Ryan Richards

Originally from Athens, Ohio, he moved to the Vail Valley (Colorado) in 2003 after graduating from Ohio University. Acquiring a B.S. in Exercise Physiology and Organizational Communications with a desire to pursue outdoor recreation, the Vail area sparked his curiosity. Growing up an athlete and lifelong skier who thrives on competition and adventure, the lifestyle change was refreshing. Living in an affluent playground requires an unconventional work ethic and creativity, and adaptation in vocation inspired me towards entrepreneurship. His first successful business was a fitness concept started in 2006; then he founded Vail Valley's first and only (boutique) hostel, the Bunkhouse, in 2016; and he became a luxury real estate agent in 2022, with $20M in closing his first two years.