Individual brokers achieving a minimum of $15 million or more in sales volume.
Liesja Antieri
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Teams of brokers achieving a minimum of
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Some of the city’s best bites aren’t found atop white tablecloths—or on tables at all. Here’s how Front Range food truck operators churn out flavor-packed tacos, succulent wontons, and more in about 200 square feet.
EDITED BY PATRICIA KAOWTHUMRONGNearly half a million homes in the Centennial State could be without water by 2050. Colorado River reservoir levels are in a free fall. And local farmers already don’t have the supplies they need. What happens next depends on what we do today.
BY NICHOLAS HUNT
Johnny Hurley was certain of many things in his life—one of which was that he would someday have the opportunity to stop an active shooter. On June 21, 2021, he did.
BY ROBERT SANCHEZThe 1,211 most successful real estate agents in the Denver metro area.
Healthy breathing takes more than just your lungs.
That’s why the nation’s leading respiratory hospital is also a leader in heart and immune-related disorders.
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23 ENVIRONMENT
Documenting150 years of change in the Colorado River system.
24 MEDIA
Local podcaster Olivia Meikle spotlights the Centennial State’s overlooked trailblazers.
26 ADVENTURE
Weird Foothill Guy could notch more than 100 days on the snow this year without battling ski traffic. Is he on to something?
28 STYLE
Aurora fashion brand Electric
Bubblegum is bringing glitterinfused accessories back.
30 BUSINESS
Can Nederland’s
33 WHAT’S HOT
Wellness Sushi’s exquisite vegan fare satisfies plant-based eaters and seafood lovers.
34 REVIEW
Efrain’s of Boulder, which moved into an expanded space this past summer, remains a citadel of satisfying Mexican cuisine.
BY CLAY FONG38 SPORTS
Female athletes in Steamboat Springs’ Nordic combined program are drawn to the discipline’s dual nature—but is that fervor enough to keep them going after a recent Olympic snub?
BY CINDY HIRSCHFELD144 PACKING HEAT
Resendiz and his wife, Cristina Bazan, with
Hot tips for staying warm at WinterWonderGrass, a frosty bluegrass festival in Steamboat Springs celebrating its 10th birthday this month.
EDITOR
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Your happy place is just a short drive away.
YMCA of the Rockies’ locations are the perfect getaway for active families. Book a hotel-style lodge room today, and start making memories.
Whether
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Simple joys in life come in many forms. Drinking a hot cup of black tea, playing with a dog in the park, watching a good college football game, and finding perfect corduroy on a bluebird day in the high country qualify as uncomplicated pleasures in which I continually delight. For years, though, I found utter glee in something most people probably wouldn’t place on their lists of little blisses: On certain spring and summer weekends, a cavalcade of food trucks would set up in a parking lot across the street from my Wash Park home, and on those days, I would giddily abandon my fridge for as many meals as possible.
There were arepas and dumplings and barbecue and tacos. One year, I had chicken and waffles, German-style potato salad and bratwurst, and pizza all in one perfectly gluttonous day. The food was delicious, of course, but it was the experience of interacting with the food truck operators—scrappy entrepreneurs, all of them—that made the occasion so charming.
For this month’s “Road Warriors” (page 76), 5280 food editor Patricia Kaowthumrong did what I wanted to do every time those four-wheeled eateries rolled up: learn more about their owners. “There are more than 600 of these small businesses spinning around the metro area,” Kaowthumrong says, “and they are serving some of the city’s most diverse—and most delectable—food options, all while facing unique challenges that brick-and-mortar establishments avoid.”
Much like their stationary counterparts, food trucks had a hard time riding out the pandemic. Without festivals or crowded breweries or pop-up gatherings like the one near my house, finding hungry hordes to feed was nearly impossible. Today, the food truck scene is still trying to recover. My advice? Order up a small serving of joy by seeking out one of the metro area’s roving food wagons. It’ll feel—and taste—so good.
LINDSEY B. KING
Email: lindsey@5280.com
Twitter: @linzbking
Nicholas Hunt Senior Editor
Hunt’s feature “When Will The Water Run Out?” (page 86) explores what can be done about Colorado’s troubling water crisis, which could leave half a million homes without water by 2050.
BALANCING ACT
”I grew up near a river in the South but also lived in the New Mexican desert for years, so Colorado is both insanely dry and insanely humid to me at the same time.”
TIME CRUNCH
”The people in power need to act now, because we can’t kick the can down the road anymore.”
HOW TO HELP
“Make it clear to your elected officials that action is needed— even if those efforts are painful.”
Denver is a more delicious place to live than ever, thanks to the bounty of bars and restaurants that opened in early 2023. This month, get the scoop about the city’s best new bites—from Vietnamese fare at Capitol Hill’s Reckless Noodle to Eastern European delights at Congress Park’s Molotov—on 5280.com.
PHOTOGRAPH BY BEN KRAUSHAAR
PHOTOGRAPH BY BEN KRAUSHAAR
In 1869, a group led by John Wesley Powell explored the Green and Colorado rivers, eventually becoming the first white people to travel the entire Grand Canyon by boat. Today, much of the system that propelled the men on their 1,000-mile journey has been dammed and drained. To experience how things have changed firsthand, a team from the University of Wyoming, the U.S. Geological Survey, and several Native American tribes re-created Powell’s trip on its 150th anniversary in 2019. The differences were immediately apparent: Where the Green River carried Powell for the expedition’s first 60 miles, the modern-day rafters were blocked by what’s now Flaming Gorge Reservoir and had to be towed across its still surface. See the transformation for yourself at the Boulder International Film Festival (March 2 to 5), which will screen A River Out of Time, a documentary about the voyage co-produced by Durango filmmaker Ben Kraushaar. And to discover what can be done to conserve the waterways’ endangered flows, read “When Will The Water Run Out?” on page 86.
—SPENCER CAMPBELLMARY
1843–1921
Known for: Founding Lafayette
Miller could have lived a comfortable life off the royalties she received from the coal mines on her farm. Instead, in 1888, she divvied up a portion of her land and sold the plots to coalfield workers, thus becoming the first woman to found a town west of the Mississippi. That isn’t Miller’s only entry into the record books. She was likely America’s first female bank president, too. (Her reputation has been tarnished by her grandsons, however, who may have been members of the KKK.)
A Colorado podcaster on the Centennial State’s overlooked trailblazers.
In 2017, Olivia Meikle stumbled across a gravestone that simply read “Mother.” At the time, Meikle and her sister and fellow academic, Katie Nelson, had been thinking about collaborating on a podcast about history’s forgotten women, but Meikle, an adjunct instructor of gender and women’s studies at Naropa University in Boulder, was worried no one would tune in. The memorial convinced her to help give these women their names back. Launched in 2018, the duo’s biweekly show, “What’sHerName,” has been downloaded over 1.6 million times and boasts an international roster of subjects such as Ching Shih, a Chinese pirate who commanded more than 40,000 sailors in the early 1800s. To honor Women’s History Month, we asked Meikle for a guest lecture on unheralded women from the Centennial State.
—BARBARA URZUA1859–1897
Known for: Making sin big business
Instead of catering to the hordes of miners who overran Colorado during the 19th century gold rush, de Vere, aka the Soiled Dove of Cripple Creek, took a different tack: She made her house of ill repute, well, reputable. By only inviting the wealthiest homesteaders, de Vere’s den became the fashionable place for prosperous men to conduct business, all while paying small fortunes to enjoy the company of fine courtesans, of course.
1886–1976
Known for: Campaigning for workers’ rights
When Roche inherited a large stake in her father’s Colorado mining company in 1928, the young activist put her ideals into practice. “She encouraged workers to unionize, hired a labor organizer as vice president, and raised miners’ wages to an unprecedented $7 a day,” Meikle says. After a failed campaign for governor, she was named assistant secretary of the treasury by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, making her the first woman to hold the post.
Weird Foothill Guy could notch more than 100 days on the snow this year without battling ski traffic. Is he on to something?
Alex Kaufman makes a series of smooth powder turns before plunging into a grove of conifers. It’s early in the new year, and the fortysomething is wearing a red Colorado Rapids jersey, long johns, and threadbare shorts. On his feet: ancient blue telemark boots and black Marquettes, a brand of discontinued ski-snowshoe hybrids.
But Kaufman’s wardrobe and equipment are hardly the most peculiar details of this scene. Instead, it’s his terrain choice. The slope into which he’s sliced these lines isn’t in Summit County. It’s behind the Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood. A woman walks her dog nearby. “I don’t sit in traffic, I don’t wait in lines, and I never ski in tracked-out snow,” says Kaufman, who estimates that he’s tallied more than 250 days on his Marquettes during the past four seasons.
That’s a lot of schussing—even for a ski industry veteran who’s lived in mountain towns for much of his life. But when a career change brought Kaufman, who goes by Weird Foothill Guy on social media and now works for his family’s real estate company, from Vermont to Golden in 2019, he vowed he wouldn’t battle I-70 traffic to go skiing. “I have to stay near the office for my job,” Kaufman says, “and I want to be present for my kids.” Those requirements place the Rocky Mountain high country out of reach most days—but not the Front Range. Modern backcountry
gear, however, is overkill for the foothills’ short descents, because he’d spend more time switching between uphill and downhill travel modes than actually skiing.
Enter the Marquettes. Their textured, fish-scale bases mean he can hoof it up moderate slopes and then ski down without fiddling with cumbersome skins, the removable fabric strips that turn backcountry planks into oversize snowshoes. And while the Marquettes are significantly shorter than normal skis, the beefy hybrids—originally designed for exploring the rugged woods on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—are wide enough to float over powder and durable enough that Kaufman needn’t worry about damage from rocks hidden in the Front Range’s often lackluster snow. (If you can’t get your hands on his preferred rig, which he hunts down on eBay, Canadian company Altai and Utah’s Voile manufacture similar models.)
Kaufman dubs this version of ripping “simple skiing” because it requires next to nothing. He doesn’t need a lift ticket or season pass, which can run around $1,000. Nor does he need pricey avalanche gear or ski buddies for safety—the slopes he shreds are more hills than mountains. All told, he’s aiming to ski at least 100,000 feet of elevation this season. “I’ll spend today here, then move on to a different spot,” Kaufman says of the slope behind Mills Mall, one of about 10 close-to-home zones he regularly visits. “My only problem in the world is explaining this version of skiing.”
—MAREN HORJUS
In 2016, when Mariah Hodges was preparing for her capstone project at Georgia’s Savannah College of Art and Design, inspiration struck in the form of a water wiggler toy. The late ’90s relic—a squishy, glitter-filled stress toy—didn’t just lead to a good grade. It led to Electric Bubblegum. Founded in 2017 in Aurora, Hodges’ hometown, the fashion brand infuses its clothing and accessories with a liquid glitter recipe that took Hodges more than a year to perfect. The formula is long lasting, meaning her throwback designs—such as the Cosmic Harmony Purse, a collaboration with Los Angeles–based jeweler Trixy Starr—won’t dry out or mold like the ones from the decade of Lisa Frank. Hodges’ timing couldn’t have been better: Gen Zers have become infatuated with Y2K-era styles and are using TikTok to spread the trend, boosting sales. Hodges suspects there are many reasons for the chromatic comeback, from the style pendulum swinging toward brash pigments after years of beige tones to music festival fashion inspiring a broader resurgence of color and sparkle. And if the trend goes out of style, don’t worry: Your kids are sure to relish their heirloom Electric Bubblegum earrings when glitter goes haute again in 2050. —BU
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Can Nederland’s Frozen Dead Guy Days live on… in Estes Park?
Coffin races. Frozen T-shirt contests. A hearse parade. These bizarre rituals have long honored Nederland’s chillest resident: a Norwegian man named Bredo Morstøl who died in 1989 and has been cryogenically preserved inside a shed in town for decades. In 2002, Nederland’s chamber of commerce created a festival around Morstøl’s legend to attract tourists in the offseason. It worked—some 20,000 attendees flocked to the tiny town of 1,500 to catch 2022’s Frozen Dead Guy Days (FDGD). But when Nederland officials and FDGD’s owners failed to reach an agreement this past November to continue the event, most assumed the celebration was, well, dead. Instead, it’s been resurrected in Estes Park by a new owner, Stanley Hotel proprietor John Cullen. The move has many wondering: How do locals feel about losing the festival to their polished northern neighbor? To find out, we asked some of the living to weigh in.
—CHRIS WALKER
THE VOLUNTEER
Teresa Crush-Warren
Longtime volunteer Crush-Warren coined the FDGD name and helped come up with many of its events, but she has no plans to help out now that it has moved. “I was involved here because this is my community,” Crush-Warren says. She does, however, have one piece of advice for Cullen: “Don’t change a thing.”
Amanda
Despite its popularity, the festival barely broke even. “I’d been keeping it on life support for 10 years,” says MacDonald, who was FDGD’s main organizer since 2010 and its majority shareholder from 2012 to 2019, when she sold most of her stake to a friend. “We built an amazing team, so my hope is Estes Park utilizes them.” They’re the ones who’ve always given the festival its organic feel, she says.
“This is something that put Nederland on the map,” says Giblin, who began his first term in September 2022, “so in my mind, that is the biggest loss. But there were a lot of folks in town who felt like it had become too big. So you’re going to see people who don’t miss it, others who just don’t care, and some who are angry that it’s gone.”
Kyle Busey
While Busey, owner of Busey Brews Smokehouse & Brewery, appreciated the chance to sling beers at FDGD, he says the festival eventually became more trouble than it was worth. “The organizers brought in outside food trucks and beer vendors, which hampered the support-local feeling. I hope this is an opportunity for Nederland to create an event that is a better fit.”
John
“We have the resources to make it an extraordinary festival,” says Cullen, who bought the festival this past December. “We’re going to make it goofy. Yes, there will be coffin races and a hearse parade. Two events are at the Stanley, but this is not a Stanley festival; this is an Estes Park festival. The Stanley won’t earn a nickel, because all the proceeds will go to childcare and workforce housing development [in town].”
Memories worth making.
Wellness Sushi’s exquisitely prepared vegan fare satisfies plant-based eaters and seafood lovers.
Sushi seems like the final frontier of vegan cuisine: How can you possibly dupe raw fish? But that’s exactly what chef Steven Lee and his wife, Phoebe, are doing at Congress Park’s four-month-old Wellness Sushi, the Mile High City’s first plant-based Japanese restaurant. At the fast-casual spot, Lee turns konjac (a starchy root vegetable) into battered and fried pseudo-shrimp that crunches like the real thing inside tempura rolls; crowns sushi with razor-thin eggplant that simulates slippery slices of freshwater eel; and tops ramen with soy-based soboro (ground protein). “We’re not just doing it for the [vegans],” says Lee, who is passionate about offering flavorpacked seafood alternatives that are more nutritious and sustainable than their counterparts from the ocean. The growing demand for the tastes and textures of his offerings—which include rolls, onigiri, and aburi oshi (a style of sushi that’s pressed and seared with a blowtorch)—is evidence of his success. In the past three years, the Lees’ business has evolved from a popular mobile concept to a tiny brick-and-mortar in the Golden Triangle to the current outpost on East Colfax Avenue. Don’t miss the hearty Bang Bang Broccoli Don, whose fried florets are glazed with a spicy-sweet sauce, heaped over white rice, and served with miso soup and a ginger-dressing-tossed salad.
—ETHAN PANEfrain’s of Boulder, which moved into an expanded space this past summer, remains a citadel of satisfying Mexican cuisine.
BY CLAY FONGIf you’ve ventured out on U.S. 36 within the past two decades, you probably know Efrain’s of Boulder. Since 1998, the no-frills institution has offered a straightforward menu of margaritas, enchiladas, fajitas, and other rib-sticking Mexican fare that’s as reliable as your favorite pair of wellworn jeans.
The man behind that comforting cuisine is Efrain Gomez, who built his restaurant on a foundation of recipes passed down by his mother, Rosalia, a native of Chihuahua, Mexico. After working in Boulder restaurants since the ’70s, Gomez opened the first Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant in Lafayette in 1991. Roughly six years later, he turned that operation over to his siblings and launched a Boulder location, a spot he owns and operates separately. There, he taught generations of Boulderites what Mexican food—particularly green chile—should taste like.
This past May, Gomez moved his business from an industrial area off east Boulder’s 63rd Street to a larger, more central location with a patio. Gomez had coveted a 1,000-square-foot upgrade for several years, despite the fact that
2480
having the patronage and capital to expand is a rarity these days. Slim profit margins, labor shortages, and supply chain issues have caused other long-standing Boulder eateries, such as the Mediterranean Restaurant and Zolo Grill, to recently close their doors. So far, Efrain’s seems to be an exception: The new space, tucked inside a shopping center near the intersection of Canyon Boulevard and 28th Street and adorned with brightly painted walls and Mexican folk art, appears to be thriving. At least, that’s the impression I got when I waited 30 minutes for a table on a Saturday night.
While the scenery has changed for the better, the cost-to-portion ratio, efficient service, and unchanged menu remain reassuring constants. But reasonable prices, capable food delivery, and basic Mexican fare aren’t the only things that continue to draw the hungry hordes after 25 years: They come for a taste of nostalgia. Efrain’s is a tie to a bygone Boulder, a time when affordable and unpretentious restaurants such as Tom’s Tavern and Juanita’s Mexican Food on Pearl Street—both of which closed within the past 15 years—were the rule rather than the exception. Efrain’s isn’t the ne plus ultra of Mexican cuisine, but then again, it’s not trying to be.
What Efrain’s does well is satisfy expectations. To wit: The pork chile verde is a bowl full of promise that delivers fork-tender protein
not ordered the iconic stew at the venue in years, its subtle vegetal and floral aromas were just as I remembered, which is intentional. “When customers come to Efrain’s, they know exactly what they’re getting,” says Cristian Piñon, Gomez’s nephew and the restaurant’s general manager.
This maxim is also on display with the vegetarian fajitas, which came with all the usual fixings. While this dish didn’t stray from the standard fajita template, it stood out due to its generous portioning (it was hearty, even without any meat) and the quality of its mild char. The red and green peppers, tomato, and onion were cooked to a crisp-tender state that reminded me of a well-executed wok stir-fry.
The Steak San Lorenzo, an elevated take on carne asada, arrived smothered in onions, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms. The meat itself, prepared medium rare, as requested, was a thinner cut, akin to skirt-style steak but with the tenderness of a wellmarbled rib-eye. The kitchen also struck an admirable balance of salt, mild peppery heat, and a whisper of paprikalike smokiness.
Tequila is often more of a requirement than an accoutrement when it comes to a Mexican joint’s beverage menu. Efrain’s doesn’t fall short there, either. Of the 17 boozy margaritas on offer, the smoky Casamigos mezcal iteration was more memorable than the perfectly serviceable coin-style tequila version.
While Boulder is known for swanky hot spots such as Blackbelly, Frasca Food and Wine, and the Flagstaff House, the enclave is still home to some casual, budget-friendly mainstays, including these gems, which have all endured the city’s record-breaking real estate prices and shifting demographics. —CF
192 3 A restaurant called Summer’s Sunken Gardens, anchored by a fountain in the dining room and serving European cuisine, opens on the Hill. Over the decades, the space evolves into a burger and pizza joint dubbed the Sink that draws both University of Colorado Boulder students and celebrities, such as the late Anthony Bourdain and former President Barack Obama.
197 5 The Dark Horse opens and brings a lineup of brews and pub grub—including the Jiffy burger, a ground beef patty topped with peanut butter, bacon, and provolone—to a roadhouse-style building off 29th Street and Baseline Road. Today, the antique-bedecked watering hole continues to draw booze-happy crowds with its cheap eats, live music, and events (tricycle racing, anyone?).
Efrain’s beautifully charred vegetarian fajitas are a filling meat-free option.
swimming, ironically, in a thick red sauce loaded with chunks of tomatoes and potent roasted green chiles. Accompanied by warm tortillas, the oil-sheened entrée is far tastier than it looks. While having a frosty beverage in hand to manage the spice is a savvy move, the peppers complement, rather than overwhelm, the pork’s sweetness. Although I had
In truth, that’s how I would characterize Efrain’s entire menu: Several items are memorable, but most everything is dependable, just like that go-to closet staple you hope never wears out. Thankfully, Piñon—who will take over when his uncle retires—says he plans to keep Efrain’s of Boulder in good shape for decades to come, continuing to serve what he says is the kind of comfort food he and so much of the city was raised on.
199 3 Chez Thuy introduces Boulder residents to Vietnamese food beyond just pho and noodle bowls. The red-booth-lined restaurant owned by Thuy Le offers fine-dining-worthy entrées such as five-spice-marinated lamb chops and coconut-steamed halibut.
199 6 The Rai family—which established the oncebeloved, now-closed Himalayas Restaurant—debuts the Taj. The casual spot, known for its lunch and dinner buffets, satisfies students’ cravings for naan, chicken tikka masala, and aloo gobi, a hearty cauliflower and potato curry.
Female athletes in Steamboat Springs’ Nordic combined program are drawn to the discipline’s dual nature—but is that fervor enough to keep them going after a recent Olympic snub?
Ella Wilson tightens the laces on her boots, slides into the start gate, positions her skis into the tracks, and waits for a signal from her coach to begin her descent. As the 14-year-old accelerates down the ski jump, she’ll reach 55 mph. What comes next is a moment most Coloradans will never experience. “Once you’re going down the hill, everything stops: It’s just you and your skis. Then, right as you go into the air, it’s the best feeling ever,” says Ella, who soars roughly four meters off the ground and hopes to hit a distance of approximately 70 to 100 meters. “It’s dead silent, and you feel like you’re floating.”
That rush is, in part, what keeps the Steamboat Springs teenager hooked on the notoriously difficult and niche sport of Nordic combined, a discipline that pairs ski jumping with cross-country ski racing. The first major Nordic combined competition took place in 1892 in Oslo, Norway, and the discipline has been an Olympic sport—but only for men—since the first Winter Games in 1924.
Today, jumpers at national and international competitions are judged on distance and style, and those scores determine the seeding for the cross-country race that follows, where men typically skate ski for 10 kilometers while women ski five.
Nordic combined has historically been dominated by Norwegians at elite, world-stage events, but American ski fans may remember the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, where the United States had its best results in the history of the sport. Bill Demong won the individual large hill gold, Johnny Spillane earned two silvers (one in the normal hill event and one in large hill), and both athletes, along with Brett Camerota and Todd Lodwick, took silver in the team event. Coloradans likely recall that, like Ella Wilson, Spillane and Lodwick grew up in Steamboat Springs. While a fount of world-class athletes springing up from one small mountain town certainly could be a coincidence—3,800-resident Norwich, Vermont, has produced 11 Olympians—that’s not the case in Steamboat. Since 1932, 100 athletes with ties to
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the town of 13,000 located in the idyllic Yampa Valley have become winter Olympians. Of those, 22 competed in Nordic combined, more than in any other Olympic sport, and all of them trained at the same place: the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC), home to the world’s largest Nordic combined program.
But there is trouble in Nordic combined paradise. Despite yearslong advocacy efforts by the International Federation of Skiing (FIS), which oversees top-tier international competition outside of the Olympics, and USA Nordic, the national governing body in this country, in June 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) declined to add women’s Nordic combined to the Games.
When the IOC announced its decision, the reaction in Steamboat could be summed up in one word: heartbreak. Now, the question is how to move forward in a highly specialized sport when women have been denied the chance to compete in the one competition that has long fueled their dreams.
SITUATED JUST ACROSS the Yampa River from downtown Steamboat Springs, city-owned
Howelsen Hill’s 17 ski trails and modest 440 feet of vertical may not look like much to those who’ve traveled to ski the powder at Steamboat Ski Resort. Yet Steamboat residents look upon their hometown hill—
program director for ski jumping and Nordic combined. Today, Howelsen Hill has seven progressively higher and steeper ski jumps that are used for training and competition at what is the largest natural ski jump complex in North America.
Colorado’s oldest continuously operating ski area—with reverence for it and its founder, Carl Howelsen. A Norwegian skier who immigrated to the United States in 1905, Howelsen built a ski jump on the hill that now bears his name and, in 1914, founded the now-legendary SSWSC.
For 109 years, the community has continued to maintain and expand upon the pricey infrastructure required for ski jumping and Nordic combined by fundraising to help supplement Howelsen Hill’s operating budget. “It’s ingrained in our history,” says Todd Wilson, Ella’s father and SSWSC’s
But even with local support, world-class ski jumps, and miles of cross-country trails at their disposal, SSWSC athletes are not always in control of their destinies. Despite the success of the American men in Vancouver in 2010, U.S. Ski & Snowboard cut all of its funding for the national Nordic combined team in 2014, choosing to devote its budget to more popular sports such as Alpine skiing and freestyle snowboarding, which have more competitions, more athletes, and a bigger TV audience.
That zeroing out followed a previous cut to the ski jumping budget in 2010. “We had a real gut check as a sport,” Wilson says. In 2014, at the annual meeting of Nordic combined coaches from around the country, “we realized we were going to die if we didn’t keep kids coming in the programs,” he says. Up until then, the sport’s leaders had focused primarily on chasing results in international competitions, which, funders
“We realized we were going to die if we didn’t keep kids coming in the programs.”
implied, would get more dollars allocated to the national team. But many inside the sport felt like the development pipeline was just as important. As such, along with other ski clubs across the country with Nordic combined programs, SSWSC recommitted itself to attracting more competitors. “We did everything we could to make our sport more fun and more engaging to kids and parents,” Wilson says. “Our numbers started to climb and have climbed every year since.”
The recruitment effort was so successful that Wilson and his team had to reduce their outreach among local kids so as to not exceed the program’s capacity. Then COVID-19 hit, and the coaches mentally prepared for what they assumed would be the demise of their hard work—and maybe the program entirely. Instead, the opposite happened. As indoor sports like hockey and swimming hit pause, participation in outdoor sports soared. The number of kids in SSWSC’s Nordic combined program rose from 130 to 170 between 2020 and 2021 before settling back down to its current 162 when some kids returned to their pre-pandemic sports.
Over the past several years, a full third of those participants have been female, Wilson says. There’s little wonder why. Since 2016, FIS has been charting a course to develop women’s Nordic combined, including holding the first women’s World Cup event in December 2020 and staging an inaugural world championships in 2021. This winter’s calendar has 13 women’s World Cup competitions. Those kinds of events give young, female Nordic combined athletes something to aspire to—and work toward. But the ladies in Steamboat Springs had the ultimate goal in sight as well: the Olympic Games.
ANNIKA MALACINSKI’S Instagram feed is an ode to a sport she came to relatively late, at the age of 16. There are the requisite shots of her training regimen and none too few images of her midflight in ski jump competitions. But it’s a photo of the Olympic rings with a long caption posted on May 29, 2022, that illuminates the struggle athletes—particularly female athletes—in niche sports face when it comes to recognition.
Malacinski’s words read, in part, “By the end of June the future of Nordic Combined as an Olympic discipline will be decided.... The Olympic Games are a childhood dream for everyone doing any kind of professional sport, it’s a huge opportunity and it’s crucial for further development of our sport, specifically…. So please, IOC, make our dream come true—let women’s Nordic Combined be part of the Olympic program in 2026.”
All three women on the U.S. national team—Malacinski, 21, Tess Arnone, 19, and Alexa Brabec, 18—are from Steamboat. They, along with Ella Wilson and the other female athletes in SSWSC’s Nordic combined program, face real hardships by participating in this little-known sport, including the complexities of training in two totally different disciplines, limited competition for women, and a lack of funding and sponsorship opportunities. But the effort would’ve, in many ways, been worth it—and possibly led to expanded competition, better funding, and chances to be sponsored—if the IOC decided to admit the discipline into the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
The women were hopeful, and they had reason to be. Following years of advocacy, women’s ski jumping was admitted into the Olympics in 2014. Plus, Nordic combined was still the only sport in either the summer or winter Olympics not yet open to women. The athletes were counting on the IOC to choose equity.
Malacinski was on a plane headed home from Europe in June when the decision was announced. She had paid for Wi-Fi during the flight so she could hear the news, anticipating a celebration. Instead, she went into the bathroom and cried. “My eyes were still swollen when the plane landed eight hours later,” she says.
The IOC’s decision was based on a lack of what it called “universality.” Women had competed in just one Nordic combined world championship, with only 10 countries represented, and Norway had swept the medals. That wasn’t all. The IOC also put men’s Nordic combined on notice. The mandate: Unless more countries could field men’s Nordic combined teams, the sport would risk Olympic elimination entirely. “That was a real kick in the stomach,” Wilson says. “I don’t think anybody saw that coming.”
