Welcome to our Meet the Team Series, where we delve into the stories and expertise of our exceptional M4 Ranch Group team members.
In this Meet the Team spotlight, we interview Jerad Cotten a sixth-generation Rancher and Seasoned Hunting Guide, to explore how his deep roots in Western Colorado, passion for the Land, and commitment to Honesty shapes his approach to Connecting People with Properties that truly resonate with their Values and Dreams.
Jerad shares his early memories, insights on what makes a Ranch special, and the principles that guide his work helping others find their next chapter.
Read on to learn more…
You’ve spent your life on the land as a sixth-generation rancher in Western Colorado. What are some early memories that stand out to you and shape the way you live today?
I grew up with dirt under my fingernails and wearing out little cowboy boots and putting holes in the knees of wranglers. Some of my earliest memories are of me and my brother riding double on horseback, riding on the fender of an old John Deere tractor while my dad marked the fields or checked for calving cows in the night with a spotlight.
We weren’t rich by any means, but I didn’t know any different, we were rich in values, hard work, respect for the land, doing things right the first time, and going to church on Wednesday and Sunday.
“That kind of upbringing doesn’t just teach you how to Ranch, it teaches you how to Live”
When you’re walking a ranch, what helps you recognize when a property has that “something special”?
There’s a feeling you get when you’re on a piece of ground that’s more than just Acres, trees and
fencing. I look at how the Land lays, where the Water flows, how the Wildlife moves.
“You can tell when a place has soul”
It might be a hidden Canyon, a big View that stops you in your tracks, or the way the Elk favor one ridge over another. When you walk it and feel like you belong there, that’s when you know it’s something special.
Many times, when I am on a property like this I immediately have a buyer in mind. One who has similar likes and values as I do.
With your background as a hunting guide and outfitter, how does that experience help you find the right fit for sportsmen looking to buy land?
I’ve spent thousands of hours in the backcountry, guiding Elk Hunts, pursuing big Mule Deer, Glassing Mountain sides at daybreak and sundown.
“I know what hunters love, because I’ve been in their boots”
It’s not just about tags and timber. It’s about Access, Habitat, Water, Movement Corridors, Feed and Elevation. When I walk a Property with a Hunters eye, I can tell if it’ll Produce, and not just once, but year after year.
“That insight helps me match Buyers with Land that’ll actually live up to their Dreams”
In a competitive industry, you’ve built a reputation for honesty and hard work. How do you keep that standard in everything you do?
This industry’s full of fast talkers, but I’ve always believed in showing up, telling the truth, and
letting your work speak louder than your words.
“As we say at M4, “a handshake still means something to us”
I represent every Property and every Client like I’m doing it for my own Family. I believe if you love the lord, treat people right, work hard, the rest usually takes care of itself.
At the end of the day, I’m not just Selling Land, I’m helping folks find the next chapter of their story. Whether it’s a Legacy Ranch, a Hunting Basecamp, Investment Property, or a place to slow down and raise a family, I’m proud to be a part of that journey.
The M4 Ranch Group Team
At M4 Ranch Group, we pride ourselves on being more than just brokers; we’re partners in your ranching journey.
Our team’s collective expertise, combined with Jerad’s unique approach and experience, ensures that every client receives a personalized service tailored to their needs.
If you’re considering purchasing or selling a ranch, or simply want to explore the possibilities of ranch ownership, we invite you to reach out to Jerad and M4 Ranch Group.
Let us help you find your perfect piece of property and turn your ranch dreams into reality.
View our Colorado Ranches For Sale, New Mexico Ranches For Sale and Wyoming Ranches For Sale
And Contact Us to Learn More
Bio: Jerad Cotten
Jerad Cotten is a Christian family man, adventurer, and dedicated outdoorsman with deep roots in Western Colorado. As the sixth-generation Cotten to call this land home, his connection to the West runs deep. Jerad and his wife Mandy have been together for over 22 years, raising and teaching their 2 children what it truly means to live the Cowboy way. Recently they welcomed their first grandchild, who will be the 8th generation of Cotten’s to carry on their Colorado Ranching legacy.
Jerad’s childhood living on the land as a rancher is more than just his way of life, it has instilled in him his beliefs — a deep respect for the land, its resources, and the ranching lifestyle— creating a strong foundation that drives his passion for land stewardship, conservation, and preserving the heritage found here in the West. His real estate career comes naturally as a reflection of his upbringing, and because of his hard earned wisdom he is able to identify all aspects that make a ranch beautiful and unique.
Alongside his ranching legacy, Jerad is an avid outdoorsman, trophy hunter, and outfitter. He has guided countless hunts, leading his clients in their pursuit of trophy elk, mule deer, and other big game, while his vast knowledge of wildlife behavior and Colorado’s terrain gives his hunters a greater chance of harvesting their animals.
Jerad’s lifetime has been filled with experience in ranching , hunting, farming, and outfitting which gives him an unmatched edge in identifying premium hunting properties and understanding the needs of sportsmen, ranchers, and landowners alike. Jerad offers more than just market expertise; he provides a genuine understanding of what it means to own and work the land. His reputation for integrity, professionalism, and innovation sets him apart in the ranch real estate world, ensuring every client receives unmatched service tailored to their vision.
A Sample of Ranches For Sale
Red Mountain Ranch
$18,495,000
Red Mountain Ranch features two 7±-acre lakes, over 3 miles of improved trout streams, and Red Mountain Creek, which flows through the entire length of the property. This Colorado Ranch For Sale, also includes an Engelmann Spruce log cabin, a second log cabin for guests, and a barn with a caretaker’s apartment located above.
Arrowhead Ranch
$14,950,000
Arrowhead Ranch is an outdoorsman’s paradise with five magnificent Heritage Ranches that can be bought individually or as a whole. Superbly located in Central Colorado, this Colorado Ranch For Sale is ideal for ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and hunters alike. Nearly seven miles of trout stream meander through the idyllic grassland plateau with picturesque snow-capped peaks surrounding you.
Grand Mesa Ranch
$14,500,000
Grand Mesa Ranch is one of the most unique, private, and scenic property in the North Fork area – Located in Hotchkiss, Colorado. This Colorado Ranch For Sale contains 4,338± acres within GMU 52 & 521 and is allotted landowner Elk & Mule Deer Tags. There is water abound with water rights, ponds, lakes, a reservoir, and live water.
