John Wolgamott, a local entrepreneur, was recently named the Economic Development Leader of the Year by the Region 9 Economic Development District Board of Directors.

Wolgamott was recognized Sept. 24 at the annual Region 9 meeting for his work with the Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs, an organization he helped found. So far, the accelerator has helped start 10 companies in two years.

Wolgamott also has ownership in StoneAge, Steamworks Brewing Co., El Moro Spirits and Tavern, and Girard Properties, a local commercial real estate firm.

“He’s got the hands-on experience of growing a company from the ground up,” said Elizabeth Marsh, SCAPE director.

He brings this experience to the businesses he mentors through SCAPE.

“He spends a ridiculous amount of time working with the companies that are in the program,” Marsh said.

Wolgamott said he tends to gravitate to those companies that have a manufacturing aspect where he can help with concepts such as inventory control.

He is drawn to mentorship because he enjoys helping others create jobs. Without good jobs, young people struggle, he said.

“It’s a very dead-end, frustrating existence,” he said.

But if good jobs are available, it helps build a better community.

“To be able to help people create jobs for other people so they can earn a living ... that’s a very rewarding thing; It’s one of the things that’s really needed in this world.”

Some of the previous winners include Joe Keck of Cortez, a retired Southwest Small Business Development Center director, and the late Leonard Burch, former Southern Ute tribal chairman.

mshinn@durangoherald.com