BOULDER COUNTY
Rutherford Jennifer
Tom Studebaker & Nate Freeman
Tama Heinrichs
Preferred Partners
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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
BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER
Casa Bay Photography (541) 213-5435 www.casabayphotography.com/
CUSTOM HOMES
Sheffield Homes (303) 420-0056
www.sheffieldhomes.com
DEVELOPER
BSLN - NP Development, Inc. (Baseline) baselinecolorado.com/
FLOORING
Family Carpet One (720) 378-8927 www.familycarpetonelongmont.com
FLOORING & TILE
Right This Way Flooring
Randi Pilon (303) 951-5575 2525 Arapahoe Ave, E34 Boulder, CO 80302 www.RightThisWayFlooring.com
HOME INSPECTION
ASG Home Inspections (720) 628-0655 www.asghomeinspections.com
Inspections Over Coffee
Bryan Zenner (720) 845-5282
InspectionsOverCoffee.com
Pillar To Post Home Inspectors
- The Rounds Team (303) 772-1997 roundsteam.pillartopost.com
HOME PREPARATION SERVICES
HOMEStretch (720) 404-6485
www.home-stretch.com/north-denver
MEDICAL SPA
Restor Medical Spa (720) 523-1373
www.restormedicalspa.com
MOVING COMPANY
The Good Move (720) 300-4130 www.thegoodmovellc.com
PAINTER
Paint EZ (720) 600-7030 paintEZ.com/boulder
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Properties Plus Colorado (303) 327-6583 LMaiocco@homesincolorado.com
RADON MITIGATION
Mile High Radon Control (720) 220-4063 www.milehighradoncontrol.com
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PAINTER
That 1 Painter Boulder (303) 589-1882 that1painter.com/boulder-colorado/
TITLE COMPANY
Elite Title Company LLC (303) 834-3901 elitetitlecolo.com
TITLE INSURANCE
First American Title Insurance Company (303) 449-8442
4940 Pearl East Circle, Ste 104 Boulder, CO 80301 FirstAmColorado.com
WINDOW CLEANING
Shine (303) 554-9281
shine-windowcleaning.com/location/boulder/
WINDOW SERVICES
KV Windows (720) 535-9629 kvwindowsinc.com
Meet The Team
Kim Ash Ad Manager ads.rpboulder@n2co.com
Dr. Felicia Santelli drsantellifelicia@gmail.com
Maria Bay Studio Owner & Lead Photographer Casa Bay Photography www.casabayphotography.com
If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at john.mendez@n2co.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.
Please Welcome Our New Partners
RIGHT THIS WAY
FLOORING is a locally owned flooring partner built to support real estate professionals throughout Boulder County and beyond. As hands-on owners, we specialize in helping agents prepare homes for market with efficient, well-managed flooring solutions that enhance value and reduce stress. From pre-listing updates to post-sale projects, our team is known for responsive communication, dependable timelines, and guiding both agents and their clients with care. We’re proud to be a trusted resource agents can confidently recommend. www.RightThisWayFlooring.com
BASELINE is a sustainable new home community in Broomfield at Baseline Road and I-25. It’s a refreshing mix of energy-efficient modern homes, five inviting parks and counting, pollinator-abundant landscapes, school within walking distance — soon a vibrant walkable town center and the next phase of the 62-acre regional Parklands. The result is a new kind of new place, and we invite you to join us. New homes are available from the $500s to over $1 million. baselinecolorado.com
John Mendez
Elizabeth McCabe Writer Beth.McCabe@n2co.com
JENNIFER RUTHERFORD
BY ELIZABETH MCCABE PHOTOS BY MARIA BAY, CASA
“EVERYTHING IN LIFE IS NEGOTIABLE,”
says Jennifer Rutherford, wisdom passed down from her late father-inlaw, Rob, with one important caveat. “But most things simply aren’t worth negotiating.” She knows what battles to fight for her clients.
What inspires Jennifer is a happy client. “That’s the ultimate objective,” she comments. After all, she gives every ounce of effort to help them find the home of their dreams. She is intentionally present and keeps her circle small on purpose so the people she works with get real time, real care, and real attention. Her business has grown organically through referrals.
