We had the good fortune of connecting with Dillon Larson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dillon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had been leasing out my homes to a sober living company here in Colorado and after years of the homes getting run down and clients living in conditions that are not conducive to recovery I decided it was time for me to discontinue the relationship and I knew that the only way for me to provide a level of care appropriate to helping people overcome substance abuse disorders was to oversee the project in it’s entirety. I began to research the current climate of recovery services here in Colorado and discovered there was a gap in the continuum of care, meaning clients were staying in a higher level of care only to be discharged into a lower level of care with no flow between. In my experience it is important to work with individuals from the beginning of their recovery journey to the point at which they are ready to be on their own. By providing a transitional program we can ensure that an individual receives different levels of care throughout their recovery journey. Our clinicians can track and monitor their successes and struggles and adjust as necessary to put the clients in the best possible position to succeed. It was these discoveries that ultimately inspired me to start Foundations. The aim is, and always has been, to provide a higher level of care for our clients who are suffering from substance abuse disorder.

Waiting room with beige sofas, black coffee table, and white walls. Doors are open, ceiling has rectangular lights.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Foundations is a fully transitional substance abuse disorder program here in Colorado. We believe in meeting individuals where they are at in their recovery journey, assessing them utilizing our clinical staff and implementing a treatment plan that will give the individual the best chance to succeed. We have a commercial clinical office in Aurora that has six offices, 3 large group rooms and has an attached free community center. The community center has resources and a safe space for people to find the help they need. What really sets us apart is a few things; First, we have 15 homes (178 beds) in seven different cities across Colorado to serve the greater population. Second, we offer a program that includes an in-person or Telehealth Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program and General Outpatient Program. Lastly, what sets us apart from the majority of sober living companies here in Colorado is that our goal is to get our clients back into the real world instead of living endlessly in a sober living environment. Each individual case is different but our aim is to get an individual stabilized and back in the community within 5-7 months. It is unfortunate that sober living companies here in Colorado have created a culture of dependency for the companies own gain instead of what is best for the client. It is in large part the fuel that started the fire behind my inspiration to start a company that was different that the standard protocol seen here in Colorado. Being part of the recovery community we have a moral obligation to behave in a manner that is best for the suffering individual.

Most people don’t realize that Foundations is a project I started outside of my normal business practices. Another business and passion of mine is Larson Home Realty, which is a boutique real estate brokerage here in Denver where I help clients buy and sell real estate. My inspiration for real estate came when the housing market crashed in 2008 and I saw my father’s wealth drop by a third. I made a decision at that time that my financial well-being was not going to be contingent upon the stock market. I started buying homes as quickly as I could and turning them into rentals. I now own 9 homes in 2 different states. The future financial freedom this will provide is a story I love to share with my real estate clients to help them diversify their portfolio and generate passive income. I love helping people generate wealth and create opportunities for themselves.

Group of people standing outside a house, holding a red ribbon for a celebration or event.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love the incredible array of opportunities here in Colorado, whether it is night life, downtown vibes or the mountains. Some of my favorite spots here in the metro area is Washington Park or visiting one of our many reservoirs. My true love is the mountains. I love going hiking and spending time in the hot springs of Buena Vista, Glenwood Springs and Steamboat Springs just to name a few. If I had a full week I would hit Washington Park, go get sushi downtown at Blue Sushi and then head to the hills for some hiking and hot springs. The people here in Colorado are very warm and welcoming. They place a focus on fitness and connection with nature which is something I hold in high regard.

Group of people at a bowling alley, some standing and one lying on the floor, with bowling lanes in the background.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It would be difficult for me to think of just one person or organization to thank as there are so many amazing people out there who have helped us be successful. I’ll narrow it down to three people who have been instrumental in Foundation’s success. First of all I’d like to mention my business partner and fellow founder Angela Schulz for bringing to the table 20 years of experience in substance abuse disorder utilizing a full continuum of care. Second, Danny Murphy who is our Director of Operations and is our loudest voice in the community and has developed incredible relationships with the substance abuse disorder community and for that we thank you. Lastly, Chris DeLanney, Chris is our Regional Director and is responsible for overseeing our staff and ensuring quality control in our homes. All three of the individuals are the core and beating heart of the Foundations program. A special shoutout goes to all our amazing coaches and clinical staff as well. We love you and thank you for all you do for our clients.

Website: https://foundationsincorporated.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundations.inc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundations-incorporated/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Foundations-Incorporated-61556342601156/

Building with a sign that reads 'AQUARIUM' and a display window, with a wet parking lot in front.

Large room with tables, chairs, a foosball table, and a lounge area, with windows and a TV on the wall.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.