Jun_2025_Boulder_County_Real_Producers

BOULDER COUNTY

Chelsey Franklin

JUNE 2025

2 • June 2025

Boulder County Real Producers • 3

2 • June 2025

Boulder County Real Producers • 3

Contents 12

Meet The Team John Mendez Publisher

john.mendez@n2co.com 303-596-1685

Kim Ash Ad Manager

ads.rpboulder@n2co.com

Jon David

Photographer EstateSnap jon@headsupheadshots.com

Elizabeth McCabe Writer

Beth.McCabe@n2co.com

If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at john.mendez@n2co.com.

Joseph Cottle Writer

jsph.cottle@gmail.com

Dr. Felicia Santelli Writer

drsantellifelicia@gmail.com

Emily Bossert

Coaches Corner Emily.Bossert@milehimodern.com

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.

Marisa Ceppi and the HOMEstretch Revolution

Chelsey Franklin

8

COVER STORY

IN THIS ISSUE

PROFILES

5 Meet The Team 6 Preferred Partners 8 Top Producer: Chelsey Franklin 12 Partner Profile: HOMEstretch Revolution 16 Realtor to Know: Kris VanBuskirk 20 Coaching Corner: From Burnout to Breakthrough 22 Featured Property: Best in Show 28 Realtor on the Move: Peter Sotiropoulos 32 Health and Longevity: Solstice

16 Kris VanBuskirk

28 Peter Sotiropoulos

If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS for certain stories, please email us at john.mendez@n2co.com.

4 • June 2025

Boulder County Real Producers • 5

Contents 12

Meet The Team John Mendez Publisher

john.mendez@n2co.com 303-596-1685

Kim Ash Ad Manager

ads.rpboulder@n2co.com

Jon David

Photographer EstateSnap jon@headsupheadshots.com

Elizabeth McCabe Writer

Beth.McCabe@n2co.com

If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at john.mendez@n2co.com.

Joseph Cottle Writer

jsph.cottle@gmail.com

Dr. Felicia Santelli Writer

drsantellifelicia@gmail.com

Emily Bossert

Coaches Corner Emily.Bossert@milehimodern.com

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.

Marisa Ceppi and the HOMEstretch Revolution

Chelsey Franklin

8

COVER STORY

IN THIS ISSUE

PROFILES

5 Meet The Team 6 Preferred Partners 8 Top Producer: Chelsey Franklin 12 Partner Profile: HOMEstretch Revolution 16 Realtor to Know: Kris VanBuskirk 20 Coaching Corner: From Burnout to Breakthrough 22 Featured Property: Best in Show 28 Realtor on the Move: Peter Sotiropoulos 32 Health and Longevity: Solstice

16 Kris VanBuskirk

28 Peter Sotiropoulos

If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS for certain stories, please email us at john.mendez@n2co.com.

4 • June 2025

Boulder County Real Producers • 5

Preferred Partners

Boulder Symphony Music Academy offers private music lessons in south Boulder for all instruments-including voice, piano, drums, and guitar for students of all ages!

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine.

These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!

ARCHITECT/BUILDER Rodwin Architecture Scott Rodwin (303) 413-8556 929 Pearl St. Ste. 250, Boulder, CO 80302 RodwinArch.com BANK/FINANCE MidFirst Bank (303) 376-3820 www.midfirst.com CUSTOM BUILDER Wood Brothers Homes (303) 717-8207 www.woodbrothers homes.com

FLOORING Family Carpet One (720) 378-8927 www.familycarpetone longmont.com HOME BUILDER Koelbel & Company (303) 758-3500 koelbelco.com HOME INSPECTION Greenworks Inspections (855) 223-7599 greenworksinspections.com/ inspection-in-colorado/ Inspections Over Coffee Bryan Zenner (720) 845-5282 InspectionsOverCoffee.com

A NEW SHOPPING EXPERIENCE, SAME LOCAL FLOORING EXPERTS Come Check Out Our Newly Remodeled Showroom and Our New Modernized Store Front!

HOME PREPARATION SERVICES HOMEStretch (720) 404-6485 www.home-stretch.com/ north-denver

TITLE INSURANCE First American Title Insurance Company (303) 449-8442 4940 Pearl East Circle, Ste 104 Boulder, CO 80301 FirstAmColorado.com

RADON MITIGATION Mile High Radon Control (720) 220-4063 www.milehighradoncontrol.com REAL ESTATE MEDIA EstateSnap Modern Real Estate Media (303) 725-7316 www.estatesnap.org

Now is your opportunity to begin your musical journey with musicians from the Boulder Symphony1 Our teachers are the best in the front range, including degrees from the University of Colorado, Juilliard, Cleveland Institute of Music, and many others.

WINDOW CLEANING Shine (303) 554-9281 shine-windowcleaning.com/ location/boulder/ WINDOW SERVICES KV Windows (720) 535-9629 kvwindowsinc.com

TRY US FOR FREE! 4730 Table Mesa Dr. Suite l-300 Boulder. CO 80305 720-328-8286 | bouldersymphony.org/lessons

CARPET

Inspiring conversations with the nation’s top real estate agents.

HARDWOOD LAMINATE

Same Brand, New Reach – Tune in for free today

TILE & STONE AREA RUGS

SCAN TO LEARN MORE OR CALL

720.220.4063

family-carpetone@gmail.com www.familycarpetone.com

Your Boulder County Radon Mitigation Expert

303-651-2011

Let Us Help Protect Your Family from Radioactive Gas!

1401 Ken Pratt Blvd SUITE B Longmont CO. 80501

Under New Ownership 6 • June 2025

HALF OF COLORADO HOMES EXCEED EPA RECOMMENDATION RADON LEVELS. DOES YOURS?

podcast.realproducersmag.com

State Licensed • Locally Owned Certified Professionals • Rating Boulder County Real Producers • 7

Preferred Partners

Boulder Symphony Music Academy offers private music lessons in south Boulder for all instruments-including voice, piano, drums, and guitar for students of all ages!

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine.

These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!

ARCHITECT/BUILDER Rodwin Architecture Scott Rodwin (303) 413-8556 929 Pearl St. Ste. 250, Boulder, CO 80302 RodwinArch.com BANK/FINANCE MidFirst Bank (303) 376-3820 www.midfirst.com CUSTOM BUILDER Wood Brothers Homes (303) 717-8207 www.woodbrothers homes.com

FLOORING Family Carpet One (720) 378-8927 www.familycarpetone longmont.com HOME BUILDER Koelbel & Company (303) 758-3500 koelbelco.com HOME INSPECTION Greenworks Inspections (855) 223-7599 greenworksinspections.com/ inspection-in-colorado/ Inspections Over Coffee Bryan Zenner (720) 845-5282 InspectionsOverCoffee.com

A NEW SHOPPING EXPERIENCE, SAME LOCAL FLOORING EXPERTS Come Check Out Our Newly Remodeled Showroom and Our New Modernized Store Front!

HOME PREPARATION SERVICES HOMEStretch (720) 404-6485 www.home-stretch.com/ north-denver

TITLE INSURANCE First American Title Insurance Company (303) 449-8442 4940 Pearl East Circle, Ste 104 Boulder, CO 80301 FirstAmColorado.com

RADON MITIGATION Mile High Radon Control (720) 220-4063 www.milehighradoncontrol.com REAL ESTATE MEDIA EstateSnap Modern Real Estate Media (303) 725-7316 www.estatesnap.org

Now is your opportunity to begin your musical journey with musicians from the Boulder Symphony1 Our teachers are the best in the front range, including degrees from the University of Colorado, Juilliard, Cleveland Institute of Music, and many others.

WINDOW CLEANING Shine (303) 554-9281 shine-windowcleaning.com/ location/boulder/ WINDOW SERVICES KV Windows (720) 535-9629 kvwindowsinc.com

TRY US FOR FREE! 4730 Table Mesa Dr. Suite l-300 Boulder. CO 80305 720-328-8286 | bouldersymphony.org/lessons

CARPET

Inspiring conversations with the nation’s top real estate agents.

HARDWOOD LAMINATE

Same Brand, New Reach – Tune in for free today

TILE & STONE AREA RUGS

SCAN TO LEARN MORE OR CALL

720.220.4063

family-carpetone@gmail.com www.familycarpetone.com

Your Boulder County Radon Mitigation Expert

303-651-2011

Let Us Help Protect Your Family from Radioactive Gas!

1401 Ken Pratt Blvd SUITE B Longmont CO. 80501

Under New Ownership 6 • June 2025

HALF OF COLORADO HOMES EXCEED EPA RECOMMENDATION RADON LEVELS. DOES YOURS?

podcast.realproducersmag.com

State Licensed • Locally Owned Certified Professionals • Rating Boulder County Real Producers • 7

TOP PRODUCER

Built to Win: Chelsey Franklin’s Unstoppable Drive and Family-Fueled Empire

BY ELIZABETH MCCABE • PHOTOS BY JON DAVID

“If you don’t want to live a mediocre life, it takes a different mindset.”

If there’s one thing Chelsey Franklin isn’t afraid of, it’s risk. Whether she’s flipping homes, expanding her investment portfolio, leading The Franklin Group with Sotheby’s International Realty, or riding performance horses with her daughters, Chelsey brings fire, grit, and vision to every arena she enters.

A Colorado girl at heart, Chelsey may have been born in Arizona, but she’s quick to clarify, “We moved to Colorado when I was three or four—so I definitely consider myself a native.” Raised in a family where excellence was the standard and golf was the language of life, Chelsey grew up competing

8 • June 2025

at the highest levels. She played golf at Monarch High School and was recruited to the University of Oklahoma, where she earned a scholarship and, eventually, a master’s degree in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration.

Her younger sister Brooke—18 months her junior—also played for OU. “We were roommates in college. Our parents didn’t give us much of a choice when it came to being friends,” she laughs.

“Now we work together. It’s kind of comical—it’s what we’ve always done.”