Real estate is near and dear to her heart. “Both my husband and I are from real estate families,” she says. Jennifer’s father was in commercial real estate in New York City. Growing up in New Jersey, Jennifer actually met her husband in Boston before moving to Boulder for a brief stint. Then it was off to California for ten years before moving back to Boulder.
“I came back to Boulder in 2012 with my husband and four children,” she smiles. When she moved to Boulder, she came with a wealth of experience regarding relocation. Growing up on the East Coast, moving to the West Coast, and putting down roots in Boulder left an impression on her.
“I KEEP MY CLIENT LIST INTENTIONALLY SMALL. THAT ALLOWS ME TO GIVE EACH RELATIONSHIP THE TIME AND CARE IT DESERVES.”
Those cross-country moves gave Jennifer firsthand experience with relocation, experience that would later become a cornerstone of her business.
“I know what it takes to relocate somewhere,” she explains. From understanding logistics to navigating emotional transitions, she brings empathy and insight to clients moving to Boulder from out of state.
Rooted in Real Estate
Jennifer and Doug have also invested in real estate for many years, owning, investing and managing their own properties. “Generating passive income streams and creating a tax shelter was the initial strategy. Sales followed naturally to what we were already doing,” she adds, especially after relocating multiple times for Doug’s corporate career.
She initially managed properties herself before focusing solely on sales.
“I started working with friends and
family,” she says, many of whom were already involved in real estate as landlords. After spending four years at two brokerages, Jennifer joined WK Real Estate in 2018. That’s where everything shifted. “I wasn’t actively working with relocation until I moved to WK Real Estate,” she explains.
“We have a sophisticated relocation department that really jump-started my career.”
It’s also very rewarding to spend time with clients. A client who moved from Wellesley, Massachusetts, has
since become like family, even hiring Jennifer’s niece back in New Jersey. “I’ve been fortunate,” Jennifer says. “I’m meeting people who ultimately become good friends of mine.”
Because she helps clients relocate, her business has grown significantly through word of mouth. “Much of my
business now comes through referrals,” she says. Jennifer takes a highly personal approach, spending meaningful time with clients to understand their goals and thoughtfully explore homes together. “I keep my client list intentionally small,” she says. “That allows me to give each relationship the time and care it deserves.”
Real relationships are paramount to her, which even extends to her marketing. “I do very little social media,” she says. “Many of my clients appreciate privacy and do not like to be exposed through social media.” Instead, Jennifer relies on relationships and reputation. “It’s a different approach for me, and it’s worked really well.”
What excites Jennifer most is working with buyers. “I love finding things that make people happy, whether it’s shopping for gifts or a home,” she says. With a mother who was an interior designer and a minor in art history herself, Jennifer has a deep appreciation for architecture and design. “I love homes. I love designing homes,” she says. “Finding the right home that fits them? That’s the fun part.”
Overcoming Obstacles
Real estate hasn’t been easy.
One of Jennifer’s early challenges was mastering Boulder’s many pocket neighborhoods. “The challenge for me was really understanding Boulder,” she says, particularly pricing and how to explain it to clients. Coming from out of state and having lived away for years, she leaned on research as well as Doug’s lifelong local perspective as a Boulder native. “I know it well now,” she adds, “but the niche neighborhoods took time.”
Family, Travel, Faith, and FourLegged Friends
When she’s not working, Jennifer enjoys family time at home, prioritizing sit-down family meals and meaningful conversations with her children. She also loves traveling around the world, escaping to the mountains for weekend ski trips, and hiking Colorado trails with her two chocolate Labradoodles, Horton and Teddy.
Other pastimes include cheering on her children at football and soccer games. She also loves art, has recently started painting, and dreams of future travel.
“More travel abroad is on my bucket list, along with road trips across the U.S. There’s so much to experience and so many people to visit!”
A woman of faith, Jennifer attends Grace Commons Church in Boulder, where she lends a helping hand. She is committed to serving others in the community — from preparing care packages for unhoused people to supporting meaningful causes such as the I Have A Dream Foundation and volunteering with organizations including Community Food Share, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and community events like the Colorado Shakespeare Festival.
