Coloradans making their way through the Alamosa Driver License Office might not know it, but Manager George Oringdulph's ties to the area and the office run deep.
Years ago Oringdulph obtained his license from the same office and building he now oversees.
"At 15, I completed my written test here and was issued a permit that I had to hold for three months," Oringdulph said. "I practiced driving but I really didn't need much because it came pretty naturally to me. I then returned at 16 years old and completed the drive test, passed and was issued a license.
"Music is my first love," said Oringdulph who's played guitar since age 11. "But after getting my license, I discovered I really loved driving and everything to do with it."
That love quickly turned into a career when Oringdulph studied for and obtained a Commercial Driver License.
"When I was 18 years old, my father had a small bus that carried about 25 passengers, including the driver," Oringdulph said. "He set it up to carry passengers up to Wolf Creek Ski area in the winter and down to Antonito for the Narrow Gauge Railroad in the summer."
"My father drove passengers the first two times to both, then he asked me to get my CDL so I could drive them and I did. I received my class B permit and CDL at my office. I would drive up Saturdays and Sundays, and attended Adams State College on weekdays."
Though he was busy those days, Oringdulph said he wouldn't change the experience because it not only helped instill a customer service-centric work ethic, but it also provided the Alamosa Driver License Office manager an opportunity to have some fun. "When I would drive the ski bus, it was awesome because I skied for free. I have been a skier since I was 9," he said.
Now that love for all things driving-related extends to his position as the manager for the Alamosa Driver License Office.
"I think it's cool that I'm in the same office where my road trip began and I get to help others begin theirs," Oringdulph said. "I really love helping people get and stay road ready. It's always great to see a new driver's eyes light up after they get their first license.
Oringdulph's love for getting others ready to drive is readily apparent, said First Southwest Bank President Jeni Jack-Goodwin, who has known Oringdulph for about 10 years.
"I know him from when my son got his driver license," Jack-Goodwin said. "He's always very friendly when I\'ve seen him in the driver license office. George takes care of customers with respect."
When asked where he thinks the road trip some call life will take him, Oringdulph was sure of one thing only.
"The majority of my life has been focused around driving," he said. "It seems fitting that I now manage a driver license office. I don't know what the future holds but I'm willing to wager it involves great customer service and my love for driving."
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles offers 35 online services at mydmv.colorado.gov. Renew your driver license, renew your motor vehicle registration, get a driving record and more!