It was also at OU where Chelsey met her husband, Daniel, who played football for the Sooners and went on to get his law degree. Today, Daniel is co-founder of Shanor & Franklin, a law firm operating across five states with over

Boulder County Real Producers • 9

TOP PRODUCER

Built to Win: Chelsey Franklin’s Unstoppable Drive and Family-Fueled Empire

BY ELIZABETH MCCABE • PHOTOS BY JON DAVID

“If you don’t want to live a mediocre life, it takes a different mindset.”

If there’s one thing Chelsey Franklin isn’t afraid of, it’s risk. Whether she’s flipping homes, expanding her investment portfolio, leading The Franklin Group with Sotheby’s International Realty, or riding performance horses with her daughters, Chelsey brings fire, grit, and vision to every arena she enters.

A Colorado girl at heart, Chelsey may have been born in Arizona, but she’s quick to clarify, “We moved to Colorado when I was three or four—so I definitely consider myself a native.” Raised in a family where excellence was the standard and golf was the language of life, Chelsey grew up competing

8 • June 2025

at the highest levels. She played golf at Monarch High School and was recruited to the University of Oklahoma, where she earned a scholarship and, eventually, a master’s degree in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration.

Her younger sister Brooke—18 months her junior—also played for OU. “We were roommates in college. Our parents didn’t give us much of a choice when it came to being friends,” she laughs.

“Now we work together. It’s kind of comical—it’s what we’ve always done.”

It was also at OU where Chelsey met her husband, Daniel, who played football for the Sooners and went on to get his law degree. Today, Daniel is co-founder of Shanor & Franklin, a law firm operating across five states with over

Boulder County Real Producers • 9

25 attorneys, specializing in real estate and energy law. “It works out great for me,” Chelsey smiles. “If I ever need a lawyer, I don’t have to wait in line.”

After realizing that collegiate coaching wouldn’t generate the income needed to build the life she envisioned, Chelsey took her father’s advice and pivoted to real estate. Twelve years later, she’s not only thriving—she’s redefining what success looks like.

As team leader of The Franklin Group, Chelsey leans into her natural role as the visionary.

“I love underwriting deals. I’m really good at starting projects and bringing energy to them.

For our own investment properties, nothing gets me more excited than running the preliminary numbers,” she explains.

But Chelsey also knows how to rally a team: her sister Brooke,

being creative and strategic. Brooke is Chelsey’s best friend. “She helps confirm things I’m already thinking,” she laughs. “She’s also been a part of some huge wins. We flipped a home in 30 days and made six figures.”

That’s the power of sisterhood.

Kevin, who got his real estate license after retiring from running tradeshow and conference management, excels at client relations and showings. “He’s great with people,” Chelsey says warmly. “And we all work together like family—because we are.”

And family, for Chelsey, is everything.

THERE ARE JUST SO MANY AVENUES IN REAL ESTATE— BUY AND HOLD, REFINANCE, REHAB, EVEN TAKING A LOSS AND CARRYING IT FORWARD. IT’S ALL PART OF THE BIGGER PICTURE.” 10 • June 2025

“We’ve been through some crazy times—after COVID, when the market dipped and 75% of brokers left, we bought Four Restore Hyper Wellness, Anytime Fitness in Berthoud, and Ziggi’s Coffee Shop—all within 18 months,” she recalls. “It was the most chaotic, amazing time. We weathered the storm together.” her father Larry Collins (a former professional golfer who helped build TPC Colorado), and Brooke’s fatherin-law Kevin Lepine—each of them bringing different strengths to the table.

Brooke and Chelsey have flipped over 20 properties together and love designing and collaborating on investment projects. “People want turnkey now,” she shares. “We’ve helped many clients buy properties, renovate them, and maximize their returns.” It’s about

That resilience paid off. In 2022, Chelsey closed $45 million in real estate across two states, her strongest year to date. Through the highs and lows, she remains grounded.

“My mantra is simple: You can do everything—but is it worth it? We’ve made a collective decision as a family that there’s no client, deal, or business that’s going to ruin our relationships.

Money comes and goes. But if I ruined my relationship with my sister over a deal? That’s my worst fear.”

A true entrepreneur at heart, Chelsey doesn’t just sell real estate—she lives and breathes it. Licensed in both Colorado and Oklahoma, she works with investors across state lines, helping them identify higher ROI opportunities and build wealth. “We’ve taken Colorado-based clients to Oklahoma for investments.

We also spend a lot of time in Tulsa, where our coffee shop is based,” she shares. “There are just so many avenues in real estate—buy and hold, refinance, rehab, even taking a loss and carrying it forward. It’s all part of the bigger picture.”

teaches us something—whether it’s a deal that didn’t close or a development that flopped, there’s always a lesson.

That’s how we’ve grown.”

Her children—Bailey (11), Madison (8), and James “Jimbo” (5)—have become unofficial real estate assistants, joining their mom on showings and learning the value of hard work. “They’ve seen more houses than they care to admit,” she jokes. “But if they want to go to camp or take a trip, they know what it takes. We walk them through P&L statements, cash flow, even dealing with tenants. We want to build generational wealth, and that starts by teaching them early.”

And as for what’s next? With The Franklin Group now proudly aligned with Sotheby’s International Realty, Chelsey is energized for the future.

“Joining Sotheby’s is a dream. We’re surrounded by top producers and feel like small fish again—which is a good thing. It means we’re growing.”

A performance horse competitor and devoted sports mom, Chelsey juggles horseback riding, flag football, wrestling, volleyball, gymnastics, and golf for her kids—all while staying laserfocused on her business goals. “We don’t believe in work-life balance,” she admits. “We just keep going. And we find time to rest when we can.”

From coaching clients to building her team, Chelsey embodies a relentless pursuit of growth. “It’s a humbling business. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, life throws you a curveball,” she says.

“But that’s the beauty of it. We keep learning, we keep building, and we keep reaching for that next level.”

Whether she’s leading her team through complex deals, mentoring clients, flipping homes, or teaching her kids about ROI, Chelsey Franklin is all in. Fierce, funny, and refreshingly real, she proves that when you lead with passion and keep family first, success will follow.

Chelsey Franklin cfranklin@livsothebysrealty.com (720) 232-8796 www.livsothebysrealty.com

When asked about the secret to her success, Chelsey reflects: “We’ve failed a lot. We’ve made expensive mistakes.

But we’ve never stopped. Every project Boulder County Real Producers • 11

25 attorneys, specializing in real estate and energy law. “It works out great for me,” Chelsey smiles. “If I ever need a lawyer, I don’t have to wait in line.”

After realizing that collegiate coaching wouldn’t generate the income needed to build the life she envisioned, Chelsey took her father’s advice and pivoted to real estate. Twelve years later, she’s not only thriving—she’s redefining what success looks like.

As team leader of The Franklin Group, Chelsey leans into her natural role as the visionary.

“I love underwriting deals. I’m really good at starting projects and bringing energy to them.

For our own investment properties, nothing gets me more excited than running the preliminary numbers,” she explains.

But Chelsey also knows how to rally a team: her sister Brooke,

being creative and strategic. Brooke is Chelsey’s best friend. “She helps confirm things I’m already thinking,” she laughs. “She’s also been a part of some huge wins. We flipped a home in 30 days and made six figures.”

That’s the power of sisterhood.

Kevin, who got his real estate license after retiring from running tradeshow and conference management, excels at client relations and showings. “He’s great with people,” Chelsey says warmly. “And we all work together like family—because we are.”

And family, for Chelsey, is everything.

THERE ARE JUST SO MANY AVENUES IN REAL ESTATE— BUY AND HOLD, REFINANCE, REHAB, EVEN TAKING A LOSS AND CARRYING IT FORWARD. IT’S ALL PART OF THE BIGGER PICTURE.” 10 • June 2025

“We’ve been through some crazy times—after COVID, when the market dipped and 75% of brokers left, we bought Four Restore Hyper Wellness, Anytime Fitness in Berthoud, and Ziggi’s Coffee Shop—all within 18 months,” she recalls. “It was the most chaotic, amazing time. We weathered the storm together.” her father Larry Collins (a former professional golfer who helped build TPC Colorado), and Brooke’s fatherin-law Kevin Lepine—each of them bringing different strengths to the table.

Brooke and Chelsey have flipped over 20 properties together and love designing and collaborating on investment projects. “People want turnkey now,” she shares. “We’ve helped many clients buy properties, renovate them, and maximize their returns.” It’s about

That resilience paid off. In 2022, Chelsey closed $45 million in real estate across two states, her strongest year to date. Through the highs and lows, she remains grounded.

“My mantra is simple: You can do everything—but is it worth it? We’ve made a collective decision as a family that there’s no client, deal, or business that’s going to ruin our relationships.

Money comes and goes. But if I ruined my relationship with my sister over a deal? That’s my worst fear.”

A true entrepreneur at heart, Chelsey doesn’t just sell real estate—she lives and breathes it. Licensed in both Colorado and Oklahoma, she works with investors across state lines, helping them identify higher ROI opportunities and build wealth. “We’ve taken Colorado-based clients to Oklahoma for investments.

We also spend a lot of time in Tulsa, where our coffee shop is based,” she shares. “There are just so many avenues in real estate—buy and hold, refinance, rehab, even taking a loss and carrying it forward. It’s all part of the bigger picture.”

teaches us something—whether it’s a deal that didn’t close or a development that flopped, there’s always a lesson.

That’s how we’ve grown.”

Her children—Bailey (11), Madison (8), and James “Jimbo” (5)—have become unofficial real estate assistants, joining their mom on showings and learning the value of hard work. “They’ve seen more houses than they care to admit,” she jokes. “But if they want to go to camp or take a trip, they know what it takes. We walk them through P&L statements, cash flow, even dealing with tenants. We want to build generational wealth, and that starts by teaching them early.”

And as for what’s next? With The Franklin Group now proudly aligned with Sotheby’s International Realty, Chelsey is energized for the future.

“Joining Sotheby’s is a dream. We’re surrounded by top producers and feel like small fish again—which is a good thing. It means we’re growing.”

A performance horse competitor and devoted sports mom, Chelsey juggles horseback riding, flag football, wrestling, volleyball, gymnastics, and golf for her kids—all while staying laserfocused on her business goals. “We don’t believe in work-life balance,” she admits. “We just keep going. And we find time to rest when we can.”

