Meet Heather Montross-Cowan | Co-owner & Operator at Defiance Rafting Company

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Montross-Cowan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, what is the most important factor behind your success?

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, giving back has always been what motivates me to stretch myself beyond what I thought was possible. That’s why we have built our mission at Defiance Rafting Company around being and doing good. I want our brand to be more than pushing red rafts down the Colorado River (although it’s pretty awesome to be floating through Glenwood Canyon on a warm summer day). What fuels me is to be able to develop our Give Back program, build new partnerships, and engage our community. Our brand is about creating memories on and off the river and giving every opportunity to expand our River Family. We do this by working towards increasing recreational river access to individuals of all abilities by adaptive programing and by giving back though in-kind donations to organizations that align with our mission as well as with those who are committed to preserving the natural environment from which our livelihood depends. The success of our brand is beyond me and includes the team who I work with everyday by bringing enthusiasm and energy to the outdoor industry. We all need to pull from the same rope and celebrate our successes and learn from our mistakes so we are constantly evolving and getting better.

When I launched into this career path of entrepreneurship, I told myself that failure is not an option. I realize now that failure IS an option and that awareness builds my resolve and determination. Being this vulnerable gives me an authenticity to connect with others because I have nothing and, yet, everything to lose. That’s why we are Defiance!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I started my career as a social worker and working in various realms from community mental health to non-profits and finally landing in hospital settings. After spending over a decade in social work, my husband and I started to consider how we might work together and create more of an outdoor lifestyle. When the opportunity emerged for us to acquire a rafting company (a company my husband worked for in his early 20s) we decided to take the leap and leave our other professional gigs. The rebranding of the rafting company to Defiance Rafting Company holds a deep meaning for us. Not only is it a nod to history, with Defiance being the original name of Glenwood Springs, but it represents our leap into uncertainty. There were a lot of naysayers, critics, and “you oughta’s” during our early days. It was a leap that defied conventional wisdom and leaving some of our creature comforts behind in the process. Our story is a shared story of embracing entrepreneurship and daring to step into the unknown. When told that we “can’t” we are defiant by proving that we can.

Even if I fail, I don’t regret making a lifestyle change. I have learned so much about my own courage, strength, and humility. I have seen people get on a raft when no one thought they could and it changed their life. I get to be part of making memories. Every season there has been adversities to overcome (i.e. pandemic, drought, wildfire to name several) and each one has taught me to bend and stretch and problem-solve creatively. Because of the challenges, I think I’m becoming a better human.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Glenwood Springs is an amazing community for outdoor enthusiast and adventure seekers. And if my bestie is coming out to visit me this summer, I have a list of options. We would definitely spend time on the Colorado River and take in some whitewater rafting with Defiance Rafting Company. Additionally, I would take my best buddy on an inflatable kayak (i.e. duckie) adventure through Glenwood Canyon with our sister company Defiance River Outfitters. After time on the river, a perfect way to wrap-up the day is spending time at one of the hot springs in town. Iron Mountain Hot Spring and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort are both great options for relaxing after a day of adventuring. Glenwood Springs has countless options for hiking trails in the area and the most notable trails are Hanging Lake and the Maroon Bells; however, the area lends itself to easy access to several trail heads around town for free. Lastly, take an opportunity to spend a day at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. I’m not much for thrill seeking rides, but the cave tours are spectacular and well worth the visit. Plus the views of the Roaring Fork Valley from the gondola and at the top of the park are amazing.

There are so many local dining options, but there are a few that I frequent often. Rarely does a month go by that I don’t pop into Slope and Hatch for some gourmet tacos, although they do offer specialty hot dogs as well. For a local tip, order take-out and eat at Casey Brewing while enjoying one of their many beer options on tap. This is one of my favorite spots after spending a few hours on the river. I’m also a regular at Masala and Curry for some tasty Nepali and Indian cuisine. I’ve often taken my friends and family to the Colorado Ranch House for a classy sit-down dinner because the dinner menu is fresh and seasonal and the drink and cocktail menu is fantastic.

Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork Valley is a huge backyard of adventure and it makes for an easy get-away location for repeat visits throughout all the seasons!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I certainly want to send a shoutout to First Descents. This is an amazing organization that uses outdoor adventure to support the healing of young adults impacted by cancer or other serious health conditions. Not only do they do amazing work, but they are wonderful collaborators and have been one of our first GiveBack partners.

Website: www.raftdefiance.com

Instagram: @raftdefiance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaftDefiance

Image Credits
Photo Credits to Defiance Rafting Company