After escaping an all encompassing work life in Silicon Valley, David Orr moved his family to South Lake Tahoe to find a better balance. As a co-founders and partner of Cowork Tahoe, he has helped to create an environment in which South Shore entrepreneurs can thrive.

David wears many hats at his multi award winning company, while also being an advisor for Jellyswitch, Inc, a funded startup founded out of Cowork Tahoe which is building technology to provide the operating system for coworking spaces across the globe. This Leadership Lake Tahoe grad also gives back to his community by serving on the Board of Directors for the El Dorado Community Foundation. Get to know this 40 under 40 a little better in his Q&A below.

Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, David Orr!

Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?

As one of the founders and partners of Cowork Tahoe I helped bring the coworking concept to South Lake Tahoe. My responsibilities are pretty wide spread. From taking out the trash, to shoveling snow, giving tours, working on the website, hardware integrations, IT, marketing, interviews, sales, community building, and a heck of a lot more. My partners and I have won a number of awards for our entrepreneurial endeavor. In 2016 we received the Sierra Vision Award, A Blue Ribbon Award, TRPA Best in Basin award and recognition from California State Senate Representative Ted Gains. In addition to that our project has been widely published is notable publications across the nation – from Powder Magazine to the San Francisco Chronicle. Most importantly, I am proud of the economic impact that Cowork Tahoe has had on South Lake Tahoe by creating a vibrant entrepreneurial community. But that’s not all I do. I’m also an advisor to Jellyswitch, Inc, a funded startup founded out of Cowork Tahoe, which is building technology to provide the operating system for coworking spaces across the globe. My role is to help with sales and introduce them to potential investors and customers.

What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?

This may sound weird, but learning from my mistakes. With out going into too much detail, this experience taught me a lot. #1. ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE EXPERTS. #2 always prioritize your business and what is good for your business over emotions. I’m very proud of how we handled the satiation. We turned a mistake into a business win.

Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?

No excuses. This is something my high school football coach taught me. In summary, to make no excuses for your mistakes or things that happen to you in your life, means that you take personal responsibility for the failures you experience. Rather than blaming others, you blame your self. This leads to self improvement.

Who is your role model?

I don’t have a particular role model per say. There are many aspects to people that I look up to. I’d say I look up to the virtues that people possess. I appreciate people for who they are.

Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?

This is a bit of a story so buckle up. I was raised by a single mom who had type 1 diabetes. As a result my mom lost a lot of her vision in her late 20’s. Some of it came back, and she could drive, but only during the day. My mom through her travels, and growing up in Oakland and Sacramento developed a passion for skiing. At 4 years old she put me in Bear Valley ski school and the rest was history. Fast forward to my adult life, and I found my self at 30 years old 210 LBS (I’m 5’8”) working my self to an early death in Silicon Valley. I had just had my first kid and sold our first company to Walmart. I left for work before she woke up to slog through traffic to our offices in San Mateo, only to slog through traffic on my return to find my child sleeping. I was a stranger to her. Being a father as always been priority #1, and I realized we needed a change. Tahoe in comparison with the life we were living in the bay seemed very affordable, and the change I needed to get my life in balance. I was right. I’m 165 LBS now! I spend plenty of time with my family, have a very fulfilling career, and I get outdoors.

Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?

Yes. I’m active with Leadership Lake Tahoe. After going through the program in 2016 I found my experience extremely valuable. I now help organize and plan the class with a group of graduates. I am also on the Board of Directors for the El Dorado Community Foundation.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

In Tahoe, pretty much anything outdoors. I’m an avid snowboarder and mountain biker. I also love spending time with my family and sharing my love for the outdoors with them.

Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds

This is a really tough question. Since I’ve arrived in Tahoe there have been a number of really cool restaurants, bars, and breweries that have really stepped up the food and drink seen here in Tahoe. Don’t make me pick!