After the announcement, Malacinski briefly contemplated switching to the ski jumping event only. She confesses she even thought about quitting altogether. She wasn’t alone. “It was brutal,” Wilson says. “The athletes took it pretty hard. We all did.” He points out that although the ruling doesn’t immediately affect younger girls like his daughter, the older competitors may not have another shot at an Olympics. To counteract the disappointment and keep athletes engaged, Wilson and the other coaches are recalibrating their goals to other high-level opportunities, such as World Cup events and the world championships. “We try to emphasize to the girls that the decision that was made is one competition every
four years,” he says. “You can still compete to be the best in the world.”
Still, when the Winter Games are the only time the eyes of the world shine on your sport, it’s tough to give up that dream. “I think the Olympics is a longtime goal for most highly competitive and determined athletes,” says Arnone, who admits she was blissfully ignorant about Nordic combined’s low-profile status when she began training as a kid. “The Olympics definitely was one of my goals.”
AT JUST 14, ELLA WILSON’S five-ringed fantasies might not be gone forever if the IOC is willing to reconsider and allows women’s Nordic combined into the 2030 Games. For the time being, she’s sticking with her training and internalizing her dad’s approach. “Nothing can be compared to the Olympics, but it would bring me a lot of satisfaction to compete in the World Cup,” she says. “Not many people get to do that.”
Ella’s best friend, 14-year-old Eva Minotto, readily admits that the news about the Olympic Games initially affected her desire to keep training, which she’s been doing since she was only six years old. Over the past eight months, however, the teenager has recommitted herself. “I realized that if you really love a sport,” Minotto says, “you’ll stick with it.” Her goal is to make the national team and compete on the World Cup circuit—and hope for a chance at the 2030 Olympics.
The teens’ dedication isn’t just about future glory on an international stage, though. These competitors and their fellow jumper/skiers love the yin-and-yang nature of Nordic combined. “Cross-country skiing takes so much endurance and power and aerobic capacity,” Minotto explains. “Jumping is explosiveness, and there’s more of a mental aspect, as well. I love how the two work together to form this one great sport.” She enjoys it so much that, like other young athletes, she spends her summers training, too, using roller skis to simulate cross-country skiing and flat skis to soar off plastic-lined jumps.
For SSWSC’s more veteran athletes, it’s about the beauty and challenges of the discipline, plus advocating for a sport that’s reached an inflection point. A phrase Arnone spotted on a ski wax brand’s truck in Norway perfectly sums up her feelings about Nordic combined: two passions, one love. m
Double Black Diamond
Anne Dresser Kocur gives new meaning to passion and drive as a Top Real Estate Advisor for LIV Sotheby’s. For over 25 years, Anne has been able to streamline her strategies and become a skillful negotiator, always acting in the best interest of her clients. If you ask Anne how she is consistently ranked #1, her response will be, “When you have a passion for what you love to do, it is not work.” Day or night, her top priority is accessibility to her clients—ensuring they feel secure throughout the real estate process. Whether Buyer or Seller and regardless of price point, Anne is the one you can trust to get you to the closing table. Anne knows all the valuable intricacies of Denver’s finest neighborhoods… what sells, recognizing a solid investment, and how to navigate the realities of the market. To Anne, it is more than being a real estate agent, it is about being a friend and a confidant.
Anne had a record-breaking 2022 with 102 closed transactions—but for Anne, it’s not about the numbers. Anne prides herself on the experience she provides all her clients, through her Red-Carpet Service. “My dedication to exceptional service combined with the LIV Sotheby’s unparalleled global brand creates a winning combination.” Her commitment to making lifetime clients has afforded her the accolades listed below. Anne has a true passion to give back. She enjoys supporting Children’s Hospital, Craig Hospital, Rising 4 Rett and Make-A-Wish Foundation, among many other charities.
The Denver real estate market continues to change; Anne Dresser Kocur remains the same—dedicated and determined to go above and beyond to meet all your real estate needs. Now more than ever, it is important to select the right broker who has a wealth of knowledge and a professional approach to negotiations.
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
#1 Individual Broker at LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
#1 Individual Producer for Denver Metro Association of Realtors
#1 Individual Broker in Denver Metro Area
Over 95% Client Repeat/Referral Rate
5280 Excellence Award Winner
Years of Corporate Relocation Experience
Extraordinary Service in Every Price Range
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE
TOP REAL ESTATE PRODUCER 2023
Team of 3-5 Agents | Double Black Diamond
Wendy’s CUSTOMER-FIRST philosophy is the reason she is highly successful. There are many qualities and skills that go into being an excellent real estate professional: integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills, being ethical, and a high-quality professional network. All of these are hallmarks of Wendy’s expertise. Wendy finds that providing the very best service is always about putting her clients first. This means being accessible, paying attention to details, being a good listener, a good communicator and responding quickly to client’s needs in order to have smooth and seamless transactions.
As a 3rd generation Denver native, Wendy knows the city and neighborhoods. This, along with her extensive knowledge, experience, passion and high values blend together so that clients trust her to help them navigate the bumpy waters of today’s real estate world. Turning dreams into reality!
SPECIALIZATIONS
Luxury Homes, New Construction, First Time Buyers, Relocation, Investments
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Top 5% of Realtors in Sales Production in the Nation, Yearly recipient of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors Excellence Award, Yearly recipient of the Denver Board of Realtors Million Dollar Round Table Award, Yearly recipient of the Five Star Award, 5280 Magazine’s Top Real Estate Producer - Double Black Diamond Award
215 St. Paul Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80206 303.906.3000 | bdglaz@aol.com
WENDYGLAZER.COM
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond
One of Denver’s Top 10 Brokers for the past eight years by the Denver Board of Realtors. As one of the leading real estate brokers in Denver, Janet Kritzer is dedicated to meeting your needs with the utmost level of sophistication and professionalism. She specializes in the luxury home market within all the neighborhoods of Cherry Hills Village. With skillful negotiation, refined sales strategies, and expansive knowledge of the area, it’s clear to see why Janet consistently ranks in the top individual sales for LIV Sotheby’s.
Call Janet to discuss how her experience will work for you and your real estate needs.
Renowned for her tireless work ethic and undaunted tenacity, Liz Richards has been a top producing Global Real Estate Advisor and Broker Associate since 2004. 95% of Liz’s business comes by way of referrals and repeat clients; she is proud to serve her clients in both the Denver Metro and Summit County markets. Her passion for the importance of homeownership and building wealth via real estate investing is the source of her drive and incredible energy to be the best of the best. Her extensive knowledge and experience with resales and new construction validate why she is the “go-to” agent, not only for buyers and sellers, but also for Denver’s developers. Liz’s passion for art, culture, and food are nourished by the city life of Denver while her favorite activities of skiing, hiking, paddle boarding, and cycling are fulfilled with her treasured “mountain time” in Summit County.
TOP 10 BROKER SINCE 2007 – DENVER METRO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
SPECIALIZATIONS Cherry Creek, Cherry Hills, Crestmoor, Bonnie Brae, Belcaro, Hilltop, Washington Park, LoDo, LoHi, and Highlands.
WALL STREET JOURNAL TOP 500 AGENTS NATIONALLY AWARDED FIVE-STAR PROFESSIONAL SEVEN YEARS RUNNING LUXURY HOME PROFFESIONAL WITH GLOBAL CAPABILITIES
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
• Recognized by RealTrends as one of “America’s Best Real Estate Professionals” for ranking amongst the Top 1%
Nationwide by Transaction Sides &
Recent Sales History: $45 million (2022), $52+ Million, (2021), $46+ Million (2020), $40+ Million (2019), $66+ Million (2018)
• Top 1% in Denver Metro Sales 2015-2021
• Recent Denver Metro Association of Realtors Recognitions: Diamond Status (2021 | $40M+ in Sales), Diamond Status (2020 | $40M+ in Sales), #2 Individual Agent (2019 | Project Sales), #3 Individual Agent (2019 | Project Transactions), #2 Individual Agent (2018 | Sales)
PHONE:
EMAIL: Janet@JanetKritzer.com
WEB: www.JanetKritzer.com
ADDRESS: 8000 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
100 Saint Paul Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80206 303.956.2962 | liz@lizrichardsrealestate.com
LIZRICHARDSREALESTATE.COM
Individual Agent |
Double Black DiamondKaren believes there is a perfect home for every buyer, and a buyer for every home. Her 28 years of experience and genuine passion for the business has enabled her to achieve a level of expertise unlike any other in residential sales. She recognizes that buying and selling a home is not only a large financial commitment, but one that is personal and emotional for clients in all price ranges.
Karen’s handpicked team represents beliefs similar to her own and embodies the same commitment to treating all clients with honesty, integrity and putting the client’s best interests first. Together, Karen and her team provide white-glove service as they navigate the sales process with ease. This allows their clients to enjoy a predictable and low-risk transaction from start to finish.
As a proud fourth-generation Denver native and Colorado State University graduate, Karen is rooted within the community and is respected among her peers. Her relationship with her clients embraces multiple generations. Karen would love the opportunity to work with you.
Luxury Home Market, Resident and Expert in Columbine Valley & The Polo Reserve for 28 years, Relocations, Historic Homes, First-time Homebuyers and Investments, Denver Metro Area
Five Star Real Estate Professional designation from 2012-2022; 5280 Top Producing Broker 2015-2022; Ranked among the Top 10 brokers at Kentwood DTC 2018-2020 & Top 5 in 2021 & 2022. Consistently recognized as a top volume producing Broker in Denver by the Denver Board of Realtors Roundtable; Consistently ranks among top 1% in sales volume for individual brokers by the Denver Board of Realtors. Luxury Home Tour Member.
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond
In a market rich with realtors, Ann Kerr stands out from the pack. With over $500 million in sales, she is proof of the power of relationships.
Ann’s 20-year tenure in the industry reflects the type of staying power that can only be achieved through honesty, integrity and unrelenting authenticity. She answers phone calls and emails directly. It’s extremely important to her that she take responsibility for every detail of every transaction. Ann specializes in helping buyers and sellers with all types of residential properties—from acreage estates in the Villages, bungalows in Washington Park to high rise condos downtown and townhouses in Cherry Creek. Ann’s goal is to give each buyer or seller a sense of complete satisfaction with their dealings and to enjoy the ride along the way.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Resident in Cherry Hills Village for 30 Years, and Expert in DCC, Greenwood Village, Observatory Park, Washington Park, and more. Luxury, Downsizing, Investment Properties, Relocation, First-Time Home Buyers
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Denver Metro Association of Realtors Professional Standards Committee Member, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, Cherry Hills Village Planning & Zoning Commission, Swim Across America, University of Oklahoma Alumni Association, The John Lynch Foundation, PIVOT, University of Denver Lacrosse
4949 South Niagara Street, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80237 303.818.8668 | akerr@kentwood.com
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE
Team of 3-5 Agents | Double Black Diamond
As a Denver native and an established agent for over twenty years, Mary is known for her extensive knowledge of the Denver market and for being an unwavering and passionate advocate for her clients. She strives to ensure that the home buying or selling process is fun, easy, and stress-free.
A consistent Top Producer at Kentwood Real Estate, she credits her business to her client relationships and their referrals. Providing excellent service to buyers and sellers comes naturally for Mary because of the joy she finds in helping people through what can be both an exciting and emotional time. When it comes to fulfilling wants and needs with the perfect home for buyers and the best offer for sellers, Mary absolutely shines.
Mary firmly believes that everyone deserves excellent representation regardless of price point. However, her extensive experience in the luxury home market sets her apart. She knows the unique challenges that can accompany the luxury market and how to creatively work to get the best outcome for her clients.
• Certified Residential Specialist
• Denver Metro Association of Realtors
• Colorado Association of Realtors
• National Association of Realtors
• 5280 Double Black Diamond Top Real Estate Producer
• Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate
• 5280 Magazine Denver 5-Star
Professional Award
4949 S. Niagra Street, Suite 400 Denver, CO 80237
303.886.2323
MARYJONESDENVER.COM
After growing up in Englewood and attending CSU, David made his way to NYC, with his newly stamped CPA credentials and embarked on a very successful career in finance. After several years in Toronto, David made his way back to Denver to be closer to family, enjoy the healthy Colorado lifestyle and to start a new career helping people, while using his skills in negotiating, marketing and finance.
David has been representing buyers and sellers in the Denver Metro area for over ten years and has curated a real estate career where his clients feel heard, wellrepresented and cared for. In return, David’s clients trust him as their real estate advisor and have become long-term friends and clients.
Based on his depth of knowledge in real estate, David has sold everything from studio condos to multimillion dollar estates. David has secured his spot among top real estate agents in the Denver Metro Area with recent sales including a $5.8M, 36-acre estate in Castle Rock, $4.6M, 12,000 square foot estate on 7th Avenue Parkway in Denver, and a $4.6M clients’ family home on a very special lot in Bow Mar.
Along with his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Jeff Jones, the DavidBell Group with milehimodern is not only able to accommodate the needs of their clients, but to make the buying and selling process as low-stress and easy as possible. Every real estate transaction is different, and the DavidBell Group is very adept at addressing each client in a personal and professional manner. Nancy’s role as Transaction Manager and Jeff’s background in client services, benefits everyone.
David’s association with milehimodern capitalizes on the forward-thinking marketing and brand presence that the company has established and catapults his clients’ sales to achieve highest dollar per square foot. Home sellers and buyers are in amazing hands with David’s knowledge and love for Denver, his professionalism and his care for his clients.
• The entire Denver Metro Area
• Luxury real estate
• First time to very experienced buyers and sellers
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
TOP REAL ESTATE PRODUCER 2023
Team of 2 Agents | Black Diamond
We are a husband & wife team with over 30 years of combined real estate experience who provide our clients with end-to-end expertise in complex real estate transactions, while building lifelong relationships along the way. As is the case in any great team, we bring different and complementary backgrounds and skill sets in marketing, sales, finance, and negotiation to our partnership, ensuring that each client receives the personal service, comprehensive information and professional guidance needed in the rapidly changing real estate market. A home sale or purchase is a significant milestone in anyone’s life, and we pride ourselves on making it an enjoyable, rewarding, and memorable time for each of our treasured clients. Once the purchase or sale is complete, we continue our relationships, becoming long-term trusted advisors and resource providers for anything real estate related. We welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your real estate journey.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Metro Denver & Vail Valley Residential Properties including Luxury, Move-Up, First Time Buyers, Investment and Second Homes
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Consistent recipient of DMAR Excellence Award and 5280 Top Producer, LIV Sotheby’s “Quarterly Best”
100 Saint Paul Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80206 303.549.9815 | RULEPROPERTIES.COM
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE
TOP REAL ESTATE PRODUCER 2023
Team of 2 Agents | Black Diamond
Finishing another record breaking year, Vesta Homes is committed to providing the highest level of real estate services to all of our clients.
With nearly 30 years of combined experience, Libby and Elizabeth offer their clients exceptional communication, unparalleled customer service and superior negotiation in Denver’s dynamic real estate market.
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
• Kentwood Top Producer Pinnacle Club
• #1 Top Producing Duo at Kentwood Real Estate 2022
Elizabeth: 303.501.3337 | elizabeth@kentwood.com
Libby: 720.935.0412 | libby@kentwood.com
VESTAHOMESDENVER.COM
We believe in working differently, and client representation is our priority and self-measure. Our commitment towards representing our client’s interests guides and fuels our every effort and process. Our outstanding results, customer satisfaction, and sales volume are evidence of our core belief that professional representation matters.
Heather Graham and Sean Endsley comprise an award-winning team in the office and the community. Achievements include recognitions by Forbes Magazine (5-star award recipient), 5280 Magazine (Black Diamond award), RealTrends (top 1.49% of 1.6 million real estate professionals in the U.S.), Zillow (5-star agent reviews), Realtor.com (5-star agent reviews), and are the #1 team in the LIV Sotheby’s Evergreen office.
“Our results are born from our commitment to our clients, and it shows.”
“Whenever I describe Heather and Sean to people who don’t know them, I describe them as the ‘NFL star quarterbacks of real estate’. Before I knew them, I had plenty of little league agents who just sat back and let me do all the work, but Heather and Sean are superstars...” - Kellie
“We recently had the pleasure of having Heather and Sean sell our property in Evergreen, CO. From start to finish, they were professional, communicative, and customer service oriented. Their knowledge of the market, client network, sales skills, and attention to detail...” - Kathy
“What a great experience to work with a team. Sean’s ability to price our home was spot on! The marketing of our home was perfection and Heather’s constant contact kept us informed thru the selling process. With Colorado’s crazy market, we needed to see properties....” - Jeanine
• RealTrends Top 1.49% of 1.6 million real estate professionals in the U.S.
• Recipients of the highest achievable 5280 Award-Double Black designation
• Five Star Professional Market Leaders in Forbes Magazine
• Denver Metro Realtors Excellence Awards Winners –Diamond Level
• #1 Team in the LIV Sotheby’s Evergreen office
• LIV Sotheby’s Quarterly Best since 2019
• Most Luxury properties over $2+ Million sold in our market
• Most land listings sold in our market
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Coleen Sanders is a fourth generation real estate broker who brings over 20 years of marketing and real estate experience to her practice. She is known for her creative approach and tenacity in helping her clients achieve their real estates goals. With her unwavering professionalism and expertise, Coleen provides insight into the Denver neighborhoods, housing trends, and home values which help clients make the most informed decisions. Her passion for art and design gives a unique perspective and value for the most discerning clientele. Coleen is a resident and expert of Cherry Hills Village and specializes in the Denver metro area and surrounding suburbs.
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
• Recognized Top Producer 5280 Magazine + DMAR from 2016-2023
• Top 2% Real Estate Professionals
• Board of Regents Luxury Real Estate Member
• Top 1% Broker with Highest Average Sales Price in Colorado
• Reforestation Partner w/ One Tree Planted. Every house sold = 100 trees planted
100 Saint Paul Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80206 303.921.2964 | csanders@livsothebysrealty.com
COLEENSANDERS.COM
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE
TOP REAL ESTATE PRODUCER 2023
Team of 3-5 Agents | Double Black Diamond
Experience is Everything! Your time is valuable, you have high expectations, you want to spend your efforts concentrating on your core business and personal life. You want to sell your home for top dollar and enjoy the return on your investment. You want to buy your next home and make sure your needs are met. Your experienced, knowledgeable, and professional real estate agents are here for you. After all, Experience is Everything! Reach out for a free consultation at 303-881-3514 (Sana Wood) or 303-840-7777 (Jacci Geiger).
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
• Double Black Diamond 5280 Top Producers
• 5 Star Professional Awards for over 10 years
• Formerly Denver’s Top Team - #1 Team of 3-5 at Kentwood Real Estate 3 years in a row and closed over $157 million in 2021/2022
• Top 1% of Denver Realtors
• Over 40 years of Experience
215 St Paul Street, Suite 200
Denver, CO 80206
Sana: 303.881.3514 | sana@sanawood.com
Jacci: 303.840.7777 | jacci@kentwood.com
JACCIANDSANA.COM
Mark Baker is a full-time Realtor and Property Investment Specialist with over 20 years of real estate and investment experience. His ability to look at properties as investments, rather than based on emotion, makes his negotiating, marketing, and advising on residential and investment real estate unmatched.
Mark’s philosophy is based on trust, putting his clients first, and getting the most for them. His unique background in constructing houses and multi-million-dollar development projects has given him an insider’s view of the building industry, a strong understanding of market prices, and a great eye for design. He puts this knowledge to work for his clients, along with his extensive training in legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, marketing, and the sales process.
“I SAVE my clients tremendous amounts of money when purchasing and MAXIMIZE their profit when selling. My clients know that I am looking out for THEIR best interests at all times, functioning as a consultant, rather than just a sales agent.”
Mark experienced the power of real estate while in college studying finance and economics and working for a realtor and property manager. He saw firsthand how you can help others not just find a home but create financial wealth in the process. He’s been inspired and passionate ever since to help others achieve their real estate goals. “Nothing makes me prouder and more satisfied than when my clients have closed on the sale or purchase of their home, are building equity and personal wealth, and creating memories for years to come.”
“I believe in putting others first, delivering value, and helping my clients gain financial freedom through real estate. My CLIENT FIRST philosophy is—and always will be—the top priority: Providing my clients with truly exceptional service, superb accessibility, quick response, and remarkable efficiency.”
SPECIALIZATIONS
Residential Sellers and Buyers, Property Investment Specialist, New Construction, First Time Home Buyers, Vacant Land, REO’s and Short Sales
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
100% Customer Satisfaction Rating, America’s Top 1%, 100 Most Influential RE Agents, Forbes Magazine & many more.
Advanced Certifications: GRI, CRS, SRES, SRS, Certified Hyper Local Real Estate Specialist, Real Estate Staging Expert
7887 E. Belleview Avenue, Suite 175 Denver, CO 80111 720.257.1541 | mark@5280core.com 5280CORE.COM
THE AGENCY
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Anna Centron is one of the most desired and dedicated agents in the industry, always striving to lead the field in research, innovation, and consumer education. Today’s buyers and sellers need a trusted resource that can guide them through the complex world of real estate. With Anna and The Agency’s extensive knowledge and commitment to providing only the best, most reliable, and timely information to their clients, she is your go-to source for real estate industry insight and advice.
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Real Producers Top 5%, Denver Professionals 40 under 40, Real Estate Professional Accredited Agent with The Board of Regents Luxury Real Estate, Realtor®, Member of Denver Metro Association of Realtors, Member of National Association of Realtors, Real Trends and HomeLight top 1% National Real Estate Professional
255 Clayton Street, Suite 110, Denver, Colorado 80206 303.906.5793 | anna.centron@theagencyre.com
THECENTRONGROUP.COM
MILEHIMODERN
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Terri Gray — a former member of the US Navy — distinguishes herself as a specialist in the Front Range real estate market with a focus on elevating her clients’ experiences. Since receiving her license in 2006, Terri has established herself as a high-volume top producer with a wealth of trustworthy experience, market insight and savvy negotiation skills. Her work ethic honed from her tenure in the Armed Forces attracts clients from all walks of life, including luxury sellers in need of high-caliber representation and market insight, veterans seeking VA loan expertise and buyers relocating to Colorado. Terri’s innovative approach to real estate is noted in her ability to tackle any challenge with creative solutions and deep knowledge of the competitive market. Above all, Terri is recognized by her clients for her unmatched service and sparkling demeanor.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Luxury Homes, Military, Relocation, Investment Properties, New Development
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Member of Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, 5-Star Professional, CNE
2015 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO, 80302 720.323.8460 | terri@milehimodern.com
MILEHIMODERN.COM/ABOUTUS/TERRI - GRAY
Known for a meticulous yet spirited approach to design, innovative marketing, shrewd negotiation skills, and a strong professional network, Innov8 Properties is a team of conscientious advisors. Our promise is to deliver excellence one home at a time to improve the lives of our clients and help them build wealth through real estate. The Innov8 Properties team consists of Erin Brumleve (Principal, Realtor), Laura Fritz (Realtor), Jill Deacon (Realtor), and Emily Wirtz (Listing Manager).
Testimonials:
“Erin and her team are phenomenal to work with and were able to sell our property in a difficult market with high inflation and rising interest rates! We would not have received the value we did if we didn’t have Erin. She was an incredible realtor from start to finish! Living in the mountains and having full time jobs, we were initially worried about coordinating all the repairs that we needed to do before putting the house on the market. Erin and the team coordinated all the workers, cleaners, and stagers all on a very tight schedule. She was a trustworthy, efficient, and professional communicator between us and the prospective buyers. Despite it being a busy time with the holidays coming up, she moved the process along quickly, thoroughly, and professionally. It is clear to us why she is one of the top realtors in Denver because of her wealth of knowledge about the real estate market, inventory, and process.” – Taylor “Best home selling experience ever! After having to resign the first agent I hired, Laura Fritz came in with a great attitude, professional approach and personable to boot. Laura and her team along with Erin Brumleve, the owner, cared about presenting my house in the best light and making the selling process stress free. If you want a solid team, do yourselves a favor and interview Innov8 Properties.” – Peggy
“My husband and I relocated from Atlanta and knew nothing of Denver or its neighborhoods. Jill made us feel welcomed and comfortable! She worked hard to find us the perfect home and made it easy for us to sign a lease out of state. We highly recommend Jill and this team!” – Ashley
Luxury Home Market, Midtown Denver, Historic Homes, Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, Re-envisioning homes for resale, Certified Negotiation Expert
• #1 Group at Keller Williams Realty Downtown Denver (2022, 2020)
• Recognized by RealTrends as one of “America’s Best Real Estate Professionals” for ranking amongst the Top 1.5% Nationwide by Transaction Sides & Sales Volume (2021)
• Recent Denver Metro Association of Realtors
Recognitions: Diamond Status (2022 | $40M+ in Sales), Diamond Status (2021 | $40M+ in Sales)
917 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204 720.295.6065
INNOV8PROPERTIES.COM
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond
Since launching her real estate career in 2002, Jennifer Egbert has exclusively served her adopted hometown of Boulder. Specializing in modernist luxury homes and properties of architectural significance, she focuses on curating a discrete upscale client experience. From concierge client service to artfully designed and articulated marketing, Jennifer’s brand delivers on the promise of redefining the process of transacting real estate. With expansive roots in the community, Jennifer leverages her incredible professional network in tandem with her unparalleled market knowledge to strategically position her clients to thrive. Her favorite aspect of serving her community as the luxury realtor of choice is the incredible people she gets to work with and for. With honesty and clear communication as a hallmark, Jennifer’s business is built foundationally on trust. Through her partnership with milehimodern, Jennifer’s brought the artistry of living—and the allure of experiencing spectacular properties in an equally exceptional community—to Boulder.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Modern Luxury, Architecturally Significant Homes, Negotiations, Marketing
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Master Certified Negotiation Expert, 2018 Inman Innovator Award Finalist: Most Innovative Marketing Program, The Diamond Club Award, The Platinum Club Award, Excellence in Luxury Home Marketing, Nominated as Best of Boulder 2015-2020, Chairman’s Club Status, Hall of Fame, RealTrends Top Producer
303.619.3373
jegbert@milehimodern.com
JENNIFEREGBERT.COM
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond
Molly Weiss is a fourth generation Denver native who knows the neighborhoods like the back of her hand. With extensive local knowledge, personalized client attention, and a consistent drive for results, Molly brings unmatched expertise and a concierge-style approach to every aspect of your real estate transaction. The trusted advisor and client advocate is also plugged into the local community with a broad network of colleagues and friends across the city. From the Highlands to Cherry Creek North, Hilltop to Cherry Hills Village, Berkeley to Centennial, Molly is well-equipped to handle your Denver real estate needs with ease. Coupled by the reach and resources of a globally recognized brand, she affords a full-service experience that can’t be beat.
Member of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors, Member of National Association of Realtors, Real Estate Professional Accredited Agent with The Board of Regents Luxury Real Estate, Recognized by Real Trends as one of “America’s Best” (ranked among the top 1.5% of 1.4 million real estate professionals in the US.)
100 Saint Paul Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80206 303.229.0652 | mweiss@livsothebysrealty.com
MOLLYWEISSREALESTATE.COM
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
In her 22nd successful year in Real Estate Sales and Consulting, Julie is a third generation Colorado Native with deep roots first planted in the state by her greatgrandfather, Winter Fyfe, who came over from Scotland and ran the general store at the Tomboy Mine in Telluride. Julie’s grandfather was in the early mortgage business in Denver, and her Mom was one of Denver’s first iconic female Realtors. So, a deep love and knowledge of Denver Real Estate is in Julie’s blood. She is passionate about sharing her broad knowledge of Denver’s neighborhoods, history, and dynamic Real Estate market with her clients, Buyers and Sellers, first time and experienced.
Julie is known for her unrivaled negotiating skills, experienced competence in managing transactions, honesty, and work ethic. She prides herself on her personal hands-on approach and strict attention to detail. “My goal is to exceed expectations while providing an extremely high level of customer service, as together we achieve my valued client’s Real Estate goals and objectives.”
Sellers and Buyers. All Denver Neighborhoods, Suburbs, and Front Range Communities. Historic Home Specialist, Luxury Home Specialist, Single Family Homes, Condos, Land.
Kentwood Cherry Creek Top 10 Individual Sales 2018 - 2022. Top 250 Denver Realtor 2020. Top 1% Denver Realtor 2021. Kentwood Cherry Creek #1 Team Sales 2014, 2015, 2017. DMAR Excellence Awards 2003-2022. Five Star Award 12 Year Winner.
303.946.2784
juliewinger@kentwood.com
JULIEWINGER.COM
Professional Advice is a Good Investment ™
“It’s expensive to sell your home…every top agent’s #1 goal should be to add more in value than the fee they are paid.”
Over the past 18 years, Casey’s philosophy is simple. If you want your business to grow and expand, you must put you clients first and then work hard.
