Aaron Fernandes, Open Sky Executive Director Named Entrepreneur of Year 2008
Durango, CO—April, 2009—Durango’s Chamber Annual Awards Event presented Aaron Fernandes, founder of Open Sky Wilderness, its prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award this January. Fernandes was acknowledged for his entrepreneurial achievements at the Durango Chamber Annual Awards ceremony held at Fort Lewis College.
When Fernandes started Open Sky, he challenged the industry’s typical business model by integrating a holistic vision to the wilderness therapy experience. This innovative program design provided the foundation for immediate growth.
“It doesn’t get any better than this,” explains Fernandes. “I get to work with people I respect and admire. I get to make a living doing work I absolutely love. The work I do has purpose and is making a difference in the world. And I get to do it all here, where I choose to be, in Durango. I’m very excited and honored to receive this award. It reinforces that what we do is meaningful, not only to the families we work with, but to this community and it’s leaders as well.”
During a time when the economy is faltering, Fernandes and Open Sky lead the way: creating jobs, providing an important, necessary service and contributing to community vitality. With endless energy, passion and enthusiasm to change the lives of each student and family in his program, Fernandes is the driving force behind Open Sky.
“Whether you’re at the carwash or in a meeting room, Aaron’s passion is contagious,” says Jack Llewellen, Executive Director of the Durango Chamber of Commerce. “He portrays the very definition of an entrepreneur. He’s willing to take a risk, to pull together resources and to follow his dream. He has been very successful.”
