It is not an overstatement to say that Dave Liniger’s list of life accomplishments is unrivaled.

Best known as the founder of real estate giant RE/MAX, the Village at Castle Pines resident’s story plays out like a movie script, an adventure-filled saga that blends billionaire Richard Branson with Forrest Gump.

A humble upbringing in Indiana belied what was to come: a short and unfulfilling stint in college immediately followed by multiple harrowing tours of combat duty in Vietnam; the success of RE/MAX, which Liniger started at age 26; more than 5,000 scuba dives in the most exotic locales in the world; hundreds of skydive jumps; a career as a NASCAR driver who traded paint with the likes of Dale Earnhardt; thousands of hours logged flying nine different types of fighter jets; becoming a pilot of high-altitude balloons; developing himself into a world-class competitive marksman; more than 20 years as a reserve Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputy; being a New York Times bestselling author; and renowned breeder of Arabian horses. He is also among the top philanthropists to ever call Colorado home.

Such a story would sound improbable, even unbelievable, if it was not all documented through hundreds of news articles and photos. So, when asked what this next chapter in his life holds, what else could there possibly be to check off the bucket list, Liniger points to his latest endeavor, Area 15 Ventures, a private-equity firm that focuses on emerging franchisors and high-growth businesses that require an investment to scale their opportunity to the next level.

The burgeoning crown jewel in the growing portfolio is Port of Subs, a sandwich chain with a 53-year history, which will be expanded nationwide by Liniger, his team, and an army of franchisees. The plan is to open 500 locations in the next few years (Colorado’s first location recently opened in Castle Rock—see our restaurant spotlight on Port of Subs in the February 2025 issue. of The Connection E Guide).

It is a chain with brand recognition in places like Nevada and California. But more than anything else, it is a vehicle for other entrepreneurs to succeed with a tried-and-true franchise model.

“What was interesting to me was that I found there was a far greater sense of accomplishment to be able to take somebody that had a dream and see them make it come true,” Liniger said.

Since the beginning, he has enjoyed building something out of nothing but an idea and unwavering perseverance. Now 79, Liniger wants to present the opportunity for others to achieve the same.

He even provided something of a blueprint with The Perfect 10, a 450-page book released last March and billed by publisher Simon and Schuster as “a must-read practical primer for entrepreneurs of all ages.” It is heavy on proper decision-making, strategy and regular habits; intangibles like instinct, intellect and determination are, of course, dependent upon the individual.

“What I had to give back was 50 year’s worth of experience as an entrepreneur. I had 22 companies that fought through a lot of problems and made a lot of mistakes, but we made them all successful,” he said.

Recent years have been marked by a handful of minor professional setbacks and major personal losses, including the sudden passing of his son and Area 15 Ventures business partner, Dave Jr., from a heart attack in January, and the death last year of his longtime canine companion, Max. But if Liniger can be defined or summed up by any one word, it is “resiliency.” The same goes for his loving wife of 42 years and steadfast business partner of 52 years, Gail.

Lessons learned—both from personal and professional experiences—went into the creation of The Perfect 10 and are intended to help others avoid missteps. Those fundamental learning opportunities shaped who Liniger is today, a man with an unmatched track record in business and in life.

“What happens is that you pick up small pieces of your personality from little things that you do, and I like to say that courage comes from confidence, and confidence comes from experience,” he said.

Liniger will continue to lean on those experiences and the resulting traits—ones that have served him well—as he fills the pages of his newest chapter.

 

Article and photo by Chris Michlewicz; courtesy photo