“On a daily basis, I’m leveraging the resources of my personal network built on a lifetime of living in and around Denver. The support of my firm and my two assistants are substantial. When a client chooses to engage me to sell their home, they’re actually hiring the tip of a very large iceberg that is Sotheby’s International Realty.”
Buyers find value in Casey’s intimate knowledge of the hottest in-town Denver neighborhoods and the southern suburbs of Greenwood Village (where he was raised), Cherry Hills Village, Centennial and Littleton.
Casey studied architecture and finance (CU Boulder), then worked at Janus Capital prior to finding his passion in real estate.
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond
CONNECTED • RESPECTED • TRUSTED
A seasoned real estate professional and true Colorado native, Kylie Russell’s working style perfectly combines experience, knowledge, enthusiasm and genuine care for her clients. Kylie’s unparalleled experience in all aspects of real estate provides her with a true knowledge of all metro Denver neighborhoods and price ranges. Putting the needs of her buyers and sellers first, Kylie has earned a reputation for unmatched service and commitment to every transaction, resulting in optimal outcomes and lifetime clients.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Denver Metro Residential Real Estate, Luxury Home Sales, Relocation
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
• Graduate, REALTOR Institute, GRI
• Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®) designation by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI)
• Degree in Business Marketing and Real Estate, University of Colorado (2003)
• Consistently ranked amongst Denver’s top producing agents
YOUR CASTLE REAL ESTATE
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Having 23 years of Real Estate experience, Carol Guzman exhibits genuine care, true advocacy and exceptional guidance. Through her inspired passion, she provides the most comprehensive expertise in Senior Transition and downsizing services in the Greater Denver Metro area. “My number one goal is to help seniors as they transition to a simpler lifestyle,” she explains. “We help them downsize, provide them with any resources they might need, and overall, make the process easier.” What’s more, Carol’s knowledge base is unparalleled when it comes to senior living options in the Denver area. “I’m very attuned to the 55+ communities in Metro Denver, on a hyper-local level,” she says. “From years of experience and research, I know everything there is to know about them, from HOA information to the floor plans of every unit. Whatever a client may be looking for, I can find it. It makes the process very straightforward and seamless.” With two decades of experience, Carol Guzman now considers what she enjoys most about her career. “It’s so rewarding to work with seniors during this time of transition, especially when I can ease stress along the way,” she says. “I’ve got a big heart, and I really do care. I just love to hear their positive feedback. It makes the whole process special.”
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Your Castle Real Estate Legends Club 2021, Vice-President’s Club 2020, President’s Club 2019, Platinum Club 2016-2018, South Metro Denver Realtor Assn. Diamond Circle Club 2016-2021, and voted Five Star Professional in 5280 magazine for 2018-2021. Recognized in Forbes Magazine as a Top 500 Agent in 2020 & Fortune Magazine in 2021.
303.929.3157 | cj.guzman@comcast.net
CAROLGUZMANHOMES.COM
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Unlock the beauty and potential of Colorado living with Tawny Orr, a top real estate producer and industry expert. As a licensed broker with a wealth of knowledge and experience, Tawny’s expert negotiation skills, patience and enthusiasm for the process will guide you through buying and selling with ease.
Born into a real estate family and raised in Arvada, Tawny has an intimate knowledge of the local community and surrounding areas of Colorado, making her a trusted guide throughout the transaction. She is dedicated to providing joy and fulfillment for her clients by instilling a sense of trust and educating them all throughout the process.
Tawny is well known for her exceptional communication skills, genuine honesty, and ability to create lifelong relationships with her clients. Her dedication and expertise will help you to elevate your wealth-building journey and make your Colorado real estate dreams a reality.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Certified Negotiation Specialist, Certified Buyer Specialist, HUD certified
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Presidents Club Award 2019, 2020 and 2021. Centurion award winner 2021
2015 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302 | 720.527.0530
MILEHIMODERN.COM/ABOUTUS/TAWNY - ORR
KENTWOOD
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Allison is a fifth generation Denver native with extensive knowledge of the city’s neighborhoods and suburbs. Allison’s understanding of Denver’s history, paired with her strong local network and expertise in market conditions, inform a holistic approach to delivering the best possible outcomes for her clients. With a passion for architecture and interior design, she also brings a keen eye to help buyers and sellers alike visualize the full potential of each property.
As an avid athlete and MBA, Allison brings tenacity, professionalism, and a strong business acumen to the table. Allison’s goal is to build strong, lasting relationships with her clients, and she prides herself on the fact that the vast majority of her business is driven by referrals and repeat clients. Allison would love to work with you, whether you are in the market to buy or sell or just want to educate yourself about the Denver market.
Luxury Homes, Central Denver Neighborhoods & Immediate Suburbs, New Development, Buyers New to Denver, Move Up/Down Buyers & Sellers
Yearly Recipient of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors Excellence Awards, 5280 Top Producer, and Kentwood $10 Million Club
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
empathy. communication. grace.
Before joining milehimodern, Caitlin held a decade long career in sales, advertising, and interior design. Caitlin’s competent background is matched by her poise, empathetic nature and exemplary communication skills. Her clients appreciate her critical perspective when exploring properties and the artistic lens she brings when selling homes. Caitlin helps buyers, sellers, and
right answers to any questions you may have. Her past clients will tell you—she knows what it takes to get offers accepted and contracts signed. Call Pam today!
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Changing Lives. One Home at a Time. Pam has over 20 years of experience as a successful Realtor® serving both buyers and sellers and is a Certified Residential Specialist. With an outstanding track record, she will leave no stone unturned when it comes to helping you achieve your real estate goals. You can trust her to handle all your real estate needs with the highest level of professionalism and will always provide sound advice, great service and the Top Producer, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Luxury Home Specialist, Five Star professional, 3-Carat winner South Metro Denver Realtor Association, 20+ years of experience
303.981.8811 | pam@pambent.com PAMBENT.COM
LIV SOTHEBY’S
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond
With over 18 years of success in luxury real estate, Katie brings a tireless client commitment and creative energy to her loyal clientele across the Front Range. By exceeding her clients’ expectations, she has earned a reputation for unmatched service and expertise, gaining new business from repeat clients and referrals. To Katie, real estate is more than a transaction, it’s a relationship, and she is honored to serve.
100 St. Paul Street, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80206
303.482.5928
katie@katiehoster.com
KATIEHOSTER.COM
investors of all types to navigate the complicated Denver market.
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
// five star rising star award winner, 2020 & 2021 // DMAR excellence award winner, 2020 & 2021 // 5280 Top Real Estate Producer 2022
2015 W. 32nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80211
303.638.6552
caitlin@milehimodern.com
SLOANSLAKEAGENT.COM
Team of 2 Agents | Double Black Diamond
As one of Denver’s leading real estate teams for decades, we have the honor and responsibility to offer the best insight and service to our clients. Our network goes back 40 years, resulting in loyal clients and friends calling on us for our proven expertise, astute negotiating skills, intimate knowledge of exclusive real estate opportunities and current market conditions. This advantage coupled with the reach and resources of an extraordinary brand, arms our clients with a competitive and personalized real estate experience.
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
#1 Partnership for Sales Volume by the Denver Board of REALTORS®
WOLFE - BOUC.COM
COLDWELL BANKER
REAL ESTATE PRODUCER 2023
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond
AK Riley is a full-time, full-service agent who knows how to get her sellers top dollar for their home, while ensuring her buyers find their dream home for the best price. AK knows that buying or selling a home is often a very emotional process, which is why she strives to take care of all the details for her clients so they can feel at ease. AK truly loves being part of her clients’ real estate journey and considers it an honor that they have placed their trust in her. She’s a tough negotiator and provides her clients with a seamless experience from start to finish. Her local market expertise sets her apart from her peers and bolsters her business. Her top performance has earned her membership into Coldwell Banker’s® International President’s Circle, an honor reserved for the top 5% of agents globally and has garnered the 5-Star Real Estate Agent award from consumers.
Luxury Home Sales, Relocation
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
International President’s Club – Coldwell Banker, 5-Star Professional, GRI, Global Luxury, Relocation, and Certified Negotiating Expert
720.289.2929 | ak@akrileyrealestate.com AKRILEYREALESTATE.COM
With 16 years experience in the Denver real estate market, Chriss brings a wealth of knowledge to her clients and is a trusted resource for all listing and buyer needs. The market has shifted and working with an experienced agent today is more important than ever. You want to work with someone who will get the job done and can help guide you with value and pricing to ensure you are listing and buying at the correct price. Chriss is an excellent communicator with serious attention to detail, this combined with the Coldwell Banker global brand will make buying or selling your home with Chriss a success. Chriss loves what she does and it shows. Her work ethic, determination, professionalism, and negotiation skills are just some of the reasons she is a top producer at Coldwell Banker. She is available day or night to answer all questions and ensure a smooth transaction. She believes that honesty and integrity go a long way, which is why her clients refer her time and time again. Chriss began her career in real estate as an investor and has built her business year over year and is in the top 3% of all agents worldwide at Coldwell Banker. Rising interest rates, inflation and post Covid. How does this affect today’s market? Call me to find out. I am available to help with all your real estate needs. With over 60 transactions closed in just the past two years, Chriss provides exceptional service for all her clients and will make sure whether you are buying or selling, you get to the closing table.
Coldwell Banker International Presidents Premier and Presidents Elite Awards 2020, 2021, 2022 Coldwell Banker Presidents Circle, Diamond and Sterling Awards 20152019, Yearly recipient of the Denver Metro Board of Realtors Excellence Awards
720.771.7369 | CHRISSBOND.COM
Dad and daughters have been selling homes throughout the Denver city and suburban neighborhoods since 2005. The Hotz Group provides superior real estate services to valued clients. Together, Elizabeth, Larry, and Meredith have almost 70 years of real estate experience.
“Moving can be a stressful time, especially if something goes wrong in a real estate transaction. We help our clients enjoy the thrill and excitement of a new home while they leave any problems to us!”
TOP REAL ESTATE PRODUCER 2023
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond
A winning combination of talent, experience and empathy are the foundation of the Ford Fountain Team. Wanda Ford and Kathryn Fountain have won numerous accolades for their expertise and commitment to ensuring every client benefits from their unrivaled attention to detail, personal approach, and professionalism. The Ford Fountain Team’s ongoing client relationships
underscore the quality, creativity and depth of knowledge they bring to buyers and sellers…every time.
Elizabeth: 303.601.5253
EHotz@DenverRealEstate.com
Meredith: 303.359.7373
Meredith@Larryhotz.com
Larry: 303.877.9344
Larry@Larryhotz.com
LARRYHOTZ.COM
DRF - SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON
TOP REAL ESTATE PRODUCER 2023
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond
Originally from England, Deborah went from buying her first flat in London in her early 20’s to having an impressive portfolio of properties today. She is passionate about homes, people, and good service. Known by clients and colleagues alike for her energy, strong work ethic, honesty, and fun—she will always put her clients first and go above and beyond to provide whatever you need.
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
• America’s Top 1% 2021 and 2022 for Colorado - Boulder-Metro
• Niwot’s Top Seller
• CRS, GRI, LHMS, Green and HSE
• Deborah Read Fowler Real Estate LLC is BCorp Certified
136 2nd Avenue, Suite E Niwot, CO 80503
720.378.1217
drf@sliferfrontrange.com
@drf_realestate
Deborah Read Fowler Real Estate DRFREALESTATE.COM
Wanda: 720.320.8901
Kathryn: 303.324.3379
858 W. Happy Canyon Road Suite 100 Castle Rock, CO 80108
fordfountain@livsothebysrealty.com
FORDFOUNTAINLUXURY REALESTATE.COM
REALTY
TOP REAL ESTATE PRODUCER 2023
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Leisa has personally been involved with hundreds of transactions over her 18+ year career and strives to provide the highest level of service and market expertise to each of her clients. Leisa’s passion for real estate goes beyond her desire to help her clients grow their portfolios, but even more so—to build trust and relationships that last a lifetime.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Representing buyers, sellers, and relocation clients across Denver. Specializing in Cory-Merrill, Bonnie Brae, Belcaro, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, The Highlands and Park Hill
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
lsollenberger@livsothebysrealty.com @denverdigs
LEISASOLLENBERGER. LIVSOTHEBYSREALTY.COM
COMPASS REAL ESTATE
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
You probably approach real estate from a combination of lifestyle and investment goals. After all, that’s what most of us do! However, your specific goals and how you approach them are likely very unique. I curate your sale, purchase, or investment journey around your individual goals and lifestyle desires. I bring 12 years of experience in real estate sales and several investments and projects of my own so that I can deliver a knowledgeable, creative, and rewarding experience to you. Call or email me using the information below, and let’s connect about your real estate goals!
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
• 12 Years in Denver Metro Real Estate
• My listings sell 15% faster than area averages
• Client-Nominated Five-Star Professional Award 2019-2023
• Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
• Certified Negotiation Expert
• Denver Area Native
200 Columbine Street, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80206 303.912.5394 | colin@colinco.com | COLINCO.COM
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
With over eighteen years of experience helping people buy and sell real estate, Georgia’s unwavering commitment to her clients’ goals has earned her local and national recognition. Georgia earned the designation of Certified Negotiating Expert and demonstrates a true passion for representing her clients. Backed by the power of the Sotheby’s brand, Georgia enjoys exceeding expectations for both her buyers and sellers.
While many consider her an expert in downtown properties, she works across Central Denver and surrounding areas helping buyers find the neighborhoods that fit them best and helping sellers market and sell their properties to achieve the highest price.
Georgia believes strongly in giving back to the community. She has served on many boards over the years and enjoys volunteering and supporting causes that are important to her.
CNE (Certified Negotiating Expert), Luxury Home Sales, New Development and Relocation
Multi year recipient of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors Excellence Awards & Five Star Professional Award, National recognition as America’s Best, by RealTrends top 1.5% of 1.4 million real estate professionals in the United States. Board of Regents Luxury Real Estate Member.
GEORGIAGALLAGHER.COM
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond
As a seasoned Denver home sales and infill new development expert, Rachel Gallegos brings over 17 years of experience to every property and client she represents. Rachel offers a deep understanding of the Denver metro market, unparalleled marketing and unmatched representation. Her results-driven efforts help ensure success while navigating the ever-changing market.
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Named top 100 realtors in Denver, #1 Real Estate Team in Colorado by the Wallstreet Journal, Wallstreet Journal top 1.5% of brokers nationwide, Consistently top producing DMAR excellence award winner, Accredited and Certified Negotiation expert, EcoBroker
Certified / GREEN* accredited /
LEED Associate Accreditation, New Development Expert
Team of 2 Agents | Black Diamond
With 430 million in sales and a combined 30 years’ experience, this dynamic mother/daughter team assists clients all over the city with exceptional service, impeccable market knowledge and optimal results.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Luxury, First-Time Home Buyer, Corporate Relocation, Move Up and Empty Nester Properties, and Investment Properties
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
22 + Year Denver Metro Association of Realtors Roundtable Award
Winners, Graduate Real Estate Certification, Certified Residential Specialist, Negotiation Expert Designation, 5280 Magazine Five Star Award Repeat Winner
720.308.2615 rachel@milehimodern.com
MILEHIMODERN.COM
Team of 2 Agents | Double Black Diamond
We are proud of our accomplishments and awards, but recognize that we would not be here without Customer Satisfaction being our Prime Objective. Our goal is for our clients to be 100% confident in their real estate decisions. We are grateful that our business comes from past clients or their referrals. We would not have the accomplishments we have without the support of our past clients. We believe that our past clients are our biggest supporters because we not only help them achieve their real estate goals, but also have a lot of fun along the way.
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
• Top 50 RE/MAX team in the US
• Five Star Professional, 13 years running
• 26 Years Combined Experience
• Certified Negotiation Experts
• 69 Google 5-Star reviews
• 100% Repeat Clients and Referrals
Debra: 720.289.7299
Chris: 720.438.8407
GUYTEAMHOMES.COM
8000 E. Belleview Avenue, Suite 200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Jane: 303.807.0135
Beckett: 303.810.8601
brennangroup@livsothebysrealty.com
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
As a resident of Evergreen, Colorado for 30 years and having raised a family in the beautiful mountain community, I have become a trusted top real estate advisor in Evergreen, Golden/Genesee, Conifer, Morrison, and the surrounding foothills. My 12 year tenure in real estate is built on integrity, authenticity, and wisdom. The lasting relationships and referrals from my clients speak to the success of my endeavors, for which I am truly thankful. “Knowledgeable. Responsive. Great work ethic. Creative. Delightful.
A star in her field.”- M.K.
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Luxury Real Estate - Board of Regents Member, DMAR Excellence Award, Staging - Residential Interior Design Degree, Continuous Five Star Rating
cell: 303.949.3449
dsimon@livsothebysrealty com
SOTHEBYSREALTY.COM
Kate loves Colorado and the variety of places to call home that Denver has to offer —from the charming historic homes and walkable areas in the city to the slowerpaced neighborhoods with mountain views and trails in the suburbs. Buying or selling a home is a big deal! While it can be a very exciting time, it can also be intimidating and stressful, especially in Denver’s competitive market. Preparation is key, and Kate’s approach is to educate and be hands-on throughout the entire process. She has a wide variety of experience—from negotiating discounted deals to winning competitive situations for her buyers…and from focusing on marketing to get homes under contract quickly to managing multiple offers and guiding sellers through pros and cons of different contracts. While she provides extensive experience, up-to-date market knowledge, and great negotiation skills, her goal is to serve as a guide to her clients and empower them to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
Specializing in Luxury Customer Service
• Selling the 2021 Colorado Homes and Lifestyles HOME OF THE YEAR
• 40+ years of experience closing over half a billion in sales
• Number 1 Small Team - Coldwell Banker Realty
Consistently:
• Top 1% of Coldwell Banker nationally
• 5-Star Real Estate Agents by 5280 magazine
“You can end your realtor search now. We were provided the best service we’ve ever experienced from any individual or company in my entire life. They have become the benchmark that we measure everyone else against.”
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
I specialize in the art of selling masterpiece properties. While I help sellers and buyers in all categories, my niches include the higher end of the residential market and acreage properties in the area. I am supported by an incredible, competent, professional staff, and together we are fanatical about delivering results and working with you to accomplish your goals in real estate. I would be privileged to help you sell your home or find the property of your dreams!
SPECIALIZATIONS
Luxury homes and acreage properties throughout Denver Metro, Douglas County, and Colorado Springs
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Master Certified Negotiation Expert, Recognized by REALTrends “America’s Thousand Best Real Estate Professionals”
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Alison Lashmet, recognized top producing Realtor, has a heart for this business. Understanding there is more to the transaction than just the contract, Alison’s dedication and true care for her clients is what sets her apart. She listens to each client and has an unwavering commitment to exceed their needs and expectations. Whether buying or selling, Alison looks forward to serving you as her next client!
SPECIALIZATIONS
Residential Real Estate, Buyer and Listing Specialist, Luxury Homes, Relocation
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
SMDRA Diamond Circle, Equity
Colorado Top Producer, Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Sellers Representative Specialist (SRS)
COLORADO REAL ESTATE
413 Wilcox Street, Suite 100 Castle Rock, CO 80104 720.881.5718
STUCYGROUP.COM
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond
720.839.8000
alison.lashmet@equity-usa.com
ALISONSELLSCOLORADO.COM
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
TOP REAL ESTATE PRODUCER 2023
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
As a Colorado native, Connie has been providing client-centric real estate experiences since 2004. Her tailored approach to every transaction has earned her lifelong clients and heartfelt testimonials. With over 1,000 closed transactions, Connie has cultivated her knowledge and expertise in many areas; from first-time home buyers to luxury sellers, in all of the Denvermetro area and Boulder.
Boulder culture and all it has to offer. He is not only a leader in Boulder’s real estate market, but a staple in the community.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Accomplished. Knowledgeable. Authentic. An expert in the nuances of his surrounding community, John McElveen has been a Boulder resident since 1972 and has served clients in the county for over 40 years. His experience precedes him, spanning across residential construction, condominiums and historical homes in Boulder’s most preserved neighborhoods. John’s Boulder residency spans over 50 years, giving him a strong grasp on the sought-after Luxury Residential, New Construction, Central Boulder
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Top 10 producers in Boulder for past decade
2015 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302 303.818.7500
johnmac@milehimodern.com
J - MACOBOULDER.COM
SPECIALIZATIONS
Luxury real estate, military, relocation and seniors
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
5280 honoree 2020-2023, DMAR “Titanium” recipient 2023
1050 Walnut Street, Suite 100 Boulder, CO 80206 720.309.2862
ckraska@livsothebysrealty.com
CONNIEKRASKA.COM
• Top 4% Worldwide at Coldwell Banker Realty, 2021
• Ranked #3 in Colorado for Large teams at Coldwell Banker Realty, 2021
Team Lead, Brie Fowler - Won Agent of the Year for Colorado by Rate my Agent, 2022
Top 5% Most Recommended Realtor by Google and Homesnap, 2021
Voted Best Realtor by Readers Choice in Best of the West, 2022
BizWest Honoree for Notable Women in Real Estate, 2022
• Nominated by the North Metro Chamber of Commerce for Business Leadership, 2021
COLDWELL BANKER
TOP REAL ESTATE PRODUCER 2023
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Nicole Wolf has been in the real estate industry for ten years and counting. Her career started on the commercial side in property management, then, in 2015, she made the switch to residential real estate and has not looked back. Focusing her business around her brand “Wolf Family Real Estate: Where Family Comes
First”, Nicole treats each client as if they were a member of her own family. Nicole prides herself on placing clients’ needs and interests before her own while building a strong relationship with each client that lasts long after closing occurs. Nicole is not only knowledgeable and professional but genuine and honest in how she conducts her business which is why many of Nicole’s clients say she is the best in the business.
Coldwell Banker Diamond Society (2017); Coldwell Banker 30 Under 30 Award (2018); Coldwell Banker President’s Circle (2018); Coldwell Banker Sterling Society (2019); 5280 Top Producer (2020); Coldwell Banker Diamond Society (2020); Coldwell Banker President’s Elite (2021); 5280 Five Star Professional (2021); 5280 Top Producer (2022); Coldwell Banker President’s Elite (2022)
Team of 6 or More Agents | Double Black Diamond
The Fowler Group has dynamic marketing systems that guarantee maximum exposure for their listings, and professional administrative and contract management support to get the job done! Together, their team is dedicated to achieving success for their clients and they’re proud to carry on the success that Jack Fowler started in 1960. They love helping people, problem solving, and building strong relationships on a daily basis. Each Realtor on the team continues to exceed their client’s expectations through passion for excellence, continuous improvement, collaboration, knowledge and professionalism. It is their personal goal to ensure that each of their clients receive top-notch service! EVERY TIME! When you work with The Fowler Group you can be confident you are getting the best team of real estate professionals working on your side because they have proven results and hundreds of happy clients. The Fowler Group “team model” and real estate synergy brings with it RESULTS. Each individual on the team is dedicated and committed, which allows them to run efficiently and successfully.
Luxury Real Estate, Condos, Certified New Home Specialists
2700 Canyon Boulevard Suite 200 Boulder, CO 80302 720.893.1685
THEFOWLERGROUPCOLORADO.COM
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Stephanie Lepard is an award-winning agent with a deep knowledge of the Denver metro market. A recipient of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors® Award multiple years in a row, Stephanie attributes much of her success to a wide and loyal referral network, a reflection of her extensive industry expertise and unwavering dedication to client service. When not showing homes, you can find Stephanie hitting the slopes, playing golf and tennis or spending time with her husband, two kiddos and sidekick Enzo, a handsome golden retriever. She also proudly gives back to her community, avidly supporting the Children’s Hospital of Colorado, most notably raising money through her annual fundraiser, “Pumpkins with Purpose.”
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond TOP
Whatever your dream might be...it is my business and goal to bring your dreams home. With extensive experience working with a variety of clients, from million dollar listings and purchases to more affordable condos or townhomes, I offer unparalleled expertise, market knowledge, responsiveness and dedication to each of my buyers and sellers. My commitment in meeting my clients’ goals and helping them attain their dreams have thus created a standard
of excellence in customer service.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Luxury Agent, Listing Agent, First Time Home Buyer Agent, Negotiation Expert
303.885.4746
stephanie@kentwood.com
STEPHANIELEPARD.COM
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
TOP REAL ESTATE PRODUCER 2023
Individual Agent | Double Black Diamond
Evergreen’s #1 real estate agent, Lark is the area expert. Raised in Evergreen, she knows every road, every off-the-beaten-path, mountain view, and exposure within the charming town and has many connections within the close-knit community. This deep-rooted local knowledge, along with her concierge-style service, and 20+ years of residential real estate experience, makes Lark uniquely qualified to help her clients with properties in the foothills of Colorado.
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
• #1 Individual Agent in Evergreen Since 2018
• Luxury Real Estate, Board of Regents Member
• Real Trends Top 1.5% Nationwide
• Certified Mountain Area Specialist
• Real Estate Negotiation Expert
• Seniors Real Estate Specialist
• 5-Star Professional *****
303.880.5555 | lstewart@livsir.com
LARKSTEWART.COM
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE AUDIENCE LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME THIS YEAR. EMAIL ARI@5280.COM OR CALL 720.266.6240.
303.257.3891 tommy@karaffarealestate.com
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Milena knows that changing where you live can change how you live. Adopted from Colombia and raised in Minnesota with three siblings in a one bathroom home, Milena learned early on the laws of real estate supply and demand, and likewise, the power of negotiation. Her entrepreneurial spirit and competitive nature continues to fuel her drive to consistently deliver the extraordinary results her clients deserve.
Delivering a luxury experience at every price point, Milena’s fresh approach to buying and selling homes provides unparalleled value to the client experience. She leverages her marketing, social media and advertising expertise to maximize your home’s exposure while matching highly qualified buyers and investors with homes around the world.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Listing & Buyer Specialist in: Luxury, Relocation, Investment, New Construction
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
• Top 1.5% Producer in the United States
• Certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert, RENE
• DMAR Platinum Excellence Award Recipient
• The Board of Regents Luxury Real Estate Accredited Agent
100 St. Paul Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80206 303.585.0589| milena@milenajoy.com
| MILENAJOY.COM
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Individual Agent | Black Diamond
Consistently recognized as one of the top-performing Realtors® in the Denver Metro Area, Anna’s philosophy is simple: Be authentic and always do what is right for your clients. This approach – coupled with her extensive experience, professionalism, and comprehensive understanding of the Colorado real estate market – has helped Anna build and maintain long-lasting, trusting relationships with her clients.
One of Anna’s favorite things about being a Realtor® is working directly with her clients to transform and reimagine distinctive properties and help families find the home of their dreams.
Operating in all residential real estate segments - including luxury, investment and renovation properties – Anna supports clients ranging from sophisticated investors to first-time homebuyers and everyone in between!
SPECIALIZATIONS
Luxury, Investment Properties, Relocation, First-Time Homebuyers
AFFILIATIONS + AWARDS
Accredited Agent with The Board of Regents Luxury Real Estate, Global Luxury and Relocation
8000 E. Belleview Avenue, Unit 200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 303.408.7592 | anna@savierhomes.com
THEHOMECOLLECTIVEGROUP.COM
720.427.5178 | derek.thomas@compass.com
Derek has served South-East Denver for two decades and strives to exceed his clients’ expectations! He considers it a privilege to work closely with his clients and understands that real estate transactions are significant and life altering. Derek takes this responsibility seriously and works to provide a seamless and financially advantageous transaction for those he works with. It is through Derek’s unparalleled market knowledge and dedication that he is able to help his clients achieve their desired Colorado lifestyle!
“Derek Thomas has been working with my family for years, which includes helping my parents find their home after retirement, sold my luxury home, found a new build in the perfect area, along with helping friends and family with their real estate needs. He’s professional, consistent, very knowledgeable, and highly respected in the industry. I wouldn’t work with anyone else!”
— CAMILLE R.“ ” Success Through Integrity
Curated Residential | 303.475.6097 | tricia.dessel@compass.com
Leveraging her expert knowledge of Boulder and Grand Counties, Tricia creates curated home buying and selling experiences for her clients. Known for thoughtful selection, organization and presentation of homes, she strives to serve as a steadfast source of support through the entire process. Tricia’s solution-oriented approach, coupled with acute attention to detail, consummate professionalism, and collaborative mindset, results in unparalleled concierge — level service and excellent outcomes in even the most challenging housing markets. Tricia’s most successful transactions are a result of trust, aligned values and consistently going above and beyond to create great outcomes together.