From coaching clients to building her team, Chelsey embodies a relentless pursuit of growth. “It’s a humbling business. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, life throws you a curveball,” she says.

“But that’s the beauty of it. We keep learning, we keep building, and we keep reaching for that next level.”

Whether she’s leading her team through complex deals, mentoring clients, flipping homes, or teaching her kids about ROI, Chelsey Franklin is all in. Fierce, funny, and refreshingly real, she proves that when you lead with passion and keep family first, success will follow.

Chelsey Franklin cfranklin@livsothebysrealty.com (720) 232-8796 www.livsothebysrealty.com

When asked about the secret to her success, Chelsey reflects: “We’ve failed a lot. We’ve made expensive mistakes.

But we’ve never stopped. Every project Boulder County Real Producers • 11

PARTNER PROFILE

THE POWER OF TIMING:

and below-market offers, the home was taken off the market before the holidays. That’s when HOMEstretch was called to turn things around.

“We worked in collaboration with the realtor to determine what updates were needed to make the biggest impact,” Marisa says. “After updating their flooring and paint, the house went under contract in just a few days with a full price offer. The owner saw a 2.5x return on their investment, and she was so excited she immediately texted us the news. It’s results like this that make this business so rewarding.”

Marisa Ceppi and the HOMEstretch Revolution How Her Passion for Building Relationships and Quick Project Turnaround Are Helping Homeowners Sell Faster and Smarter WRITTEN BY JOSEPH COTTLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON DAVID

Marisa’s journey to becoming the owner of HOMEstretch North Denver is as serendipitous as it is purposeful.

Though she had no specific intention of entering the real estate industry, the pieces of her career fit perfectly into place when she decided to explore franchising. “I had spent over thirty

Homestretch’s value proposition is simple: “We save realtors time, reduce their clients’ stress of preparing a home to sell, and increase a home’s value and marketability. It’s a win-win for everyone,” Marisa says.

12 • June 2025

“I love the transformation process you can achieve through home renovation.

When I walk into a home, I immediately look at the potential for what it can be,” she says. “HOMEstretch is different from typical home renovation because it doesn’t require lengthy construction.

We focus on cosmetic changes in a short timeframe, which brings immediate value to the home while not impacting the listing timelines.” It was this blend of efficiency, transformation, and a market need that made HOMEstretch the right business at the right time for Marisa.

The client is effusive about their experience with HOMEstretch—“Marisa was so easy to work with, and she has a great eye for color and design. She and her teams remodeled our home to put on the market, and it was under contract within days! I definitely recommend her considering her great attention to detail. The results speak for themselves,” the client says.

Notably, her passion for real estate didn’t come entirely out of nowhere. “My mom was a realtor,” she recalls. “I remember all the open houses and helping her stuff mailers by hand while she balanced a family, a career in real estate, and managing multiple investment properties.

I learned early on how hard realtors work.” To be in a position where HOMEstretch can help realtors work smarter, not harder was a full circle moment for her.

For Marisa Ceppi, everything is about timing.

Her business, HOMEstretch, focuses on quickly and meticulously preparing homes for sale. “In seven to nine business days—project start to finish— you can completely transform a home,” she explains. “We focus on cosmetic improvements such as painting, flooring, light fixtures, cleaning up landscaping, and removing excess clutter.”

naturally align. ” She immediately saw HOMEstretch as the right home for her.

years in corporate America, fifteen years in automotive manufacturing, and then another fifteen years in the energy industry, primarily in sales and business development roles,” Marisa shares. “I am someone who thrives on building relationships, helping people, and solving problems. The HOMEstretch process involves planning and analyzing the project to provide the best end results for the client, and my skills

HOMEstretch stands apart in the real estate space because it offers a full suite of services aimed at making a home more marketable, all completed in a handful of days. By working with trusted partners like Sherwin-Williams, Marisa ensures that the work is highquality, whether it’s updating flooring, repainting walls, or trimming back landscaping. “We manage all the moving parts of getting a home ready for sale, and we ensure that it’s done right, on time, and on budget,” she says.

In the roughly half a year since starting her HOMEstretch franchise in North Denver, Marisa has already made an impact. “The response from realtors and homeowners has been overwhelmingly positive. People are realizing how much time and stress we save them, and that’s incredibly rewarding,” she says. She attributes her quick success to the fact that HOMEstretch fills a clear need in the real estate market, where homeowners and realtors are often left juggling multiple contractors and service providers.

“It’s a pain point in the industry,” she admits. “Our one-stop-shop solution for Home Preparation makes the whole process more efficient and less stressful for everyone involved.”

For Marisa, the most satisfying part of running HOMEstretch is seeing the impact it has on both homeowners and realtors. “Realtors are experts in knowing what sells, and I focus on making sure a home is in the best condition possible before it hits the market,” she says. “ I view this as a partnership, so it’s a true collaboration to maximize

the return on investment for the homeowner. There’s nothing cookiecutter about what we do. Each home is unique, and each homeowner’s needs are different. We take pride in tailoring our services to fit those needs.”

Marisa recalls a recent client whose home was initially listed in the summer of 2024. After repeated price reductions

Outside of running her business, Marisa stays active with her personal passions. A lifelong skier, she moved to Colorado fifteen years ago with dreams of living near the mountains.

“I grew up in a family of skiers,” she recalls. “Skiing is one of my greatest passions, and I’ve been at it since I was two years old.” She loves the Colorado mountains year-round, Boulder County Real Producers • 13

PARTNER PROFILE

THE POWER OF TIMING:

and below-market offers, the home was taken off the market before the holidays. That’s when HOMEstretch was called to turn things around.

“We worked in collaboration with the realtor to determine what updates were needed to make the biggest impact,” Marisa says. “After updating their flooring and paint, the house went under contract in just a few days with a full price offer. The owner saw a 2.5x return on their investment, and she was so excited she immediately texted us the news. It’s results like this that make this business so rewarding.”

Marisa Ceppi and the HOMEstretch Revolution How Her Passion for Building Relationships and Quick Project Turnaround Are Helping Homeowners Sell Faster and Smarter WRITTEN BY JOSEPH COTTLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON DAVID

Marisa’s journey to becoming the owner of HOMEstretch North Denver is as serendipitous as it is purposeful.

Though she had no specific intention of entering the real estate industry, the pieces of her career fit perfectly into place when she decided to explore franchising. “I had spent over thirty

Homestretch’s value proposition is simple: “We save realtors time, reduce their clients’ stress of preparing a home to sell, and increase a home’s value and marketability. It’s a win-win for everyone,” Marisa says.

12 • June 2025

“I love the transformation process you can achieve through home renovation.

When I walk into a home, I immediately look at the potential for what it can be,” she says. “HOMEstretch is different from typical home renovation because it doesn’t require lengthy construction.

We focus on cosmetic changes in a short timeframe, which brings immediate value to the home while not impacting the listing timelines.” It was this blend of efficiency, transformation, and a market need that made HOMEstretch the right business at the right time for Marisa.

The client is effusive about their experience with HOMEstretch—“Marisa was so easy to work with, and she has a great eye for color and design. She and her teams remodeled our home to put on the market, and it was under contract within days! I definitely recommend her considering her great attention to detail. The results speak for themselves,” the client says.

Notably, her passion for real estate didn’t come entirely out of nowhere. “My mom was a realtor,” she recalls. “I remember all the open houses and helping her stuff mailers by hand while she balanced a family, a career in real estate, and managing multiple investment properties.

I learned early on how hard realtors work.” To be in a position where HOMEstretch can help realtors work smarter, not harder was a full circle moment for her.

For Marisa Ceppi, everything is about timing.

Her business, HOMEstretch, focuses on quickly and meticulously preparing homes for sale. “In seven to nine business days—project start to finish— you can completely transform a home,” she explains. “We focus on cosmetic improvements such as painting, flooring, light fixtures, cleaning up landscaping, and removing excess clutter.”

naturally align. ” She immediately saw HOMEstretch as the right home for her.

years in corporate America, fifteen years in automotive manufacturing, and then another fifteen years in the energy industry, primarily in sales and business development roles,” Marisa shares. “I am someone who thrives on building relationships, helping people, and solving problems. The HOMEstretch process involves planning and analyzing the project to provide the best end results for the client, and my skills

HOMEstretch stands apart in the real estate space because it offers a full suite of services aimed at making a home more marketable, all completed in a handful of days. By working with trusted partners like Sherwin-Williams, Marisa ensures that the work is highquality, whether it’s updating flooring, repainting walls, or trimming back landscaping. “We manage all the moving parts of getting a home ready for sale, and we ensure that it’s done right, on time, and on budget,” she says.

In the roughly half a year since starting her HOMEstretch franchise in North Denver, Marisa has already made an impact. “The response from realtors and homeowners has been overwhelmingly positive. People are realizing how much time and stress we save them, and that’s incredibly rewarding,” she says. She attributes her quick success to the fact that HOMEstretch fills a clear need in the real estate market, where homeowners and realtors are often left juggling multiple contractors and service providers.

“It’s a pain point in the industry,” she admits. “Our one-stop-shop solution for Home Preparation makes the whole process more efficient and less stressful for everyone involved.”

For Marisa, the most satisfying part of running HOMEstretch is seeing the impact it has on both homeowners and realtors. “Realtors are experts in knowing what sells, and I focus on making sure a home is in the best condition possible before it hits the market,” she says. “ I view this as a partnership, so it’s a true collaboration to maximize

the return on investment for the homeowner. There’s nothing cookiecutter about what we do. Each home is unique, and each homeowner’s needs are different. We take pride in tailoring our services to fit those needs.”

Marisa recalls a recent client whose home was initially listed in the summer of 2024. After repeated price reductions

Outside of running her business, Marisa stays active with her personal passions. A lifelong skier, she moved to Colorado fifteen years ago with dreams of living near the mountains.