Jennifer has a heart for the community and her clients. Her authentic nature resonates with those she meets. As she has put relationships first in her career, she has cultivated a network built on trust and care, knowledge of the market, strategic thinking, and her ability to negotiate. It’s no surprise that referrals have flowed to her effortlessly. For Jennifer, there is simply no substitute for real connection; it’s the foundation of both her personal and professional success, and it’s what continues to set her apart in the world of real estate.
Jennifer Rutherford WK Real Estate jrutherford@wkre.com 720-388-9818
4875 Pearl E Cir. Suite 100 Boulder, CO 80301
BOULDER SYMPHONY & MUSIC ACADEMY JOY with MUSIC of Experience the
BY ELIZABETH MCCABE
Do you want to lower your stress? Sharpen your focus? Improve your cognitive function? Boost your mood? Escape from the distractors of everyday life? Don’t reach for your phone. Try listening to classical music. There’s a reason people still listen to Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach today. Simply put, it soothes your soul. Every note comes alive and resonates with people, especially when played by the master musicians at Boulder Symphony.
AtthecenterofitallisDevinPatrick Hughes,ArtisticDirector&Founderof BoulderSymphony&MusicAcademy. Musicwastheessenceofhisexistence. “Iwasluckyenoughtohavemusicinmy lifeevenbeforeIplayed,”hethoughtfully comments.Whenhewasyoung,hehad fondmemoriesofhisparentstaking himtothesymphony.That’swherehe becameinterestedintheconductorashe broughtmusictolife.
Inthefourthgrade,hepickedupthe trombonebeforegravitatingtothe piano,violin,voice,andpercussion. Eventually,hestartedconductingand loveditfromthestart.Conducting, forDevin,isfarmorethankeeping time.“You’rethecenterofabeautiful creation,”henotes.“Youarecreating beautyandcreatingemotion.”
Hedoesn’ttakethatresponsibilitylightly
“You’retakingblacknotesonwhite paperandbringingthemtolife,”he explains.Performance,hebelieves,is wheremusictrulyexists.Inadigital
world of AI, music requires something no technology can replicate: the human touch. Think empathy and vulnerability, coupled with emotion and expression. As Devin puts it, music needs “that spark of humanity.” The moment a musician picks up a bow, strikes a note, or blows into a woodwind instrument, sound fills the air and reverberates in people’s souls, bringing lightness to their hearts.
Now 16 years into its evolution, the Boulder Symphony is not bound by tradition. Previously known as the Niwot Timberline orchestra, the Boulder Symphony started expanding its reach. Classical masterworks coexist with film scores, pop culture, genreblending programs, and immersive performances that welcome new audiences. From Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony to Star Wars, from Sundance Film Concerts to holiday pops, the Symphony proves that orchestral music is alive more than ever before.
And it’s meant for everyone.
From the very beginning, the Boulder Symphony focused on access. Educational and family concerts invited participation. “We partner with Extra Crispy Creatives to create kids and family shows,” says Devin. “We compose new shows and dances where everyone gets to dance and sing along.” Those efforts evolved into sensoryfriendly concerts and dementia-friendly performances for individuals living with
Alzheimer’s and memory loss, programs that activate memory, stimulate the brain, and restore connection. They might also bring back happy memories and a wave of nostalgia as seniors break out in smiles or tap their toes.
Music also opens doors.
As Devin says, the goal is to “give people an opportunity to be in a world that they
wouldn’t know.” Just like a book, film, or novel, music imagines a world we get to step into and one that connects us at a time when division is everywhere. In today’s society, music can be the unifier people need to bridge the gap.
“We have so many divisive forces in society that tell us that we are separate,” Devin says. “But you need to battle those forces with the idea that we are a community and we are connected. Music tells someone, ‘I see you.’ We are humans and I have empathy for you.”
That belief fuels everything the Symphony does, from performances for unhoused community members to collaborations with local organizations, intimate holiday concerts, and largescale symphonic works with nearly 100 musicians on stage. Today, the Boulder Symphony performs about 20 concerts a year, supported by a 100-member orchestra and a 50-voice chorus.
Music Academy
The third and fastest-growing pillar of the organization is the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy.
BE SURE TO SAVE THE DATE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS:
The Rite of Spring & Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3
Sunday, March 1 | 4:00 p.m.
Stravinsky’s explosive The Rite of Spring meets the staggering virtuosity of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, featuring pianist Jiarui Cheng.
