Humans of True North: A Conversation With Jeff Post
Fifth-generation Salidan and True North 3DP Partner, Master Developers of Cleora
As Cleora moves from vision to reality, we’re sharing the stories of the local partners whose values, history, and commitment to Chaffee County shape this project every day. This Humans of True North series highlights the people building Colorado’s first 3D-printed residential community from the ground up.
Today, we’re talking with Jeff Post – broker/owner of Century 21 Community First (formerly First Colorado Land Office), a fifth-generation Salidan, and one of the core partners helping bring Cleora to life.
Jeff’s deep roots in this valley influence every decision he makes. His perspective keeps Cleora grounded in what matters most: community trust, responsible growth, and opportunities that truly serve local people.
How did the opportunity to purchase the Cleora site come about?
Jeff explains that the original opening came through his partnership with Donnie Kaess. The early idea was simple: offer discounted vacant lots. But as they spent time with the previous owner, Rob Treat, the history of the land began to reshape the vision.
Cleora was originally platted in 1879 and existed as a booming early settlement. Because of its historic platting, the site could move through entitlements during a county moratorium — something that made the project both unique and viable.
What started as a basic land conversation evolved into something with real depth, opportunity, and long-term potential. “It just made sense,” Jeff says.
Why Cleora – and why a 3D-printed community?
For Jeff, Cleora was the right location at the right moment in Salida’s growth. It sits close to town, is surrounded by compatible development, and aligns with the county’s comprehensive plan.
But the bigger reason was need.
As someone who has watched the valley change for decades, Jeff has seen housing grow increasingly unattainable for local families. Labor shortages and high construction costs have only made it harder.
“The idea behind 3D printing,” Jeff says, “is to develop technology that can reduce building costs and increase efficiencies over time – to create a more attainable product.”
Cleora isn’t just a development. It’s a place to innovate. To test. To improve. To eventually help expand housing access for the people who live and work here.
Fifth-Generation Salidans and True North 3DP partners, Jeff Post and partner Donnie Kaess work on site at Cleora during the robot delivery day - capture by Laci Montrose.
How do your fifth-generation roots shape your approach to development?
Jeff doesn’t take the responsibility lightly.
“Being from here means I answer to the people who live here,” he explains.
Development can feel challenging to longtime residents, especially when they’ve seen projects arrive without transparency or a true connection to the valley. Jeff’s history gives him both accountability and credibility.
His role isn’t just to help build homes – it’s to help build trust. And to ensure Cleora evolves in a way that respects the community’s identity rather than erasing it.
What’s your lane on the Cleora team?
Jeff focuses on two core areas:
- The entitlement process
- Sales and marketing
But he also sees himself as a bridge – someone helping to shape a community that feels like “Chaffee County,” not just another subdivision.
Which local partnerships make Cleora stronger?
Jeff is quick to highlight how many local institutions have stepped up to support the project.
- Collegiate Peaks Bank and High Country Bank provided early belief and financial backing.
- Y&K Excavation, Hylton Lumber, Hylton Home, and many others help keep pricing and efficiencies aligned with the community’s needs.
- True North Academy, Colorado Mountain College , and the Mason’s Union help train the next generation of workers-building a workforce pipeline that stays in the valley.
Cleora works because Chaffee County works together.
The True North 3PD team printing Cleora's pump house.
How does Cleora support attainability for locals?
Jeff emphasizes that attainability requires a long-term strategy, not a single product.
Cleora’s approach includes:
- A mix of home types and sizes
- Smaller lots that help reduce total cost
- Diverse floorplans to meet different needs
- Phased development to welcome a range of buyers
- Technology designed to improve affordability over time
- Education and workforce training that builds a pathway for local youth to step into future careers
“It’s about creating a community,” Jeff says — one that includes first-time homebuyers, local workers, active retirees, and families who want to stay in Salida.
True North 3DP team member mixing Quikcret prepping for the pump house at Cleora - captured by Dave Curtis, 50 West Productions
Lightning Round With Jeff Post
Favorite local trail or river day:
Anything on Methodist Mountain or a day on the Arkansas.
Go-to post-work bite in Salida:
Amicas or a green-chile-smothered classic at Wallbangers.
A song that sounds like home:
Something warm, familiar, and drifting across a backyard barbecue – the sound of a valley with deep roots.
Jeff Post pictured here on site at Cleora with True North 3DP partners, Greg Kenny, Clint Haynes, and Donnie Kaess - captured by Laci Montrose
