Steamboat Pilot & Today

Rod Hanna, former senior vice president of marketing for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp., is trading in retirement for a new job as president and CEO of Sidney Peak Ranch LLC, which operates the Sidney Peak residential ranch development south of Steamboat Springs.

Chicago businessman John Boler owns the ranch and announced Wednesday that Hanna will manage all phases of the development including sales and marketing of sites, management of the property owner's association and community relations.

Located near Colorado Highway 131 and Routt County Road 14, Sidney Peak Ranch, named for the one-time stage stop and town of Sidney, began to take shape as an upscale hunt equestrian community in 1992.

Slow sales spurred a new development strategy earlier this year involving a development consulting firm and a team of local businesses hired to revamp the ranch to reflect Steamboat's agricultural roots.

Hanna, who retired from Ski Corp. four years ago, has been semi-retired, working in marketing and management consulting while pursuing photography and art projects.

"I was not seeking this," he said about the offer to direct Sidney Peak. "It came out of the blue."

After investigating the ranch community and talking with Boler, Hanna said he was convinced it was a quality project.

"I really began to see, especially with the rebranding and direction, Sidney Peak was a great product and opportunity for me," he said.

Atlanta-based Southcreek Holdings, LLC development consulting firm completed the first phases of the redevelopment strategy, which included opening a downtown sales gallery.

The company's contract ends today, and Hanna officially will take over the process and management duties Saturday.

"They did a terrific job, but now it's my project to do," he said.

The ranch has 32 lots ranging between 40 and 50 deeded acres. Twenty-four lots in the development remain for sale.

Residents share ownership of about 1,200 acres of land, which is used for a cattle operation and is protected by conservation easements.

Owners also share interest in the ranch's indoor and outdoor riding arenas. Hanna and members of the Sidney Peak property owners association have begun looking at plans to renovate the arena and barn complex.

A new Western-style design for the development's entrance has been approved, and construction on that project is expected to begin soon, Hanna said.

One of Hanna's goals is to raise community awareness of the quality and uniqueness of Sidney Peak, aspects he didn't fully realize until he visited the property, he said.

"Until I really went out and toured and saw the entire project, I wasn't aware of how terrific it really is," Hanna said.

He said there is a surprising amount of elevation gain on the ranch parcels, which offer 270-degree views of the surrounding valley. Hanna also was impressed with the quality of the facilities and roads as well as the planning behind home sites.

"Virtually no expense has been spared," he said.

-- To reach Tamera Manzanares call 871-4204 or e-mail tmanzanares@steamboatpilot.com