Owners: Jake & Amanda Kramer
"Jake and I grew up in Montrose, where we were both raised in modest households. We first met in 2006 when I was 16 and Jake was 20; we married two years later in 2008. At the time, Jake was working long hours in the oil field, often averaging hundreds of hours each week, while I worked as a veterinary technician and kennel tech at Montrose Vet Clinic. Shortly after getting married, we became parents with the birth of our first son, Westen, after which I decided to stay at home to focus on motherhood for a couple of years. Our family grew again with the arrival of our youngest son, Colton. Eventually, Jake discovered a piece of property—about five acres—which he purchased and developed into the home we live in today. Despite working an average of 60 hours a week in the oil field, Jake successfully built our house in just five months. Following its completion, he proposed the idea of a dog lodge, mentioning that he wanted to create a space that would allow me to continue being a stay-at-home mom while also providing some supplemental income, so he wouldn't have to work excessively long hours to sustain our family. Jake's idea was inspired by my experience and love for dogs.
With determination and vision, Jake built the kennel, and we opened our doors in November 2014. We embarked on this venture together, self-reliantly, with no assistance from anyone else, as people around us doubted our idea and labeled us as unrealistic. At that time, Jake was 28 and I was 24. During the first two years, I managed the kennel mostly on my own, while Jake contributed whenever he could, balancing his demanding full-time job. It proved to be particularly challenging with two young boys, especially as the business grew much busier than we had anticipated. The level of growth we've achieved today is something we never thought possible.
We are both extremely driven; Jake is an entrepreneur at heart, filled with innovative ideas, and I bring the passion and enthusiasm required to tackle the challenges of building our business to its fullest potential—something I sometimes refer to as my "OCD Queen" nature. Together, Jake is the brains behind our operations, while I handle the execution, making us an effective team.
Our fundamental motivation is to realize the dreams we nurtured in childhood and to establish a successful household as well as thriving businesses. We continuously strive for excellence, and it brings us joy and fulfillment to know that we are taking care of all our customers—both humans and dogs—along with our employees and family."
Jen
Jen is the office manager at Iron will. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in outdoor activities. She currently owns four dogs but dreams of having 400 if it were feasible.
What she loves most about her job at Iron Will is the opportunity to spend time with and care for all of the dogs, as well as collaborate with individuals who share her passion for animal care and well-being.
"If I could share one thing about Iron Will, it would be that this place is magical! It's genuinely a home away from home for these pups! It's just pure magic"
Favorite quote: "The best way to predict the future is to create it!"
Sheilly
Sheilly is one of our lead kennel technicians and serves as an office lead. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, playing soccer, and spending quality time with her family. Currently, she has one dog of her own but dreams of providing a loving home to every dog in need.
Her favorite aspect of working at Iron Will is the opportunity to meet the needs of each dog and to snuggle with them whenever she can.
"If there's one thing I could share with people about Iron Will, it would be the dedication that all our employees show in creating the supportive environment we promise for the dogs. It’s incredibly rewarding to collaborate with others who share the same passion for dogs as I do."
Favorite quote: "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."
Brielee
Brielee serves as our daycare kennel technician at Iron Will. During her leisure time, she takes pleasure in hiking and visiting the gym. While she currently has one dog, she has a desire to own three if circumstances allowed.
What she cherishes most about her role at Iron Will is the opportunity to meet various dogs, getting to know them, and establishing meaningful bonds with each one.
"If I were to share one important aspect about Iron Will, it would be that the dogs form a unique bond with each other that is truly exceptional! They interact and play together like a close-knit family!"
Favorite quote: " Your direction is more important than your speed"
Rebecca
Rebecca is one of our lead kennel technicians. In her free time, she enjoys various forms of artistic expression, including art, watercolor painting, sketching, colored pencils, and mixed media. Rebecca is an exceptionally talented artist. She currently has three dogs but would be thrilled to expand her furry family to seven or eight!
Her favorite aspect of working at Iron Will is the joy of seeing the happy faces and excited tail wags of the dogs when they arrive for boarding and daycare.
"If there is one thing I could share about Iron Will, it would be that we love each dog as if they were our own."
Favorite Quote: "If tears could build a staircase and memories a lane, Id walk right up to heaven and bring you home again."
Luke
Luke is one of our kennel technicians. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and spending quality moments with his family. Although he currently owns two dogs, he often expresses a desire to take care of every dog he encounters if given the chance.
His favorite aspect of working at Iron Will is playing with the dogs, as it brings him immense joy and fulfillment.
One important message he wants people to understand about Iron Will is that "we treat every dog in our care as if they were a member of our own family."
Favorite Quote: "Creativity is intelligence having fun"
Karis
Karis is one of our kennel techs, and is our dog grooming lead. During the summer, she loves swimming, while in the winter, she enjoys snowboarding whenever she has some free time. She currently owns one dog but would gladly take in as many as she has room to accommodate.
Her favorite aspect of working at Iron Will is the opportunity to spend time with all the dogs!
One important thing she wants people to understand about Iron Will is "that their dogs become part of our family from the very beginning. We take great pleasure in making so many furry friends!"
Favorite Quote: "what you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create"
Bailey
Bailey works as one of our kennel techs. During her free time, she can be found riding horses in the mountains accompanied by her dogs or participating in roping events at the jackpots. Although she currently owns three dogs, she often wishes she could have over 100.
One of her favorite aspects of working at Iron Will is the incredible variety of dog breeds that come through our doors.
"She wants everyone to be aware that the dogs at Iron Will receive the highest quality of care. They are thoroughly spoiled and receive ample attention from the staff."
Favorite Quote: "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
Skylee
Skylee is one of our lead kennel technicians. In her free time, she enjoys skiing and participating in rodeo events. She currently owns six dogs, which is just the right number for her!
Her favorite aspect of working at Iron Will is the opportunity to spend all day with the dogs.
"If there’s one thing I would like to share about Iron Will, it’s the deep affection all of the staff has for each of the dogs in our care."
Favorite quote: "It's not what you take when you leave this world behind, it's what you leave behind you when you go"