“I grew up in a family of skiers,” she recalls. “Skiing is one of my greatest passions, and I’ve been at it since I was two years old.” She loves the Colorado mountains year-round, Boulder County Real Producers • 13

spending time with her husband, family, and friends—skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, or paddleboarding.

If she’s not growing her business or enjoying the mountains, she’s usually on her way to some other part of the world. Her taste for travel started as a young girl when she spent a summer in Switzerland with her sister, visiting her aunt. Since then, she’s racked up trips to over 30 countries, and she’s just getting started. “I hope that I can just keep exploring and go back to some of my favorites,” she says. “I love getting off the beaten path because that’s where you can experience the culture and the food, and really get to know the people.”

As an engineer, another passion of hers focuses on mentoring the next 14 • June 2025

generation of women engineers through her involvement with the Society of Women Engineers. She has been on the planning committee for the past 10 years for their annual GESTEM event, which hosts over one thousand 7th-grade girls at the Denver Auraria Campus every May. “My father and grandfather were engineers, so I feel so lucky to have had role models who supported and encouraged me to do and be anything I wanted. Now, I want to do the same for the next generation,” Marisa says.

The timing of Marisa’s decision to join the HOMEstretch franchise couldn’t have been better. “Starting this business has been a wild ride, but I’m so glad I made the decision when I did,” she says. Whether it’s making cosmetic

changes to a home or working with realtors to ensure maximum return on investment, Marisa has found a perfect blend of her skills, passions, and values in her work with HOMEstretch. She’s the perfect person to lead this business—and in doing so, she’s proving that the right timing can lead to great things.

720-404-6485 marisa.ceppi@home-stretch.com www.home-stretch.com/ north-denver Boulder County Real Producers • 15

spending time with her husband, family, and friends—skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, or paddleboarding.

If she’s not growing her business or enjoying the mountains, she’s usually on her way to some other part of the world. Her taste for travel started as a young girl when she spent a summer in Switzerland with her sister, visiting her aunt. Since then, she’s racked up trips to over 30 countries, and she’s just getting started. “I hope that I can just keep exploring and go back to some of my favorites,” she says. “I love getting off the beaten path because that’s where you can experience the culture and the food, and really get to know the people.”

As an engineer, another passion of hers focuses on mentoring the next 14 • June 2025

generation of women engineers through her involvement with the Society of Women Engineers. She has been on the planning committee for the past 10 years for their annual GESTEM event, which hosts over one thousand 7th-grade girls at the Denver Auraria Campus every May. “My father and grandfather were engineers, so I feel so lucky to have had role models who supported and encouraged me to do and be anything I wanted. Now, I want to do the same for the next generation,” Marisa says.

The timing of Marisa’s decision to join the HOMEstretch franchise couldn’t have been better. “Starting this business has been a wild ride, but I’m so glad I made the decision when I did,” she says. Whether it’s making cosmetic

changes to a home or working with realtors to ensure maximum return on investment, Marisa has found a perfect blend of her skills, passions, and values in her work with HOMEstretch. She’s the perfect person to lead this business—and in doing so, she’s proving that the right timing can lead to great things.

720-404-6485 marisa.ceppi@home-stretch.com www.home-stretch.com/ north-denver Boulder County Real Producers • 15

REALTOR TO KNOW

FROM HOTEL HUSTLE TO HOUSING DEALS: How Kris VanBuskirk Found Her Calling in Colorado Real Estate

BY ELIZABETH MCCABE • PHOTOS BY JON DAVID

“I love seeing people cross something off the list they never thought they could do,” says Kris VanBuskirk, a real estate professional with Live West Realty.

And that energy—the excitement of achieving the seemingly impossible—is the thread that runs through everything she does.

Kris is a born-and-bred Coloradan.

Originally from Colorado Springs, she headed north to attend CU Boulder, majoring in business management.

Life soon swept her into the fast-paced world of hospitality, where she wore many hats—from front desk to HR to accounting and eventually, sales.

It was while working at a hotel in Westminster that she met her husband, Ryan, who at the time was a chef. Together, they ventured from Colorado to Austin, Texas, then on to Phoenix, before returning to their beloved Front Range to plant permanent roots. “All of our family and friends were in Colorado,” she shares. With kids on the horizon, there was no better place to call home.

“We had a motto in hotels: ‘Say yes is the answer—now what’s the question?’ That mindset stuck with me. Now in real estate, the question becomes, ‘How do we get to yes?’”

It’s a mindset that’s carried her through challenging transactions and helped her navigate the emotional rollercoaster that is real estate. Buying or selling a home isn’t just business— it’s deeply personal. “We’re not just REALTORS®,” she laughs. “We’re therapists, babysitters, and sometimes even cleaners. We wear a lot of hats.”

Real, Raw & Relatable As a millennial mom of two—Piper, 7, and Luke, 4—Kris is honest about the obstacles she’s faced, especially

In 2019, almost exactly one year after the birth of her first child, Kris got her real estate license and launched a new career. Though the transition was bold, it wasn’t completely out of left field. Her seven years in hospitality had armed her with a goldmine of transferable skills—stellar customer service, high-level communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. All of which serve her—and her clients—exceptionally well today.

16 • June 2025

“At the closing table, she screamed, ‘I did it! I have a house!’ That moment stays with me. It was so cool to be part of that.”

Balancing Work and What Matters Despite her success, Kris is clear-eyed about what fuels her hustle: family. “I’m a mom and the breadwinner. That’s a powerful ‘why.’” Her husband Ryan, a former Marine who served two tours in Iraq, is now a proud stay-at-home dad.

When COVID hit, the couple reevaluated everything.

“It was a rough year for most of the planet, but honestly, a good year for us. It forced us to take the leap—me fully into real estate, and him stepping back from his job to be with the kids.”

Five years later, they haven’t looked back. With Ryan holding down the home front, Kris is free to chase real estate opportunities while showing up for school pickups and family dinners.

Back in Colorado, Kris stayed in hospitality for another year and a half—until motherhood changed everything.

“Hotels never close. They’re 24/7. That work schedule made it really hard to spend time with my daughter,” she recalls.

“That was the tipping point. It was time to make a change.”

That candor has helped her earn the trust of first-time homebuyers, especially those who never thought homeownership was in the cards. She remembers one client vividly—a single mom who had rented her whole life and never dreamed of owning a home.

early on. “I was very conscious of my age. I got started in my late twenties, and real estate isn’t typically a field people jump into straight out of college or shortly after. There was a lot of imposter syndrome.”

What helped her break through? Transparency.

“I’m not going to promise what I can’t deliver. Flashy marketing only goes so far. What people value is honesty.”

When she’s not working (a rare occurrence), Kris is a self-described “introverted extrovert” who recharges with home projects and yardwork. The family loves taking their camper out in the summer for hikes and low-key camping adventures—“as adventurous as it gets with two kids under seven!” she jokes.

And when they can sneak away? Kris and Ryan are die-hard foodies who used to plan entire vacations around one unforgettable meal. “We’d pick a city and make a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Someday we’ll get back to that—but for now, it’s on the goals list.”

Boulder County Real Producers • 17

REALTOR TO KNOW

FROM HOTEL HUSTLE TO HOUSING DEALS: How Kris VanBuskirk Found Her Calling in Colorado Real Estate

BY ELIZABETH MCCABE • PHOTOS BY JON DAVID

“I love seeing people cross something off the list they never thought they could do,” says Kris VanBuskirk, a real estate professional with Live West Realty.

And that energy—the excitement of achieving the seemingly impossible—is the thread that runs through everything she does.

Kris is a born-and-bred Coloradan.

Originally from Colorado Springs, she headed north to attend CU Boulder, majoring in business management.

Life soon swept her into the fast-paced world of hospitality, where she wore many hats—from front desk to HR to accounting and eventually, sales.

It was while working at a hotel in Westminster that she met her husband, Ryan, who at the time was a chef. Together, they ventured from Colorado to Austin, Texas, then on to Phoenix, before returning to their beloved Front Range to plant permanent roots. “All of our family and friends were in Colorado,” she shares. With kids on the horizon, there was no better place to call home.

“We had a motto in hotels: ‘Say yes is the answer—now what’s the question?’ That mindset stuck with me. Now in real estate, the question becomes, ‘How do we get to yes?’”

It’s a mindset that’s carried her through challenging transactions and helped her navigate the emotional rollercoaster that is real estate. Buying or selling a home isn’t just business— it’s deeply personal. “We’re not just REALTORS®,” she laughs. “We’re therapists, babysitters, and sometimes even cleaners. We wear a lot of hats.”

Real, Raw & Relatable As a millennial mom of two—Piper, 7, and Luke, 4—Kris is honest about the obstacles she’s faced, especially

In 2019, almost exactly one year after the birth of her first child, Kris got her real estate license and launched a new career. Though the transition was bold, it wasn’t completely out of left field. Her seven years in hospitality had armed her with a goldmine of transferable skills—stellar customer service, high-level communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. All of which serve her—and her clients—exceptionally well today.

16 • June 2025

“At the closing table, she screamed, ‘I did it! I have a house!’ That moment stays with me. It was so cool to be part of that.”

Balancing Work and What Matters Despite her success, Kris is clear-eyed about what fuels her hustle: family. “I’m a mom and the breadwinner. That’s a powerful ‘why.’” Her husband Ryan, a former Marine who served two tours in Iraq, is now a proud stay-at-home dad.

When COVID hit, the couple reevaluated everything.

“It was a rough year for most of the planet, but honestly, a good year for us. It forced us to take the leap—me fully into real estate, and him stepping back from his job to be with the kids.”

Five years later, they haven’t looked back. With Ryan holding down the home front, Kris is free to chase real estate opportunities while showing up for school pickups and family dinners.

Back in Colorado, Kris stayed in hospitality for another year and a half—until motherhood changed everything.

“Hotels never close. They’re 24/7. That work schedule made it really hard to spend time with my daughter,” she recalls.

“That was the tipping point. It was time to make a change.”

That candor has helped her earn the trust of first-time homebuyers, especially those who never thought homeownership was in the cards. She remembers one client vividly—a single mom who had rented her whole life and never dreamed of owning a home.

early on. “I was very conscious of my age. I got started in my late twenties, and real estate isn’t typically a field people jump into straight out of college or shortly after. There was a lot of imposter syndrome.”