5280 Double Black Diamond Realtor in 2020, 2021 & 2022
#49 Boulder County Realtor Real Producers in 2021
Compass Boulder & Statewide Top Producing Team Member by Sales Volume H1 2022
Rising Star Award | Five Star Professionals in 2020, 2021 & 2022
DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND TEAM
Lead: Kim Kouba | 303.204.8215 | kim.kouba@compass.com
Always coming from the perspective of lifelong real estate advisors, we are here to guide you in this changing market regardless of your short or long term path. We’re a team of agents committed to caring for our clients with solid analysis, gracious yet persistent negotiating, and innovative and common-sense problem solving. We’re empowered by the financial and tech tools of Compass, but it’s the decades of deep relationships with clients and our community that has helped us earn the Denver Metro Association of Realtors’ Diamond Level honor as one of the top producing teams in the metro area.
With over 35 years of combined real estate experience and 4 generations of living in the Denver metro area, The Seitz Kal-Hagan Team has a well-earned and respected reputation. It is their calling and true desire to share in Denver’s past and future!
This team is committed to bringing their expertise of staging homes to sell, negotiating for clients while earning repeat and referral business. Educating buyers and sellers about the ever-changing Denver market and supporting clients as they move throughout the stages of their lives. They are at your service in assisting with every part of the transaction to alleviate the pressure of one of the biggest investments you will make. Invest in your future. Live your dreams. Laura and Marilyn have grown the team to elevate your real estate experience. Welcome to Liz Forster, Dianna May, Noah Schneider, Laura Whalen and Traci Tooman in 2023.
303.587.3846 | UrbanSolCollective.com
A proud Denver native, Kelly Thompson has served the area for more than 30 years. Her family’s roots in Denver date back more than a century, so you won’t find a more insightful advocate for your real estate journey.
Kelly’s commitment to service and dedication to her clients has made her a sought-after agent. She is known for her attention to detail and her ability to negotiate favorable terms on behalf of her clients. She is also well respected in the industry and has been recognized with numerous awards locally and recognized nationally in the Top 1.5% of agents by RealTrends America.
When she isn’t assisting clients, you can find Kelly golfing, skiing or enjoying time with her family and her pups.
“
” Luxury is the Experience.
303.250.8544 | carolyn.dooling@compass.com
Carolyn has been working in the real estate industry since moving here from the East Coast; for the last 27 years, she has been proud to call Denver home. As a former Urban Planner, she began cultivating her love of places through the discovery of Denver’s diverse neighborhoods. She spent years helping builder and developer clients create compelling branding and visual marketing campaigns, including staging and designing spaces in model homes. Obtaining her real estate broker’s license was a natural progression in her career, as it melds her greatest talents and passions, and provides an ideal way for her to serve the Denver community, homeowners, and new home buyers.
“Carolyn was fantastic from the start through the close of our house. We recommend her to anyone looking in the Denver area. She has great local knowledge, skillful negotiation techniques, and goes out of her way to be available. Truly a great experience.”
– GEOFFREY H.
720.288.0045 | info@hhgdenver.com
As a top-producing group at Compass, we value our clients’ trust. We are passionate about what they deserve and we prove it every day! Over decades of serving our community, we strive to exceed expectations and stay focused on our clients’ goals. This has deepened our relationships because they are confident we will help them navigate the ever-changing market, not only with our expertise but also the powerful network and technology tools of Compass Real Estate. As your real estate advisors, let us provide peace of mind while helping you achieve your financial success.
“We had another great experience with Kelly and her team. Professional, responsive, and diligent throughout the process. Goes out of her way to explain the often confusing terminology/steps. Patient in finding the right house and has her clients’ best interests at heart.”
– KEVIN H.
2012 $170M+
Top Producer
Since 2012
Total Closed Sales Volume
$39M Transactions
58
Some of the city’s best bites aren’t found atop white tablecloths—or on tables at all. Here’s how Front Range food truck operators churn out flavorpacked tacos, succulent wontons, perfectly grilled barbecue, and more in about 200 square feet.
EDITED BY PATRICIA KAOWTHUMRONG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BANKS
Yuan Wonton’s emerald-hued Sichuan eggplant dumplings, all I can think about is sinking my teeth into the crispy-bottomed parcels of charred vegetables. I forget how cold my fingers are from waiting in line outside for 30 minutes. I don’t care that I’m perched on a bench inside a crowded brewpub. And I’m definitely not pondering all the logistics it takes for chef-owner and 2023 James Beard Award nominee Penelope Wong to serve her menu of refined Chinese cuisine from a converted Ford E350.
Yuan Wonton is just one of the more than 600 food truck businesses in the Mile High City that battle ever-changing city regulations for mobile eateries, complex vehicle maintenance, and volatile weather conditions to stay on the road. Those challenges are, of course, in addition to the usual trials of running a restaurant, from skyrocketing food and labor costs to uncertain consumer demand—all of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. In fact, about 10 percent fewer food truck licenses were active in Denver in January 2023 compared with January 2020. “[Operators] need public gatherings,” says Eric Escudero, marketing and communications manager for the city and county of Denver’s excise and licensing department. “The licensing data show that the food truck industry in Denver has not completely recovered yet.”
In January, Denver City Council passed a measure to help support a comeback. Starting in June, operators will be able to apply for and renew their retail food establishment licenses online for the first time. They will also pay a variable annual fee of $25 to $225, depending on how susceptible their foodprocessing activities are to foodborne pathogens (e.g., the risk of scooping ice cream versus smoking meats), rather than the current range of $95 to $445. Those may sound like small changes, but in an industry with such tight profit margins, every extra dollar and minute counts. Want to support these peripatetic makers? Good news: All you have to do is chase them down to score some of the tastiest eats in the metro area. —PK
After 10 years of cooking in fine-dining kitchens across the Front Range, Zurisadai Resendiz hit the streets this past June. Since then, the Mexico City–raised chef’s Luchador Mexican Food truck has been a popular fixture at festivals and breweries, where he slings up to 200 daily orders of his spins on Mexican street food. He gave us a peek under the hood of his operation. —Ethan Pan
Zurisadai Resendiz serves tacos al pastor, birria ramen, and other eats via his Luchador Mexican Food truck.
$7,000
Amount Resendiz paid for a 1974 Chevrolet P30 van with a refurbished engine and transmission
$35,000 Cost to install cooking equipment, lighting, plumbing, flooring, and insulation
$3,000 Fee for Luchador’s custom vinyl wrap job
When the city abruptly banned food trucks from LoDo on Fridays and Saturdays in late July because of a rise in violence in the neighborhood, it brought attention to the complex system mobile food operators must navigate simply to set up shop. —PK
In much of the Mile High City, food trucks may operate for up to four consecutive hours between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. each day in each designated zone for which they hold an annual permit ($50, on top of their retail food establishment license). The vehicle must be parked at least 20 feet from any intersection and 300 feet from a public park or parkway (unless it is part of a festival or contracted event). As the LoDo situation demonstrated, the city can implement extra restrictions in specific neighborhoods, often at the behest of area residents or business owners. Trucks are never allowed in downtown’s Central Business District, and although LoDo’s weekend mobile vendor ban was mostly lifted, limits on how late trucks can be out and how many can serve in specified areas remain.
To park at breweries, office parks, and other privately operated businesses, food trucks must negotiate agreements with the landowners and will likely pay fees, which can be weekly or monthly rates and/ or percentages of sales. For example, RiNo taproom Improper City charges food truck operators 10 percent of their daily sales.
$25
Wage, by the hour, Resendiz pays his wife, Cristina Bazan, and fellow hospitality veteran Heriberto Sosa
$8
Net profit made on each order of the $14 quesabirria, the truck’s most popular item: four griddled tortillas loaded with melted cheese and juicy beef shoulder and served with braising broth
TUESDAY
Back at the commissary from 9:30 a.m. into the evening, Wong finishes folding and pleating 4,000 dumplings for the week’s single planned service. “I can roll, cut, cook, and do dishes, but I’m not allowed to pleat,” Jenks says. “That’s all Penny.” Then, the team flashfreezes the savory parcels to preserve their tasty fillings. Today, some are stuffed with a take on one of Wong’s favorite childhood dinners: slowpoached poultry over rice with ginger-scallion oil.
WEDNESDAY
MONDAY
Wong, along with her coowner and husband, Rob Jenks, and sous chef, NgocAnh Nguyen, heads to Yuan Wonton’s Montbello commissary kitchen at 9 a.m. They grind and knead meat; chop ginger and cilantro; roll out silky, stretchy dough; and hand-pleat dumplings until nearly 10 p.m.
Early in the day, Wong adds the menu to her website, where fans can reserve a select number of items when the page goes live a day before the pop-up. The goods available for preorder, which claims 50 percent of the food (the rest is for walk-ups), almost always sells out within minutes. The afternoon is reserved for whisking sauces and chile oil (and for cooking noodles,
Parking lots, taprooms, and farmers’ markets across the Front Range have become havens for sampling cuisines from around the globe.
PHO KING RAPIDOS Rather than cooking the pho and grilledmeat-loaded rice bowls that are staples at other local Vietnamese spots, husband-and-wife team Long Nguyen (pictured) and Shauna Seaman dish up their own brand of fusion cuisine. The results are inventive creations such as juicy roast duck and noodles in a citrusspiked broth, sticky wings tossed in a fish-sauce-based glaze with garlic confit, and chicken with turmeric- and ginger-kissed rice. —PK
The high demand translates into super busy days, which is why we decided to outline just one week in the life of the
—Allyson Reedy
Wong (front) and sous chef NgocAnh Nguyen bring elevated Chinese specialties to taprooms, festivals, and other venues across the Front Range.
if they’re on the menu) on the commissary’s stove.
THURSDAY
In the morning, Jenks preps their circa-1983 truck. On this December day, it’s well below freezing; he uses a blow dryer and space heaters to thaw the rig’s pipes. Jenks, Wong, and Nguyen set up at Baker’s Novel Strand Brewing Company for Wong’s favorite task: feeding customers, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. or until they run out of food. Afterward, Nguyen loads up her car with the dirty dishes and heads back to the commissary. Jenks power-washes the truck and empties the cooler.
Because Yuan Wonton doesn’t typically have events on the weekend, Wong catches up on administrative tasks. She books events for the following weeks, calculates budgets, works on plans for the brick-andmortar restaurant she hopes to open this spring in Park Hill, and writes the lineup for Monday, when the team will be back at the commissary to mix, roll, and fold all over again.
Building efficient mobile kitchens has become a full-time gig for Colorado companies such as North American Food Trucks (NAFT) and Mile High Custom Food Trucks (MHCFT), who say it generally takes $25,000 to $120,000 to convert vehicles of all shapes and sizes into deliverers of deliciousness.
—Shane MonaghanIn order to meet state regulations, every food truck—even if it’s only serving grub, not preparing it— needs to have a hand sink.
Special Order: Fire and Vine, which dishes up Italian cuisine, asked NAFT for a ride with four sinks, one of which is dedicated to washing fresh veggies, another to mops.
Food preparation equipment varies greatly but can include anything from a stove to a fryer to a convection oven—all appliances that must be bolted to the floor.
Special Order: Megachain Taco John’s tasked MHCFT with building a $220,000 truck equipped with everything its restaurants have, from taco warmers to a prep line.
The standard service window size is six feet, enough space for owners to take orders and deliver food.
Special Order: MHCFT built Dilly Dogz an eight-foot window for extra hot-dog-slinging room.
PIKINE GRILL EXPRESS Chef David Diop introduces Coloradans to the bold flavors of his homeland in West Africa via North America’s first Senegalese food truck and catering company, launched in 2015. Look for his brochettes—large chunks of habanero-hot-sauce-basted, grilled poultry served with tomatoey jollof rice, crispy fries, and a simple salad drizzled with ranch—and the yassa special, whose seasoned tilapia, lamb, or chicken is buried in a bright sauce of onions, lemon, and mustard. —EP
NINJA RAMEN Noodle soups, dumplings, and rice bowls that are as visually pleasing as they are yummy are Hiro Takeda’s forte. From his four-and-a-halfyear-old food truck, the chef—who hails from Shikoku Island, Japan—serves crunchy-edged gyoza accompanied by soy-vinegar and chile-garlic sauces and umami-rich tonkotsu ramen topped with pork, corn, and a hard-boiled egg. Or try the honey teriyaki chicken bowl with moist hunks of chicken thighs, steamed seasonal veggies, and shredded cabbage. —Charli Ornett
On any given day, a parking lot near the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and Chambers Road in Aurora is packed with a maze of dozens of food trucks and countless hungry patrons. The gathering, which began at the start of the pandemic, is dubbed La Plaza Colorado. Doug McMurrain—who has developed big-box stores such as Walmarts and Home Depots and also founded a Hispanic-centric marketplace concept in Atlanta—owns the vast lot and began renting out spaces to mobile vendors for as little as $300 per month.
Yessamin Castro, 23, helps her parents operate Tacos La Victoria, which most visitors frequent for its rare-in-Denver tacos alambre: tortillas stuffed with carne asada, bacon, bell peppers, and onions. The business debuted in 2019, but the family saw an increased flow of customers after moving to La Plaza in 2020. “People sometimes come here just to see what it’s all about, which is better for us than if we were parked off on our own,” Castro says. “Plus, even though many of the trucks sell Mexican food, it’s still so diverse. Each state in Mexico has unique cuisine, and people keep coming back to try it all.”
With the lot flourishing, McMurrain turned his attention to his original project: the empty structure overlooking it. Nearly three years later, he hopes to cut the ribbon on La Plaza Marketplace in June. Inside the 100,000-square-foot building, McMurrain plans to lease repurposed shipping container stalls to 25 food vendors (monthly rents will start at $400). Most of the existing participants, including Tacos La Victoria, will move indoors, and new makers will likely join them. (A few mobile vendors will remain outside on weekends and for special events.) “Not only will we get more customers, but I think the new space will be more comfortable for us,” Castro says. “We’ll have more room to work, and it won’t be overly hot or cold.”
In addition to the mouthwatering fare, visitors will find a grocery store, a bakery, an arcade, hair and nail salons, and a full bar. For his part, McMurrain says he is looking forward to supporting participating business owners by providing an all-female, bilingual management team, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and a venue for them to take their concepts to the next level. “I can’t say I’ve ever saved someone’s life by developing a Walmart,” McMurrain says. “But I know I will with this.” Barbara Urzua
SCHNITZELWIRT In 2019, longtime hospitality pro and Austria native Mario Milkovics bought his food truck, from which he slings rib-sticking bratwurst, sauerbraten, and other traditional German dishes. Don’t miss the stellar jägerschnitzel, a platesize breaded and fried pork cutlet smothered with rich, creamy mushroom sauce and accompanied by stewed red cabbage and buttery potatoes. —Riane Menardi Morrison
TACOS TEPA When the wildfire smoke over Boulder County cleared in December 2021, Tacos Tepa owner Pedro De La Cruz thought he’d lost it all in the Marshall fire. He nearly had: Everything the Mexico native owned burned except for his truck, van, and two-month-old food trailer. It was a sign to keep his fledgling business going, he says. Now customers line up at his truck for tortillas stacked with Jalisco-style carne asada, carnitas, and tripas (beef intestine). —Courtney Holden
When Aurora’s La Plaza Marketplace opens this spring, more than 20 food truck owners will get the chance to take their operations from pavement to more permanent digs.
MAMA KEBAB The specialties from this year-old food truck will transport you to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Choose a bed of fluffy rice studded with zereshk (a tangy red berry) or a warm pita as a base for your chicken shawarma, beef or lamb gyro, or crispy falafel, all of which come with a tangle of greens sprinkled with feta, olives, and crunchy cashews. —CO
—PK
This six-year-old Boulder venue is a sprawling indoor-outdoor gathering place with a stage for live music, a coffeeshop, and a full bar. Nosh on bites from up to three rotating food trucks—regulars include Arepas Caribbean and McDevitt Taco Supply—at picnic tables on the fire-pit-furnished patio. Year-round; 2775 Valmont Road, Boulder
On summer Wednesdays and Thursdays, a caravan of more than a dozen food trucks and carts offer lunch fare via downtown’s Civic Center Eats. The event started at the eponymous park back in 2011, but it became more accessible last year: Organizers piloted a paywhat-you-can model, a flexible fee structure for meals that will return this summer. May through September; 101 W. 14th Ave.
During the warm-weather months, the shaded picnic tables at Westminster’s nearly one-year-old Run Westy Run beer garden are packed with patrons and their leashed, tail-wagging buddies. Two-legged visitors sip suds from Denver’s Raíces Brewing Company (served from a converted shipping container) and enjoy meals like Simply Pizza’s Neapolitan pies from a lineup of six food trucks. April through December; 3151 W. 70th Ave., Westminster
GREY DUCK EATS Proprietor Jared Mikkelsen’s three-and-a-half-year-old mobile eatery specializes in modern takes on traditional Nordic delectables such as smørrebrød. The Scandinavianstyle open-faced sandwiches are crowned with the likes of smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onions, and spicy microgreens. —CO
Satisfy your appetite at these food truck parks and collectives, which give patrons access to multiple menus and bonuses like craft coffee and booze.
As the food editor at 5280, my calendar is full of incredible meals at fancy restaurants, where $60 rotisserie-roasted chicken is presented on fine china and servers fold my napkin while I’m in the bathroom. Although I enjoy these swanky experiences, the truth is I don’t typically crave edible-flower-bejeweled scallop crudo or slow-roasted venison shank. I don’t yearn for the highly polished ambience of white-tablecloth establishments. Instead, my culinary daydreams are occupied by humbler hospitality and eats—namely, cheese dogs from a three-and-a-half-year-old Korean fusion food truck called Mukja.
When you bite into the crunchy batons of gooey fried mozzarella, which can be garnished with drizzles of spicy ketchup and homemade honey mustard or mayo, cotija cheese, and cilantro, it’s nearly impossible to prevent an epic cheese pull. And the act of ordering from Mukja’s window— often occupied by owner Julia Rivera and her children Kayla and James Makowski, who were inspired to start the business by their love of street food and Denver’s lack of Korean dogs—nourishes the soul like seeing an old friend. At watering holes such as Park Hill’s Station 26 and South Broadway’s Trashhawk Tavern, the family draws crowds in search of a warm greeting and freshly fried, portable comfort in paper boxes. For those devotees, and for me, it’s reliable, affordable joy that doesn’t require a reservation. —PK
Food trucks don’t have to be, well, trucks. Look for these three eye-catching purveyors rolling around town. —CH
URBAN BURMA With its reflective exterior and rounded roof, it’s easy to assume Urban Burma’s traveling food trailer is a modified Airstream—but it’s not. Siri Tan (left) and his brother Martin, who hail from Myanmar (formerly Burma), opened a restaurant serving the country’s cuisine back in 2019 inside Aurora’s Mango House food hall. After the effects of the pandemic in 2021, they decided to go mobile. From a stainless steel trailer that resembles the iconic aluminum camper, the Tans serve samosas with sweet tamarind sauce, sii cheh kao sweh (noodles with garlic oil), and tea leaf salad.
TOBY’S PO’BOYS Anyone who’s been to New Orleans has likely tasted the heaven on a bun that is an overflowing shrimp po’boy. It was only fitting, thought NOLA native Damon Tobias, that a kitchen on wheels serving the sandwich rumble along in a trolley. The vehicle’s round roof and fully windowed sides presented difficulties during the two-year build-out stage that began in 2016. But Damon and his business partner and wife, Maria, say the wait was worth the ambience it facilitates: Jazz and blues pump from the speakers while patrons wait for sandwiches and tots zinged with Slap Ya Mama, a staple spice blend in the Big Easy.
For many food truck owners, mobile operations are the first step toward realizing the dream of opening a stand-alone restaurant. We caught up with the proprietors of Saucy’s Southern BBQ, who did just that.
For four years, co-owners Ki’erre Dawkins (left) and Khristian Matthews of Saucy’s Southern BBQ lugged their open-air food trailer around Denver, dodging the elements while meeting the snowballing demand for their Mississippi-style barbecue. All that hustling paid off this past October, when they upgraded to a fast-casual brick-and-mortar in University Park. There, Dawkins and Matthews—who met at Mississippi State University—pair friendly Southern cookout hospitality with a food-coma-inducing menu of hot links, wings, and ribs. (They also offer a line of barbecue and wing sauces infused with THC, which patrons can pick up at more than a dozen local dispensaries.) We asked the duo about the highs and lows of finally setting their business in concrete. —EP
5280: What changed for the better after you opened the storefront?
Matthews: We always wanted to [give] our customers somewhere to eat, ’cause when we had the food truck, everybody’s just eating in their cars or taking it to go. The food truck sold out at like 2:30 p.m. Now, we can handle almost 100 to 200 people a day.
Dawkins: We didn’t have the typical style of food truck where we were enclosed. So if it was windy, raining, hot, cold, it was bad. We got great
help now, too. It was just us two, and we were getting our ass whupped.
Any unexpected challenges?
Dawkins: Almost everything… electrical stuff, getting legal, transitioning the licensing, and teaching our process to [our employees].
What’s next for Saucy’s?
Matthews: Our responsibilities increased to where we’re responsible for people and their families, so we just take it that much more serious.… Hopefully by this time next year, we’ll be opening up our second or third location. We building a family [with our staff], and each one in our family wanna own a restaurant.
THE MAGIC FOOD BUS Although an eccentric, red-haired science teacher isn’t at its helm, the vibrantly colored Magic Food Bus certainly leans into its namesake’s quest for adventure. It’s just of the culinary variety rather than exploring, say, outer space as the vehicle in ’90s cartoon The Magic School Bus did. In the rig, trained chefs Ashley and Gary Southard—who have run the business in a modified school bus since 2020—cook whatever strikes their personal fancies. That includes falafel, Colorado beef burgers, and Brussels sprouts tossed with truffle oil. m
Nearly half a million homes in the Centennial State could be without water by 2050. Colorado River reservoir levels are in a free fall. And local farmers already don’t have the supplies they need. What happens next depends on what we do today.
BY NICHOLAS HUNT P HOTO ILLUSTRATION BY C.J. BURTONcovered in deep drifts also pushed Colorado’s snowpack north of 120 percent of its average for that point in the year. If your gauge was the number of ski runs open, it was great news. If your gauge was the state’s water supply, it was likely barely enough to maintain the status quo.
Study after study has shown that as the climate warms, more and more Centennial State snowmelt is lost through evaporation and other processes before it can find its way into our rivers, streams, and reservoirs. So we’ll need bigger than average snowpacks each winter just to keep reservoir levels and river flows from falling further—and unless everyone gets serious about tackling the climate crisis, that’s simply not going to happen. One recent study from researchers at New Mexico’s Los Alamos National Laboratory found that Colorado could see a 50 to 60 percent reduction in snow within 60 years. When those same researchers used pattern recognition programs to group subregions of the Colorado River Basin by how each sector will respond to climate change, they found something disturbing: By 2080, much of western Colorado could experience aridity similar to Arizona’s.
What’s even more alarming is that, in many ways, the future is already here. This past June, the Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the Colorado River through a network of reservoirs, announced that the
seven states in the Colorado River Basin had 60 days to devise a plan to reduce the amount of river water they use annually by two to four million acre feet, as much as a third of the waterway’s annual flow. The proposed reduction is meant to save Lake Mead and Lake Powell from dead pool, the point at which the reservoirs become so low that water can no longer flow through their dams, drastically reducing water supplies for millions in the Southwest. After the states failed to meet that deadline, another was set for January 31. Six states managed to agree on a proposal that fell half a million acre feet short of the minimum. Add in California’s refusal to sign, and it’s likely the federal government will have to take unilateral action. This discord only adds to the sense among experts that we’ve entered a new era for water in much of the West. Meanwhile, water levels are still dropping and the ripple effects of whatever compromise is reached—or isn’t reached—will be felt far beyond that river basin, including in Denver, which gets much of its water from the Western Slope. There is some cause for hope, however. From new cash crops that aren’t nearly as thirsty to science-fiction-worthy technology for forecasting droughts, there are ways to decrease demand and stretch supply. “You need to have as many tools in your toolbox as possible,” says Greg Fisher, demand planning and efficiency manager at Denver Water.
“This is Colorado. Even if you could take the drought and the Colorado River [crisis] out of the equation, we’re still a water-constrained state with a growing population. People need to appreciate what water is for. It’s for life, safety, and health. I think anything beyond that is discretionary, and I don’t know if we’re at the point where we can afford discretionary use.”
The amount of water needed to cover one acre of land in a foot of water, or around 325,851 gallons. The average Colorado home uses half an acre foot of water each year.
In January, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) updated the Colorado Water Plan. The document, first published in 2015, lays out the actions stakeholders—from ranchers to utility companies—can take to prepare for a drier Centennial State. It also tries to predict the future. Using climate models and input from experts, the plan outlines a range of possible tomorrows. They all have one thing in common: If we don’t start implementing strategies like building new reservoirs and banning thirsty grass lawns—neither of which are baked into CWCB’s prognostications—there won’t be enough H²O to go around by 2050. Here are the many water worlds we could encounter.
Multiverse WEAK ECONOMY
● Temperature Increase: None
The economy at home and abroad struggles, and that’s good, at least when it comes to water supplies. Both population growth and greenhouse gas emissions are lower than predicted due to a stagnant economy, decreasing water demand and helping to maintain a climate similar to the 20th century average.
Municipal and Industrial Water Shortage: 230,000 acre feet
Agricultural Water Shortage: 2.3 million acre feet
Multiverse BUSINESS AS USUAL
● Temperature Increase: None
In this scenario, not much changes. The climate doesn’t warm as predicted; cities continue to sprawl; water regulations and conservation efforts remain patchwork; and developers keep buying up farms—and their all-important water rights—to build single-family homes. Because agriculture is the state’s largest water user, fewer fields of cash crops mean less agricultural demand compared to a few other possible futures.
Municipal and Industrial Water Shortage: 340,000 acre feet
Agricultural Water Shortage: 2.3 million acre feet
Multiverse
COOPERATIVE GROWTH
● Temperature Increase: 3.8 F
Coloradans embrace environmental stewardship. Expanded public transportation helps lead to denser, more efficient urban growth. New technologies help conserve water, and because some climate models predict more rain as the planet warms, this scenario actually takes into account a five percent increase in precipitation. But a hotter climate counteracts that boost, the state population reaches nearly nine million, and water shortages are greater than what we’d see under the business-as-usual outlook.
Municipal and Industrial Water Shortage: 290,000 acre feet
Agricultural Water Shortage: 2.9 million acre feet
Multiverse ADAPTIVE INNOVATION
● Temperature Increase: 4.2 F New technologies help individuals use water more efficiently. Clean energy becomes more widespread, and social values prioritizing conservation lead to a 21-gallon drop in daily water use per Coloradan. But the state’s booming population means overall demand still swells.
Municipal and Industrial Water Shortage: 420,000 acre feet
Agricultural Water Shortage: 2.8 million acre feet
Multiverse HOT GROWTH
● Temperature Increase: 4.2 F
Replace Adaptive Innovation’s green zeitgeist with a business-first mentality, and it’s not just the climate that’s heated—Colorado’s economy is booming, too. Pro-growth business regulations and a skyrocketing population as people flee warming regions elsewhere create the biggest shortages.
Municipal and Industrial Water Shortage: 740,000 acre feet
Agricultural Water Shortage: 3.5 million acre feet
Weak Economy
Municipal and acre feet
Agricultural Water
Business as Usual Municipal and acre feet
Agricultural Water
Cooperative Growth Municipal and acre feet
Agricultural Water
Adaptive Innovation
Municipal and acre-feet
Agricultural Water
Hot Growth Municipal and acre feet
Agricultural Water
This interstate agreement signed in 1922 sought to equitably divide its namesake river’s water among the seven Colorado River Basin states: Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico (Upper Basin) and Arizona, California, and Nevada (Lower Basin). As a headwater state, Colorado is required to ensure a certain amount of water flows downstream.
For almost two decades, the Bureau of Reclamation and the seven Colorado River Compact states have been working to manage the Colorado River’s shrinking water supplies and, ultimately, to prevent lakes Mead and Powell—the nation’s largest reservoirs, which are filled by the Colorado River—from drying out. But half measures, a relentless drought, and an accelerating climate crisis have authorities struggling to keep up. “The period between emergencies and Band-Aids is getting shorter and shorter,” says Taylor Hawes, Colorado River Program director at the Nature Conservancy, an international environmental nonprofit. So last June, when the bureau called on the states governed by the compact to cut the amount of water they draw from the river each year by two to four million acre feet to keep the reservoirs from reaching dead pool, she wasn’t all that surprised. “If I were a betting person,” Hawes says, “I would say it needs to be closer to four million acre feet, because the bureau has been getting it wrong every time.”
2000
The current megadrought begins. It will be the region’s worst since 800 C.E.
2002
The Colorado River sees record low water flows.
2007
To augment the compact, the states and the federal government adopt interim guidelines, which outline water supply cuts if reservoirs drop to certain levels.
