Five Years of Bringing Dreams Home in Gunnison
From a temporary office on Virginia Avenue to a historic Main Street home, Bluebird reflects on five years of growth, community, and connection.
A Vision Takes Flight
In May 2021, a conversation between real estate agents Dan Estey, a former Bluebird associate and advisor and Brian Cooper, along with Bluebird Principal Bud Bush, sparked the idea of bringing Bluebird Real Estate to Gunnison. What began as an exciting opportunity soon became a vision for establishing a strong local presence and building lasting relationships in the community.
The team found its first home in a temporary office on Virginia Avenue (while simultaneously closing on our Main Street location), officially opening Bluebird Gunnison in September 2021. Steve Mills and Bobby Overturf joined the team, helping establish the foundation for what would become a growing presence in the local real estate market.
Finding a Home on Main Street
The next chapter began in May 2021, when Bud asked Brian to show him properties that would be a good fit for a Bluebird office in Gunnison. Together, they found a historic 1920s building on Main Street, formerly home to a dog bath shop and a clothing store called “The Bluebird Boutique.” The space felt like the perfect fit, and the team set out to transform it, with help from Black Dragon Development and Lupine Designs. Following an extensive remodel, the office moved into its permanent location in May 2023.
Growing Together
Over the years, the Bluebird Gunnison team has continued to grow, with Patti Miller, Trent Bona, and Mindy Costanzo all joining in the last several years as broker associates. In 2023, Andrew Kunze joined the Brian Cooper Team as a Marketing Manager, and Madison Harwood joined as a broker associate with Brian’s team last year. Emma DeHaven joined in fall 2023 as Marketing and Office Coordinator, supporting the office’s marketing, operations, and community outreach.
Together, they have helped shape the office into a collaborative and community-minded business.
Bluebird’s growth has also been reflected in its real estate business. The office closed $22 million in sales during its first year and is on track to more than triple that figure four years later. The team has also experienced record listing activity, even running out of yard signs along the way.
More Than Real Estate
Beyond helping buyers and sellers, Bluebird has embraced opportunities to connect with the Gunnison community. From beach parties to happy hours, the Chamber’s business after hours to participating in Night of Lights, the team has made community involvement an important part of its identity.
In 2025, Bluebird launched its Bird-to-Bird gravel ride, connecting Gunnison and Crested Butte while raising funds for local trail organizations. The event brought riders together in support of the trails that make the Gunnison Valley such a special place to live and explore.
Celebrating Five Years — and Looking Ahead
As Bluebird celebrates five years in Gunnison at our anniversary part at Three Rivers Resort, the milestone is an opportunity to recognize the people who helped make it possible: the agents and staff, the clients who placed their trust in the team, and the community that welcomed Bluebird from the beginning.
“We make a great team,” is the sentiment behind the celebration — a reflection of the collaboration, relationships, and shared commitment that have shaped the office’s first five years.
Bluebird Real Estate is amidst its 10th year of operations in the Gunnison Valley and is looking forward to continuing to serve Gunnison and the surrounding valley, building on the relationships and community connections that have made the journey so meaningful.
