Drager admits the most challenging part was the permitting process, but construction has now taken on that title.
“Design was relatively easy, but I’d say construction is hard. Right now, they’re spending over $1 million dollars a day, and if something goes wrong, it’s critical that you figure it out and get it fixed,” he said.
The key to success on such a large and challenging project Drager says is to be flexible, open-minded and listen to other people, especially people who are opposed to or have issues with the project and be willing to work with them to develop solutions.
As a Colorado native, Drager has degrees from Colorado State University and Stanford University. Aside from work, he enjoys spending time at his cabin in Red Feather Lakes with his family, road cycling, hiking and reading. He and his wife have two grown children, one who is a high school English teacher in Thornton and one who is a professor at the University of Missouri.
When asked if he would miss Chimney Hollow once the project is complete, he said, “I probably will miss Chimney Hollow, I mean, it’s been a huge part of my life here. I have worked on a lot of other things while I’m here, but Chimney Hollow has been a huge part of it. But I only live a few miles from it, so I’ll probably go visit and enjoy it.”