Life & Work with Todd Jirsa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Jirsa.

Hi Todd, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Moved to Colorado in 1983 after graduating from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. Opened a retail outdoor sporting goods business in Estes in 1985. Received a Pilot’s license in 1990. was elected to the local School Board in 2000. Re-elected to that board 2 more times and served as its President for 6 years until I was term-limited in 2014.

Ran for Mayor of Estes Park in 2016, was elected and served until 2020. Currently the co-owner of a Retail Goldsmith business in Estes. Also, serve as a Trustee of the Muriel L. MacGregor Charitable Trust 150-year-old historic ranch in the Estes Valley. I’ve always tried to make the most of my free time.

Over the years, I’ve kept myself entertained by, coaching youth sports, kayaking, mountaineering, paragliding, competitive airplane aerobatics, ranching, motorcycle world land speed racing, and motorcycle desert racing.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been lots of struggles and personal challenges along the way. I’ve always tried to use them as an opportunity for growth, learning, and ultimately, for a more fulfilling life. I’ve always found the biggest obstacle to be the negative reactions from others.

Whether it’s people’s insecurity, fear of change, lack of empathy, misunderstanding, or personal issues, there’s always someone who wants to stand in the way of your success. It’s important to remember that you can’t control how others react. Keep focused on your personal goals rather than external reactions.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve always found a creative release and an intellectual challenge in building things. I built the house where I currently live in 1996. I’ve built two airplanes, 6 motorcycles, a boat, and an expedition camper.

I’m probably most proud of the Land Speed Moto Guzzi motorcycle that I built in 2012 that set 3 World Land Speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I don’t think about whether I have good luck or bad luck.

A good friend told me years ago on a mountaineering trip to Alaska, that, “God looks after stupid people” and if that was true, I’d have nothing to worry about.

Contact Info:

• Website: macgregorranch.org