What helped her break through? Transparency.

“I’m not going to promise what I can’t deliver. Flashy marketing only goes so far. What people value is honesty.”

When she’s not working (a rare occurrence), Kris is a self-described “introverted extrovert” who recharges with home projects and yardwork. The family loves taking their camper out in the summer for hikes and low-key camping adventures—“as adventurous as it gets with two kids under seven!” she jokes.

And when they can sneak away? Kris and Ryan are die-hard foodies who used to plan entire vacations around one unforgettable meal. “We’d pick a city and make a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Someday we’ll get back to that—but for now, it’s on the goals list.”

Boulder County Real Producers • 17

Supporting Those Who Serve Beyond family and real estate, one cause is especially close to Kris’s heart: Semper Fi & America’s Fund. Ryan, who is disabled due to his service, has found purpose and community through the organization, which supports wounded veterans with housing modifications, physical activities, and ongoing care.

“They’ve been incredible—not just for him, but for our whole family,” Kris says. “They understand that when a veteran is hurting, their entire support system needs to heal, too.”

Ryan stays connected with his fellow veterans through bi-weekly calls, many of whom he’s never met in person but considers family. They’ve run the Marine Corps Marathon together through the Fund’s athletic arm, Team Semper Fi.

I DON’T KNOW IF I’D CALL IT A SUPERPOWER,’ SHE SAYS HUMBLY. ‘BUT IT’S NOT JUST A TRANSACTION FOR ME. IT’S HELPING PEOPLE TAKE THEIR NEXT STEP—AND I DON’T TAKE THAT LIGHTLY.

“That organization is near and dear to my heart. I’ve seen the support they’ve given my husband—and I wish every veteran knew it was out there.”

Making Her Mark Now more than five years into her real estate career, Kris has found her groove. She’s grown a thriving business, built on trust, transparency, and a deep respect for the process.

“I don’t know if I’d call it a superpower,” she says humbly. “But it’s not just a transaction for me.

It’s helping people take their next step—and I don’t take that lightly.”

From hospitality’s fast-paced front desk to the closing table’s emotional highs, Kris VanBuskirk is the real deal—authentic, resilient, and fiercely committed to helping others succeed.

She’s not just selling houses. She’s opening doors—to homes, to new chapters, and to dreams come true.

Kris VanBuskirk kris@vanbuskirkhomes.com Cell (719) 640-1610 Office: (303) 800-9601 vanbuskirkhomes.com 18 • June 2025

Boulder County Real Producers • 19

Supporting Those Who Serve Beyond family and real estate, one cause is especially close to Kris’s heart: Semper Fi & America’s Fund. Ryan, who is disabled due to his service, has found purpose and community through the organization, which supports wounded veterans with housing modifications, physical activities, and ongoing care.

“They’ve been incredible—not just for him, but for our whole family,” Kris says. “They understand that when a veteran is hurting, their entire support system needs to heal, too.”

Ryan stays connected with his fellow veterans through bi-weekly calls, many of whom he’s never met in person but considers family. They’ve run the Marine Corps Marathon together through the Fund’s athletic arm, Team Semper Fi.

I DON’T KNOW IF I’D CALL IT A SUPERPOWER,’ SHE SAYS HUMBLY. ‘BUT IT’S NOT JUST A TRANSACTION FOR ME. IT’S HELPING PEOPLE TAKE THEIR NEXT STEP—AND I DON’T TAKE THAT LIGHTLY.

“That organization is near and dear to my heart. I’ve seen the support they’ve given my husband—and I wish every veteran knew it was out there.”

Making Her Mark Now more than five years into her real estate career, Kris has found her groove. She’s grown a thriving business, built on trust, transparency, and a deep respect for the process.

“I don’t know if I’d call it a superpower,” she says humbly. “But it’s not just a transaction for me.

It’s helping people take their next step—and I don’t take that lightly.”

From hospitality’s fast-paced front desk to the closing table’s emotional highs, Kris VanBuskirk is the real deal—authentic, resilient, and fiercely committed to helping others succeed.

She’s not just selling houses. She’s opening doors—to homes, to new chapters, and to dreams come true.

Kris VanBuskirk kris@vanbuskirkhomes.com Cell (719) 640-1610 Office: (303) 800-9601 vanbuskirkhomes.com 18 • June 2025

Boulder County Real Producers • 19

COACHING CORNER

From Burnout to Breakthrough Coaching Strategies to Reignite Your Drive

BY EMILY BOSSERT

There’s a quiet truth I’ve come to witness over and over again in coaching conversations with real estate agents: Burnout rarely shows up as collapse. More often, it’s disguised as a slow fade.

You’re listing homes. You’re showing homes. You’re answering emails. You’re making your calls. You’re negotiating. You’re keeping the wheels turning. But somewhere beneath the polished smile and the calendar full of appointments, you feel it— that dull ache of disconnection. That sense that your fire has cooled. That you’re doing the work, going through the motions, but you are not in the work.

Let’s discuss some coaching strategies to rekindle your drive and enthusiasm.

Strategy 1: Ask, How do I realign with what brings me back to life?

Burnout isn’t just about doing too much. It’s about doing too many of the wrong things, without recovery. This is where high achievers can get it wrong. You’re not lazy. You’re not unmotivated. You’re just misaligned. The nervous system is constantly scanning: Is what I’m doing giving me energy or draining it? When we override that signal too many times, we move into depletion. We stop dreaming, our momentum wains and we stop caring. We go through the motions. This is the emotional version of operating in airplane mode.

So the question isn’t: How do I push harder?

Rather it’s: How do I realign with what brings me back to life?

Strategy 2: Rediscover and Reconnect What I’ve Seen—and Lived I’ve coached agents at every level—from those just finding their footing to top producers leading sevenfigure teams. Burnout doesn’t discriminate. It shows up in the seasoned expert who hasn’t taken a full day off in months. It shows up in the solo agent wondering if this business still fits. And yes, it has shown up in me.

20 • June 2025

Breakthroughs don’t come from one giant leap. They come from one small, brave decision to start again with intention.

For me, it was rediscovering rhythm: Morning rituals. Unplugging with purpose. Breathwork.

For my clients, it’s often similar: • Reconnecting with their original why • Offloading or delegating energy-depleting responsibilities • Saying no to what no longer fits • Saying yes to rest and recovery—even when it feels unfamiliar And here’s the part we often forget: This business is allowed to feel fun again. You’re allowed to feel light, creative and joyful. Reigniting your drive is about remembering what initially drew you to this career .

This perspective aligns with insights from Monique Valcour’s Harvard Business Review article, “Beating Burnout,” where she emphasizes that burnout often stems from chronic workplace stressors and misalignment between one’s values and work environment. Valcour suggests that recognizing the signs—such as exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy—is the first step toward recovery. She advocates for strategies like setting boundaries, seeking support, and realigning work with personal values to combat burnout effectively. You can read more about her approach here: https://hbr.org/2016/11/beating-burnout Strategy 3: Simplify Here’s the most elegant way I can say it: You don’t need more willpower. You need more alignment.

Three questions to bring yourself back: 1. What used to light me up in this business— and have I drifted from it?

2. What’s draining my energy that I can release, reframe, or delegate?

3. What’s one small thing I can do this week to feel more like me again?

That’s how the breakthrough begins. Not with a dramatic overhaul, but with a return. A remembering.

A reconnection to the work, the rhythm, and the version of you that was built for this.

You don’t have to burn out to belong in this industry. You just have to find a way to come home to yourself in the process.

You don’t need more willpower. You need more alignment.

Emily Bossert BUSINESS COACH 720 470 3198 Emily.Bossert@ milehimodern.com milehimodern.com

Boulder County Real Producers • 21

COACHING CORNER

From Burnout to Breakthrough Coaching Strategies to Reignite Your Drive

BY EMILY BOSSERT

There’s a quiet truth I’ve come to witness over and over again in coaching conversations with real estate agents: Burnout rarely shows up as collapse. More often, it’s disguised as a slow fade.

You’re listing homes. You’re showing homes. You’re answering emails. You’re making your calls. You’re negotiating. You’re keeping the wheels turning. But somewhere beneath the polished smile and the calendar full of appointments, you feel it— that dull ache of disconnection. That sense that your fire has cooled. That you’re doing the work, going through the motions, but you are not in the work.

Let’s discuss some coaching strategies to rekindle your drive and enthusiasm.

Strategy 1: Ask, How do I realign with what brings me back to life?

Burnout isn’t just about doing too much. It’s about doing too many of the wrong things, without recovery. This is where high achievers can get it wrong. You’re not lazy. You’re not unmotivated. You’re just misaligned. The nervous system is constantly scanning: Is what I’m doing giving me energy or draining it? When we override that signal too many times, we move into depletion. We stop dreaming, our momentum wains and we stop caring. We go through the motions. This is the emotional version of operating in airplane mode.

So the question isn’t: How do I push harder?

Rather it’s: How do I realign with what brings me back to life?

Strategy 2: Rediscover and Reconnect What I’ve Seen—and Lived I’ve coached agents at every level—from those just finding their footing to top producers leading sevenfigure teams. Burnout doesn’t discriminate. It shows up in the seasoned expert who hasn’t taken a full day off in months. It shows up in the solo agent wondering if this business still fits. And yes, it has shown up in me.

20 • June 2025

Breakthroughs don’t come from one giant leap. They come from one small, brave decision to start again with intention.

For me, it was rediscovering rhythm: Morning rituals. Unplugging with purpose. Breathwork.

For my clients, it’s often similar: • Reconnecting with their original why • Offloading or delegating energy-depleting responsibilities • Saying no to what no longer fits • Saying yes to rest and recovery—even when it feels unfamiliar And here’s the part we often forget: This business is allowed to feel fun again. You’re allowed to feel light, creative and joyful. Reigniting your drive is about remembering what initially drew you to this career .

