Real Estate Broker / Developer

 Kraig genuinely loves Colorado’s alpine environment.  His family has a long history in the mountains beginning with his great grandfather’s arrival in America from Scotland in the early 1880’s and settling in Leadville.  Kraig and his wife Jillian’s son, Liam, born in 2005, represents the fifth generation of the Forbes clan to call the Rocky Mountains home.

In 1980 Vail Associates hired Kraig to represent the then fledging resort of Beaver Creek.  He was present as Governor Dick Lamm spoke to a small gathering at the reception center parking lot to celebrate the opening of “The Last Resort” as described in *Sports Illustrated.

He enjoyed an exceptional career specializing in Beaver Creek.  While employed with Vail Associates Real Estate, Kraig was a consistent top producer, attaining honors as the preeminent associate broker twice.  Kraig committed financially to Beaver Creek and was at one time the resort’s largest landlord behind Vail Resorts.

In 1983 Kraig designed and opened the first watering hole in Beaver Creek.  His brother Jeff now owns the longest continually operating restaurant and locals favorite, Coyote Café.  The Yotē, as it is commonly referred to, has been recognized as the world’s second best après ski bar by World Cup coaches and racers after The Londoner in Kitzbühel, Austria. 

Three local developers attempted to acquire a development parcel owned by Beaver Creek’s original homesteaders, the Nottingham family. Kraig successfully negotiated a purchase agreement and acquired the land from Colorado Chief Federal Judge Edward Nottingham and his siblings.

The property has a spring fed creek running through it, wonderful sun exposure and excellent ski mountain views.  Kraig envisioned an alpine European cottage neighborhood which he named Wayne Creek Commons.  The Collaborative Group architectural firm was hired and together they composed highly detailed design guidelines resulting in the highest price per square foot home values in 90’s era Beaver Creek.

In 1995 Kraig formed Forbes Real Estate Group.  Sotheby’s International Realty came calling in 2007, recruiting his boutique brokerage.  Ultimately a franchise agreement was signed, creating the new power brokerage in Vail Valley, Forbes Sotheby’s International Realty.  Expanding the business to four offices with 40 brokers, he sold the business to another Sotheby’s affiliate in 2013, now operating as LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is now the #1 affiliate in the United States.

Selected an emissary for The Vail Valley Foundation, he once hosted Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, transporting him from Denver to President Gerald and Betty Ford’s home in Beaver Creek.  Pierre has enormous natural charm and Kraig enjoyed his company.  Upon arrival, Betty invited Pierre and Kraig to partake in milk and cookies around their living room fireplace.  Again tapped to entertain a celebrity, Kraig was asked to ski and introduce the village to Kenny Loggins in the late 80’s.   

Kraig’s experience with Wayne Creek Commons infrastructure development qualified him to serve on Beaver Creek Metropolitan District Board of Directors, a position he was elected to in the 1990’s.  He has served on the Eagle County Affordable Housing Task Force, a position appointed by the commissioners, and supports Habitat for Humanity.

In his youth Kraig was introduced to competitive swimming.  He was blessed with inspiring coaches, both University of Kansas stars, Pete Stebbins and Roland Sabates.  They reinforced his parent’s behavior and counsel to believe in yourself, work hard, and commit to your goals. 

At age 22 he achieved his competitive swimming goal, qualifying for the 1976 Olympic Trials while setting a Region 8 record in the 50-meter freestyle, the sport’s most intense speed event.  Immediately thereafter, Kraig retired from swimming, and moved to Colorado to pursue a new passion - alpine skiing.

* "This Could Be The Last Resort"  Sports Illustrated, December 15, 1980