Mozart & Michael
Saturday, March 21 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 22 | 4:00 p.m.
The Boulder Symphony’s chamber orchestra brings Mozart’s playful Symphony No. 39 and C.P.E. Bach’s expressive Flute Concerto in D minor, featuring principal flutist Michael Williams for an evening of elegance, beauty, and brilliance.
Launched in 2021 during the pandemic, the Academy now serves approximately 200 students each year, ranging in age from 5 to 88. Students can study piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, guitar, drums, voice, and even conducting, an opportunity rarely available elsewhere. Imagine how the
joy of music is instilled in others and their families. Because of its partnership with the Symphony, students attend concerts for free, participate in master classes, and perform side-by-side with professional musicians.
The benefits extend far beyond music. “We have studies that show that having an instrument in one’s life improves overall test scores,” notes Devin. Music also improves responsibility, focus, and the ability to complete
tasks. Not to mention becoming more well-rounded individuals.
The Academy’s scholarship program ensures that access isn’t limited by finances. Each year, 25 to 35 students receive full, year-round instruction through scholarships. It’s so popular that there’s a waiting list.
That access exists because the community makes it possible. Still, the greatest need moving forward is financial support.
Donate Today
Ticket sales alone can’t sustain an organization built on inclusion. Donations directly fund scholarships, education programs, performances, and fair wages for artists. Devin shares that an extraordinary 85 percent of every dollar generated through tickets, lessons, and donations goes straight back into the community.
This is something Devin is deeply passionate about. Too often, he says,
people assume musicians need a side hustle to survive. The Boulder Symphony is actively pushing back against that idea, working to shift more of the local economy toward artists and creators.
Music, after all, teaches us how to coexist.
“It helps us to be able to say, ‘I feel differently than you do,’” Devin explains, “and we can still make music together.”
That is the mission of the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy: to bring people into harmony, to help individuals find their own melody, and to ensure that music remains a living, accessible force in the community. The world needs more music, especially in today’s uncertain times.
And that’s where you come in.
When you donate, you’re not just supporting concerts. You’re placing instruments into waiting hands. You’re unlocking memory, empathy, and connection. You’re reducing stress in
an age of anxiety. You’re bringing joy to the downtrodden. You’re sustaining artists who dedicate their lives to this work. Music already changes lives. Your support ensures it keeps playing.
For more information, check out their website, bouldersymphony.org.
Give the gift of MUSIC
By supporting the Boulder Symphony Music Academy’s 2025–2026 donation drive, you directly support music education, scholarships, and vibrant community programs. Your generosity helps nurture aspiring musicians, provides financial assistance to those in need, and brings the joy of music to people of all ages throughout our community.
Every contribution matters. Donate today!
REPERTOIRE
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125
SUNDAY, APRIL 26 AT 4:00 P.M.
Join the Boulder Symphony in our annual performance of the most iconic work in classical music — Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Featuring the renowned “Ode to Joy,” this monumental masterpiece brings together orchestra, choir, and soloists in a powerful celebration of unity, hope, and the triumph of the human spirit. Don’t miss this stirring performance of a work that has inspired generations and withstood the test of time.
4730 Table Mesa Dr. Suite l-300
DETAILS
BY ELIZABETH MCCABE
PHOTOS BY MARIA BAY, CASA BAY PHOTOGRAPHY
GGrowing up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Tama loved her hometown, “but not the weather,” she laughs. “I decided that I needed more sunshine. I love sun and I love light,” she adds with a smile.
In 2001, she made the move to Arizona, where she worked as an occupational therapist and met her husband, Wade, a pediatrician. They fell in love, got married, and welcomed their first child. “I knew we were going to have a big family,” she says. This brought them to Colorado so they could live near family. Tama went on to have four more children, becoming a devoted mother as well as a successful entrepreneur.
Tama’s lifelong passion for good design and creative eye led her to open a design and staging business, t.s.heinrichs Design. Owning a business gave her the flexibility to focus on her young family while still enjoying the opportunity to help others create beautiful spaces. At the same time, she and her husband began investing in and renovating properties in Summit County, Colorado.