This perspective aligns with insights from Monique Valcour’s Harvard Business Review article, “Beating Burnout,” where she emphasizes that burnout often stems from chronic workplace stressors and misalignment between one’s values and work environment. Valcour suggests that recognizing the signs—such as exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy—is the first step toward recovery. She advocates for strategies like setting boundaries, seeking support, and realigning work with personal values to combat burnout effectively. You can read more about her approach here: https://hbr.org/2016/11/beating-burnout Strategy 3: Simplify Here’s the most elegant way I can say it: You don’t need more willpower. You need more alignment.

Three questions to bring yourself back: 1. What used to light me up in this business— and have I drifted from it?

2. What’s draining my energy that I can release, reframe, or delegate?

3. What’s one small thing I can do this week to feel more like me again?

That’s how the breakthrough begins. Not with a dramatic overhaul, but with a return. A remembering.

A reconnection to the work, the rhythm, and the version of you that was built for this.

You don’t have to burn out to belong in this industry. You just have to find a way to come home to yourself in the process.

You don’t need more willpower. You need more alignment.

Emily Bossert BUSINESS COACH 720 470 3198 Emily.Bossert@ milehimodern.com milehimodern.com

Boulder County Real Producers • 21

FEATURED PROPERTY

Best in Show 1420 SIERRA DR Elevate your lifestyle in this extraordinary residence where luxury and natural beauty converge set-back on a private 17,000+ SQFT lot below Boulder’s iconic Flatirons & Chautauqua Park offering dramatic Flatiron VIEWS! Your private outdoor oasis features meticulously manicured xeriscaped grounds with over 750 tons of moss rock, incredible outdoor entertaining spaces, built-in BBQ, fire-pit & the most incredible waterfall/feature you will think you’re living next to a flowing Colorado River.

This beautiful home’s expansive open-concept living space is perfect for entertaining and intimate gatherings.

It has a warm lodge-like interior, exposed beams, wood flooring, and high ceilings. The living area is bathed in natural light from grand windows, 22 • June 2025

highlighting the quality craftsmanship and high-end finishes. Enjoy direct views from the kitchen and family room to the exterior water feature and some of Boulder’s best Flatirons and City Views that define this home.

The open-concept chef’s kitchen is both functional and fancy. It boasts custom bespoke two-toned cabinetry, stainless GE Monogram appliances, double ovens, two dishwashers, slab granite counters, and a generously sized island with a large seating area that is perfect for entertaining and intimate gatherings alike. Open to the spacious great room and dining area with beamed ceilings, there is also a dedicated wet bar with wine cooler and mini fridge.

The main level primary suite is a private retreat boasting a generously sized walk-in closet with custom built-ins, a relaxing sitting area with a 2-sided fireplace to the back patio, and a spa-inspired ensuite bathroom with direct access to the outdoor living space and hot tub.

A 2nd main floor bedroom with an

ensuite bath and large main floor office complete the main floor living space.

The primary bathroom is a place to unwind and relax in the large soaking tub, or walk-in shower with dual shower heads. With direct access to the back patio, you can step outside and take a soak in the private in-ground spa and hot tub boasting nearly 360 degree Flatirons and City Views.

The lower level features a fitness room and 2 large additional bedrooms, each with ensuite baths, offering ample space and privacy for family or guests.

After a hike, bike, or run on Boulder’s world-class trails right outside your door, recover in your own private wellness room, complete with a sauna, massage table, and cold plunge tub.

This elegant home also boasts a 2-car oversized garage & 2nd oversized 2-car tandem garage with heated driveway.

Luxurious mountain design creates a space focused on comfort, convenience, opulence, wellness, and nature. This is a rare gem in Boulder’s luxury real estate market!

Boulder County Real Producers • 23

FEATURED PROPERTY

Best in Show 1420 SIERRA DR Elevate your lifestyle in this extraordinary residence where luxury and natural beauty converge set-back on a private 17,000+ SQFT lot below Boulder’s iconic Flatirons & Chautauqua Park offering dramatic Flatiron VIEWS! Your private outdoor oasis features meticulously manicured xeriscaped grounds with over 750 tons of moss rock, incredible outdoor entertaining spaces, built-in BBQ, fire-pit & the most incredible waterfall/feature you will think you’re living next to a flowing Colorado River.

This beautiful home’s expansive open-concept living space is perfect for entertaining and intimate gatherings.

It has a warm lodge-like interior, exposed beams, wood flooring, and high ceilings. The living area is bathed in natural light from grand windows, 22 • June 2025

highlighting the quality craftsmanship and high-end finishes. Enjoy direct views from the kitchen and family room to the exterior water feature and some of Boulder’s best Flatirons and City Views that define this home.

The open-concept chef’s kitchen is both functional and fancy. It boasts custom bespoke two-toned cabinetry, stainless GE Monogram appliances, double ovens, two dishwashers, slab granite counters, and a generously sized island with a large seating area that is perfect for entertaining and intimate gatherings alike. Open to the spacious great room and dining area with beamed ceilings, there is also a dedicated wet bar with wine cooler and mini fridge.

The main level primary suite is a private retreat boasting a generously sized walk-in closet with custom built-ins, a relaxing sitting area with a 2-sided fireplace to the back patio, and a spa-inspired ensuite bathroom with direct access to the outdoor living space and hot tub.

A 2nd main floor bedroom with an

ensuite bath and large main floor office complete the main floor living space.

The primary bathroom is a place to unwind and relax in the large soaking tub, or walk-in shower with dual shower heads. With direct access to the back patio, you can step outside and take a soak in the private in-ground spa and hot tub boasting nearly 360 degree Flatirons and City Views.

The lower level features a fitness room and 2 large additional bedrooms, each with ensuite baths, offering ample space and privacy for family or guests.

After a hike, bike, or run on Boulder’s world-class trails right outside your door, recover in your own private wellness room, complete with a sauna, massage table, and cold plunge tub.

This elegant home also boasts a 2-car oversized garage & 2nd oversized 2-car tandem garage with heated driveway.

Luxurious mountain design creates a space focused on comfort, convenience, opulence, wellness, and nature. This is a rare gem in Boulder’s luxury real estate market!

Boulder County Real Producers • 23

July 4th Concert Friday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m. at Boulder Bandshell

DETAILS & TICKETS

Join Boulder Symphony for its fifth annual July 4th concert at the Boulder Bandshell. We'll be celebrating Independence Day with symphonic classics, cinematic hits, and patriotic tunes.

June 26th Upcoming July 24th August 28th Tour Dates September 25th

WHERE STYLE AND DURABILITY ALIGN FOR EVERY LISTING • EXTERIOR PAINTING • WINDOW REPLACEMENTS • HAIL STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION

Meet two of Hearth and Stone’s Advisory Team Members

Patrick, Kelly, Karolyn, Bryce & Meredith (303) 441-5642 patrick-dolan.com @thepatrickdolanteam facebook.com/PatrickDolanBoulderCountyRealEstate

24 • June 2025

JEN JAMES JEN JAMES REAL ESTATE

CARRIE NASH HIGHLANDS MORTGAGE

Have a luxury listing that you would like on tour?

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL US! 720-234-5750 www.HearthAndStoneLHT.com

VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS PARTNER WITH THE BEST! 720.535.9629 • KVWINDOWSINC.COM Boulder County Real Producers • 25

July 4th Concert Friday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m. at Boulder Bandshell

DETAILS & TICKETS

Join Boulder Symphony for its fifth annual July 4th concert at the Boulder Bandshell. We'll be celebrating Independence Day with symphonic classics, cinematic hits, and patriotic tunes.

June 26th Upcoming July 24th August 28th Tour Dates September 25th

WHERE STYLE AND DURABILITY ALIGN FOR EVERY LISTING • EXTERIOR PAINTING • WINDOW REPLACEMENTS • HAIL STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION

Meet two of Hearth and Stone’s Advisory Team Members

Patrick, Kelly, Karolyn, Bryce & Meredith (303) 441-5642 patrick-dolan.com @thepatrickdolanteam facebook.com/PatrickDolanBoulderCountyRealEstate

24 • June 2025

JEN JAMES JEN JAMES REAL ESTATE

CARRIE NASH HIGHLANDS MORTGAGE

Have a luxury listing that you would like on tour?

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL US! 720-234-5750 www.HearthAndStoneLHT.com

VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS PARTNER WITH THE BEST! 720.535.9629 • KVWINDOWSINC.COM Boulder County Real Producers • 25

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Window Cleaning | House Washing | Pressure Washing | Holiday Lighting

shineinfo.com/Boulder | boulder@shineinfo.com

(303) 554-9281 26 • June 2025

Boulder County Real Producers • 27

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Window Cleaning | House Washing | Pressure Washing | Holiday Lighting

shineinfo.com/Boulder | boulder@shineinfo.com

(303) 554-9281 26 • June 2025

Boulder County Real Producers • 27

REALTOR ON THE MOVE

MEET A MAN ON A MISSION:

And it shows. More than 90% of Peter’s business comes from referrals, which speaks volumes about the relationships he’s built and the care he puts into every transaction. Whether he’s helping first-time buyers, guiding growing families into new homes, or assisting investor clients with multifamily properties, Peter is all in.

Giving Back, Staying Connected Beyond the closing table, Peter is equally committed to giving back.

Each year, he is a proud sponsor of the Colorado Law Classic, a charity golf tournament benefiting the Sarah L. Rector Memorial Scholarship Fund and other scholarship funds at the University of Colorado Law School. The

tournament, now in its 14th year, was started by his good friends and law school classmates, Andrew Garnett and Matt Henderson. “The Colorado Law Classic is a great tradition – it’s an opportunity to give back and a chance to reconnect with friends and colleagues every year,” he says.

PETER SOTIROPOULOS IS BLAZING HIS OWN TRAIL IN REAL ESTATE

From Taking the Bar to Raising the Bar in Real Estate

BY ELIZABETH MCCABE PHOTOS BY JON DAVID

Some people follow the well-worn path. Others, like Peter Sotiropoulos, build their own. From the halls of law school to the front steps of Colorado homes, Peter has charted a career defined by hustle, heart, and the courage to pivot.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Peter always had the Rocky Mountains in his sights. “We used to take family ski trips to Colorado when I was growing up,” he recalls. “Even back then, I knew I would live here someday.” That “someday” came in 2009 when he was accepted to the University of Colorado Law School.

