News Summary
Gary Klifman, a significant entrepreneur in Crested Butte, is set to retire after almost 30 years of success in the log furniture industry. His journey took him from California to establishing a prominent business in the charming mountain town. With a legacy built on hard work and commitment, Klifman’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. As he steps into retirement, the impact he made on the local community will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
Crested Butte – Gary Klifman, a prominent figure in the Crested Butte community and a successful entrepreneur, is preparing to retire at the end of this summer after nearly 30 years of establishing his business and life in the picturesque mountain town. Klifman’s journey, from his beginnings in California to his prominence in the log furniture industry, illustrates a remarkable story of resilience and adaptability.
Klifman, originally from Huntington Beach, California, began skiing at the young age of seven. His family, passionate about skiing, frequented Aspen for vacations, which laid the groundwork for his future love of mountain life. At age 13, the Klifman family relocated to Thousand Oaks, California. Gary worked at his father’s meat market in Oxnard throughout high school, gaining valuable work experience, even as he graduated in 1977 without pursuing further education.
By 19, he was running Rancho Meats, his father’s shop, where he developed his entrepreneurial spirit. Klifman enjoyed the beach lifestyle for six years while living in Ventura, California, marrying at 21 and becoming a father to his daughter Amy in 1981. Following his first marriage’s end, he remarried and welcomed his son Garrett in 1987, later having a daughter, Angel, in 1991.
In the late 1990s, Klifman’s father moved to Crested Butte and bought two local businesses, Coal Creek Sports and the Grubstake. Gary first visited the town in 1990 for his father’s wedding and fell in love with the area. Following the end of his second marriage, he relocated to Crested Butte in 1996, living in his father’s cabin while helping to establish Red Mountain Logworks, a venture inspired by his father’s creative use of foraged logs to craft swings.
Klifman’s entrepreneurial journey began in earnest as he transitioned from painting houses to founding his own painting business. The log furniture enterprise took off, necessitating a larger workspace. In 2001, Red Mountain Logworks secured a property on Highway 135, which was appropriately zoned for their operations. The business specializes in unique log furniture made from dead-standing trees collected with permits from the forest service, complementing the area’s natural beauty.
The design of their furniture, influenced by the Adirondack style, is dubbed “Rocky Mountain Adirondacks.” Their creations have found homes in various notable locations, including the CBMR resort, purchased by the Mueller family, as well as partnerships with Vail Resorts and several establishments along Elk Avenue. By 2005, Red Mountain Logworks had established itself as a successful business, even selling products through Bass Pro after developing a successful relationship with its owner, who purchased furniture for his hunting lodge.
After his father’s retirement in 2012, Klifman navigated personal complexities while fostering his business. Following a tumultuous relationship with his wife, Lisa, they ultimately reconciled. Klifman has continued to seek adventure, having picked up snowboarding in 1999, although a pelvis injury in 2016 has limited his skiing opportunities since then. His hobbies now include fishing, particularly ice fishing, and he travels for ocean fishing adventures.
As Klifman prepares for retirement, he leaves behind a legacy marked by hard work and commitment to the Crested Butte community, showcasing the spirit of entrepreneurship that defines the town. His journey from a young Californian surfer to a successful business owner serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Crested Butte News: Profile of Gary Klifman
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- Crested Butte News: Business Section
- Google Search: Mountain Entrepreneurship
- Crested Butte News: Log Furniture Industry
- Google Scholar: Log Furniture Business
- Crested Butte News: Community Section
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mountain
- Crested Butte News: Skiing Section
- Google News: Ski Clubs
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
