Dane Shaffer
Owner of Rocky Mountain Radon Solutions and JD Plumbing
Age: 27
Location: Fort Collins
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I started my journey in plumbing in late 2020 to get myself into the trades. Around the time I became a licensed plumber, the state passed a law mandating that radon mitigation be performed by a licensed radon contractor. Many plumbing companies didn’t want to spend the money to get their employees licensed, so I saw an opportunity to get into an emerging market. I got my radon mitigation license that same year and started my first company, Rocky Mountain Radon Solutions. After establishing myself as a reputable business, I started JD Plumbing.
Explain your career, achievements and professional highlights.
I worked as a manager at Chipper’s Lanes when I was in high school, then I got into plumbing and received my plumber’s license in 2023. I also became certified in radon mitigation and testing in 2024, and I got my plumbing contractor’s license through the state in 2025. My radon business, Rocky Mountain Radon Solutions, has mitigated over 500 homes in Northern Colorado since 2023, and my plumbing business, JD Plumbing, is continuing to grow through new construction, remodel and hydronic heating projects.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
I donate to many youth sports organizations, including the Timnath Middle-High School softball team and the Fort Collins Pond Hockey Association’s youth initiative. I also work with Built NoCO, a program that introduces local high school kids to the construction trades and prepares them for jobs in the field.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
My biggest accomplishment in my profession so far is grossing nearly $1 million in four years of business. Each year, I’ve been able to increase profits despite a slowing economy. That is very hard to do as a growing business in the construction industry, especially with it being such a volatile environment.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I hope to have grown my company from the three-man team that it is to 10 employees. In 10 years, I hope to have doubled that number to 20 employees and open another business in Timnath.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
Have confidence and don’t doubt your decisions. Taking risks and leaps in life is worth the failures that come with them.
Tell us something unique about you.
I love collecting baseball cards, and I am an avid bowler and pickleball player. My favorite singer is Logic; his early albums got me through high school.
In your opinion, what is the key to navigating the “volatility” of the trades?
Keeping your expectations in check. I like to make sure that I have enough cash reserves in case things slow down throughout the industry. The biggest thing I think I do well as a business owner is keeping our avenues open. I don’t pinhole us into one industry or specialty. We work in both residential and commercial, doing plumbing, radon and hydronic heating jobs that keep us from getting stuck doing one thing.
What knowledge do you share with kids through Built NoCO?
When I talk to the kids, I think it’s important to show them that there is a route for them to be successful in the trades. When I was in high school, I realized that college was probably not my route, and that was stressful to come to terms with because I didn’t know what to do after graduation. I want them to know that there are options out there for them, and with hard work and a good attitude, they can make it anywhere.
