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A Benchmark Bunch
OCK & JOANIE PETERSON

In March 1974, Ock and Joanie Peterson first visited Telluride on a friend’s advice. Aside from Joanie sliding on her backside halfway down the Plunge, they were “overwhelmed with the magnificence of the mountains.”
“We were entranced with the unique little town and knew we’d come back after we became better skiers,” recalls the couple. “We never imagined it would be as a partner in the Telluride Ski & Golf Company.”

While living in Colorado Springs, the Petersons collaborated with other dentists in the area, investing in several commercial projects in Colorado Springs and Beaver Creek. Ock and Joanie were part of The Benchmark Partners, a faction of this group, which broke off in 1978 to start the Telluride Ski & Golf Company.

With seven children, Ock and Joanie had their hands full. Their marriage was a “Brady Bunch” union, bringing together kids from both sides. They have fond memories of the entire clan sitting at the Floradora’s window table, around the same time that Ock began his 19-year tenure as a Mountain Village Metro District board member. “Joanie and I were privileged to participate and watch the Mountain Village come to life,” he recalls.

Supporting the Telluride community has always been a top priority for the five families comprising the Benchmark Partnership. One of their main philanthropic events is the The Benchmark, an annual invitational golf tournament the Petersons initiated to raise money for local youth. This popular event has grown from 24 participants in 1994, to being sold out the last three years. Last year, 92 golfers raised $70,000, providing golf lessons and college scholarships to qualified Telluride students. Ock and Joanie also help grill and serve food every winter at the One to One cardboard sled derby.

While snowshoeing has replaced much of the Peterson’s ski time, the couple still enjoys Telluride powder and bluebird days on the slopes. In summer, nothing is more ideal than a morning round of golf, picnic lunch in the Ilium Valley, and an afternoon of fly-fishing. The Petersons also enjoy entertaining old friends for dinner at their Mountain Village home. A few years ago, they were lucky enough to have all their children here to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

Nowadays, the Petersons spend a large amount of time visiting their nine grandchildren. They are also involved in developing a golf resort in Tubac, Arizona. But no matter where they are, Joanie and Ock always treasure Telluride and its lifestyle. They have deep roots and strong friendships here.