2017
The bureau realizes levels in Mead and Powell are falling faster than forecasted.
2019
The bureau and the compact states sign the Upper and Lower Basin Drought Contingency plans, which expand on the 2007 guidelines with strategies to prop up Mead and Powell if necessary.
2020
The Lower Basin Drought
Contingency Plan is implemented, which includes holding back 192,000 acre feet of water designated for Arizona.
JULY 2021
Under the Upper Basin Drought Contingency Plan, the bureau drains two Upper Basin reservoirs to maintain Lake Powell. A third is partially drained in the fall.
AUGUST 2021
Federal officials declare the river’s first water shortage, triggering more cuts to the Lower Basin.
MAY 2022
The bureau releases another 500,000 acre feet of water from upstream reservoirs to prevent Lake Powell from reaching dead pool.
JUNE 2022
Water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead continue to drop. The bureau tells the seven compact states they have two months to find a way to conserve millions of
acre feet. The states miss the deadline.
The bureau begins laying the legal groundwork to act on its own in summer 2023. Worsening forecasts prompt the
bureau to temporarily hold back an additional 523,000 acre feet in Powell.
JANUARY 2023
Six compact states agree to a proposal, but California holds out.
In the future, we’ll all be drinking recycled water.
One way we can help close the looming municipal water supply gap is to take the water we already have and use it again. And again. And again. To that end, this past November, the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission adopted a set of regulations governing direct potable reuse (DPR). The process takes wastewater from our sinks, showers, and, yes, toilets and processes it to such a high standard that it can be pumped straight back into our local tap water systems instead of being used in industrial settings or released into rivers to mix with natural flows. Grossed out? You shouldn’t be. All water is recycled water, says John Rehring, Colorado’s national representative to the WateReuse Association, a trade organization that promotes water recycling. “We’re drinking the same stuff that the dinosaurs drank,” he says. “It’s just now we’re doing this more intentionally, more deliberately, and with the proper engineering so that we know it’s safe.” If you’ve ever used a backpacking filter or a Brita jug, you’re already familiar with some of DPR’s core technologies, but we break it down in more detail below.
An existing reclamation facility readies the wastewater for release back into the environment by removing solids, impurities, and organic matter. But instead of being diverted into a river or hydrating a golf course, the H²O is sent to a DPR treatment system.
Ozone may cause air quality problems each summer, but when the gas is diffused into water at a DPR facility, it can break down organic matter and pathogens by fracturing the chemical bonds that hold them together. Then the ozone, which is composed of three oxygen atoms, quickly turns into dissolved oxygen.
The H²O is then run through carbon filters imbued with specialized bacteria that feed on organic matter before it passes through a membrane with pores 100 times smaller than the width of a human hair, basically a highly advanced, industrial version of a backpacking water filter. Finally, activated carbon, the charcoal-like substance that’s in your kitchen sink filter, acts like a sponge to absorb any additional organics and chemicals.
The water is exposed to ultraviolet light that packs enough energy to eliminate trace organic chemicals and damage the DNA of microorganisms to prevent them from reproducing.
The purification process finishes with chlorine, which not only kills any pathogens that somehow made it this far but also keeps the water safe until it flows into your sink, just like traditional tap water.
With the vast majority of Colorado’s precipitation coming in the form of white flakes, understanding how much water is locked in our snowpack—and how fast it’s melting—is vital to all levels of water
When it comes to the water crisis in the Southwest, the arithmetic is simple: Our supply does not equal our demand.
15 MILLION
Amount of Colorado River water, in acre feet, allocated annually to the seven Colorado River Compact states
Approximate number of people who depend on the Colorado River
13 MILLION Average annual flow, in acre feet, of the Colorado River during the current megadrought
25
Percent of the total capacity of Lake Mead and Lake Powell that was filled at the end of the 2022 water year on September 30
40 Percent of Colorado’s water supply that comes from the Colorado River
5.3 MILLION Average amount of water, in acre feet, consumed in Colorado each year
349,000
Amount of water, in acre feet, that flowed into Lake Powell in November 2022
498,000 Acre feet released from the reservoir that same month
25 Percent of the total capacit y of Lake Mead and Lake Powell that was filled at the end of the 2022 water year on September 30
500,000
Amount of water, in acre feet, pumped from west of the Continental Divide in Colorado to the east each year
25 Percent of the total capacit y of Lake Mead and Lake Powell that was filled at the end of the 2022 water year on September 30
80
Percent of Colorado’s annual precipitation that falls west of the Continental Divide
90
40 Percent of Colorado’s water supply that comes from the Colorado River
Percent of the state’s population that lives east of the divide
40 Percent of Colorado’s water supply that comes from the Colorado River
A) First, a plane equipped with a laser range finder and precision GPS flies over a watershed in the summer to map its exact elevation profile. According to the Colorado Airborne Snow Measurement (CASM) program, an entity that has received grant funding from the Colorado Water Conservation Board to test measuring snowpack with laser-equipped aircraft, just one flight can measure up to 1,351 square miles, nearly the size of the Roaring Fork Valley.
B) The same flight is repeated in winter, but now the snow reflects the laser. The difference between the two elevation measurements is the snow’s depth. Since snow only holds a fraction of the H²O found in the equivalent volume of liquid water, calculating how dense the snowpack is, and thus how much water it holds, is crucial for predicting spring runoff. Density can’t be measured by lasers, so automated ground stations measure the weight of the snow as it piles up on steel plates.
C) It’s not just about how much snow will melt. It’s about when it will melt. By measuring the amount of sunlight the snow reflects, remote sensing systems can determine how much light it’s not reflecting. That helps researchers understand how much solar energy the snow is absorbing and how fast it’s heating up.
D) Traditional snowpack estimates can be off by 40 percent or more, according to CASM. This technique’s error range, on the other hand, is typically between five and 10 percent. That increased precision could help farmers tailor their crop selections to the coming growing season’s water supplies; reservoir operators should be able to better optimize the amount of spring runoff they capture, while still leaving room to absorb floodwater; and fire, drought, and flood forecasters will be able to further refine their predictions.
For decades, Colorado cities have been purchasing agricultural water rights to quench their ever-increasing thirst. One rural county serves as a warning for what can go wrong.
There’s an old saying: “Why do people rob banks? Because that’s where the money is.” That’s why agriculture is vulnerable. It’s where the water is. As cities grow, the only way to secure new water sources is to buy agricultural water rights from farms and ranches. That may be a quick fix, but it’s not without ramifications.
In the 1970s, Crowley County, located due east of Pueblo, had around 50,000 acres of irrigated agricultural land. Today, that number stands at just under 4,000. As a farmer in the county, a former elected official, and a retired water adviser at the Palmer Land Conservancy, which protects 137,000 acres of land in Colorado, Matt Heimerich has seen how the transfer of water rights to nearby urban centers gutted the region. “Very little remediation was ever performed,” he says, “and now there is this cycle of growing weeds, drying out, and then dust and blowing dirt.” Worse yet, because fallowed land is worth a lot less than the irrigated farmland it replaced, the county’s tax base dried up, too. To shore up their economy, local leaders helped bring a prison to the area, but Heimerich still worries about what the future holds. “Will everyone have to live in a metropolitan area because that’s where the water
and the jobs are?” he says. “Or is there still room for an economy based on irrigated agriculture?”
As municipalities continue to purchase agriculture water rights, Heimerich would like to see those cities and towns pay to plant native grasses on the acreage they’re drying up. That would both increase the local quality of life by preventing the weeds and dust and create healthier soil that could absorb more moisture.
Heimerich also wants to see rural communities compensated for the hit to their economies, or better yet, for municipal water managers and farmers to sign agreements that would put land back into production when there’s enough water. Heimerich admits that won’t work everywhere. Some cities are growing so fast that they likely won’t have any choice but to dry Colorado farms forever. “I just don’t know if the math works any other way,” he says. “But what’s the trade-off? What does that mean to our local food supply? What does that mean for Palisade peaches and Pueblo chile peppers, and how do you place a value on that? Those are existential questions that need to be asked.”
Agriculture uses 91 percent of Colorado’s water supply, a number that will likely change as future reductions zero in on farmers and ranchers. Those who don’t sell their water rights will need to find ways to balance the health of their land and their water supply with the need to stay in business for another year, says Troy Bauder, a water quality specialist in Colorado State University’s Department of Soil and Crop Sciences. The key? Plan for a hotter, drier future from the soil up.
Typically, farmers prepare their fields for planting by mechanically upturning the soil to incorporate fertilizers into the dirt, control weeds, and aerate the land. No-till practices see seeding happen with little soil disturbance.
Unused plant material is left in the field after harvest or a cover crop is grown.
No-till farming not only preserves the dirt’s organic matter, including beneficial microbes, by reducing oxidation, but it also reduces erosion and increases the amount of moisture the ground can absorb and retain.
This process isn’t just climate change adaptation, Bauder says: It’s climate change mitigation. The more organic matter underground, the less carbon that can find its way into the atmosphere.
Last summer, while the Colorado River Compact states were fighting over how to reduce their consumption, five regional water managers decided they couldn’t wait to take action. “While municipal water users are a small part of it,” says Denver Water’s Greg Fisher, referring to the fact that urban areas only use seven percent of the Centennial State’s supply, “we wanted to make a commitment to show that we are going to be part of the solution.”
These crop species don’t need to be reseeded every year.
Soil armor increases water absorption and retention, slows evaporation, prevents weeds and erosion, increases the soil’s organic content, and traps snow that would otherwise blow away.
Perennial plants tend to have more extensive root systems than annual crops, meaning they hold more carbon underground, help the ground soak up more water, and tolerate droughts more effectively.
While soil armor is a great way to increase soil moisture and health, farmers still need enough water to grow the armor in the first place, Bauder says.
That pledge manifested as a memorandum of understanding in which its signers—Denver Water, Aurora Water, Pueblo Water, the Southern Nevada Water Authority, and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—promised to work toward a variety of water conservation goals. The most measurable target? Reduce nonfunctional turf—aka grass whose only job is to look good—in their service areas by 30 percent.
Kernza, a perennial wheatgrass, could potentially use 30 percent less water than alfalfa, of which 780,000 acres were harvested in Colorado in 2021.
By November, more than 20 additional utilities had signed the agreement; most are still figuring out how to implement it. Denver Water will likely focus on easy wins by targeting public land first, Fisher says. Eventually, homeowners will likely have to re-envision their yards, too. To that end, Aurora already went beyond the memorandum in September by becoming the first municipality in Colorado to ban nonfunctional turf in certain types of new developments, such as office parks. New single-family homes can still have backyard lawns, but the grass can’t exceed 500 square feet or 45 percent of the yard’s total area, whichever is smaller.
CSU has been breeding varieties of major cash crops, such as winter wheat, that are tailored to the state’s increasingly arid climate.
Some varieties are bred to produce a viable, if modest, harvest in dry years, while others create abundant yields during wet years.
By selecting crop varieties adapted to the coming season’s predicted conditions, farmers can maximize their profits or hedge their bets.
The city of Aurora also offers financial incentives to encourage owners of existing homes to install drought-tolerant landscaping. “A water-wise landscape can easily save 50 to 75 percent of the water that turf would use in that exact same amount of space,” says Tim York, water conservation supervisor for Aurora Water, and with outdoor water use making up roughly half of Aurora’s total usage, that could have an outsize impact. It could also serve as a model for other cities throughout the state. “With everything in the news about Colorado’s water issues,” York says, “I think people’s appetite for making the change is only increasing.”
What happens if Colorado fails to deliver enough water to its downstream neighbors? It’s happened before.
No one is quite sure what consequences Colorado will face if it doesn’t meet its obligations under the Colorado River Compact—the magnitude of the crisis goes far beyond the legal IOUs on which the system has been built—but there is precedent. Seven Centennial State waterways are subject to interstate compacts. These are basically treaties that divvy up a river’s water so that the upstream state can’t suck it dry before it reaches the border and so that the downstream state, which usually has the senior water rights and thus first dibs, can’t claim the river’s entire flow. Three of those seven rivers have already experienced compact administration, which means Colorado was forced to reduce its use, dry up wells, and pay damages.
Length: 1,450 miles
Compact signed: 1922 States: Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, California
Length: 70 miles
Compact signed: 1922 States: Colorado, New Mexico
Length: 442 miles
Compact signed: 1923 States: Colorado, Nebraska
Length: 1,900 miles
Compact signed: 1938 States: Colorado, New Mexico, Texas
Length: 430 miles
Compact signed: 1942 States: Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas
Length: 51 miles
Compact signed: 1944
States: New Mexico, Colorado
Length: 1,460 miles
Compact signed: 1948
States: Colorado, Kansas
Colorado was routinely in violation of its Rio Grande compact commitments from the 1940s through the 1960s as new farming techniques allowed less of the water used for irrigation to find its way back into the river. Texas and New Mexico sued in 1966, and although Colorado settled the next year, it took until 1985 for the state to pay off its water debt. Today, the state is paying local farmers to fallow their farmlands to help reduce consumption and stay in compliance.
In addition to overpumping from wells, much of the water that Colorado owed downstream on the Republican River evaporated or seeped out of the Eastern Plains’ Bonny Reservoir, and in 2011, the state was forced to drain the lake. Even that wasn’t enough to reach compliance, and the Republican River Water Conservation District is currently working to raise $65 million to pay farmers in its portion of the river basin to retire 25,000 acres of irrigated land.
Colorado farmers in the Arkansas River basin used so much water that the river’s flow fell below what was legally owned to Kansas. In 1985, Kansas sued, and a decade later, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in its favor. To help the state get back into compliance, a Colorado water court ordered numerous wells to shut down. All told, the region’s water supplies were reduced by a third, and Colorado was also ordered to pay Kansas $34.6 million in damages.
When Bonny Reservoir was drained, that was a horrible time in our area. Everyone was devastated because it was our only place for water recreation in northeast Colorado. Now, we have to retire thousands of acres of irrigated land. It’s like being between a rock and a hard place because we need irrigated land; it’s such a driver for our local economy. But we have to find ways to conserve what water we have left to elongate the lifespan of our aquifer so that our children and the people who follow us will at least have water to drink.
The director of the Nature Conservancy’s Colorado River Program sees cause for hope, mostly because things could be much worse.
Back in July, not long after the Bureau of Reclamation announced that the seven Colorado River Compact states had to come up with a plan to reduce their use of the river’s water, Taylor Hawes, the director of the Nature Conservancy’s Colorado River Program, was worried about what would happen if the states went to court instead of the negotiating table. “It’s almost impossible to get your mind around how much water needs to be conserved and how quickly it needs to happen,” she said at the time. “Litigation will definitely not be fast enough. If we litigate, we’ve already lost.”
By mid-December, more than 100 days after the bureau’s initial deadline came and went, no deal had been reached but neither had the lawsuits materialized. Hawes was cautiously optimistic. “I do think there is a commitment to avoid litigation, if at all possible,” she says, “but [going through the courts] is a strategy to get the best deal they can…so there are still rumblings.” And after California refused to sign a compromise in late January, those stirrings have been growing louder and louder.
Now it will likely be up to the federal government to impose drastic changes that upend 100 years of precedent. To that end, the Bureau of Reclamation plans to release an update to the compact’s 2007 interim guidelines in June, which will empower the agency to significantly reduce how much water it releases from lakes Powell and Mead under the compact—and give it some legal cover if it is sued by the states it shorts.
But June is still months away, and according to a forecast released in December by the bureau, water at Lake Powell could drop below dead pool that same month. The timeline and the consequences are why there’s a growing sentiment that water users
need to act outside of the compact, Hawes says, citing a project that will see New Mexico lease 20,000 acre feet of water a year from the Jicarilla Apache Nation. The water will be released from the Navajo Reservoir into the San Juan River, a tributary of the Colorado River, to protect endangered fish from low flows and shore up New Mexico’s water security. “The Jicarilla Apache Nation…hopes that this transaction can serve as a model across the basin for collaboration,” nation president Edward Velarde said in a statement. (The Nature Conservancy assisted with the development of the agreement.) But no one knows if we can stave off disaster in time.
“The next six months to a year will be critical to whether we create a system that is sustainable and resilient for the future,” Hawes says. And if the worst happens? If the system that 40 million people rely on crashes? “Rivers are renewable,” she says. “Just because the system drops below these critical thresholds doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. We can create a system from that day forward that builds in sustainable use of the water that is actually there.” m
Johnny Hurley was certain of many things in his life—one of which was that he would someday have the opportunity to stop an active shooter. On June 21, 2021, he did.
BY ROBERT SANCHEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL J. BRENNER
He discussed it with his friends, his sister, and his partner. But it wasn’t just idle talk. By summer 2021, the longtime chef had spent nearly a year training for the possibility—working with former military personnel, learning the intricacies of his Springfield Hellcat handgun. The 40-year-old carried a gun with him nearly everywhere he went. At some point, he was certain, his time for action would come.
On June 21, 2021, shotgun blasts echoed through Olde Town Arvada around 1:30 p.m. It was a warm Monday, and as on most summer days, the Denver suburb’s quaint commercial district was buzzing with activity. Friends took
lunch together on patios; coworkers met over coffees near the town square; and children played in the water fountains. Now, the afternoon had given way to chaos. People ran, ducked under bistro tables, and dove for cover behind parked vehicles.
An Arvada police officer collapsed onto a sidewalk at the far end of the square, near the intersection of an alleyway and a parking lot adjacent to Olde Town’s library. The assailant—a heavyset man in a black T-shirt, black shorts, a black fisherman-style bucket hat, and a black face mask— turned away from the lifeless body of Officer Gordon Beesley, then fired again, this time shattering the rear window of a parked police SUV. The man casually walked away, through a nearby parking lot to where an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle was resting inside his Ford F-150.
Officer Kraig Brownlow and two colleagues from the Arvada Police Department heard the shots from inside a one-story, unmarked police building about 30 yards from where the downed officer lay. Brownlow—a veteran of the Arvada force—and the others were there as part of a team assigned to work within Olde Town, in part to act as community liaisons between business owners and the district’s growing homeless population. Each shotgun blast sounded like a fist pounding against the building’s back door.
“What the fuck was that?” one of the officers said, according to a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office report. The officers rushed to look out a window in a metal door at the back of the building. They saw a man in a black T-shirt and bucket hat holding a weapon as he walked through the parking lot. “Holy shit,” one of the officers said.
Johnny Hurley heard the gunshots, too. He was shopping at Arvada Army Navy Surplus, less than a football field’s distance from where Beesley had been shot and killed. Hurley had been shopping for new work boots and wanted to purchase a fishing license, but now he was looking out the storefront window and saw the assailant walking away. “He has a gun!” Hurley said, pointing to the man in the distance.
Dressed in a red T-shirt, brown pants, and a red baseball cap he wore backward, Hurley ran out the store’s front door. He pulled his Hellcat out of its holster, dashed toward the town square, and crouched behind a brick wall. He asked a bystander if he knew where the
shooter had gone; the bystander shrugged and pointed in the general direction of the assailant’s path. Hurley peered around the barrier and saw the man in black walking toward him, through the parking lot. The man was carrying an AR-15 in his right hand. Hurley ducked back for a moment, then steadied himself as the gunman drew closer. Hurley stepped out, aimed, and fired six times.
Meanwhile, Brownlow stayed at the back-door window while the other officers took up different positions inside the building. A figure appeared in Brownlow’s field of vision. The
officer did a quick assessment. The man was about 75 feet away, his back to the officer: red T-shirt, brown pants, backward baseball cap. He was kneeling and holding an AR-15, its muzzle pointing down. The man appeared to be manipulating the rifle. Is he loading the gun? Brownlow asked himself, according to a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office report.
Brownlow slowly opened the door. He kept his gun up, never losing sight of his suspect. He trained the weapon at the man’s back. Should he demand that the man drop his gun? Brownlow wondered. He knew that his service pistol was no match for an AR-15 and that he’d be alone if this turned into a gunfight.
Eleven seconds passed. There’d be no warning, Brownlow decided. He trained his pistol’s sight on the man holding the rifle and squeezed the trigger.
Brownlow fired two more shots. A bullet struck Hurley in the back, near his right hip—severing an artery and lodging near his left hip. Hurley collapsed and dropped the assailant’s AR-15, which he had been disarming. He died less than 45 minutes later.
It’s a story that could really only happen in America: an active shooter taken out by an armed citizen, who’s then gunned down by police. Between 2000 and 2021, there were 434 active shooter attacks in America, events in which at least one shooter killed or attempted to kill multiple unrelated people in a populated place. In 2021 alone, the nation averaged more than one a week. Three other shootings that year were stopped by armed civilians, but none ended like the one in Arvada.
After Brownlow’s third and final gunshot, two fellow officers rushed past him and toward Hurley. Brownlow cut right, through bushes and trees, and saw Beesley, a 19-year Arvada police veteran, dead on the sidewalk. Brownlow eventually went to where the alley met the narrow asphalt parking lot. By then, officers had handcuffed and patted down the mortally wounded Hurley.
As more Arvada police officers arrived at the scene, Brownlow looked down the alley and saw a third body, this one belonging to an overweight white man wearing black shorts, a black T-shirt, and a black bucket hat. In an interview with Arvada
police investigators hours after the shooting, Brownlow struggled to make sense of what had happened and apparently forgot he’d shot Hurley. “In my head, Beesley shot the guy in red, and I thought there were two shooters,” Brownlow said, referring to the dead officer. “Literally, the name Klebold and Harris came in my head…,” Brownlow added, referencing the Columbine High School killers.
At the same time Brownlow was being questioned, details of the incident were becoming clearer. This was not the dual-threat, Columbine-type incident the officer had imagined. Almost immediately, witnesses began identifying Hurley as a hero. Time and again, they told police that a man wearing red rushed toward the danger. Witnesses told police they’d initially confused Hurley for a plainclothes police officer, ex-military, or a “task force type of guy.” “Good Sam,” one witness called him, shorthand for Good Samaritan.
Observers reported Hurley’s calm demeanor, tactical crouch, and movements from the surplus store to the brick wall. Video surveillance from the Army Navy store and other parts of Olde Town showed Hurley cross the street and enter the town square in just seven seconds. When Hurley saw the man in black—an AR-15 in his hand—he fired six shots, striking the shooter five times and spiraling the man to the ground.
But some witnesses were confused by what exactly had happened. As one, who had hid next to a parked car during the shootings, told investigators, “We had an active shooter, and now we don’t have an active shooter. Something happened in between. I really do hope the end of that story is different than what I fear in my own head.”
Erin Hurley got the knock on her door around 8 that night. Hurley’s sister had been napping in her Golden apartment after working six consecutive days at a restaurant where her brother had also worked for a time to make ends meet. She’d spent part of her afternoon packing for a camping trip she was planning on taking with her brother. A police officer and two people from the coroner’s office delivered the news. “It was like my life ended,” she says. Law enforcement didn’t have specifics, Erin was told, just that her brother had been shot and killed.
Days passed. Erin and her mother, Kathleen Boleyn, took refuge in Boleyn’s house in Colorado Springs, where the
Hurley kids had grown up. Information came in a slow trickle. They stayed away from news coverage, both on the television and online, but Erin became uneasy. If an active shooter had killed her brother, it seemed her family would know by now.
On Friday, four days after the shooting, Erin and her mother were shuttled to a meeting at the Wheat Ridge police station, a few miles from Arvada. “I was glad we were finally getting some answers,” Boleyn remembers. There were seven people in the room, including the police chief and the city’s public information officer. There was a labored windup: active shooter, dead police officer, dangerous situation. “Then they got to Johnny, and it was all this talk about how he stepped in, how he stopped it,” Erin says. “They used the word ‘hero.’ ”
And then, this: Boleyn and her daughter learned that a responding officer had shot and killed Hurley. The room went quiet as Hurley’s mother and sister cried. Erin was stunned—and furious. “Not one person said to my mom that they were sorry,” she says. “I couldn’t believe it. A fucking cop killed my brother.”
On May 7, 2011, Johnny Hurley walked up to a security line in the main terminal at Denver International Airport prepared to make trouble. One year earlier, in 2010, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had begun using extensive, full-body scanners at airport checkpoints nationwide in an attempt to provide more robust security for air travelers. Although most Americans accepted the scanners as the cost of traveling post-9/11, Hurley saw them as an extraordinary invasion of privacy. Americans’ freedoms were being eroded, he told a growing group of anarchist friends. Now, he was going to confront the authoritarians himself.
Except for the small video camera he clutched in his right hand, Hurley, who was 30 at the time, looked like any other passenger flying out of DIA that May morning. Wearing a black suit, he stopped just outside the queue where air travelers get their boarding passes and IDs checked. Hurley walked up to a roped barrier and unfastened it. He walked a few steps and unclipped the next barrier, and then another. Security camera footage captured the confused looks from passengers as Hurley advanced from one rope to the next, then finally reached the checkpoint. He brushed past it. A TSA official attempted to stop him, but Hurley sidestepped the man.
TSA agents quickly apprehended Hurley, who later received misdemeanor charges of disturbing the peace and police interference. (There’s no record of whether Hurley was ever prosecuted.) At a Denver police facility inside the airport, Hurley refused to give his name or provide identification. He also declined to be advised of his rights. The stunt, a Denver police officer wrote in a brief report, caused TSA to temporarily close one screening area. The event was a minor inconvenience at an airport as busy as DIA, but to Hurley, it would become a badge of honor and was celebrated among his anarchist friends. “Johnny never backed down,” says Bruce Baumann, who was one of Hurley’s closest friends. “He wasn’t scared of anything.”
Hurley was born on August 9, 1980, into a world of contradictions. His father was a straight-laced U.S. diplomat; his mother was a professional harpist who’d marched against the Vietnam War as a college student. When Hurley was six, his parents divorced. He and his sister grew up in Colorado Springs, in his mom’s two-story house with a view of Pikes Peak on the city’s northwest end.
Hurley lived a fairly typical childhood, filled with curiosity and moments of rebellion. As a high schooler, Hurley looked the part of the stereotypical ’90s skater—oversize shirts and
pants, brown hair that reached the middle of his back—but his appearance belied a softer side. He sang in a traveling school choir and performed an exquisite rendition of “Christmas Bells” at the Chapel Hills Mall one holiday season. He was a protector who loved his mother and sister; he asked questions and listened. “When Johnny was with you,” Boleyn, his mother, says, “he gave you his all.”
After graduating high school in 1999, Hurley moved to Denver and worked jobs in restaurant kitchens before enrolling in the Cook Street School of Culinary Arts in 2001. He
quickly became enamored with sustainable food philosophies and making healthy meals. Hurley worked for a time at a chain restaurant in Fort Collins, then returned to Denver sometime around 2006, when he rented a Capitol Hill apartment and skateboarded to his job in the kitchen at Appaloosa Grill, on the 16th Street Mall. Kitchen jobs rarely pay well, and he lived much of his life in a paycheck-to-paycheck existence. The lifestyle never seemed to bother him.
Hurley had a coterie of friends in the city. He’d always had a penchant for spirited debates—about food and music, mostly—but he rarely spoke about politics. That changed in 2007 when he watched Zeitgeist, a film notable for its promotion of conspiracy theories, particularly that the U.S. government orchestrated the attacks on 9/11. The film also questions Jesus’ existence and claims the Federal Reserve is controlled by a cabal of international bankers who helped orchestrate the sinking of the RMS Lusitania, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Zeitgeist has been panned by critics as far-right propaganda, but it’s developed a cult following. One friend eventually nicknamed Hurley “Johnny Zeitgeist.”
Hurley’s mother and partner couldn’t understand what had made him so susceptible to the conspiracies. “He was never a fan of authority, but this went so far beyond that,” says Taylor Garland, 39, who frequently found herself at odds with her partner’s beliefs. “A lot changed about how he saw the world.” In 2008, Hurley met a group of activists on the 16th Street Mall who were handing out free DVDs on the 9/11 truth movement, which claimed the Twin Towers’ collapse was the result of a staged demolition. It wasn’t long before Hurley, too, was passing out DVDs.
Over the next 14 years, Hurley’s proselytizing would extend beyond free videos. He started the group We Are Change Colorado, a nonpartisan collective focused on liberty, based in the metro area. Hurley created T-shirts that read “No Masters No Slaves.” He took a side gig under the stage name DJ Johnny Verbal and performed political pieces. “ You can handle facing the darkness of slavery and the light of liberty; they can’t,” he posted on
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RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
How do you create this list?
In June 2022, 5280 posted its Top Real Estate Producers survey. The link to the submission instructions (available at submit.5280. com/top-producers) was sent out to dozens of real estate brokerages in the seven metro-area counties; it was also shared via social media. Any brokerage with agents who sell homes in the Denver metro area could submit nominations. The survey asked brokerage administrators to provide the names of both individual agents and teams of agents who, based on their sales volumes for 2021, qualified for our list. Nominees in hand, our research department reached out to each agent or team to confirm the sales numbers and to verify basic information.