By the time he passed the bar, Peter had cleared every hurdle toward a traditional legal career, but he decided to switch gears—entering the world of property management, where he spent four and a half years sharpening his skills and building long-term relationships with clients. That’s where the spark for real estate sales first ignited. “I wanted to continue representing my property management clients – preparing and listing their investment property for sale or helping expand their portfolio by guiding them through a new purchase.”

28 • June 2025

In 2016, Peter earned his real estate license and transitioned from managing properties to selling them. Within a year, he dove in headfirst, leaving property management behind to focus solely on real estate sales.

Now celebrating his tenth year in the industry, Peter blends a legal background, property management experience, and genuine human connection into a standout approach that sets him apart.

His law degree provides an inside advantage. From contract issues to title matters and easements - having that legal background and a strong network of attorney friends is a real asset.

Peter’s not your average real estate agent. He thrives on variety and brings a hands-on, problem-solving mentality to every deal. “One moment I’m talking with a contractor about a roof fix, the next I’m diving into contracts, or jumping in the car to tour properties. I’m always on the move, and I love that every day is different.”

His extroverted nature makes him a natural in the business. “I really enjoy being around others—talking on the phone, catching up with friends and clients. I’ve worked with some clients on three or four transactions now.” That long-term trust means everything.

Boulder County Real Producers • 29

REALTOR ON THE MOVE

MEET A MAN ON A MISSION:

And it shows. More than 90% of Peter’s business comes from referrals, which speaks volumes about the relationships he’s built and the care he puts into every transaction. Whether he’s helping first-time buyers, guiding growing families into new homes, or assisting investor clients with multifamily properties, Peter is all in.

Giving Back, Staying Connected Beyond the closing table, Peter is equally committed to giving back.

Each year, he is a proud sponsor of the Colorado Law Classic, a charity golf tournament benefiting the Sarah L. Rector Memorial Scholarship Fund and other scholarship funds at the University of Colorado Law School. The

tournament, now in its 14th year, was started by his good friends and law school classmates, Andrew Garnett and Matt Henderson. “The Colorado Law Classic is a great tradition – it’s an opportunity to give back and a chance to reconnect with friends and colleagues every year,” he says.

PETER SOTIROPOULOS IS BLAZING HIS OWN TRAIL IN REAL ESTATE

From Taking the Bar to Raising the Bar in Real Estate

BY ELIZABETH MCCABE PHOTOS BY JON DAVID

Some people follow the well-worn path. Others, like Peter Sotiropoulos, build their own. From the halls of law school to the front steps of Colorado homes, Peter has charted a career defined by hustle, heart, and the courage to pivot.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Peter always had the Rocky Mountains in his sights. “We used to take family ski trips to Colorado when I was growing up,” he recalls. “Even back then, I knew I would live here someday.” That “someday” came in 2009 when he was accepted to the University of Colorado Law School.

By the time he passed the bar, Peter had cleared every hurdle toward a traditional legal career, but he decided to switch gears—entering the world of property management, where he spent four and a half years sharpening his skills and building long-term relationships with clients. That’s where the spark for real estate sales first ignited. “I wanted to continue representing my property management clients – preparing and listing their investment property for sale or helping expand their portfolio by guiding them through a new purchase.”

28 • June 2025

In 2016, Peter earned his real estate license and transitioned from managing properties to selling them. Within a year, he dove in headfirst, leaving property management behind to focus solely on real estate sales.

Now celebrating his tenth year in the industry, Peter blends a legal background, property management experience, and genuine human connection into a standout approach that sets him apart.

His law degree provides an inside advantage. From contract issues to title matters and easements - having that legal background and a strong network of attorney friends is a real asset.

Peter’s not your average real estate agent. He thrives on variety and brings a hands-on, problem-solving mentality to every deal. “One moment I’m talking with a contractor about a roof fix, the next I’m diving into contracts, or jumping in the car to tour properties. I’m always on the move, and I love that every day is different.”

His extroverted nature makes him a natural in the business. “I really enjoy being around others—talking on the phone, catching up with friends and clients. I’ve worked with some clients on three or four transactions now.” That long-term trust means everything.

Boulder County Real Producers • 29

FUN FACT IN HIGH SCHOOL, PETER POLE VAULTED FOR A YEAR AFTER HIS TRACK COACH SAW HIM WALKING ON HIS HANDS THROUGH THE SCHOOL HALLWAY.

through the school hallway. “My enthusiasm probably exceeded my abilities, but I loved the track team and even won a few meets!”

Raising the Bar, One Deal at a Time Whether he’s helping a growing family find their next home, walking firsttime buyers through the process, or consulting on investment strategies, Peter’s approach is personal, proactive, and powerful. He sees real estate not just as transactions—but as opportunities to improve people’s lives.

From taking the bar to raising it, Peter is proving that success isn’t always about following the traditional route—it’s about forging the one that fits just right.

Peter Sotiropoulos Live West Realty 303-253-1567 peter@livewestrealty.com petersotiropoulos.com Peter’s own path once included entrepreneurial ventures of another kind. Before law school and real estate, his favorite job was working in hardscaping—building paver walkways, patios, and driveways.

“It was fun being part of a team and transforming outdoor spaces,” he says.

“Working outside, listening to classic rock… not a bad way to spend a day.”

Life Outside the Office Peter knows how to balance work and play. A longtime skier, he’s quick to hit the slopes—especially with his Live West Realty teammates. “We’ve had some incredible ski days together,” he shares.

“I’m lucky to be a part of such a great group.” A proud alum of the University of Southern California, he’s also a devoted college football fan and rarely misses a Trojans game. Fight on!

Fun fact? In high school, Peter pole vaulted for a year after his track coach saw him walking on his hands 30 • June 2025

Boulder County Real Producers • 31

FUN FACT IN HIGH SCHOOL, PETER POLE VAULTED FOR A YEAR AFTER HIS TRACK COACH SAW HIM WALKING ON HIS HANDS THROUGH THE SCHOOL HALLWAY.

through the school hallway. “My enthusiasm probably exceeded my abilities, but I loved the track team and even won a few meets!”

Raising the Bar, One Deal at a Time Whether he’s helping a growing family find their next home, walking firsttime buyers through the process, or consulting on investment strategies, Peter’s approach is personal, proactive, and powerful. He sees real estate not just as transactions—but as opportunities to improve people’s lives.

From taking the bar to raising it, Peter is proving that success isn’t always about following the traditional route—it’s about forging the one that fits just right.

Peter Sotiropoulos Live West Realty 303-253-1567 peter@livewestrealty.com petersotiropoulos.com Peter’s own path once included entrepreneurial ventures of another kind. Before law school and real estate, his favorite job was working in hardscaping—building paver walkways, patios, and driveways.

“It was fun being part of a team and transforming outdoor spaces,” he says.

“Working outside, listening to classic rock… not a bad way to spend a day.”

Life Outside the Office Peter knows how to balance work and play. A longtime skier, he’s quick to hit the slopes—especially with his Live West Realty teammates. “We’ve had some incredible ski days together,” he shares.

“I’m lucky to be a part of such a great group.” A proud alum of the University of Southern California, he’s also a devoted college football fan and rarely misses a Trojans game. Fight on!

Fun fact? In high school, Peter pole vaulted for a year after his track coach saw him walking on his hands 30 • June 2025

Boulder County Real Producers • 31

HEALTH AND LONGEVITY

SOLSTICE:

Lower blood pressure: When exposed to sunlight, your body releases something called nitric oxide into your blood. This compound brings down blood pressure and improves heart health. Maintaining healthy blood pressure can reduce your risks of cardiac disease and stroke. Feelings of relaxation may also naturally bring down blood pressure, so boosting your happiness by soaking up rays aids in keeping your pressure down.

The Healthiest Day Of The Year?

June is here! The first month of one of my favorite seasons-Summer. There is nothing like summer to make you feel young and alive. We will spend this month watching spring fade and summer come to life around us while enjoying the days full of light.

In June we enter the longest days of the year. Summer Solstice (June 21st) will be both the beginning of summer and the brightest and longest day of the year. To celebrate and make the most of these long days, I decided to make ‘Light’ this month’s theme.

According to Boston’s PRNewswire: June 21, the summer solstice, offers the greatest opportunity to take advantage of the healing properties of sunlight.

National Daylight Appreciation Day, June 21, reminds us of our long-standing relationship with the sun, dating back to ancient celebrations of the summer solstice with feasts and outdoor activities. This day encourages us to celebrate the many benefits of sunlight.

It has its roots in the deep appreciation for the sun’s essential role in our lives, and how daylight affects everything from our health to our environment.

It’s an opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors and enjoy the health and emotional benefits that come from natural sunlight. It’s an opportunity to recognize the sun’s role in our lives beyond just providing light, from its impact on our well-being, to its influence on our planet’s cycles.

Decades of studies have shown that sunlight has a powerful, and positive effect on mental health, physical health, and general well-being. Humans have lived on earth for at least 100,000 generations and have been completely dependent upon the sun for light – until 32 • June 2025

about five generations ago when Edison developed the incandescent lamp.

Research now demonstrates that the full spectrum of daylight is important to stimulate man’s endocrine system properly and that he suffers side effects when forced to spend much of his time under artificial light that produces only a limited portion of the daylight spectrum.

Since antiquity, many ancient cultures have worshipped the sun for a variety of reasons. Hippocrates wrote the first texts about the sun’s benefits on mental health and mood and named this therapy ‘Heliotherapy’ which is defined as ‘exposure to sunlight for therapeutic purposes’ and has been used to treat conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, depression, bipolar disorders, and some liver problems. During the 19th and 20th century, sunlight in combination with isolation, proper hygiene, fresh air, good nutrition, and physical exercise, was used to treat tuberculosis.

