“You are my rock.”
Those words from my mom have stuck with me most of my life. At the age of 5 I didn’t really know what it meant, but I did know how it made me feel. Loved. Those words gave me purpose, they gave meaning to life, and from an early age, I knew what my mission was on this earth… to love and serve others. To be their “rock”, a reliable source of help, encouragement, and stability.
Some other things that characterize me: Optimism, creativity, and a love for the Colorado outdoors. I like a good story. I believe all of us have a lot to be thankful for, but we tend to focus on things we don’t have. Because of that, I’m purposeful about asking others what they want out of life, and searching for ways to help them get it.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m a third-generation Colorado native. My parents were raised in Westminster, and I have one younger sister. In the summer of 1992, we moved to Edwards, Colorado and lived in a doublewide trailer while our new home was being built in Eagle, Colorado. After graduating Eagle Valley High School in 1998, I moved back to Denver to pursue a career in multimedia and advertising. In 2010 I met Sarah on Match.com. She moved here from St. Louis to live the Colorado life, and we have enjoyed many Harley rides, 14ers, backpacking and camping trips together. Now we have two daughters, and are grateful for the life we get to live here in Westminster and Broomfield.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Sarah and I work together with local writers and photographers to publish Broomfield Lifestyle. It’s fulfilling to run a family business where our time, talent, and treasure is put to use right here in Broomfield to help local businesses grow while sharing inspiring, educational, and uplifting stories with people who choose to call Broomfield “home”.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
La Distileria, I enjoy the unique “Latin Fusion”cuisine. Hollan-Dazed and EAT! Food & Drink are favorites for breakfast/brunch, and happy hour at Rails End is always time well-spent.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Long enough to appreciate it and want to raise my family here.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Paul Derda, no-question. He truly loves Broomfield and the people who live here.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Lord of the Rings
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I try not to!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Jonas Bros. Taxidermy Studio. If you lived in the area between ‘72 and 2001, you know about the giraffe on the roof. My sister and I would always look for it, visible from 36 on the way to church at Beautiful Savior.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Sam Harris. Though I may not be able to learn much over lunch, I would enjoy a great conversation about his views on how humans can possibly have morals and ethics in the absence of an ultimate authority that exists outside of humanity. It seems appropriate to have this discussion over a massive plate of pulled pork at GQue, along with a selection of local craft brews.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There is an abundance of resources and opportunities here! Broomfield has a sense of interconnectedness that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. There is also a system of checks and balances in place that allows for growth without compromising things that characterize our community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
On vacation.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My senior ditch day was actually an entire weekend in Moab, UT for Easter Jeep Safari. I drove my ‘86 “Super Ranger” up and down Lions Back before the obstacle was closed to the public.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Cubano Quesadilla at Hollan-Dazed. Do yourself a favor. Copy and paste this into your calendar as a reminder to try this ASAP. You’re welcome.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife. Seriously, I’m not just trying to score points here. She probably won’t even read this.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
COLORADO, Green Chile, Castle Peak
