John Wells

This past fall, the Durango Business Improvement District (BID) board of directors elected John Wells, partner/broker and president of The Wells Group, to serve as Presiding Officer. But likely John didn’t need the “title” to continue his efforts to help sustain and enhance business as he has been integrally involved in the health and well-being of the Downtown, and Durango in general, for quite some time.

A graduate of Fort Lewis College with a degree in Business Administration, John hails originally from New Mexico. Like so many college students, however, he sought a way to make a living and stay in Durango. Real Estate seemed a good option, and after obtaining his real estate credentials, he managed Purgatory’s real estate company for two years. He, along with his partners, established The Wells Group in 1985, and has worked successfully since that time to build a reputation of integrity and superior service.

John has been a member of both the Colorado Association of Realtors and Durango Area Association of Realtors since 1979, serving in numerous leadership capacities. He received Realtor of the Year in 1991.

When it comes to economic trends, John keeps close watch. Annually, John and his team at the Wells Group host a free economic forum, providing customers and concerned stakeholders with the data needed to make informed decisions going forward during the year.

John has served on the BID board of directors since 2000, and is active in a variety of non-profit organizations and businesses, including the First National Bank Board of Directors, Fort Lewis College Foundation executive board, the La Plata Forum and the Animas Conservancy board. Also a devoted “dad,” John has been active in coaching youth baseball and basketball. In his spare time, John enjoys the mountains and all affiliated sports, from fly-fishing and hiking to skiing.

“I look forward to the coming year with the Business Improvement District,” says John. “In addition to furthering the marketing efforts of Downtown Durango, BID will be exploring development of a business plan for the Central Business District, working with the city to take down those roadblocks for enhanced development that helps create a critical mass of population in the downtown, and moving ahead as we can on plans for a conference and events center.”