Mike Notartomaso

Mike moved to Cottonwood after working in Boulder’s residential scene for a few years. He quickly realized that Boulder is much more his pace, and what a gift it is to be able to do what he loves in a community he belongs to.

Before Cottonwood, Mike was a lead instructor at the Colorado Homebuilding Academy, where he worked with underserved cohorts to help develop career skills in the construction industry. During his time as an instructor, Mike was able to help inspire students in the industry by creating and leading a pre-apprenticeship electrical program.

He came to Colorado after a Denver restoration company invited him to NYC in late 2012 to help mitigate and rebuild after hurricane Sandy hit, and he has been here ever since! After arriving in Colorado, Mike was doing side work on the weekends while following his career path. After advancing up the construction ladder, he really needed a vacation…a looong vacation, and took a gap winter where he hit the mountains for a beautiful 60-day ski season. As Mike spent time in the hills, he began receiving leads for side work. When spring came, he decided to start a remodeling company that he went on to operate for four years, performing many of the tasks and crafts himself.

Fun fact – Mike broke into construction while with the Boston Ballet where he was a set builder, restorer, and stage tech!

Even though Mike claims he is not any good, he golfs A LOT in his free time. Mike also enjoys skiing, rock climbing, racquetball, crafting and riding his motorcycle.

I start every morning with…
Putting on the music or podcasts, a shot of energy drink, and swallow my vitamins

I end every day…
Sitting on my front porch with a dirty gin martini, shaken, neat, in a rocks glass, with a pickle stuffed olive.

How do you help protect the environment on a day-to-day basis?
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle has become so routine over the years, it’s hard to pick standouts. Only reusable bags, never any single use plastic. I clean and reuse ziploc bags. I have been part of groups that do trash clean up and programs that use discarded food to help feed the community.

What’s your favorite hangout spot in Boulder?
Cottonwood Custom Builders.

Quote you live by?
“If at first you don’t succeed, Skydiving probably isn’t your thing” – Tom Magliozzi