Gunnison County Republicans will challenge the District 1 County Commissioners seat in the June 2020 Primary Election. Candidate Dave Taylor is a write-in on the June primary ballot and must receive 140 “write-ins” of his name in order to be printed on the November 2020 General Election ballot.
Dave attended Colorado State University and Graduated in 1980 with distinction (top 10%) with a B.S. in Business Administration-Concentration in Accounting. He passed the CPA exam in 1982. While his CPA certification has expired his deep knowledge of accounting and finance have served him well in his life and business endeavors.
Dave started his career with Touche Ross & Co, a big 8 public accounting firm in 1980. He went to work for a client in the cattle business in 1983 as controller and then Financial V.P. Dave worked at Red River Feed Yard in Stanfield, AZ formerly owned by John Wayne. The 1986 stock market crash forced the owner of this company into bankruptcy and Dave moved on. From 1987 to 1995, Dave was a commodity broker, golf course business manager and restaurant owner.
Dave’s big break in business came in 1995 when he went to work for a visionary entrepreneur in the temporary labor business. Dave returned to Denver in 1997 and became the majority stockholder in the Denver subsidiary of the temporary labor business. This operation grew from 4 offices to 9 offices from 1997 to 2009. During their heyday this business did 8-10 million dollars in revenue and employed as many as 500 workers a day. Most years the temporary labor business issued 2000-2500 W-2’s annually. The financial crisis of 2008 forced the labor company to downsize, but the company was profitable every year of Dave’s ownership.
Many temporary employees at the labor company were people getting back on their feet or still struggling with substance abuse, drug addiction, or trouble with legal issues. Dave’s company was often the employer of last resort for many. Dave developed a strong advocacy for the underdog through this experience. All workers were treated fairly and with respect and dignity.
Dave and Susie purchased the Gunnison KOA campground in 2004. Somewhat, serendipitously, Dave’s parents had been work campers at the campground from 1997-2001 and Dave and Susie visited often with their young family. Dave’s critically ill Mom, and his Dad would live at their beloved campground with support from the family. Mom went to heaven on July 4, 2004 during the first year of ownership.
In 2012, Dave sold his interest in the temporary labor company back to the visionary who had provided the opportunity and became a full-time resident of Gunnison. As the campground is open from May 1, to October 1, the off season provided great opportunity for Dave to do things he wanted to do. He worked at Alta convenience store where he met more community members in a short time that he had in his previous 8 years in Gunnison. His ego over powered his common sense when he purchased the former Trough restaurant and operated as “Double Dave’s” and then “The Steakhouse” for about a year. While this operation may have been successful with more time, the all-consuming nature of the restaurant business and financial commitment were too much and the restaurant was closed. Humbled but not broken, valuable lessons were learned!
Volunteering at the Gunnison food pantry and the senior center followed. After a several teen suicides in the community and the dire need for School Bus drivers, Dave decided to drive a school bus in the off season to connect with our youth. Committed to show a positive attitude and happiness to all who rode his bus, maybe one day he could be the friendly voice that could avert a disaster.
Dave became aware that School Board positions were sometimes hard to fill, so he applied and was appointed to the School Board in December of 2019. With a strong background in accounting and finance he hopes to help navigate the financial stress of COVID budget issues and bring a business perspective to school business.
While politics were not a consideration before COVID, Dave was motivated to bring a fresh voice to county politics. As a businessman, Dave wants to bring more balance to the BOCC. Support of local business and positive communication are high priorities. Dave’s financial aptitude will allow him to go deep into county finance and clearly explain financial issues to our taxpayers. Dave is very approachable and is committed to giving honest, straight forward answers, to all questions.
Dave Taylor (61) grew up in Naperville, Il and graduated from Naperville Central H.S. in 1976. Mom, Matilda (deceased 2004) Dad, Jim (88) instilled strong values in their Sons Tom (63) Dave (61) and Bill (59).
Married to his High School sweet heart, Susie in 1980, they will celebrate their 40th anniversary in June. Daughter, Katie (37) operates a successful legal recruiting business with her Partners. Son, Michael (33) is a paramedic with Gunnison Valley Hospital.
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