What qualifies someone to be a Top Real Estate Producer?
We have four categories: individual agents, teams of two agents, teams of three to five agents, and teams of six to 15 agents. Within each category, we have two tiers: black diamond and double black diamond, which signify different levels of (impressive!) sales volumes. To be on the list, an agent or team of agents must have sold real estate within the Denver metro area and attained a certain amount of sales in 2021. Agents must also have an active license with the state’s Department of Regulatory Agencies; that license must be in good standing, without any disciplinary actions within the past five years.
Your questions about the Top Real Estate Producers list, answered.
I’m looking at the list and there seem to be teams in, say, the six to 15 category that only have five agents. What’s that about?
As in any business setting, people come and go. Because we want this list to be a useful reference for you, we have only included current members of teams. So, while there may have been seven people responsible for the team’s 2021 sales volume—which would put that group in the sixplus category—only five may still be working with that squad today.
I’ve heard that being on the list requires an agent or a brokerage to advertise with 5280—is this true?
Nope. Inclusion in the Top Real Estate Producers list is not dependent upon the decision to advertise with the magazine. Sometimes agents and brokerages decide to advertise; however, if, when, and/or how much anyone advertises is not taken into consideration when compiling the list.
I’m an agent, but my brokerage didn’t receive the survey this year. How do we participate in the future?
The next Top Real Estate Producers list will likely run in March 2024. The survey should be live and available to metro-area brokerage managers who visit submit.5280.com/top-producers in the summer of 2023. If you have questions about participation, please call 303-832-5280 at any time.
Symantha Rodriguez
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Liz Rossof
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Jen Routon
MADISON & COMPANY PROPERTIES
Kylie Rupert
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –SOUTHWEST METRO
Dan Ruth
RE/MAX MASTERS MILLENNIUM
Cindy Sahli
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – EVERGREEN
Coleen Sanders
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Michael Sandoval
YOUR CASTLE REAL ESTATE
Anna Savier
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Robin Sawyer
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
Jill Schafer
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE CHERRY CREEK
Brian Sells
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Bob Serotta
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Michelle Seward
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Sonia Shakeshaft
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Amanda Sheppard COMPASS
Neelam Shrestha
RE/MAX NORTHWEST
Barb Silverman
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Sallie Simmons
COMPASS
Deborah Simon
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Jennifer Singer
RE/MAX MASTERS MILLENNIUM
Amanda Snitker
COLDWELL BANKER GLOBAL LUXURY DENVER
Leisa Sollenberger
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Jon Sommer
YOUR CASTLE REAL ESTATE
Diane Sorensen
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE CHERRY CREEK
Charlie Soule
RE/MAX OF CHERRY CREEK
LaDawn Sperling
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – DENVER WEST
Luisa Staerkel
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Scott Stang
PORCHLIGHT REAL ESTATE GROUP
Chelsea Steen
YOUR CASTLE REAL ESTATE
Jennifer Stenbak
8Z REAL ESTATE
Karina Stevens
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Laura Stewart HOMESMART
Tania Story COMPASS
Staci Stroh
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – DENVER WEST
Elaine Stucy
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Erin Susser COMPASS
Marci Swanson
CENTURY 21 ALTITUDE REAL ESTATE
Thaine Swanson
CENTURY 21 ALTITUDE REAL ESTATE
Colleen Teitelbaum
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –SOUTHEAST METRO (DTC)
Olga Telesin EXIT REALTY DTC
Dan Thomas 8Z REAL ESTATE
Derek Thomas COMPASS
Kelly Thompson COMPASS
Reid Thompson
RE/MAX ALLIANCE – EVERGREEN
Rob Thompson
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –COLORADO SPRINGS
Shannon Tiger
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Soledad Tobar
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –DENVER CENTRAL
Jim Traynor
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Shara Trutner
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – LONGMONT
Shaylisa Turner
PORCHLIGHT REAL ESTATE GROUP
Jack Urbano
MILEHIMODERN
Monica Van Matre
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
Hawk Vanek
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Sara Vaughn
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Teresa Vendegnia
RE/MAX NORTHWEST
David Vincent
WK REAL ESTATE
Maria Vitale
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Lisa Wade
RE/MAX OF BOULDER
James Wanzeck
RE/MAX MASTERS MILLENNIUM
Stewart Ward COMPASS
Sandy Weigand
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Heidi Wendling
YOUR CASTLE REAL ESTATE
Shaylin Werner
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Debbie West
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Lynn Westfall
RE/MAX ALLIANCE – EVERGREEN
Kara Wetherill
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Tamara Whalen
HOMESMART
Gail Wheeler
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Colin Whitenack COMPASS
Nikki Wiederaenders
PORCHLIGHT REAL ESTATE GROUP
Ashley Wildeman
8Z REAL ESTATE
Michael Williams
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –SOUTHEAST METRO (DTC)
Courtney Wilson
RE/MAX MASTERS MILLENNIUM
Julie Winger
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE CHERRY CREEK
Nicole Wolf
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – NORTH METRO
Julie Woodle
PORCHLIGHT REAL ESTATE GROUP
Dene Yarwood
WK REAL ESTATE
Allie Yates
THE AGENCY – DENVER
Jackie Yost
YOUR CASTLE REAL ESTATE
Dawn Zalfa
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – CONIFER
Jon Zimmerman
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –COLORADO SPRINGS
DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND
Lori Abbey
MILEHIMODERN
Chris Angelovic
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Ann Atkinson
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Kyle Baseggio
THE AGENCY – DENVER
Stephen Berg
8Z REAL ESTATE
Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).
Indicates inclusion in 5280’s 2022 list of Denver’s best restaurants. These selections are at the discretion of 5280 editors and are subject to change
The Bindery $$$
LoHi / Contemporary Linda Hampsten Fox’s eatery, market, and bakery offers worldly fare inspired by her travels. Settle in for the smoked rabbit pecan pie with mustard gelato. Reservations accepted. 1817 Central St., 303-993-2364.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Blackbelly $$$
Boulder / American Chef Hosea Rosenberg’s carnivore-friendly menu focuses on charcuterie, small plates, and daily butcher specials. Try the crispy pig ears with red pepper jelly. Also check out the grab-and-go market located next door. Reservations accepted. 1606 Conestoga St., Boulder, 303-247-1000. Dinner
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Chez Maggy $$$$
Downtown / French Chef Ludo Lefebvre plates up Colorado-inspired French classics at this brasserie inside the Thompson Hotel. Don’t miss the expertly prepared escargot and the gluten-free crab cake bound with shrimp paste. Reservations accepted. 1616 Market St., 720-794-9544. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Comal Heritage Food Incubator $$
Globeville / International Immigrant and refugee women from Latin America develop a rotating menu featuring their family recipes at this welcoming restaurant, which has a job training program. Reservations not accepted. 3455 Ringsby Court, Suite 105, 720-500-3455. Lunch
Corrida $$$$
AA5 $$$$
Downtown / Steak House The team behind Forget Me Not and Tap and Burger offers a refreshing chophouse experience with a stellar lineup of steaks in a hip, delightfully funky bar and dining room. Reservations accepted. 1600 15th St., 303-623-0534. Dinner
Annette $$$
Aurora / American Caroline Glover brings a warm dining experience to Stanley Marketplace. Enjoy a family-style menu featuring seasonal salads, toasts, and wood-grilled fare. Reservations accepted. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Suite 108, Aurora, 720-710-9975. Dinner
Avanti Food & Beverage Boulder $$ Boulder / International Current tenants of this food collective on the Pearl Street Mall include Boychik, Pig and Tiger, New Yorkese, Rye Society, Rooted Craft Kitchen, and Pollo Tico. Also try the original LoHi location. 1401 Pearl St., Boulder, 720-3437757. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CCherry Cricket $$ Cherry Creek / Pub This cheery neighborhood hangout offers excellent green chile and great burgers. Also try the Ballpark location. Reservations not accepted. 2641 E. Second Ave., 303-322-7666. Lunch, Dinner
Boulder / Spanish Housed on the rooftop level of the Pearl West building, this elegant Spanish steak house offers stunning Flatiron views and fabulous cocktails and wines. Splurge on the Japanese wagyu or opt for a regeneratively sourced steak. Reservations accepted. 1023 Walnut St., Suite 400, Boulder, 303-444-1333. Dinner, Brunch
Bacon Social House $$
BLittleton / Contemporary This fun, casual restaurant’s beloved namesake ingredient is at the forefront of many of its boldly flavored dishes. Also try the Sunnyside and Rosedale locations. Reservations accepted. 2100 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, 720-750-7107. Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
Bellota $$
RiNo / Mexican Go for elevated regional Mexican fare like shrimp tacos basted in butter infused with shrimp shells and the popular fried quesadilla de requesón. Also check out the Boulder location. Reservations accepted. The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721. Lunch, Dinner
Top Chef alum Byron Gomez has returned to his roots, culinarily speaking. This past November, Gomez debuted the Pollo Tico food stall inside Avanti Food & Beverage Boulder, where he serves comforts from his native Costa Rica. Order the arroz con pollo—rice accompanied by shredded rotisserie chicken flavored with Lizano sauce, a tangy, vegetable-based condiment—with a side of the sweet-savory maduros, caramelized plantains that Gomez serves with natilla (custard), herbs, and pickled red onion.
DDaughter Thai Kitchen & Bar $$$$ Highland / Thai This upscale Thai restaurant from Ounjit Hardacre serves beautifully plated dishes and inventive cocktails with an elegant ambience to match. Try the lychee-kissed massaman curry with Colorado lamb or the larb, cripsy soft-shell crab tossed with lime juice, mint, roasted rice, and shallots. Reservations accepted. 1700 Platte St., Suite 140, 720-667-4652. Lunch, Dinner
Dragonfly Noodle $$ Downtown / Asian This eatery from restaurateur Edwin Zoe serves a multinational variety of bao and noodle dishes. Order any of the slurp-worthy bowls of ramen with house-made noodles. Also try the Boulder location. Reservations not accepted. 1350 16th St. Mall, 720-543-8000. Lunch, Dinner
EEfrain’s of Boulder $ Boulder / Mexican This classic institution is known for its lively atmosphere, low prices, and massive bowls of pork green chile. Owner Efrain Gomez draws from the cuisine of his mother’s native Chihuahua for his iconic Mexican fare. Reservations not accepted. 2480 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303-440-4045. Lunch, Dinner
Ellyngton’s $$$
Downtown / American Located in the Brown Palace Hotel, this is the home of Denver’s power meal. Indulge in the lavish brunch on Sundays. Reservations accepted. 321 17th St., 303-3125924. Breakfast, Brunch
Famille $$$$
FWestminster / French This all-day bistro specializes in seasonal French fare made with sustainable ingredients. Brunch is served daily. Reservations accepted. 8875 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, 720-647-6041. Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch
The Fifth String $$$$
LoHi / American At the Fifth String, chef Amos Watts offers his seasonally inspired cooking alongside an in-house beef butchering program. The results, such as the tallow candle bread service, are delicious and inventive. Reservations accepted. 3316 Tejon St., Suite 102, 720-420-0622. Dinner
Frank & Roze
Hale / Cafe This stylish cafe serves sustainably sourced coffee from across the globe. All-day fare from chef Tom Coohill includes breakfast sandwiches, fresh-baked pastries, and charcuterie boards. Reservations not accepted. 4097 E. Ninth Ave., 720-328-2960. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Glo Noodle House $$
GWest Highland / Asian Blackbelly’s Chris Teigland and Ariana Pope bring Asian fusion fare to West Highland with Glo Noodle House. Don’t miss the karaage. Reservations accepted. 4450 W. 38th Ave., Suite 130, 303-993-4180. Dinner
The Greenwich $$$
RiNo / Pizza Restaurateur Delores Tronco brings a slice of her favorite New York City neighborhood to RiNo at the Greenwich. Don’t miss the satisfying sourdough pizzas and inventive vegetable plates. Reservations accepted. 3258 Larimer St., 720-868-5006. Dinner
Guard and Grace $$$$
Downtown / Steak House Chef Troy Guard’s modern steak house offers a chic setting for its elevated fare, which includes a raw bar and delicate salads. Reservations accepted. 1801 California St., 303-293-8500. Lunch, Dinner
scallion on the inside; avocado, crispy kani, eel, and special sauce on the outside. Reservations accepted. 250 Steele St., Suite 104, 303-7229968. Lunch, Dinner
Highland Tap and Burger $$ Highland / American Pick your patty, bun, and premium toppings for a customizable meal enhanced with a choice of more than a dozen Colorado craft beers. Multiple locations. Reservations accepted. 2219 W. 32nd Ave., 720-2874493. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Honey Elixir $$
RiNo / Contemporary Nonalcoholic potions, boozy cocktails, sipping chocolate, and teas— along with a menu of light bites like brûléed goat cheese—are the draw at this stunning bar. Reservations not accepted. 2636 Walnut St., Suite 104, 720-328-5992. Dinner
$
Hasu Sushi & Grill $$$
HCherry Creek / Asian Try the aptly named Amazing Roll: chopped fatty tuna, cucumber, and
Il Posto $$$$
IRiNo / Italian Sample Andrea Frizzi’s imaginative Italian cuisine in a sleek, metropolitan environment. Don’t miss the seasonal risotto or the pineapple zeppole (Italian doughnut holes) with passionfruit coulis and coconut anglaise. Reservations accepted. 2601 Larimer St., 303-394-0100. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Artisanal bread, pasta made with only the finest double zero flour, peaches from Palisade, Olathe corn, and Eagles Nest Wagyu highlight just a few of the intentional choices made for our guests. Not only does this hold true throughout the multiple restaurants, but it extends to the private events, cafes and lounges. The chefs at The Broadmoor’s goal is to source the best quality ingredients possible and let those ingredients shine, so come and bask in the sunlight.
India’s Restaurant $$
Hampden / Indian Take advantage of this spot’s lunch buffet, and be sure to try the cinnamon bread pudding. Reservations accepted. 8921 E. Hampden Ave., 303-755-4284. Lunch, Dinner
J’s Noodles Star Thai 2 $
JWestwood / Thai This traditional, no-frills Thai restaurant has developed a cult following over the
years. Items like the tom yum soup, drunken noodles, and pad thai are regulars’ picks. Reservations not accepted. 945 S. Federal Blvd., 303-922-5495. Lunch, Dinner
Jamaican Grille $$
Lincoln Park / Jamaican This family-owned Jamaican restaurant serves classic Caribbean-centric dishes like jerk chicken, fried plantains, and rice and peas, accompanied by a menu of rum-infused cocktails. Also try the Jamaican Mini Grille and International Jerk Market in Lakewood. Reservations accepted. 709 W. Eighth Ave., 303-6230013. Lunch, Dinner
KKahlo’s Mexican Restaurant $$ Westwood / Mexican Enjoy plates of mole and enchiladas verdes, as well as a menu of almost 30 different juices and smoothies, in a space decorated with the art of Frida Kahlo. Reservations accepted. 3735 Morrison Road, 303-936-0758. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Karma Asian Cuisine $$
Speer / Asian Go out to this trendy eatery for a variety of Asian tapas (such as spicy edamame or calamari salad), or get more bang for your buck with the Thai bang bang chicken and shrimp. Reservations not accepted. 22 S. Broadway, 303-871-0167. Lunch, Dinner
LLa Diabla Pozole y Mezcal $$
Ballpark / Mexican James Beard Award finalist Jose Avila serves up comforting pozole and other traditional Mexican fare at this casual eatery. Don’t miss the weekend brunch for chilaquiles, huaraches, and a killer house michelada. Reservations not accepted. 2233 Larimer St., 720-519-1060.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Le Bilboquet $$$$
Cherry Creek / French An offshoot of the more than 30-year-old New York City establishment, Le Bilboquet serves upscale French fare in a posh setting. Try the foie gras terrine and the mussels. Reservations accepted. 299 St. Paul St., 303-8359999. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Linger $$
LoHi / International Set in the former three-story Olinger Mortuary, this restaurant takes you around the world with a menu of small plates. Enjoy fabulous views of downtown while choosing from inviting menus of food and cocktails. Reservations accepted. 2030 W. 30th Ave., 303-993-3120.
Dinner, Brunch
Lou’s Italian Specialties $$ Curtis Park / Italian This takeout-only spot by Josh Pollack of Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen takes after classic Tri State Italian delis. Try the Louie, a classic sub packed with genoa salami, capicola, and ham sliced to-order, along with provolone cheese and drizzles of oil and vinegar. 3357 N. Downing St., 720-287-3642. Lunch, Dinner
Maine Shack $$$
MLoHi / Seafood New Englanders and seafood fans, rejoice: This fast-casual spot is slinging lobster rolls, fried whole-belly clams, chowder, roast beef sandwiches, and more. Save room for a whoopie pie or blueberry hand pie. Multiple locations. Reservations not accepted. 1535 Central St., 303-997-2118. Lunch, Dinner
Misfit Snackbar $$
City Park / Contemporary Chef-owner Bo Porytko serves a rotating lineup of imaginative but familiar pub fare at this walk-up kitchen inside Middleman cocktail bar. Try the chips and dip: smashed potatoes with an ever-changing house sauce. Reservations not accepted. 3401 E. Colfax Ave., 303-353-4207. Dinner
Moe’s Original Bar B Que $
Englewood / Barbecue Don’t miss the pulled pork at this Southern-style barbecue joint. Bowling lanes, billiards, and a party vibe complement the freshly smoked meats. Multiple locations. Reservations accepted. 3295 S. Broadway, Englewood, 303-781-0414. Lunch, Dinner
sodas batched and bottled in house. Reservations accepted. 94 Rampart Way, 720-532-0106. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
OOphelia’s Electric Soapbox $$ Downtown / Contemporary This “gastro-brothel” from Edible Beats features quirky design details, a stage for live music, and globally inspired pub fare. Reservations accepted. 1215 20th St., 303-9938023. Dinner, Brunch
Pizzeria Lui $$
Lakewood / Pizza Delicious, seasonal pies are baked to order in a Gianni Acunto Napoli oven imported from Naples, Italy. Try the street taco pizza, which is topped with house-made chorizo, corn, cotija cheese, tomatillo salsa, and cilantro. Reservations not accepted. 5380 W. Mississippi Ave., Lakewood, 303-922-3202. Dinner
Quiero Arepas $
Narrative $$$$
NCherry Creek / American Chef Paul Nagan serves gussied-up versions of American favorites, such as shrimp and grits with Tabasco butter, at this sleek eatery. Reservations accepted. 222 Milwaukee St., 720-571-8080. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
North County $$
Lowry Field / Mexican With a beach bar atmosphere in a landlocked state, this San Diego–inspired taqueria boasts a daily catch of grilled fish tacos and a bar full of tequila libations and spiked
Osaka’s $$ Boulder / Japanese Enjoy unique Japanese comfort food at this Boulder restaurant. Try one of the signature Osaka Burgers, which sub a savory Japanese pancake (okonomiyaki) for the traditional bun. Reservations accepted. 2460 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 720-398-9115. Dinner
Pho 79 $
PBroomfield / Asian Find some of the best Vietnamese pho noodle soup in Denver at Pho 79. Reservations accepted. 6650 W. 120th Ave., Suite 5, Broomfield, 303-439-0028. Lunch, Dinner
QPlatt Park / Latin American The entirely gluten-free menu offers delicious selections like the pollo guisado arepa, a flatbread stuffed with shredded chicken, black beans, and cheese. Also check out the LoHi location. Reservations not accepted. 1859 S. Pearl St., 720-432-4205. Lunch, Dinner
RRedeemer Pizza $$$
RiNo / Pizza Spencer White and Alex Figura, the duo behind Dio Mio, bring blistered, New York City–style sourdough pizza to RiNo. Nosh on full pies in the dining room or nab a slice from the walkup window in the back. Reservations accepted. 2705 Larimer St., 720-780-1379. Dinner
Rouge Wine Bar & Patio $$$
Greenwood Village / American From the team behind Pindustry, this 1920s-themed bar boasts an extensive wine list and international small plates, like green curry mussels. Reservations accepted. 7939 E. Arapahoe Road, Suite 190, Greenwood Village, 720-864-9463. Dinner, Brunch
SSafta $$$$
RiNo / Mediterranean Chef Alon Shaya brings his modern Israeli fare to Denver. Start with creamy hummus and wood-oven-fired pita before moving on to short-rib-stuffed cabbage and harissa chicken. Reservations accepted. The Source, 3330 Brighton Blvd., 720-408-2444. Dinner, Brunch
Somebody People $$$
Overland / Mediterranean At this vegan restaurant, Sam and Tricia Maher and head chef Art Burnayev run a pasta program with dishes that celebrate seasonal bounty. Try the Feed Me experience. Reservations accepted. 1165 S. Broadway, Suite 104, 720-502-5681. Dinner, Brunch
Spuntino $$$$
Highland / Italian Enjoy the locally sourced menu at this Italian-inspired, husband-and-wife-owned spot. Try the seasonal pasta or any dish with Southern Indian influences. Don’t miss the house-made gelato for dessert. Reservations accepted. 2639 W. 32nd Ave., 303-433-0949. Dinner
Sunday Vinyl $$$
Downtown / European This Union Station restaurant offers warm hospitality and exquisite cuisine, all to the soundtrack of a vinyl-only playlist. Try the house hot dog or oysters. Reservations accepted. 1803 16th St., 720-738-1803. Dinner, Brunch
Sunflower Asian Cafe $$
Littleton / Chinese Ask for the traditional Chinese menu at this family-owned eatery featuring Huaiyang and Sichuan specialties. Reservations not accepted. 91 W. Mineral Ave., Suite 100, Littleton, 303-798-0700. Lunch, Dinner
Super Mega Bien $$$
RiNo / Latin American Chef Dana Rodriguez offers a combo of large-format, shareable items and Pan-Latin small plates, the latter of which are served from roving dim-sum-style carts. Try the slow-braised beef brisket with a creamy chipotle slaw. Reservations not accepted. The Ramble Hotel, 1260 25th St., 720-269-4695. Dinner
Thai Pot Cafe $
Virginia Village / Thai Try a variety of curries, noodle bowls, soups, salads, and coconut-infused desserts at this cozy Thai restaurant. The drunken noodles with eggplant are a favorite. Reservations accepted. 1350 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 191, 303-639-6200. Lunch, Dinner
Tocabe, An American Indian Eatery $ Berkeley / American Feast on Indigenous fare like fry bread tacos with bison, beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsas, or spicy potato- and corn-laden green chile stew at this fast-casual spot. Also try the Greenwood Village location. Reservations not accepted. 3536 W. 44th Ave., 720-524-8282. Lunch, Dinner
Tofu House 1962 $$
Aurora / Korean Enjoy authentic Korean fare at this neighborhood spot specializing in soups and stews. We recommend the soft tofu soup. Reservations accepted. 2353 S. Havana St., Suite D1, Aurora, 303-751-2840. Lunch, Dinner
WWellness Sushi $$ Congress Park / Japanese Vegan sushi stars at this fast-casual joint by husband-and-wife duo Steven and Phoebe Lee. Don’t miss hot options like the soupless ramen. Reservations not accepted. 2504 E. Colfax Ave., 720-306-4989. Lunch, Dinner
Whittier Cafe $ Whittier / Cafe This espresso bar, which supports social-justice-related causes, serves coffee, beer, and wine sourced from African nations. Reservations not accepted. 1710 E. 25th Ave., 720-550-7440. Breakfast, Lunch
The Wolf’s Tailor $$$$ Sunnyside / Contemporary Chef Kelly Whitaker fuses Asian and Italian techniques and ingredients at this hip Sunnyside eatery. The results, such as 7X brisket braised in dashi and red wine, are uniquely delicious. Reservations accepted. 4058 Tejon St., 720-456-6705. Dinner
UUchi Denver $$$$
RiNo / Japanese James Beard Award–winning chef Tyson Cole combines unexpected flavors for his unique take on Japanese food. Visit for the daily happy hour, when nigiri and temaki are less than $10. Reservations accepted. 2500 Lawrence St., 303-444-1922. Dinner
Uncle $$
XXicamiti La Taquería $$ Golden / Mexican This joint serves fare inspired by Walter Meza’s childhood in Mexico. Reservations not accepted. 715 Washington Ave., Golden, 303-215-3436. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TTavernetta $$$$
Downtown / Italian The team behind Boulder’s acclaimed Frasca Food and Wine offers the same attention to hospitality at this more casual Denver restaurant, home to dishes from across Italy and a deep wine list. Reservations accepted. 1889 16th St., 720-605-1889. Lunch, Dinner
Speer / Asian
A bustling atmosphere defines this popular noodle house. The concise menu includes dishes such as Chinese-style steamed buns and, of course, noodles. Also try the Highland location. Reservations accepted. 95 S. Pennsylvania St., 720-638-1859. Dinner
Urban Farmer $$$
Downtown / Steak House This steak house features whole-animal butchery and an excellent charcuterie program. Reservations accepted. 1659 Wazee St., 303-262-6070. Dinner, Brunch
Urban Village Grill $$$
Lone Tree / Indian Chef Charles Mani serves classic and contemporary dishes from regions across India at this eatery inside Park Meadows Mall. Reservations accepted. 8505 Park Meadows Center Dr., Suite 2184A, Lone Tree, 720-5368565. Lunch, Dinner
VViewHouse $$ Ballpark / American This is your place to catch the game and enjoy a variety of bar bites. Watch your favorite sports team while enjoying a draft beer and a plate of nachos, or catch a view of the city from the rooftop bar. Multiple locations. Reservations accepted. 2015 Market St., 720-878-2015. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
YYahya’s Mediterranean Grill & Pastries $$ City Park West / Mediterranean This family-run restaurant serves silky hummus, excellent kebabs, and from-scratch sweets. Try the beef koobideh. Reservations accepted. 2207 E. Colfax Ave., 720-532-8746. Lunch, Dinner
ZZeppelin Station $$ RiNo / International This industrial-chic food hall houses eight globally inspired vendors, including Purisma, Pesto, and Gyro Kings. 3501 Wazee St., 720-862-0008. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Zomo $$
Englewood / Asian Owners Alysia Davey and Ryan Anderson serve family recipes inspired by their Vietnamese and Chinese roots. Reservations accepted. 3457 S. Broadway, Englewood, 720-739-8882. Lunch, Dinner
These listings are in no way related to advertising in 5280. If you find that a restaurant differs significantly from the information in its listing or your favorite restaurant is missing from the Dining Guide, please let us know. Write us at 5280 Publishing, Inc., 1675 Larimer St., Suite 675, Denver, CO 80202 or dining@5280.com.
his social media channels in 2018. “Don’t give up. We all want the truth whether we know it or not, whether we can handle it or not. Keep your fire burning. Stay on the path. Get free. Speak. The. Truth.”
Hurley’s ideologies would both grow his considerable stable of friends over the years and deeply confuse, and concern, some of those who’d known and loved him the longest. He considered himself a free thinker and believed truly free nations are ones that prioritize individualist anarchism, a theory that places individual liberties above all else. He’d grown distrustful of the government on everything from law enforcement to oversight of the food supply to tax collection. “Listening to Johnny could be exhausting,” says Garland, who’d known Hurley since they were teenagers.
With his rebel friends, Hurley orchestrated the DIA confrontation and challenged Denver Water executives on water fluoridation. In 2018, he traveled to the Anarchapulco conference in Acapulco, Mexico, which bills itself as the “world’s premier liberty event” and has come to include high-profile speakers, such as former Republican congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul. Hurley and his friends badgered Nancy Pelosi and Dick Cheney during speaking events in and around Denver. “There were a lot of people wanting to fight us, calling us un-American,” says Douglas Evans (who goes by the nickname Turtle), a member of We Are Change Colorado. “You couldn’t intimidate Johnny.”
Despite his firmly held convictions, it was impossible to place Hurley into an ideological silo. “It seemed like he wanted to doubt everything,” his mother says. “Johnny would say things where I’m thinking, Oh, my God, is he a Trumper? But then he’d sound libertarian or way, way liberal.” Hurley distrusted right- and left-wing media. He was a staunch Second Amendment advocate but also an environmentalist. “Every time I run a length of plastic film at work I now see it in my mind floating in the ocean in a giant raft of other trash,” he wrote online. “It hurts.”
He took a particularly dim view of American policing, which he saw as heavy-handed. Years before the 2020 marches over police brutality against Black Americans, Hurley
attended a Denver march in which he held up a mirror to patrolling cops, asking them to see themselves, to look beyond their uniforms and recognize their humanity. “Johnny was about finding the truth and holding people accountable,” says Baumann, who is involved with We Are Change Colorado. “He expected you to stand up for yourself and back it up, because that’s what he did.”
