aspects is its dedication to fostering independence and confidence among participants. Through hands-on activities, guests develop new skills, conquer personal challenges, and experience the pride of accomplishment. The supportive atmosphere nurtures self-expression while strengthening relationships among family members and peers.

Like many mission-driven organizations, No Limits Ranch has faced challenges, especially in creating a sustainable business model. Carolyn Arnold credits the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for helping her navigate these obstacles. In 2024, she enrolled in the SBDC Leading Edge business plan course, where she gained valuable insights into structuring a business plan, refining her goals, and effectively communicating the ranch’s mission. Carolyn describes the experience as transformative, turning a daunting task into a manageable roadmap for the future. The knowledge she gained has enabled her to better strategize for long-term growth and impact.

Carolyn strongly praises the SBDC’s role in her journey. “Mary Shepherd is a 10 out of 10,” she states. “She truly loves what she does and the people she supports. She’s always available with a listening ear and valuable insight, knowing exactly who to connect you with.” The SBDC’s guidance has not only provided No Limits Ranch with a solid foundation but has also connected Carolyn to a network of professionals and resources that continue to drive the mission forward.

With a growing base of community support, No Limits Ranch is ready to make a lasting impact. The ranch remains dedicated to expanding its reach and developing new programs that further its mission of inclusion, healing, and empowerment. By creating a safe and enriching environment, No Limits Ranch ensures that individuals of all abilities can experience the joy of living a life without limits.

For more information, visit No Limits Ranch.
 

Sober Water

Transforming Lives with Sober Water

Durango, Colorado, is home to a groundbreaking company dedicated to more than just selling bottled water. Founded by Ryan Whittaker, Sober Water is revolutionizing the beverage industry while addressing one of our most pressing social issues—homelessness and recovery from addiction. Although Sober Water has only been in operation for nine months, its impact has already been profound. The company emerged from Whittaker’s courage to challenge the norms of the bottled water industry by eliminating plastic waste and prioritizing social responsibility. Unlike traditional water companies, Sober Water allocates significant profits to support the homeless and individuals recovering from substance abuse.

The company’s first significant initiative focuses on developing a rehabilitation center and three sober living homes on a 40-acre property in South Central Colorado. This ambitious project confronts national concerns; according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 653,104 people in the U.S. experienced homelessness in 2023. The National Coalition for the Homeless also reports that 55% of homeless individuals struggle with alcohol dependency, while 25% face other substance addictions.

Whittaker and his team believe in the potential for real change. They aim to provide safe, structured environments where individuals can heal, rebuild their lives, and reintegrate into society.

Starting a water company with such an ambitious mission has not been without challenges. Whittaker notes that the greatest hurdle has been mustering the courage to launch a business that dares to do what no other water company has attempted. Staying true to its core values—eliminating plastic waste and supporting individuals in recovery—has required resilience, but the team remains unwavering in its vision.
The Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has played a vital role in assisting Sober Water in navigating the complexities of launching and growing a business. Through consulting, planning, software support, and overall encouragement, the SBDC has provided invaluable guidance to ensure the company's success.

Sober Water is also making strides in sustainable packaging. Its 16—oz Natural Spring Water comes in a reusable and infinitely recyclable ALUMI-TEK twist-top aluminum bottle. Its 12-oz Carbonated Water is packaged in a classic brown, fully recyclable twist-top glass bottle. Unlike many beverage companies, Sober Water has eliminated single-use plastics, setting a new standard for the industry.
Sober Water is more than just a water brand; it’s a movement. By combining sustainability with social impact, Ryan Whittaker and his team illustrate that businesses can be a force for good. Their mission is clear: to eliminate plastic waste, support individuals in recovery, and help break the cycle of homelessness and addiction.

With dedication, innovation, and support from the community, Sober Water proves that real change is not only possible—it’s happening now.

For more information, visit Sober Water.

Legacy Tree Solutions 

Growing a Greener Future

You might think someone who runs a tree service business always knew they wanted to work with trees. However, for Roman Jefferson, owner of Legacy Tree Solutions, his journey to becoming an arborist was far from straightforward. As Roman himself says, "I had no idea what I was going to do with my biology degree. When an arborist visited my class, I thought it sounded boring!" Little did he know that trees would soon become his passion and career.

Born in Northwest Arkansas but having spent significant time in Northern Arizona, the Middle East, and Botswana, Roman’s childhood was anything but ordinary. He finished high school in Botswana and later returned to the U.S. to study biology in Flagstaff, Arizona. His path took a unique turn when he joined AmeriCorps, where he worked in fuel reduction and trail work, even leading a crew for a while. However, the spark that would ignite his career came when he worked with Woodchuck Tree Service in Durango. Here, Roman learned how to climb trees and discovered the intricate science behind arboriculture.

Roman's love for trees and the environment grew after working with David Temple at Trees of Trail Canyon and becoming certified through the International Society of Arboriculture. His mission? "More Trees. Better Trees." Roman aims to improve his town’s urban forest by planting trees and taking care of existing ones through expert care, pesticide use, and proper fertilization. His passion for leadership and his love of trees converged, inspiring him to start his own business—Legacy Tree Solutions—in its fourth season.

Running a business, however, was a whole new adventure. Roman admits, "I knew nothing about running a business and was woefully naive! Thankfully, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) stepped in.” Through business classes and mentorship, Roman gained the tools to create a working business model and plan his company’s future. "I learned the importance of 'bootstrapping' and starting small, which kept us grounded," Roman says. By sticking to the fundamentals of lean manufacturing, Legacy Tree Solutions has grown sustainably, allowing Roman to remain hands-on with his clients and trees while also managing the company’s expansion.

From installing irrigation systems to designing landscapes and providing comprehensive tree services, Legacy Tree Solutions is now an essential part of the community, both economically and ecologically. Roman’s business offers expert tree care and jobs to hardworking individuals, positively impacting their lives.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Learning how to run the business has been tough, but Roman describes it as rewarding: "The stress of being in charge is easily alleviated by the reward of knowing I am making my own destiny."

Roman’s story is one of growth—both personal and professional—and a testament to his dedication to trees, people, and his community. With a commitment to planting more and better trees, Legacy Tree Solutions is helping to shape a greener future, one tree at a time.

For more information, visit Legacy Tree Solutions.