If an unassuming man in a baseball hat visits you at your local business, he isn’t there to sell you anything. Moe Janosec is interested in adding your business to his caricature map that he is putting together for the Peak to Peak region.

Janosec was approached by Zac Heilger, on behalf of the newly formed Peak to Peak Chamber of Commerce, to create a caricature map of the Peak to Peak region as a way to feature businesses and organizations throughout the area.

Janosec investigated the area before he agreed to the project. He tends to stay clear of resort or corporate towns and cities. Janosec was delighted to find the right blend of a small town feel of community and many small businesses in the region.

Janosec has been a caricature mapmaker for over 35 years and has produced maps in Pagosa Springs, Grand Lake and Lake City in Colorado. He also has created maps in New Mexico, Maine, Montana, British Columbia, and the Yukon. What started as a summer job while attending Colorado State University branched into a lifelong career as Moe’s Maps. Janosec has driven over a million miles to produce his caricature maps.

The map will feature unique caricature depictions from Allenspark to Central City. The form of the map is similar to a regular map and the design allows it to be taken as a souvenir making it a great keepsake or gift. Janosce explains that the map is a great way for residents and tourists to learn about places they never knew about and explore new territories along the Peak to Peak region. The map is comparable to the Peak to Peak Highway where you have the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

The purpose of the map is to portray the area in a fun and interesting way. The map will be used to promote tourism and 40,000 copies will be distributed throughout the area. The front side of the map contains the caricature art. The back side of the map lists the businesses with featured ads.

Any business can be on the map with business listing, however, those who join the Peak to Peak Chamber of Commerce will be eligible for a complimentary descriptive listing and the option to purchase a featured ad. Contact director@peaktopeakchamber.org for more information about joining the Chamber.

Janosec uses a respectful approach when he visits businesses. The first reaction he gets when he introduces himself is that he is not there to sell. He explains that he is there to learn about their business as a candidate for the map, and there is no cost for that. Janosec can demonstrate any kind of business on previous maps to give the owners an idea how they fit in.

Janosec feels it is important to build a relationship with business owners and to find out as much as he can to better portray a business through his descriptive listings. He takes many photos and spends considerable time in his research. He gets a lot of referrals and news spreads through word of mouth once he gets started.

Janosec enjoys what he does, and he is excited about producing the map for the Peak to Peak community. He is looking forward to meeting people and says you can honk or wave at him when you see him around town. Janosec added, “They’ll get to know me, that’s for sure.”

To find out more about the caricature map project, call 720-310-5161.