“Real estate has always been an interest of mine, but initially, the timing wasn’t right,” she says. That changed six years ago. “That’s when I became a REALTOR.” It turned out to be the best of both worlds. Her design background, love of detail, and strength with numbers came together naturally.
“I love using contracts to protect clients and help them achieve the results they desire,” she explains. As a talented designer, she also advises sellers on preparing their homes for the market. “I love listing homes,” she says enthusiastically. “I am extremely involved in the process of preparing a listing. Sometimes simple changes such as a new light fixture, updated furniture layout or fresh paint color can make a significant impact.” Staging is included as part of her service, which is why her listings stand out and attract the right buyers before they ever walk through the door.
Solutions That Make Sense
“How can you invest the least and achieve the largest return?” is the
question Tama asks herself for every listing. “I want to help you make the most of your home when you sell,” she tells her clients. To this end, she provides thoughtful, targeted solutions that make sense.
She also works with buyers, a process she genuinely enjoys. “It’s a lot of fun,” she smiles. “I can help them envision what their home might be.” Seeing potential comes easily to her. “I have even redesigned a kitchen before my client closed on their home to make sure it truly worked for their needs,” she says. Looking beyond a home’s current state and seeing what it can become is one of her greatest strengths.
Going All Out
“I love bringing that creative side into everything that I do,” Tama says. For her, it is all about the details. When she has a listing, she often hosts a neighborhood
event to bring people together. A natural host, she enjoys elevating the experience with thoughtful touches. Think finger foods, music that draws people in, and an atmosphere that encourages guests to linger. “I want to present the house in its best light,” she explains.
Every home deserves to be showcased at its finest, and Tama believes it is both her duty and her privilege to guide clients toward achieving that vision. “Whether it’s a $600,000 home or a five million dollar home, I want every client to feel truly cared for in every detail.”
In today’s market, details matter. Thoughtful elements resonate with buyers and help listings stand out, often leading to faster sales. It starts before buyers even walk through the door, with a feeling that the home has been carefully prepared. “When buyers sense that level of care, it builds trust
“Whether it’s a $600,000 home or a five million dollar home, I want every client to feel truly cared for in every detail.”
immediately,” Tama says. Those first moments shape people’s experiences.
Secrets to Success: Connection
What truly sets Tama apart is her connection to her clients and community. “I focus on staying one step ahead so my clients always feel guided and supported,” she says. Through consistent communication and a clear road map, she helps clients understand what’s coming next.
She also keeps her finger on the pulse of the community, anticipating what people need and value.
That spirit recently led Tama to host a Winter Wellness Market at milehimodern’s office, featuring 18 local vendors. “It was a community event supporting local businesses with a wellness focus,” she explains. Reflecting her love of the arts, she also invited several local artists to participate. Vendors donated items to a giveaway basket that raised funds for Community Food Share.
In October 2025, she launched her event series Gallery Gatherings. The first event featured watercolor artist and friend Shayna Larsen. “We served a signature cocktail inspired by one of Shayna’s collections,” she recalls. “An incredible pastry chef even printed images from the same collection onto cookies.” With a 10foot charcuterie table and thoughtful details throughout, the evening was unforgettable.
Family, Fitness, and Fun
When she is not working with clients, Tama enjoys volunteering at her children’s school, Dawson School in Lafayette. She helps organize community events, including the Holiday Coffee and Market and a Homes for the Holidays experience with Historic Boulder. “I guess I just love bringing people together,” she laughs.
Tama and Wade are raising five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in age from 12 to 22. Outside of work, she is a dedicated runner, an enthusiastic pickleball player, an avid skier, and a newly minted mahjong fan. “I love people,” she says simply, and it shows.
Aligned and Looking Ahead
Tama is proud to call milehimodern home. “The way they present properties, the professionalism, and the leadership felt like complete alignment,” she says. “We are experts at presenting homes in their most beautiful light, and I feel fortunate to be surrounded by talented and collaborative professionals.”
Looking ahead, Tama plans to continue expanding her event-driven approach while giving back to the community she loves. Beyond the design, the strategy, and the experience, what defines her most is something fundamental.
“It comes back to something simple,” she says. “Being trustworthy and kind matters most.” Through her work, she brings light, warmth, and care to her clients and community, making a meaningful difference throughout Boulder County and beyond.