His political views began consuming more space in his life, but Hurley still found time to be immersed in cooking and in his relationships with family and friends. He helped Garland get a food truck business started and assisted a friend who opened a food collective in Arvada. He’d invite friends to camp with him, then create campfire-cooked gourmet meals. Hurley helped a friend who’d worked to get a GMO-labeling initiative on Colorado’s ballot in 2014 by rallying support for the initiative once it was on the ballot. He organized “free hugs” events in Denver, during which he stood on sidewalks downtown with a hand-painted sign that offered embraces to strangers. “It’s going to be OK,” he hollered in one video of the event, which was posted on YouTube. Time and again, passersby wrapped their arms around the slim, bearded man and smiled.
In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, people closest to Hurley began seeing his impatient side. Friends in We Are Change Colorado viewed the pandemic as a way the American government could exert control over its citizens, but Hurley seemed more despondent and angrier than the others. He’d taken catering jobs
to pay bills, but those were falling through due to stayat-home orders. The few food jobs that remained required employees to wear protective masks, which Hurley often refused. His bank account began to dwindle as he pulled further away from cooking. He took handyman jobs from friends and got work picking up couches and tables for a thrift store Turtle owned, but money was scarce. His black-framed eyeglasses were chipped and held together with tape.
The strain was apparent in other ways, too. A government takeover was imminent, Hurley said to those he was close to. He would question Garland’s friends about seemingly everything. “I couldn’t bring him to parties, because everything turned into a debate,” she remembers. Hurley told Garland he’d been banned from the King Soopers on 38th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard because he refused to wear a mask. He even became disillusioned with We Are Change Colorado, telling his mother that the group seemed more interested in socializing than activism. He told his closest friends he’d grown tired of trying to change minds, that he wanted to direct his energy toward friends and family. “Johnny was running out of patience,” Baumann says. “Preaching to the masses had become a waste of time.”
Sometime in late 2020, Hurley approached Turtle, who had a concealed carry license. At the very least, Hurley said, he wanted to have a concealed weapon in case of an active shooter situation. He wanted to be able to protect himself and others if bullets began to fly.
Soon after getting his concealed carry license, Hurley again approached Turtle. It was the beginning of 2021, and he wanted to advance his training beyond the basics. “Johnny was never about learning the minimum,” Turtle says. “He was going all the way.” Turtle recommended a slew of ex-military men, and Hurley worked with them for months, learning tactical procedures and advanced gun safety and shooting. As part of his training, he learned how to disarm an incapacitated combatant to further secure an area, just as police are trained to do with downed shooters.
Not long before his death, Hurley had a serious conversation with Turtle. In any firearms training, instructors always tell participants there’s one key question to consider: run or fight? Hurley’s first concealed carry class advised trainees to find a safe place and call 911. Turtle had four children at the time, and he told Hurley there was no way he was jumping into an active shooting. Hurley didn’t have the same concern. He didn’t have a wife or a kid. “There was no doubt in his mind what he’d do,” Turtle says. “If he went out, he’d do it saving people.”
At home, Hurley found himself conflicted. He loved Garland intensely. At one point, they’d even discussed having a child together. In the last months of his life, though, Hurley drew a bright line between his worlds. There was the helpful, gentle side, and then the one in which weaponization had become an animating force. Over time, they became incompatible. When Garland visited Hurley’s Denver apartment for a meal, she noted the weapons cache—handguns, rifles, shotguns. This isn’t safe, she remembers thinking.
In mid-June 2021, the two had an argument. Why was he like this? she demanded. She was angry her partner was so willing to court danger. Didn’t he know the exponential threat that came with having weapons in his apartment? she asked.
Hurley didn’t understand why she felt unsafe around him. He was offended. Didn’t she know how much work he’d put into his training? Did she really think he’d actively put her in danger?
He couldn’t stand the idea of having these dueling passions in his life—the woman he loved and his own, firmly held beliefs. His weapons, he told her, were part
of his life. Why couldn’t Garland accept this? he asked through tears.
She left the apartment in a daze. “It was disheartening,” Garland says. More than a year after the shooting, she can recall nearly every emotion she felt during the argument. “I thought Johnny’s guns might get him killed, and Johnny was certain his guns were going to save people,” she says. “In the end, I guess we were both right.”
Three months after Hurley’s death, 1st Judicial District Attorney Alexis King declined to file criminal charges against Brownlow, the Arvada officer, in the shooting. In her formal letter on the incident, King wrote, “Because Officer Brownlow’s objectively reasonable belief that a lesser degree of force was inadequate to resolve the imminent threat posed by what he reasonably believed was a second mass gunman, and because Brownlow had objectively reasonable grounds to believe, and did believe, that he and other persons were in imminent danger of being killed or suffering serious bodily injury after hearing many gunshots, shooting John Hurley was legally justified despite his heroic actions
that day.” By then, Brownlow had left the department. Arvada police said he was welcome to return.
In June 2022, Boleyn filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Jefferson County District Court against Brownlow, alleging the officer was inadequately trained and executed poor judgment when he failed to warn Hurley that he planned to shoot. “In a society that chooses to tolerate personal gun ownership the way we do, carrying a
gun or holding a gun can’t be a license to be shot by police,” Boleyn’s attorney, Matt Cron, says.
In addition to unspecified financial damages, Boleyn is seeking changes to Arvada police training. Brownlow’s attorney did not respond to 5280’s requests for comment; the Arvada police department has said in the past that it is not reconsidering its training programs. The department provided 5280 with the following written
statement: “We are prepared to move forward and have full faith in the justice system process.” (Boleyn and Cron have also filed a civil rights lawsuit against Brownlow and Arvada Police Chief Link Strate—who retired in December 2022—in Jefferson County District Court.)
There is little research on law enforcement firearms training in the United States, but a 2011 study in Police Quarterly reported that, although more than 14,000 departments exist in the United States, there’s no standardized instruction among police. Most active shooter training consists of work on the shooting range, which experts deem insufficient because it doesn’t teach techniques such as how to shoot while moving, correctly identify threats, or determine proper uses of cover.
After Hurley was shot and killed, the Arvada department stated its officers undergo active shooter training, which includes the philosophy “stop the killing, stop the dying, start the healing.” As part of the instruction, Arvada officers are taught to set up an “ambush point” if they’re alone with a gunman to mitigate chances the officer might get killed or spark a larger-scale gun battle.
“Law enforcement receives less training in the police academy than a high school athlete would get [in a sport] in a single season,” says J. Pete Blair, executive director of Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training and a Texas State University professor who trains law enforcement to respond to shootings and works with the FBI on shooting statistics. In Brownlow’s case, Blair says the scene would have been extremely confusing and difficult to train for. “You’re adding to the formula non-law enforcement that’s rushing into the situation to help, but there’s nothing distinguishing that person from a bad guy trying to do harm,” Blair says. “You’ve got police in a high-stress situation where an officer is being asked to make a split-second decision.”
Brownlow “responded the way he was trained,” says David Klinger, a former police officer who’s written extensively about police training in his job as a professor of criminal justice at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Faced with an unknown man holding an AR-15, Klinger says, Brownlow “was correct when he assessed that he was outgunned in the situation. There was a potentially large victim pool nearby.”
Cron argues Brownlow should have given Hurley instructions to drop the AR-15. “Training might explain why Officer Brownlow acted the way he did, but that does not excuse his actions,” the attorney says. “You have to expect a reasonable officer to
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recognize the need for individualized decision-making.” Not only did Brownlow make a poor decision to shoot, Cron argues, but the officer also flubbed nearly every aspect of the moment. “Johnny and the bad guy looked nothing alike. Johnny was stationary, wasn’t running at anyone or threatening anyone. He was unloading a rifle to make it safe for the community. There were zero indications that Johnny posed a threat.”
Body cameras weren’t mandated among Colorado officers at the time—and won’t be until July. No footage exists of Brownlow’s view of the shooting or from the two officers who were inside the police building.
Cron also argues Brownlow and the other two Arvada officers weren’t effective in their response to the active shooter, who was identified as a 59-year-old Jefferson County man who’d previously had a run-in with Brownlow’s team and wanted to exact revenge on officers for acts of police brutality nationwide. As part of their response, Cron says, the three officers remained inside after the shooting started, rather than engaging the shooter as a group as the man walked to his truck. “These officers took a passive approach and put themselves in an information deficit,” Cron says. “Contrast that with Johnny’s actions: Johnny ran out of the building he was in, confronted the shooter, and saved the day. You’d hope an officer in your community would behave more like Johnny than these three officers who stayed inside and hid.
“Policing is an inherently dangerous job,” Cron continues. “But officers know what they’re signing up for. At every turn, Officer Brownlow chose self-preservation. In the end, he chose not to confront the bad guy while [the shooter] was walking around and firing a weapon. He did, however, make the decision to shoot Johnny from behind.”
The day before Hurley died, he spent the afternoon with his mother in his basement apartment in northwest Denver. The two had been eager to hang out together and talked about the camping trip he was taking with his sister. Afterward, he opened his computer, and they watched videos of Jordan Peterson, a right-wing former clinical psychologist, on YouTube.
It didn’t bother Boleyn that her son had gotten political. Like most mothers, she simply wanted to be supportive. She knew he had a concealed carry permit, but he never showed her his weapons. Hurley once asked his mother to consider purchasing a handgun that would fit in her purse. When she demurred, he took the hint. “He probably did that out of respect for me,” she says.
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One day this past fall, Boleyn was sitting, cross-legged, on an upholstered chair in her family room. A photo of Johnny as a teenager—holding a skateboard in his right hand—rested on a table next to a folded American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol the week after his death. Next to that was a small photo of Johnny on a boat, bearded and smiling.
She had recently begun to cull the memorial that had popped up in the front yard. A large photo of her son was now out back, leaning against a low brick wall. A laminated piece of paper sat next to the photo: “In loving memory of Johnny Hurley. Hero of Arvada shooting. June 21, 2021. Grew up in this house where his mother still resides.”
The tears stopped coming a few months ago, she says. Boleyn is in her early 70s and adjusting to life without the calls and visits from her only son. She’s at a point where she can finally imagine her son as something other than the extremes of hero and victim. It’s a small victory, but one she holds on to tightly. Over the past year she’d been to memorials and funerals and fundraisers. She’d gotten to know the wife of Gordon Beesley, the Arvada officer who was killed the same day as her son.
Boleyn learned Beesley had been in a band and that he was loved by nearly everyone he met. She couldn’t wait to tell her son about the officer; she caught herself reaching for her phone. Boleyn met some of her son’s friends and liked how they talked about Johnny, about his confidence and passion to help. She’d grown close to Garland, Johnny’s partner, and the two spoke regularly.
Sometimes, she allowed herself to think about Kraig Brownlow. “He must be devastated,” she says. He’s younger than her son, she says, and he will live with his actions for the rest of his life. There was a time when she imagined forgiving him; she still thinks that’s a possibility, but she’s stopped focusing on it. “Maybe I wore that out,” she admits. “Maybe I cried too much every time I thought about it.”
The folks at a mobile phone store helped her save the voicemails her son had left on her cell phone on two thumb drives. Most of Hurley’s stuff from his apartment is in storage. Boleyn and her daughter will get to it someday. She thinks about that apartment in Denver, the last day she and her son had together. “We sat there and talked and talked and talked and talked and laughed and talked,” she remembers. “When you were having a good time with Johnny, there was no one else you’d rather be with. My God, I was lucky to have him.”
Taylor Garland adjusts a piñon log in her fireplace, lights a match, and steps back to watch the first flickers of flame. It’s mid-December in New Mexico, and the temperature on the high desert this afternoon is hovering around 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Her 10-year-old, white-andblack Australian shepherd, Hurley (who had been named after Johnny a decade earlier, which he found hilarious), bounds from the living room to the kitchen and back. Garland has been here a year, but the old house is a work in progress with its uneven barnwood and not-quite-right-angle construction. The windows aren’t entirely weatherproof. The roof leaks. At the moment, a gray mouse is trying to jump out of the sink.
A year before Hurley’s death, the two had talked about moving to New Mexico, breaking away and simplifying their lives. Garland had been working on a series of small businesses—the food truck and a greeting card company—but increasingly found herself stressed about the never-ending demands from her work in Denver.
Hurley wasn’t doing much of anything that would keep him attached to Colorado. They made the decision to move on a camping trip a few months before the shooting. They talked about finding a piece of land somewhere down in New Mexico—a good distance from Denver, but not so far that it would keep Hurley from seeing his mom and sister. They talked about growing their own food, of Garland using her savings to start a bed-and-breakfast, of Hurley creating farm-to-table meals for guests, of them finally settling down after having known each other for 24 years.
She and Hurley came down a few times to look at properties, but nothing fit. The land didn’t look right, or the houses needed too much work. Garland had been planning to visit New Mexico again, in late June, when Hurley was killed. She called her real estate agent and put everything on hold. If Hurley wasn’t going to share this with her, she wasn’t sure she wanted to continue.
There were memorials and the funeral. Hurley’s friends wanted to talk about activism and 9/11 and guns and cops—the Johnny they knew—but Garland wanted to remember her lover and friend. She wanted to remember the two of them jumping off a bridge and into a river when they were kids; the time after a tough night with her food truck, when she cried, and how Hurley had wrapped her in a hug and said he’d never been so proud. In the months after the shooting, Garland wrote Hurley letters nearly every day—about how she missed
him and how sorry she was that they had argued that last week, how she wasn’t sure how she would move on.
The real estate agent called in late fall that year. There was a property for sale in Carson, New Mexico, about 15 miles west of Taos. Garland said she wasn’t interested. Her grief was like an anchor holding her down. The agent called again and again, until Garland finally gave in. She drove down to check out the nine-acre lot, the dilapidated barnwood house, and the view of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. When she saw it, she thought, Why not?
With the fire beginning to take life, she looks out the window toward Wheeler. At night, she says, the sky explodes with starlight. Catch it at the right time, and it’s a mystical, overwhelming sight.
She imagines Hurley out there, looking at the pin-pricks of light. Garland’s certain he would have grown to love this place. By now, he would’ve been putting together the tiny A-frames for the Airbnb Garland’s planning in the field east of the house. He would’ve had power and water running out there, and he’d have planned out the garden. The windows and doors would’ve been replaced in the main house, keeping out the summer heat and the winter chill.
His birthday was in August, and Boleyn came down to visit. Hurley’s mother planned to stick around for a day or two, but she ended up staying nearly a week. Boleyn gave Garland some of Johnny’s ashes. Before Boleyn left, Garland backed the woman into a doorway off the kitchen, took out a pencil, and measured her against the door frame—the way parents do with a child. Garland does this with all her friends who come to visit; it’s a little reminder of home. Next to Boleyn’s horizontal line, Garland wrote, “Momma Hurley.”
It had now been 18 months since the shooting. Eighteen months of Garland trying to figure out her new life. A photo of Hurley hangs on her wall—him on a trail, staring at a sunset. One of his pillows is on her bed.
Hurley, the dog, whimpers at the front door. The neighbor’s dog is outside and wants to play. Garland walks to the kitchen and opens the door. There’s a blast of afternoon cold. When she looks back to her family room, she sees the piñon fire roaring in her fireplace. She lets out a giggle. “Would you look at that?” she says, looking at the flames. “I think Johnny would be proud.”m
FEB17SEP10
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Immerse yourself in some of the Clyfford Still’s biggest, most ambitious artworks in the new exhibition “Awful Bigness,” now on view at the Clyfford Still Museum. Explore big feelings, big ideas, and big art. Preceding the show, follow the artist’s groundbreaking journey to abstraction.
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Boettcher Concert Hall | 7:30 p.m.
In homage to the “Queen of Tejano Music,” the Colorado Symphony brings the iconic music of Selena Quintanilla to life March
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Leslie Monaco
JENNA FULK, ITSY VANCAMP
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE CITY PROPERTIES
Jenna Fulk
Itsy VanCamp
JIM & HELENA BUCKLEY
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Helena Buckley
Jim Buckley
JOSEPH-HAARER GROUP
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Ryan Haarer
Justin Joseph
LARSON/LANDGRAVE
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Todd Landgrave
Alan Larson
LAUREN JENSEN GROUP
WK REAL ESTATE
Chris Gaynor
Lauren Jensen
LE PEAU TEAM
PORCHLIGHT REAL ESTATE GROUP
Kristen Le Peau
Steve Le Peau
LIVE LOCAL TEAM
WEST & MAIN HOMES
Sue Perrault
Mark Pledger
MACARTHUR TEAM
RE/MAX OF BOULDER
Emily Grunfeld
Jed MacArthur
MACDONALD-WEATHERS TEAM
COMPASS
Brian MacDonald
Brooke Weathers
MARGHEIM SOPHINOS TEAM
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Greg Margheim
Kelly Sophinos
MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE TEAM
RE/MAX NORTHWEST
Deano Makowsky
Eric Piel
MCFALL DRAHEIM
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –SOUTHEAST METRO (DTC)
Tyler Draheim
Marilyn McFall
MODGLIN COLLECTION
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE CITY PROPERTIES
Brigette Modglin
Jay Modglin
MULLER GROUP RE/MAX OF BOULDER
Andrew Muller
Katie Muller
NICOLE RIDLEY & KRISTI LUCAS TEAM CORCORAN PERRY & CO.
Kristi Lucas
Nicole Ridley
NICOLE RUFENER & ANTOINETTE WHARTON MILEHIMODERN
Nicole Rufener
Antoinette Wharton
NO COAST PROPERTY GROUP COMPASS
Brody Stinson
OAKES GROUP DENVER LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Cindy Oakes
Terry Oakes
OLDHAM GROUP COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –SOUTHEAST METRO (DTC)
Forrest Oldham
Jennifer Oldham
PATTY RYAN ANTON & GREG CARD
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE CHERRY CREEK
Greg Card
Patty Ryan Anton
PRATT REAL ESTATE GROUP RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Joan Pratt
Ella Snurka
PREMIER HOMES TEAM RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Jean Duggan
Mike Duggan
PRINCIPAL TEAM
THE PRINCIPAL TEAM AT METRO BROKERS
Thomas Grant
J. David Lampe
R&D GROUP MADISON & COMPANY PROPERTIES
Tracey Gonzales
Ryan Mutschelknaus
RED ROCKS TEAM YOUR CASTLE REAL ESTATE
Kathleen Hanvey
Todd Houghton
ROBERT HRYNIEWICH TEAM RE/MAX MASTERS MILLENNIUM
Robert Hryniewich
Thomas Hryniewich
RULE PROPERTIES
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Ben Rule
Erin Rule
SAAB PROPERTIES COMPASS
Gina Saab
Tony Saab
SAMPLE TEAM THE AGENCY – DENVER
Persy Sample
Kate Testa Sample
SARTELL BLISS TEAM COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – BOULDER
Jessie Bliss
Bethany Sartell
SCHNEIDER/THYS TEAM RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Annie Schneider
Mike Thys
SCOTT TEAM SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE
Amy Scott
David Scott
SHEILA SCHLIFKIN & MITCH ROTHMAN
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Mitch Rothman
Sheila Schlifkin
SHELDON TEAM
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Cindy Sheldon
Kyle Sheldon
SPRUCE RESIDENTIAL COMPASS
Ethan Bullock
Jeni Moeller
SUSIE BEST & KELLY REED MILEHIMODERN
Susie Best
Kelly Reed
TEAM ABEL
RE/MAX OF BOULDER
Dave Abel
Pete Abel
TEAM TOM KAHN
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
Tom Kahn
Kathryn Whelan
THOMAS RATAY TEAM
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
Greg Johnson
Jim Thomas
TOM GROSS TEAM
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Britt Armstrong
Tom Gross
VESTA COLLECTIVE COMPASS
Shay Baillargeon
Athena Brownson
VESTA HOMES
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Libby Levinson-Katz
Elizabeth Sacerdoti
WILLARDSEN HOMES
MADISON & COMPANY PROPERTIES
Heather Kimball
Brook Willardsen
YEDDIS GROUP COMPASS
Fran Yeddis
Josh Yeddis
YOUR COLORADO
DREAM HOME TEAM
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Tonya Fallows
Debbie Ludvick
TEAMS OF 2 AGENTS
DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND
BLANK & BINGHAM TEAM
THE AGENCY – DENVER
Kacey Bingham
Jared Blank
E AND L TEAM
RE/MAX ELEVATE
Elizabeth Ryterski
Laura Shaffer
GLERY ROSS GROUP
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Jonathan Lopez
Roy Lopez
GOODACRE GROUP MILEHIMODERN
Bill Goodacre
Tim Goodacre
GUY TEAM HOMES
RE/MAX OF CHERRY CREEK
Debra Guy
Christopher Harvey
HEATHER & SEAN TEAM
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Sean Endsley
Heather Graham
IANNONE GROUP COMPASS
Stephanie Iannone
Mindy Nassar
JENNIFER AND EMILY
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Jennifer Davenport
Emily Henderson
KELLY MOYE COMPASS
Kelly Moye
KIMBERLY AUSTIN PROPERTIES
KELLER WILLIAMS INTEGRITY REAL ESTATE
Kimberly Austin
KINCAID TEAM
RE/MAX OF CHERRY CREEK
Doug Kincaid
Pam Kincaid
KRONENBERGER TEAM RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Rusty Hogan
Kim Kronenberger
LAURA LEVY GROUP COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – BOULDER
Laura Levy
LEE TEAM COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –SOUTHEAST METRO (DTC)
David Armayor
Louie Lee
MARK & LISA CRAMER CAMBER REALTY
Lisa Cramer
Mark Cramer
MILE HIGH LIVING TEAM
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
Doug McLaughlin
Paige McLaughlin
MY DENVER TEAM
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE CITY PROPERTIES
Kevin Garrett
Matt McNeill
NICHOLS & LEE TEAM
MILEHIMODERN
Corrie Lee
Karen Nichols
STEVE ALTERMATT TEAM
RE/MAX OF BOULDER
Steve Altermatt
Karen Schaefer
SUNBERG REAL ESTATE
SUNDBERG REAL ESTATE
Jen Burke
Brian Sundberg
TRISH BRAGG & MAGGIE ARMSTRONG
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Maggie Armstrong
Trish Bragg
WOLFE-BOUC GROUP
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Chris Bouc
Ian Wolfe
WOODRUM TEAM
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – FORT COLLINS
Ben Woodrum
Michelle Woodrum
ZACH ZELDNER COMPASS
Amanda Salzman
Zach Zeldner
ZUCKERT GROUP MILEHIMODERN
Alison Zuckert
John Zuckert
BLACK DIAMOND
ALAN SMITH TEAM RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
David Pratt
Alan J. Smith
Corbin Smith
AMY Z TEAM HOMESMART
Abby Blum
Stephanie Blum
Amy Zukowski
BARTON, GADE, MARTINEZ TEAM
COLDWELL BANKER GLOBAL LUXURY DENVER
Kelli Barton
Katie Gade
Heidi Martinez
BRIDGE TEAM RE/MAX OF CHERRY CREEK
Katy Ayers
Alex Brachfeld
Shelley Bridge
Pam Tomlinson
BTD PROPERTIES
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –DENVER CENTRAL
Ron Buss
Dan DeBacco
Susan Todd
COLORADO LIFESTYLE HOMES COMPASS
Amy Frankmore
Laine Jarvis
Kathy McBane
COLORADO LUXURY GROUP
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – BOULDER
Kimberly Junior
Kaylee Murphy
Brian Mygatt
Carol Powers
CURATED RESIDENTIAL COMPASS
Meghan Bach
Jenner Eiss
JAK Kauffman
Chally Wiener
DENVER GROUP COMPASS
Jason Dalbey
JP Hachey
Chad Spurway
Ashley Stieger
DIVITO DREAM MAKERS RE/MAX ALLIANCE
Stacey Bushaw
Amanda DiVito Parle
Karen Levine
Lisa Reich
DREAM WEAVERS RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Shanon DeBelle
Taylor Hetzer
Jason Weaver
Kathlene Weaver
DREAMSMITH TEAM RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Brock Hanson
Kimberly Larsen
Jackson Sanborn
Landin Smith
Spencer Wilson
DUDLEY TEAM
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –SOUTHEAST METRO (DTC)
Gifford Dudley
Trish Dudley
DWELL COLORADO
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE CHERRY CREEK
Amy Hulsey
Martha Potter-Goldstein
Brian Rosen
ELITE HOME SALES TEAM RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Jenny Gomez
Andrea Romano
James Romano
Michelle Romano
FLETCHER TORRES TEAM COMPASS
Kevin Fletcher
Shurie Fletcher
Cherish Hope McClure
Tatiana Torres
GALO GARRIDO TEAM
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Maria Barrese-Lee
Grace Baxter
Galo Garrido
Deon Vitela
HARLING TEAM @HOMESMART
HOMESMART
Shannon Crouthers
Jennie Harling
Toby Hillman
Adam Wesorick
HIGGINS KALUSH COLLECTIVE
COMPASS
John Canova
Cari Higgins
Terese McSpadden
HIVE HOMES
COMPASS
Susan Adams
Shelley Conger
Kelly Kozlowski
David Widman
HOHOLIK TEAM
MILEHIMODERN
Audrey Hoholik
Morgan Hoholik
Paige Hoholik
HOTZ GROUP
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Elizabeth Hotz
Larry Hotz
Meredith Hotz
HUDSON HOME GROUP
COMPASS
Ray Blaesing
Heather Haller
Nathan Hildreth
Kelly Hudson
David Krohne
INNOV8 PROPERTIES
KELLER WILLIAMS DOWNTOWN DENVER
Erin Brumleve
Jill Deacon
Laura Fritz
INTEGRITY GROUP RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Adam Crockett
Dustin Griffiths
Pamela Mayka
Rockland Miller
INTEGRITY HOME PARTNERS
COMPASS
Brenda Eisenga
Amy Gilbride
Eva Marie
JANIS PROPERTIES
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – BOULDER
Dave Janis
Paige Lilienfeld
Courtney Martinez
JEFF ERICKSON GROUP
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Carliss Erickson
Jeff Erickson
Rebecca McIntosh
Ryan McIntosh
JULIE MEKO TEAM
COMPASS
Julie Meko
Laura Morningstar
Patrick Westfall
KALUSH GROUP COMPASS
Marsha Badger
Kristin Kalush
Dave Rich
KOLARSICK, LAVERICK, RYAN
COLDWELL BANKER GLOBAL LUXURY DENVER
Nita Kolarsick
Garvin Laverick
Stephanie Ryan
KRUSE NUSSBAUM TEAM
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC
Staci Burns
Joshua Kolbaba
Sandy Kruse
Steven Kruse
Jim Nussbaum
LINA & LUCA GROUP
MADISON & COMPANY PROPERTIES
Luca Baud
Lina Krylov
Igor Roudatchenko
LYDIA’S HOME TEAM
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
Sheri Brown
Lydia Creasey
Jim Dixon
MIKE BURNS TEAM
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Mike Burns
Sarah LeBuhn
Shelley Martin
Peggy Norwood
MOCK GROUP COMPASS
Janet Ingvaldsen
Kathryn Keating
Gail Mock
Natalie Mock
NAGEL & CO.