In his book, The Light Doctor: Using Light to Boost Health, Improve Sleep, and Live Longer, Dr. Martin Moore-Ede says the evidence for the healing power of natural daylight is substantial. Studies show that people exposed to natural daylight are the healthiest and live the longest.

Their rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes are significantly less than those who spend most of their time indoors.

The sunlight we experience is as important to our health as the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. For most of human existence, our ancestors lived with the natural 24-hour light-dark cycle, spending each day in natural daylight and sleeping in the dark at night. But since the widespread introduction of electric light, more than 90% of our time is spent indoors, under unhealthful

BY DR. FELICIA SANTELLI

Sunlight therapy for mood disorders: An article by Turner and Mainster in the British Journal of Ophthalmology indicates that the eyes play a role in good health and exposure to outdoor daylight can reduce insomnia and depression, increase serotonin, mood, alertness, and cognitive function.

Sunlight therapy in pain management:

electric light, which disrupts our circadian clocks and greatly increases the risk of cancer, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases.

Studies show that elderly people who sleep with the lights on at night have almost twice the rate of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Why do lights at night turn on the hunger centers in the brain?

What causes the constant snacking that leads to obesity? Why do men who sleep in well-illuminated bedrooms have more than twice the rate of prostate cancer?

Is it time we recognize that ‘inhaling’ unhealthy electric light after sunset is the ’tobacco’ equivalent of breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease?

Sunlight therapy in medicine: Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., MD, a researcher at the Boston University

Medical Center, states that vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin and sunlight plays a role in vitamin synthesis.

Exposure to the sun may improve overall health, control infections, improve life expectancy, reduce cognitive impairment, help manage the flu, enhance the immune system, and improve mental health.

Increased Vitamin D: Vitamin D has some important functions in the body. It promotes reduced inflammation and modulates cell growth. It’s also very hard to get enough from food sources alone. The sun is the best natural source of Vitamin D. It takes around 15-30 minutes of sunlight a few times a week to notice a difference. So get outside and expose yourself to direct sun on your arms and face to soak up this necessary vitamin!

Just remember to use sunscreen if you’ll be outside for longer.

A randomized study in Pain Medicine in 2014 indicates that light therapy not only improves depressive symptoms but also reduces pain intensity in individuals with chronic nonspecific back pain. The authors say that this effect may be due to pain and depression sharing similar pathophysiological pathways. The same may be true for treatment in fibromyalgia.

Higher Quality of sleep: That serotonin you soak up from the sun’s rays does more than boost your mood – it might also help you get more restful sleep at night. Working in conjunction with serotonin is melatonin, a chemical in your brain that lulls you into slumber and one that the sun helps the body to produce. So perhaps getting sunlight during the day may help to get some ZZ’s at night.

Stronger bones: We know that calcium is beneficial for bones. But Vitamin D may be even more important for the bones and body. Low Vitamin D has been linked to diseases like osteoporosis and rickets, and one of the most specific benefits of Vitamin D is not only stronger bones and but also good teeth.

In conclusion: Sensible sunshine exposure plays an essential role in overall health and longevity. Just taking a nature walk, engaging in outdoor activities, or spending more time outside, has considerable health benefits. So, let’s celebrate the sun that fuels our planet, boosts our health, and brightens our days.

References: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ the-light-doctor/202406/why-is-the-summersolstice-the-healthiest-day-of-the-year https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/nationalday/national-daylight-appreciation-day-june-21-2 https://www.daysoftheyear.com/ days/daylight-appreciation-day/ https://www.physio-pedia.com/Sunlight,_ Outdoor_Light,_and_Light_Therapy_in_ Disease_Management#:~:text=Light%20 therapy%20may%20be%20used%20 to%20manage,with%20Parkinson’s%20 disease%2Cand%20for%20multiple%20 sclerosis%2Drelated%20fatigue Boulder County Real Producers • 33

HEALTH AND LONGEVITY

SOLSTICE:

Lower blood pressure: When exposed to sunlight, your body releases something called nitric oxide into your blood. This compound brings down blood pressure and improves heart health. Maintaining healthy blood pressure can reduce your risks of cardiac disease and stroke. Feelings of relaxation may also naturally bring down blood pressure, so boosting your happiness by soaking up rays aids in keeping your pressure down.

The Healthiest Day Of The Year?

June is here! The first month of one of my favorite seasons-Summer. There is nothing like summer to make you feel young and alive. We will spend this month watching spring fade and summer come to life around us while enjoying the days full of light.

In June we enter the longest days of the year. Summer Solstice (June 21st) will be both the beginning of summer and the brightest and longest day of the year. To celebrate and make the most of these long days, I decided to make ‘Light’ this month’s theme.

According to Boston’s PRNewswire: June 21, the summer solstice, offers the greatest opportunity to take advantage of the healing properties of sunlight.

National Daylight Appreciation Day, June 21, reminds us of our long-standing relationship with the sun, dating back to ancient celebrations of the summer solstice with feasts and outdoor activities. This day encourages us to celebrate the many benefits of sunlight.

It has its roots in the deep appreciation for the sun’s essential role in our lives, and how daylight affects everything from our health to our environment.

It’s an opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors and enjoy the health and emotional benefits that come from natural sunlight. It’s an opportunity to recognize the sun’s role in our lives beyond just providing light, from its impact on our well-being, to its influence on our planet’s cycles.

Decades of studies have shown that sunlight has a powerful, and positive effect on mental health, physical health, and general well-being. Humans have lived on earth for at least 100,000 generations and have been completely dependent upon the sun for light – until 32 • June 2025

about five generations ago when Edison developed the incandescent lamp.

Research now demonstrates that the full spectrum of daylight is important to stimulate man’s endocrine system properly and that he suffers side effects when forced to spend much of his time under artificial light that produces only a limited portion of the daylight spectrum.

Since antiquity, many ancient cultures have worshipped the sun for a variety of reasons. Hippocrates wrote the first texts about the sun’s benefits on mental health and mood and named this therapy ‘Heliotherapy’ which is defined as ‘exposure to sunlight for therapeutic purposes’ and has been used to treat conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, depression, bipolar disorders, and some liver problems. During the 19th and 20th century, sunlight in combination with isolation, proper hygiene, fresh air, good nutrition, and physical exercise, was used to treat tuberculosis.

In his book, The Light Doctor: Using Light to Boost Health, Improve Sleep, and Live Longer, Dr. Martin Moore-Ede says the evidence for the healing power of natural daylight is substantial. Studies show that people exposed to natural daylight are the healthiest and live the longest.

Their rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes are significantly less than those who spend most of their time indoors.

The sunlight we experience is as important to our health as the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. For most of human existence, our ancestors lived with the natural 24-hour light-dark cycle, spending each day in natural daylight and sleeping in the dark at night. But since the widespread introduction of electric light, more than 90% of our time is spent indoors, under unhealthful

BY DR. FELICIA SANTELLI

Sunlight therapy for mood disorders: An article by Turner and Mainster in the British Journal of Ophthalmology indicates that the eyes play a role in good health and exposure to outdoor daylight can reduce insomnia and depression, increase serotonin, mood, alertness, and cognitive function.

Sunlight therapy in pain management:

electric light, which disrupts our circadian clocks and greatly increases the risk of cancer, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases.

Studies show that elderly people who sleep with the lights on at night have almost twice the rate of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Why do lights at night turn on the hunger centers in the brain?

What causes the constant snacking that leads to obesity? Why do men who sleep in well-illuminated bedrooms have more than twice the rate of prostate cancer?

Is it time we recognize that ‘inhaling’ unhealthy electric light after sunset is the ’tobacco’ equivalent of breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease?

Sunlight therapy in medicine: Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., MD, a researcher at the Boston University

Medical Center, states that vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin and sunlight plays a role in vitamin synthesis.

Exposure to the sun may improve overall health, control infections, improve life expectancy, reduce cognitive impairment, help manage the flu, enhance the immune system, and improve mental health.

Increased Vitamin D: Vitamin D has some important functions in the body. It promotes reduced inflammation and modulates cell growth. It’s also very hard to get enough from food sources alone. The sun is the best natural source of Vitamin D. It takes around 15-30 minutes of sunlight a few times a week to notice a difference. So get outside and expose yourself to direct sun on your arms and face to soak up this necessary vitamin!

Just remember to use sunscreen if you’ll be outside for longer.

A randomized study in Pain Medicine in 2014 indicates that light therapy not only improves depressive symptoms but also reduces pain intensity in individuals with chronic nonspecific back pain. The authors say that this effect may be due to pain and depression sharing similar pathophysiological pathways. The same may be true for treatment in fibromyalgia.

Higher Quality of sleep: That serotonin you soak up from the sun’s rays does more than boost your mood – it might also help you get more restful sleep at night. Working in conjunction with serotonin is melatonin, a chemical in your brain that lulls you into slumber and one that the sun helps the body to produce. So perhaps getting sunlight during the day may help to get some ZZ’s at night.

Stronger bones: We know that calcium is beneficial for bones. But Vitamin D may be even more important for the bones and body. Low Vitamin D has been linked to diseases like osteoporosis and rickets, and one of the most specific benefits of Vitamin D is not only stronger bones and but also good teeth.

In conclusion: Sensible sunshine exposure plays an essential role in overall health and longevity. Just taking a nature walk, engaging in outdoor activities, or spending more time outside, has considerable health benefits. So, let’s celebrate the sun that fuels our planet, boosts our health, and brightens our days.

References: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ the-light-doctor/202406/why-is-the-summersolstice-the-healthiest-day-of-the-year https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/nationalday/national-daylight-appreciation-day-june-21-2 https://www.daysoftheyear.com/ days/daylight-appreciation-day/ https://www.physio-pedia.com/Sunlight,_ Outdoor_Light,_and_Light_Therapy_in_ Disease_Management#:~:text=Light%20 therapy%20may%20be%20used%20 to%20manage,with%20Parkinson’s%20 disease%2Cand%20for%20multiple%20 sclerosis%2Drelated%20fatigue Boulder County Real Producers • 33

34 • June 2025

Boulder County Real Producers • 35

34 • June 2025

Boulder County Real Producers • 35

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