Meet Blaine Koker-tatalovich | Owner & Founder 4×4 Colorado

We had the good fortune of connecting with Blaine Koker-tatalovich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Blaine, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Blaine Koker-Tatalovich and Josh Frakes-Belair were on a rugged weekend adventure in Colorado’s mountains when inspiration struck. As outdoor enthusiasts, they’d long embraced the freedom and simplicity of rooftop camping. But during this trip, frustration mounted over the lack of viable options on the market. The tents they encountered were either poorly constructed, with flimsy materials that couldn’t withstand Colorado’s unpredictable weather, or outrageously expensive, priced far beyond what most adventurers could afford. Sitting around a campfire, the two began to imagine a better solution: a rooftop tent that would combine premium quality, durability, and affordability—designed by people who truly understood the needs of outdoor explorers.

With Blaine’s eye for design and Josh’s expertise in project execution, they sketched out the foundation of what would become 4×4 Colorado. Their vision was clear: create a brand that would empower adventurers with high-quality rooftop tents built for rugged terrains and accessible to the everyday outdoor enthusiast. Over the next few months, they poured their passion into sourcing robust materials, refining designs, and ensuring every product would meet the demands of Colorado’s untamed wilderness. Today, 4×4 Colorado stands as a testament to their shared belief that everyone deserves reliable gear to fuel their adventures, without breaking the bank.

What should our readers know about your business?
At 4×4 Colorado, we believe adventure should be accessible to everyone, not just those with deep pockets or a willingness to settle for subpar gear. We’re a rooftop tent company born out of necessity, shaped by passion, and driven by a desire to create something better for the outdoor community. What sets us apart is our commitment to combining rugged durability, innovative design, and affordability—offering rooftop tents that are as tough as the Colorado wilderness yet attainable for the everyday explorer.

We’re most proud of the community we’ve built around our brand. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear from adventurers who’ve taken our tents to mountain peaks, desert valleys, and everywhere in between. Seeing our gear play a role in helping people connect with the outdoors fuels our passion and keeps us striving for even better solutions.

Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. We faced our share of challenges, from sourcing high-quality materials that could withstand unpredictable elements to ensuring our products remained affordable without compromising on durability. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned along the way is that perseverance pays off. We leaned on each other, learned from mistakes, and stayed true to our vision of creating a product we’d want to use ourselves.

4×4 Colorado is more than just a rooftop tent company; it’s a story of grit, ingenuity, and a love for the great outdoors. We want the world to know that no matter where your adventure takes you, our gear is built to support the journey. Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or a weekend warrior, 4×4 Colorado is here to make your outdoor dreams more accessible and unforgettable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Colorado for a week, I’d make sure they got the ultimate experience—combining epic outdoor adventures with some of the best food, drinks, and vibes Colorado has to offer. Here’s the perfect itinerary for a week-long trip:

Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Denver
Morning: Kick off the trip with breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery in Denver. Their pancakes are legendary.
Afternoon: Explore Denver’s RiNo Art District, filled with vibrant murals and unique breweries. A stop at Odell Brewing Co. is a must.
Evening: Head to El Five for Mediterranean-inspired tapas and incredible skyline views to toast the start of an epic week.
Day 2: Boulder and Flatirons
Morning: Drive to Boulder and enjoy breakfast at Lucile’s Creole Cafe—the beignets are worth the hype.
Afternoon: Hike the Flatirons trail and soak in the iconic views.
Evening: Have dinner at Flagstaff House Restaurant, perched above the city with mountain vistas and a fine-dining menu.
Day 3: Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Morning: Drive to Estes Park and fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Mountain Home Cafe.
Afternoon: Spend the day exploring Rocky Mountain National Park—hike Bear Lake, Trail Ridge Road, or even spot some elk in Moraine Park.
Evening: Grab dinner at Twin Owls Steakhouse in Estes Park, known for its rustic ambiance and excellent cuts of meat.
Day 4: Breckenridge
Morning: Head to Breckenridge and stop at Amazing Grace Cafe for a wholesome breakfast.
Afternoon: Stroll through the charming downtown or hit the trails on Peak 8 for a short hike.
Evening: Dine at Hearthstone Restaurant, a mountain gem offering locally sourced cuisine in a historic Victorian house.
Day 5: Aspen
Morning: Make your way to Aspen via Independence Pass—one of the most scenic drives in Colorado. Have breakfast at Poppycock’s Cafe when you arrive.
Afternoon: Hike to Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed spots in the Rockies.
Evening: Treat yourself to dinner at Element 47 in The Little Nell, a luxurious spot with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Day 6: Telluride
Morning: Drive or fly to Telluride, and grab breakfast at The Butcher & The Baker.
Afternoon: Take the free gondola for incredible views or hike the Bridal Veil Falls trail.
Evening: Have dinner at Allred’s Restaurant, located at the top of the gondola with breathtaking panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains.
Day 7: Glenwood Springs
Morning: On the way back to Denver, stop in Glenwood Springs for breakfast at Riviera Scratch Kitchen.
Afternoon: Relax in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool to unwind from the week’s adventures.
Evening: Arrive back in Denver for a farewell dinner at The Fort, a unique spot with a menu inspired by the Old West.
Bonus Stops:
Drinks: Check out Avery Brewing Co. in Boulder or Breckenridge Distillery for handcrafted spirits.
Hangouts: For music lovers, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a must. Even if there’s no concert, you can visit the venue and hike nearby trails.
This itinerary combines Colorado’s stunning natural beauty with its vibrant culinary scene, ensuring an unforgettable week filled with adventure, delicious food, and cherished memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, I’d like to give a massive shoutout to my co-founder, Josh Frakes-Belair. 4×4 Colorado wouldn’t exist without his incredible vision and determination. During that camping trip in Colorado’s backcountry, it was Josh who first pointed out how ridiculous it was that adventurers like us had to choose between overpriced rooftop tents or ones that couldn’t hold up to the elements. His passion for problem-solving and his drive to turn frustration into opportunity lit the spark that got us moving on this journey.

Josh’s ability to take an ambitious idea and transform it into something real has been nothing short of inspiring. From day one, his focus on operational excellence and his knack for fostering collaboration have pushed 4×4 Colorado to where it is today. His encouragement and leadership kept us grounded and motivated, especially during those early days when it felt like the odds were stacked against us. This company wouldn’t be what it is without Josh, and I’m so grateful to have him as a partner on this adventure.

Website: https://www.4x4Colorado.com

Instagram: @4×4.Colorado

Facebook: 4×4 Colorado