RE/MAX OF CHERRY CREEK
Dawn Bennett
Jonathan Koneman
Andrew Nagel
NELSON TEAM
COMPASS
Jill Burbach
Kathy Nelson
Zac Nelson
NOEL & MARTINEZ TEAM
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
Chris Martinez
Steven Noel
Kaylee Reorda
P.J. FARRELL/JEFF BUSCH
COLDWELL BANKER GLOBAL LUXURY DENVER
Kim Brown
Jeff Busch
P.J. Farrell
PANDORAJOHNPROPERTIES
MADISON & COMPANY PROPERTIES
John Erlandson
Pandora Erlandson
Jenna McMenaman
Maria Wilson
PHIPPS TEAM COMPASS
Lauren Hardin
Aimee Lombardi
Robyn Phipps
PREMIER PROPERTIES
COMPASS
Zach Almeida
Josh Geist
Mike McCabe
Nicholas Muldoon
Matt Schlitt
RERESULTS HOMESMART
Leslie Le
Andrew Martinovich
Jason Morris
Russell Woloch
ROBIN LAKE TEAM
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Armie James
Robin Lake
Bob Persichetti
ROYSTON GROUP
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Kathleen Allen
Molly Henry
Lynne Matsunaka
Lou Royston
SEITZ KAL-HAGAN TEAM
COMPASS
Marilyn Kal-Hagan
Laura Seitz
SOLDINONEWEEKEND YOUR CASTLE REALTY
Szymon Dzienis
Amanda Gibas
Ewelina Kurka
James Shields
STARK REAL ESTATE GROUP
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
David Collins
Mo Elliott
Rob Stark
STEVE HOUY TEAM RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Janel Bryan
Steve Houy
Shonna Howell
SULTAN NEWMAN GROUP COMPASS
Joseph Newman
Jake Ruff
Eric Sultan
TAMBORRA TEAM RE/MAX LEADERS
Laura Cantalamessa
Tianna Matheja
Amanda Smith
Mauri Tamborra
TEAM DURAN RE/MAX ALLIANCE
Frank Duran
Renee Duran
Lance Fleming
Ty Hart
Michael Palmer
UTZINGER GROUP RE/MAX ALLIANCE – ARVADA
Rozie Fitzmier
Justin Scheer
Deborah Utzinger
Terry Utzinger
Sheila Weaver
DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND
ABELL TO SELL COMPASS
Kristen Abell
Sarah Frohnapfel
BEHR TEAM
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Josh Behr
Linda Behr
Jake Mackensen
Nicole Scholle
BERNARDI GROUP
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – BOULDER
Karen Bernardi
Madison Cervo
Alyssa Dean
Megan Evoe
BLANK TEAM
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Steve Blank
BURGESS GROUP
COMPASS
Andy Burgess
Catherine Burgess
CC SIGNATURE GROUP
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –COLORADO SPRINGS
Camellia Coray
Jeremiah Miller
Zane Whitfield
COLORADO URBAN LIVING
RE/MAX ALLIANCE – OLDE TOWN ARVADA
Tavia Galvin
Erin Houston
Lisa Magleby
Nicki Thompson
COLORADOREALESTATE.COM
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Michael Floyd
Scott Matthias
Holly Payne
Ian Prichard
DENVER’S TOP TEAM
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE CHERRY CREEK
Jacci Geiger
Wendy Glazer
Mary Jones
Sana Wood
ELEVATION TEAM
YOUR CASTLE REAL ESTATE
Mel DiMinno
Jonathan Makolondra
Ann Marlin
HELM WEAVER HELM COMPASS
Pam Helm
Patti Helm
Libby Weaver
KEY GROUP
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – FORT COLLINS
Gus Bergs
Jimmy Stewart
Rena Wallingford
LIVE DISTINCT
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Stuart Crowell
Delroy Gill
MCKINLEY GROUP COMPASS
Emily Grasso
Josh McKinley
Lindsay Meyer
NEIR TEAM
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE CITY PROPERTIES
Laura Fuller
Alex Neir
Stacy Neir
PATRICK BROWN GROUP
COMPASS
Patrick Brown
William Greig
Hunter Jorgensen
PATRICK DOLAN TEAM
RE/MAX OF BOULDER
Kelly Atteridg
Bryce Dolan
Patrick Dolan
Karolyn Merrill
RANKIN, GOULDER & KISSINGER COMPASS
Jane Goulder
Amy Kissinger
Allison Rankin
SCHLICHTER TEAM COMPASS
Tom Pitzer
David Schlichter
Jen Widler
STEVE REMMERT GROUP COMPASS
Lucy Conklin
Vanessa Hilbert
Lindsey Hughes
Steve Remmert
Michelle Steiner
STODDARD, DANA, THOMPSON TEAM
COLDWELL BANKER GLOBAL LUXURY DENVER
Marilyn Dana
Janie Stoddard
Jean Marie Thompson
SUBRY GROUP
RE/MAX NORTHWEST
Justin Pfeifer
John Subry
Pamela Subry
Madison Subry Gardner
TEAM DENVER HOMES
LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Michele Ciardullo
Honey Grimes
Chantel Sandoval
Mor Zucker
TEAM DOKKEN COMPASS
Dina Budz
Ty Dokken
Doug Gaeta
Dave Kazma
Molli Noga
TEAM FONTYN
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – NORTH METRO
Jen Braa
Lori Fontyn
Teresa Wood
TEAM VIVI HOMESMART
Terra Augustine
Vivi Gloriod
Jillian Silkie
Philip Talley
BLACK DIAMOND
5280 RESULTS
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –SOUTHWEST METRO
Bobby Dusbabek
Loy Hall
Debbie Joseph
Dorie Lisowska
Kimberly Ryan
Candy Self
Dave Treece
ARROW GROUP WEST & MAIN HOMES
Brianna Kliesmet
Rachel Kling
Julie Lunn
Lora Martinez
Mic Ortega
Colleen Waldorf
ART OF HOME TEAM EXP REALTY
Marc Bayes
Michael Matthews
Liz Thompson
Heather Truhan
Ken Truhan
Qingzhou “JoJo” Yao
ASHWORTH TEAM COMPASS
Phil Apodaca
Tony Ashworth
Liam Mckeon
Todd Miller
Nicolette Thomas
BASECAMP/FABIAN HOMES COMPASS
Amy Fabian
Sarah Gasparetti
Bridget Mahoney
Hannah Thompson
Stephanie Ward
CAPNEY COLLECTION COMPASS
Brooke Capra
Devin Capra
Kevin Capra
Maria Chambers
Kim Grantham
Amanda Ragulsky
Mike Raugust
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – DENVER WEST
Taylor Carpenter
Brandi Miller
Kelly Paulk
Sarah Scott-Wilson
Ashley Warren
INTERNATIONAL GROUP
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Jeannie Do
Tinisha Gomez
Carter Holt
Elizabeth Lee
Andy Leung
Lisa Nguyen
Amanda Tong
KNOLL TEAM
MADISON & COMPANY PROPERTIES
Brandon Cartagena
John Chapman
Justin Knoll
Piper Knoll
Pam Meier
MARCUS TEAM
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –SOUTHEAST METRO (DTC)
Linda Bram
Laurie Elston Marcus
Debbie Jacobs
Karen Lamar
Bryan Lipman
Michael Marcus
Yaron Marcus
MONARCH GROUP COMPASS
Lacy Caudel
Sydney Hulse
Allie Kirby
Melissa Milder
Elizabeth Ryan
Tabitha Tobias
O’BRIEN GROUP COMPASS
Spencer Barron
Leland Davenport
Mike Epke
Laura Gilsdorf
Kevin Guarneros
Jason Hansen
Francis Lanzano
Fred McNab
David O’Brien
Jennifer O’Brien
Ryan Pue
SCHOSSOW GROUP COMPASS
Bill Airy
Pam Devaney
Annecy Olson
Molly Petrelli
Dale Schossow
Nick Schossow
April Stahl
SEARCH DENVER HOMES
KELLER WILLIAMS INTEGRITY REAL ESTATE
Hana Brownsell
Miranda Hickman
Jonathan Loewenberg
Jacob Strobel
Skylar Visnack
DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND
BARTIC GROUP
KELLER WILLIAMS INTEGRITY REAL ESTATE
Nolan Baker
Brendan Bartic
Kathryn Bartic
James Berkley
Scott Brasfield
Blake Buckley
Kyle Gephart
Michael Jenkins
Lily Lopez
Kendra Madrid
Jordan Sherrill
Cody Smetzer
Alex Swords
Grant Thompson
Anthony Velazquez
BE1 TEAM
COMPASS
David Brown
Kris Caldwell
Alex Chapman
Jacob Dittman
Sean Hannon
Colin Kelley
Adele Lewis
Jacob Meyers
Rich Miskiewicz
Kenyon Otero
Gunnar Simon
Lindsey Simon
Kate Vollmer
BUY & SELL 5280
COMPASS
Cyndie Alexander
Kyle Behnke
Ingrid Burke
Kim Byers
Erik Carman
Jennifer Cash
Laura Cronin
Aliya Duffy
Nick Leibbrand
Erin Posey
Sean Ring
Krislyn Sayre
Jennifer Stokes
Deanna Wolfe
ELEVATED LIVING
COMPASS
Nick Anderson
Brittany Chebny
Bridget D’Angelo
Savannah Fultz
Ken Gellman
Tenzin Gyaltsen
Forrest Johnson
Kevin Merlander
Hayley Mork
Megan Quinn Mayfield
Hannah Safari
Sam Sheets
Michael Turra
Krissy Woodruff
Lisa Wynne
ENVISION ADVISORS
YOUR CASTLE REAL ESTATE
Jenny Bayless
Katie Heinsohn
Leah Keeling
Cheryl Lawson
Chris Lopez
Amanda Meyer
Preston Newberry
Walker Noon
Stacy Rozansky
Chelsea Scott
Lauren Valinoti
Jeff White
Rose Widera
FOWLER GROUP
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – BOULDER
Sarah Bobo
Brie Fowler
Jillian Fowler
Tom Fowler
Brandon Rearick
Amy Tallent
Kayleigh Weickum
GRIFFITH HOME TEAM
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Angela Chavez
Ryan Day
Travis Gray
Vanessa Gray
Chad Griffith
Dustin Griffith
Rachelle Kastle
Ronda Maher
Devin Martinez
Alex Mierau
Raman Sharma
Nicholas Trujillo
Janna Vanner
Scott Westensee
JACKIE GARCIA TEAM
RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Marco Castilla
Noelle Chole
Jackie Garcia
Dana Goldfarb
Ben Prucey
Maritza Torres
LUCZAK REAL ESTATE
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY –COLORADO SPRINGS
Elliot Bannister
Ryan Deese
Darren Dukart
Tanner Gibson
Greg Luczak
Ryan Schwab
Amy Thompson
MILE HIGH LIFESTYLES COMPASS
Emily Arrick
Stephanie Eheart
Jaden Hanson
Kylee Haralson
Ben Henry
Michael Munoz
Marlania Trujillo
Carolyn Villano
NEW PERSPECTIVE TEAM COMPASS
Tiffany Burke
Jody Donley
Ashley Howlett
Melinda Howlett
Laura Hudgins
Kim Kouba
Danelle Morgan
NOLAN WILSON GROUP COMPASS
Danielle Brossart
Katherine Gowdey
Lauren Kettle
Sarah Nolan
Taylor Wilson
NOSTALGIC HOMES GROUP COMPASS
Angelica Apel
Jenny Apel
Stefanie Broom
Art Bugarin
Elizabeth Clayton
Leigh Gauger
Michelle Henkel
Alesia Kieffer
Nancy Levy
Liz Luna
Jill Samuels
Luis Serrano
Jean Sunn
Corey Wadley
PEDAL GROUP COMPASS
Boulos Ayad
Carolyn Barlow
Kate Blalack
Kristin Creamer
John Farley
Alissa Peterson
Botsy Phillips
Brad Pugh
Al Quiller
Brad Quiller
Paula Samaha
Tim Shea
Jon Sisenwein
Chris Sweeney
PREFERRED PROPERTIES COMPASS
Paul Bishop
Toni Ciarlelli
Teri Colbert
Pam Dunn
Kim Foster
Denise Kelly
Michael Mahoney
Nancy Murray McFadden
Roseanne Nielsen
Susan Pearce
Karen Pepper
Janet Robinson
Kasha Songer
REAL ESTATE EXPERTS OF DENVER RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS
Jennifer Anderson
Kimberly Brust
Mary Beth Brust
Erica Chouinard
Jeff Doland
Dena Falcone
Lauren Immel
Jonathan Keiler
Rike Palese
Taylor Palese
Marla Strick
ROWLEY GROUP
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY – PARKER
Joe Blinn
Michelle Orlandino
Nikki Quinn
Adelia Redalen
Gary Rowley
Joanne Rowley
Wendy Rowley
SAVVY GROUP
KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE CHERRY CREEK
Meg Adams
Carly Anderson
Kat Brill
Katie Knowlton
Stacey Stambaugh
Nicole Wadsworth
TUPPER’S TEAM MADISON & COMPANY PROPERTIES
Matt Bachus
Dana Bossert
Tupper Briggs
Alice Carmody
Carrie Hurich
Peg Schroeder
Jennifer Trinco m
Join us for an afternoon of conversations with prominent local voices as we discuss the future of Denver.
Is the Mile High City destined to be the next Seattle, San Francisco, or New York City?
How do we protect outdoor recreation for the future while expanding access to more people?
How do we bring vibrancy (back) to the urban core?
Hear from experts on these topics and the opportunities ahead for our city. Space is limited—register today!
How do we reckon with all the things that come along with growth in metro Denver? RESERVE YOUR FREE SPOT!
hether you plan to be in your home for just a few more months or many more years, there are plenty of effi cient ways to maximize your space and increase its value. From green living to greenery in your yard, here are a few impactful and straightforward means of boosting your home’s value and appeal over the short or long term.
WWhether you plan to be in your home for just a few more months or many more years, there are plenty of effi cient ways to maximize your space and increase its value. From green living to greenery in your yard, here are a few impactful and straightforward means of boosting your home’s value and appeal over the short or long term.
Green is the new black. Any form of energy effi ciencies and conservation in your home will inevitably be a fi scal gain. Whether you install energy-saving window treatments or solar panels, both options can reduce utility expenses for you and any future inhabitants. When it comes time to replace appliances, a prudent decision would be to select a “smart” model of said item, which can significantly lower long-term energy costs.
Green is the new black. Any form of energy effi ciencies and conservation in your home will inevitably be a fi scal gain. Whether you install energy-saving window treatments or solar panels, both options can reduce utility expenses for you and any future inhabitants. When it comes time to replace appliances, a prudent decision would be to select a “smart” model of said item, which can significantly lower long-term energy costs.
While on the topic of efficiency, a wise investment would be installing smart devices throughout your property. Think digital features such as automated blinds or shades, security cameras, door locks, security lighting and thermostats. When you’re ready to sell, the smart tech will appeal to buyers with a penchant for the added value of convenience and connectivity.
While on the topic of efficiency, a wise investment would be installing smart devices throughout your property. Think digital features such as automated blinds or shades, security cameras, door locks, security lighting and thermostats. When you’re ready to sell, the smart tech will appeal to buyers with a penchant for the added value of convenience and connectivity.
Create visual space in rooms by keeping them clutter-free and organized, which can be solved by simply installing a stylish shelving unit to move extraneous items out of sight. Seek the help of a professional organizer who will be bursting with innovative ideas to optimize the storage areas in your dwelling.
Create visual space in rooms by keeping them clutter-free and organized, which can be solved by simply installing a stylish shelving unit to move extraneous items out of sight. Seek the help of a professional organizer who will be bursting with innovative ideas to optimize the storage areas in your dwelling.
Another way to increase square footage without a renovation is to let the sunshine in! Avoid heavy drapes and instead, use modern window treatments that add height such as roller, Roman
Another way to increase square footage without a renovation is to let the sunshine in! Avoid heavy drapes and instead, use modern window treatments that add height such as roller, Roman
or cellular shades. Similarly, you can position a decorative floor-to-ceiling mirror in any room to visually double your space.
or cellular shades. Similarly, you can position a decorative floor-to-ceiling mirror in any room to visually double your space.
Explore the possibility of replacing the flooring in a few key spaces. A unique, beautiful and buzzworthy material is cork, which is also known to have antibacterial properties. If you opt for new surfaces under your feet, consider installing radiant heating simultaneously. These systems not only add optimum comfort, but are also aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient.
Explore the possibility of replacing the flooring in a few key spaces. A unique, beautiful and buzzworthy material is cork, which is also known to have antibacterial properties. If you opt for new surfaces under your feet, consider installing radiant heating simultaneously. These systems not only add optimum comfort, but are also aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient.
Make an impact through your lighting choices. Utilize contemporary or dramatic fi xtures to complement each room. Whether you choose minimal or eye-catching designs – the right piece in the optimal locale can add intrigue and substance to your residence.
Make an impact through your lighting choices.
Utilize contemporary or dramatic fi xtures to complement each room. Whether you choose minimal or eye-catching designs – the right piece in the optimal locale can add intrigue and substance to your residence.
Significant updates to your kitchen and bathroom are sure to boost value. Modern appliances and updated décor increase appeal to buyers, so consider a new backsplash or that roomy farmhouse-style sink you’ve been eyeing. Think one step further and install a water filtration system to add practicality and luxury to your dwelling. Additional elements like stylish sconces, a new vanity or a vintage mirror can elevate functionality and increase allure.
Significant updates to your kitchen and bathroom are sure to boost value. Modern appliances and updated décor increase appeal to buyers, so consider a new backsplash or that roomy farmhouse-style sink you’ve been eyeing. Think one step further and install a water filtration system to add practicality and luxury to your dwelling. Additional elements like stylish sconces, a new vanity or a vintage mirror can elevate functionality and increase allure.
Consider your front and backyard. If there is an area that would benefit from some striking landscaping or creative plantings, explore your options or consult with a professional landscape architect or designer. Executed well, a garden or other natural elements in your yard can become lovely extensions of your home’s indoor atmosphere.
Consider your front and backyard. If there is an area that would benefit from some striking landscaping or creative plantings, explore your options or consult with a professional landscape architect or designer. Executed well, a garden or other natural elements in your yard can become lovely extensions of your home’s indoor atmosphere.
When you look around, there are many ways to enhance the comfort and appeal of your property that will serve you well as a resident – and add value one day when you’re ready to sell.
When you look around, there are many ways to enhance the comfort and appeal of your property that will serve you well as a resident – and add value one day when you’re ready to sell.
LOUISVILLE | $2,487,500
6br/6ba Manorwood Estate in Coal Creek Ranch backs to the golf course featuring soaring ceilings, chef’s kitchen, dining room, study, main floor owner’s suite & finished basement.
Karen Bernardi 303.402.6000 info@thebernardigroup.com | TheBernardiGroup.com
EVERGREEN | $1,350,000
This mountain home backs to 311 acres of open space. Features southern mountain views, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, south-facing windows, fireplace, office, wraparound patio, primary suite with an updated bath & walkout basement with a bar.
Erin Hoover 303.668.3625
erin@erinmhoover.com | ErinMHoover.com
EVERGREEN | $975,000
Gorgeous mountain contemporary 4br/3ba home located on 1.61 park-like acres featuring a dining rm, office, kitchen w/Corian counters & living rm w/vaulted ceilings, wall of windows, gas fireplace & access to the deck overlooking the creek & property.
Todd Bandemer 303.810.9977 todd.bandemer@cbrealty.com | ToddBandemer.cbintouch.com
LONE TREE | Price Upon Request
3br/3ba townhouse in Lone Tree upgraded throughout with designer touches. Featuring a chef’s kitchen, home office, courtyard and 3-car garage. Easy access to premier hospitals, grocery stores, fine dining and shopping. Close to trailhead of the Bluffs.
Shannon Byerly 303.919.2611
shannon@yourfreshstartrealtor.com | YourFreshStartRealtor.com
Thoughtfully upgraded 5br/4ba home w/3,100 sqft. of finished space and 2 gas fireplaces. Main floor bedroom w/an easy-entry step-in shower with a bench. Primary bedroom w/a jetted tub and large closets. Complete w/a basement and a fenced backyard.
Rob Thompson 719.337.7254
rob.thompson@cbrealty.com | RobThompsonHomes.com
Beautifully updated tri-level 3br/2ba home w/2-car garage located on a corner lot. Open floor plan offers a living room w/wood burning stove and updated kitchen w/newer SS appliances. Lower level family room with new large egress windows & gas fireplace.
Robb Green 303.885.2924
robb.green@cbrealty.com | RobbGreenRealtor.com
PARKER | $555,000
4br/4ba home. Living room w/vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace and built-ins. Kitchen w/new granite countertops and a breakfast bar. Main floor primary bedroom w/an adjoining bath. Complete w/a finished basement and a fenced backyard w/a double deck.
Becky Groe 719.640.8167
Becky.Groe@cbrealty.com | ArriveHomeCS.com
4br/2ba home w/an updated and open floor plan. Kitchen w/loads of cabinets and a coffee/wine bar. Enjoy all new counters, cabinets, floor and fixtures. Lower level w/lots of storage, a cozy space and a fourth bedroom. Complete w/a fenced yard.
Jason Kingery 970.310.9660
Jason@JasonKingery.com | JasonKingery.com
PARKER |
3br home. Family room w/a gas fireplace. Kitchen is tucked in the heart of the main floor w/immediate access to the garage and living spaces. 2nd floor w/a primary suite, two additional bedrooms and two full baths. Complete w/a basement and backyard.
Becky Groe 719.640.8167
Becky.Groe@cbrealty.com | ArriveHomeCS.com
COLORADO
3br/3ba home w/open spaces. Living room w/built-in shelves, a gas fireplace and a dining area. Kitchen w/recently refinished wood floors and plenty of cabinets. Primary bedroom w/a full bath and a walk-in closet. Complete w/a backyard and patio.
Becky Groe 719.640.8167
Becky.Groe@cbrealty.com | ArriveHomeCS.com
3br/3ba townhome in South Hampden w/Green Mountain & Foothill views. Main floor boasts the desirable open concept and a beautifully updated guest bathroom. Complete with a basement, 2-car garage and more. Near Sister City Park and Bardo coffee shop.
Brandi Miller 720.442.1681 brandi.miller@cbrealty.com | BrandiMillerProperties.com
DENVER |
Cozy 1br/1ba condo features a wood burning fireplace, balcony, solid surface counters & fresh paint. HOA dues include pools, spa, tennis court, laundry facilities, heat & water. Easy access to Cherry Creek State Park & near the Highline canal.
Janet Ronneng 303.919.3096
janet.ronneng@cbrealty.com | RealEstateToRoots.cbintouch.com
BOULDER | Price Upon Request
Situated against Flagstaff Mountain, with 360-degree views, this 5br/7ba property is an architectural triumph that redefines luxury living. Conveniently located near Pearl Street.
Karen Bernardi 303.402.6000
COLUMBINE VALLEY | $1,675,000
5br/5ba home w/4,400+ finished square feet. Family room w/a gas fireplace. Kitchen w/cherry cabinets, granite countertops and luxury appliances. Complete w/a basement and lush backyard.
The Dudley Team 303.995.7377
AURORA | Price Upon Request
This property currently houses a multifamily duplex on a half-acre lot off of Moline Street. Zoned MU-OA-G allows for many uses w/no height restrictions. Located on Colfax Avenue.
Poonam Kakkar 720.280.7729
Jen Brink 303.653.2738
MONUMENT | $925,000
Gorgeous 7 bedroom, 4 bath home in Woodmoor Ridge on a private 0.77 acre lot with stunning views of Pikes Peak. Main floor primary suite, finished walkout basement, and a 3-car garage.
Kylie Rupert 303.842.8205
PINE | $525,000
This adorable home is on just over one flat acre in super convenient Pine Junction! This home boasts 3 beds, 3 baths, a large family room, a two-car attached garage and a large deck.
Vicki Wimberly 303.210.8577
DENVER | $655,000
Impeccably maintained 1br/1ba in Denver's luxurious Coloradan boasts an open floor-plan & kitchen w/high-end ss appliances. Access to I-25, Union Station & DIA; across from Whole Foods!
Dasha Duncan 303.710.0450
DENVER | $625,000
Charming 1892 Victorian 2br/2ba home in Sunnyside featuring a remodeled “ galley” style kitchen w/granite counters & remodeled bathrooms. Minutes from the Highlands & downtown Denver.
Reuben McKelvey 720.840.7763
WESTMINSTER | $470,000
4br/2.5ba end-unit townhome w/an open floor plan with a fireplace. 2nd floor w/a primary bedroom and a loft. Complete w/a finished basement and a two-car garage.
Marie Warren 303.884.2111
FIRESTONE | $455,000
Charming 3br/2ba home backing to open space featuring an open floor plan w/1,851 finished SQFT, 2 bonus rooms, updated kitchen and 2 sheds. Minutes to Milavac Reservoir/Frederick Rec.
Lori Vialpando 303.324.5731
AURORA | $446,000
4br/2ba tri-level home w/a living room, kitchen and 3 upper-level bedrooms. Lower-level w/a family room, a bedroom and a 3/4 bath. Complete w/a fenced backyard and a 2-car garage.
Illona Gerlock 303.809.1235
BRIGHTON | $435,000
Cute 3br/2.5ba home on a cul-de-sac in Bromley Park featuring high ceilings, open floor plan, gas fireplace & oversized backyard. Convenient to parks, schools, restaurants and shopping.
Debbie Joseph 303.842.8331
AURORA | $424,900
3br/2ba home w/large living room, spacious kitchen and a bright sunroom. Primary bedroom w/a large closet and private bath. Complete w/a bright sunroom and a detached two-car garage.
Jeff McGinnity 303.345.7439
Remodeled 3br/2ba Bi-level close to Rock Island Trail on .26 acres. Open kitchen, large lower family room w/wood-burning fireplace. Huge backyard and close to school. Jennifer Montoya, MBA 719.232.3397
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has been designed for entertainment with multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces and a spacious backyard.
This delightful 3bd/2ba Victorian near downtown features mountain views, new carpet, and new interior/exterior paint. Across the backyard is access to the detached 1-car garage.
With 100,000+ sales associates across 41 countries and territories, the Coldwell Banker ® brand is here to guide you wherever your real estate journey takes you. Contact us today.
With WinterWonderGrass celebrating its 10th birthday this month, the team and musicians behind the annual bluegrass festival in Steamboat Springs (March 3 to 5; from $109, kids 12 and under free) have had a decade to perfect staying warm. Here are their hottest tips.
—DALIAH SINGER
Mittens trump gloves because they allow the heat from your hands to spread evenly across your fingers, meaning no more icy pinkies. WinterWonderGrass vendor manager Nina Waters recommends finding a waterproof pair for when you inevitably slosh your beer while dancing.
And we mean more than just beer, though there’s plenty of that (including at the complimentary tastings inside the beer halls each afternoon). If hot drinks and a little whiskey can keep Mama Magnolia frontwoman Megan Letts’ vocal cords warm, they’re sure to keep yours in singalong shape, too. Find both at the Depot Coffee bar next to the Soapbox Tent.
Puffy coats are the most obvious garments for keeping warm, but Andy Dunnigan, lead singer for Montana-born newgrass band Lil Smokies, doesn’t have that luxury: They restrict moving and grooving. Instead, his on-stage getup starts with a really good pair of socks. Pro tip: Pack a second pair to layer on if the temperature dips.
The main stage may be outdoors, but the festival site includes three heated performance tents slash beer halls. WinterWonderGrass founder Scotty Stoughton advises catching a show inside and ordering a pint from Steamboat’s Storm Peak Brewing to soak up as much warmth as possible before heading back to the main stage.
The show goes on whether it’s a bluebird day or a blizzard. So it’s best to dress like you’re hitting the slopes, even if you don’t plan to ski, with a wool base layer top, thick long johns, midlayers, and a down jacket. Waters also suggests strategically placing some chemical hand warmers around your jacket, as well as in your mittens and boots.
Not that you’ll need another reason to boogie to the likes of the Infamous Stringdusters and Greensky Bluegrass, but dancing keeps your blood flowing. Bonus points if you don something snazzy like an ’80s snowsuit or animal onesie, says Greensky mandolin player Paul Hoffman. You’ll be stylish on the slopes and easy to find in the festival crowd.
MADE FOR YOU
ANNE & JAKE SINGLETON Anne: 303.884.0084 | Jake: 303.257.7902 anne@porchlightgroup.com | jake@porchlightgroup.com
BARRY KUNSELMAN 303.887.0588 barry@porchlightgroup.com
COURTNEY NELSON 720.210.7377 courtney@porchlightgroup.com
DUNBAR HARDY 303.859.7922 dunbar@dunbarhardy.com
ELIZABETH MARTINEZ 303.882.9520 elizabeth.martinez@porchlightgroup.com
JESSICA LUGINBILL 303.808.1306 jessica@luginbillhomes.com
KEVIN BYRNE 303.931.2283 kevin@thebyrnegroup.com
KRISTA ALLARD 303.715.8719 krista@porchlightgroup.com
LISA PENTZ 720.480.3213 lisapentz@porchlightgroup.com
LIZ POLADSKY 303.359.6365 liz@porchlightgroup.com
MARY GERWIN 303.619.3150 mary@porchlightgroup.com
NIKKI WIEDERAENDERS 720.878.2589 nikki@porchlightgroup.com
NINA MOONEY 303.905.5874 nina@porchlightgroup.com
SCOTT STANG 303.249.8452 scott@porchlightgroup.com
SHAYLISA TURNER 720.320.3452 shaylisa@porchlightgroup.com
TEAM BLACK DIAMOND $20M+
3 03.733.5335 | PORCHLIGHTGROUP.COM
BOULDER
BROOMFIELD
CHERRY CREEK
DTC
STEVE & KRISTEN LE PEAU 303.522.6709 lepeauteam@porchlightgroup.com
SUE IMPERIALE 303.908.1962 sue@porchlightgroup.com
TODD GOGULSKI 303.909.7954 todd@toddgogulski.com
INDIVIDUAL DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND $30M+ INDIVIDUAL BLACK DIAMOND $15M+
LONGMONT