Tama Heinrichs 720 201 4677 tama@milehimodern.com milehimodern
Cookies created by pastry chef Katie Svoboda of Forget Me Not Cookie Co. in Superior
BUILDS TO LAST Sheffield Homes
Where Integrity, Craftsmanship, and Custom Design Have Defined Colorado Living Since 1978
Quality craftsmanship. Attention to detail.
Sophistication. Thoughtful design. That’s the experience you can expect from Sheffield Homes, a builder that has earned an impeccable reputation one satisfied client at a time since 1978. Best of all, it’s a process clients genuinely enjoy—because watching their vision come to life is priceless.
“As a company founded on integrity, our commitment to building high-quality homes is fundamental to everything we do,” says Nicole O’Neil, Director of Sales and Marketing. “We value every step of the process, including how we treat our employees and every one of our contractors along the way.” The process is paramount. “Everyone is a partner in the
BY ELIZABETH MCCABE
process,” notes Nicole, “and the process is as important as the quality.” From conception to completion, the team ensures every decision serves the homeowner’s vision.
Integrity defines the way this family-owned business operates.
A Builder That Covers the Front Range and Beyond Sheffield Homes serves the entire Front Range, from the north side of Longmont to Castle Rock, including Broomfield, Winter Park, and even Grand County vacation homes. With luxury homes starting at $2.5 million, every project is approached as a custom endeavor, tailored to each client’s specifications.
What distinguishes Sheffield Homes is a process designed
to make custom building both rewarding and well-managed. Clients value not only the finished home, but the level of care and communication throughout their experience. As Nicole notes, “Customers are happy with the end result—not just a beautiful home, but the service behind it.” From design goals to budget parameters, every detail is thoughtfully planned and executed.
From Boulder County properties shaped by municipal design guidelines to mountain retreats built to capture sweeping views, every home reflects how its owners live, gather, and recharge. Kitchens feature premium finishes and custom cabinetry. Ceilings become architectural statements. Expansive windows frame
the outdoors. Smart-home features—such as motorized shades, smart thermostats, integrated alarm systems, and in-floor heating—can all be managed from a phone, a feature especially valuable for second homes.
Outdoor living is a hallmark of Sheffield Homes. Projects often include outdoor kitchens, firepits, fireplaces, heaters, and “game-day decks” complete with TVs, grills, and beverage centers—spaces designed for family connection and yearround enjoyment.
Basements are anything but an afterthought, with entertainment lounges, bars, golf simulators, spas, saunas, and fitness areas crafted to fit each homeowner’s vision and lifestyle. Pools, pool houses, ADUs, oversized garages, and heated driveways are seamlessly integrated into the overall design.
Homes designed for mountain living merge functionality with luxury. Think: heated garages, ski lockers, radiant in-floor heat, and thoughtfully planned layouts that capture views while creating welcoming spaces to entertain and relax.
Lifestyle drives every decision.
“We’re not just building houses. We are building homes for families and providing jobs for families,” Nicole says. Every project is an opportunity to serve the community while crafting a space that reflects the homeowner’s personality and values.
Another differentiator that sets them apart? “We do have floor plans that homeowners can utilize if they don’t want a full custom design. We have identified a set of specifications as a starting point that helps guide buyers through the process to meet
their budgets,” says Nicole. This approach gives buyers a clear starting point and expert guidance, making the homebuilding process more straightforward and manageable.
From Vision to Reality
The Sheffield Homes process is clear and intentional:
1. Interview Custom Home Builders – Ensure alignment with your vision and values.
2. Consultation – Learn about the process and design possibilities.
3. Lot Selection –Avoid surprises with expert guidance on site conditions.
4. Design and Budget –Collaborate with architects and interior designers to tailor every detail.
5. Construction – Build your home with realtime updates via the BuilderTrend app.
6. Warranty – Enjoy ongoing support long after move-in.
Sheffield Homes even provides complimentary lot evaluations and guidance for those who haven’t yet purchased land. “Engage a builder as soon as possible,” Nicole advises. Ensure you select the right piece of land for your desired home. It’s also important to understand the site conditions that are required to build on that piece of land. “Part of that process is also helping clients define their project objectives, including size, budget, and lot considerations,” says Nicole.
