New Ownership

OUTWEST GUIDES IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

In 2007, OutWest Guides underwent an ownership and management change. Gary and Doris Hubbell, owners and founders of OutWest Guides, LLC, sold a majority ownership of the company to a Texas consortium headed by Marble landowner and frequent visitor Ken Good.

Mr. Good, who purchased several hundred acres of the defunct Marble Ski Area in the early 1990's, has kept much of the land from development, including deeding several hundred acres back to the U.S. Forest Service. The ski area property is a good location to pasture the horses, but Mr. Good and his partners plan to build a business office, tack building, and corrals on property in the Marble valley floor. The business is no longer located at the ranch on Mile Marker 3 on County Road 3. "When we get all our permits and have some facilities ready, we'll make an announcement," says Ken Good.

"We were really happy to place the business in good hands," said Gary Hubbell. "It was time for us to take on new challenges, and Ken has an outstanding reputation as a quality businessman who will carry on the same traditions that we started here--'the best horses, the best guides, and above all, the best scenery!' Actually, we're excited that Ken approaches the business from an environmentally conscious perspective and his goals are to do the best for the environment first, with a profit motive coming in second place."

Nate May, a 33-year-old wilderness guide, horse trainer, packer, and farrier, completed the picture. Originally from Oregon, Nate spent several years on the Front Range, working as a farrier in the Denver area. Hired by Gary and Doris Hubbell, Nate folded right into running the operations in Marble. "We had a lot of challenges to over come with starting in a new location and still operating, but it was a good learning year, and we got a lot done," Nate says. "We're really looking forward to 2009. Bookings are really looking good, and we think we'll be profitable this year."

"Eventually Nate plans to buy out our remaining share in the business," remarked Gary Hubbell. "He's a great fit for OutWest Guides. It's not often that you can find a guy with all his talents. He's a good horseman, an excellent packer, a top-notch hunting guide, and an expert fly-fishing guide. There are not too many people with all those talents in one package."

In 2007, OutWest Guides gained national recognition for helping Gary Hubbell, who is a location scout for photo shoots, films, and commercials, host Bushnell Optics for a 5-day photo shoot for Bushnell, Stoney Point, Hoppe's, Uncle Mike's, and several other branches of the outdoor giant. "The cover photo on the front and back of the accessories catalogue is our good old Ruby truck," says Nate, "and the inside front cover is a double-page spread of us packing out a bull elk near Marble. When I went to the sportsman's shows, people asked me where we were. I just pulled out the Bushnell catalogue, and said, 'Right there!'"

In 2009 Nate and our newest addition, Dan Poll, will be returning to Marble in May. Dan joined our team in April of 2008 and has learned all the camps and hunting country, and he knows our stock well. He has demonstrated a hard work ethic and loyalty and earned a permanent position with us. "Dan has been a great addition to our team with his talented hunting and fishing skills," Nate said. "He is a pleasure to have in camp and on the ranch."

We had a great success rate during our hunting season (about 50%), Nate, Dan, and our other guides did a great job. The bookings are looking good for 2009 so we should have another enjoyable and successful year.

Our operations should be in the Marble Valley Floor this year which will be easier for everyone to find us, and rides will leave from our new store front. Don't worry though we will be riding the same beautiful trails on the same well trained horses.

Hope to see ya'all on the trail this year.