Building Pathways to Opportunity

After a career in commercial real estate, Martin Herz, ’98, has gone from originating loans to helping a Colorado organization chart new pathways—both figuratively and literally.

At Denver-based Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, a nonprofit dedicated to outdoor stewardship, sustainably cutting routes through rugged terrain is a continuing source of interest and a challenge for Herz, who also sits on the VOC Board. “Working at 12,000–13,000 feet is tough and beautiful—and makes it a little hard to breathe,” he quips.

In recognition of his work, VOC recently presented Herz with the Steve Austin Mentor of the Year Award, given each year to the person who demonstrates exemplary leadership in teaching and conveying stewardship practices to new VOC crew leaders and volunteers.

The honor is a highlight in Herz’s 10 years of working with nonprofit organizations. He says he finds the greatest reward in his community work helping others chart their avenues to success. In addition to training volunteers to build and repair wilderness trails through VOC, Herz manages endowment assets for conservation land trust Colorado Open Lands, works with the affordable-housing nonprofit Eaton Senior Living, and advises several other local organizations. He also demystifies the world of finance and spreadsheets by working as a financial mentor with the Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute, where he helps people from low-income backgrounds launch new businesses and become proficient in the financial basics. 

“Something I’ve noticed is that it’s not uncommon to have pro bono legal advisors in the nonprofit space, but it’s really rare to find someone there with financial expertise,” he says. “I try to encourage other business grads to give nonprofit service a try—they can do a  substantial amount of good.

“Most people, especially younger folks, might not be able to write a $20,000 check, but they don’t realize they can give their time and expertise to a cause they care about—and that might be worth $20,000 to a nonprofit,” he says.

Community service also offers ways to expand learnings and make connections. “As a crew leader at VOC, for example, you’re put in charge of six to 12 volunteers who may have never met each other or cut trails through hillsides and built bridges over forest streams,” he says. “Your job is to train them, motivate them, get the work done safely, and still have a good time. It’s a fun challenge that lets you try out different management techniques and teach others at the same time.”

Herz says what he loves most about nonprofit work is the chance to broaden his worldview and insights and make connections. “I’ve worked on projects with literal rocket scientists and specialists in quantum computing, and with everyone from 20-somethings to a man in his 90s,” he notes. “Mentoring and volunteering provide a safe space in which to practice your leadership skills—and you get to make a difference and meet new and interesting people. The benefits go both ways.”