The end-to-end process averages 14–16 months, contingent on client readiness.
A Leader in EnergyEfficient, ForwardThinking Homes
Every Sheffield Home is built to ENERGY STAR® standards and includes Indoor airPLUS certification, meaning homes use 10–20% less energy than standard construction while improving indoor air quality and lowering utility costs.
Roughly half of Sheffield Homes’ projects are fully electric, and clients can choose to pursue netzero construction. This
comprehensive certification requires advanced engineering, solar systems, and often backup batteries. These homes are designed to offset energy use entirely, reflecting homeowners’ values around sustainability, resilience, and longterm independence.
“There’s a lot of engineering that goes into a true netzero certified home,” Nicole explains. The additional investment typically ranges from $60,000 to $85,000, depending on scope and technology.
With increasing power shutoffs during wind events
A Trusted Partner for Agents and Homeowners Alike
New construction doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can be a powerful value-add when guided by the right builder.
“We love partnering with real estate agents to make a new home a reality for their clients,” says Nicole. She regularly educates agents on the custom-home
Inside CORE Residential Inside CORE Residential
BY ELIZABETH MCCABE
PHOTOS BY MARIA BAY, CASA
PHOTOGRAPHY
“When people walked through the door, they weren’t clients. They were families who had lost everything,” says Nate Freeman. In the aftermath of the Marshall Fire, CORE Residential became far more than a real estate brokerage. For nearly two years, Nate Freeman and Tom Studebaker worked 15-hour days, helping more than 150 families rebuild their lives after fire reduced entire neighborhoods to ash. Many arrived with no clothes, no home, and no idea where to begin.
Many had never intended to build a home. CORE stepped in to guide them through insurance disputes, construction decisions, and overwhelming emotional stress.
“We were holding people’s hands and saying, ‘We’ve got you. This will be easier than you think,’” Nate says. “That was so much more than real estate.”
Tom agrees. “They had to trust us almost overnight,” he says. “That’s a huge responsibility, and one we didn’t take lightly.”
Helping families rebuild became the most meaningful work of their careers. “It was complex and a lot of work,” Tom says, “but it was also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”
CORE was ready for the challenge. This brokerage was built to last. CORE Residential didn’t come from a whiteboard
built the hard way. Think market crashes, corporate exits, long winters, long days, and a grounding belief that real estate could be done better, smarter, and with people at the center of every decision.
Broker-Owners Nate and Tom are two industry veterans whose partnership was forged long before the company name ever existed.
Two Very Different Roads, One Shared Industry
Nate grew up in Fort Collins and now calls Superior home. His path into real estate wasn’t exactly planned. While attending CSU with the intention of becoming a teacher, he found himself student-teaching at Monarch High School and commuting daily in a beat-up car that barely survived the drive from Fort Collins to Boulder.
“I was driving this total junker back and forth every day,” Nate says. “At some point, reality set in. I needed a different plan.”
He entered real estate in 2004 and quickly discovered that the people side of the business was what hooked him. “Being part of someone purchasing or building a home just turned into a really fun experience,” he says.
For Tom, real estate was practically woven into his upbringing. A Boulder native, Tom grew up surrounded by the industry. His family was in the real estate, development and building business.
“I kind of fell into it,” Tom says. “Out of college, I went straight into new construction, selling homes in projects we were building and developing in the Boulder area.”
Licensed in 1994, Tom found his stride in the complexity of new construction. “It’s not selling a widget,” he says. “Every transaction is different. Every deal has layers.”
A Market Crash and an Unexpected Partnership
Nate and Tom first crossed paths in 2011, at the height of the real estate market crash. Nate was managing a sales team when Tom’s business, like so many others at the time, nearly disappeared.
“I went from dozens of clients to almost no business at all,” Tom says. “I didn’t have two pennies to rub together.”
Tom had a transaction in Nate’s community and made a bold ask. “I just said, ‘Hey, I need a job,’” Tom recalls. Nate hired him and became his boss.
“That’s really how this whole thing started,” Tom says. “We worked together, and over time, we built a real relationship.”
After four years, Nate climbed the corporate ladder and accepted a position in Minnesota. Two years—and one brutal winter later—he was done. “Eight months of bitter cold was unbearable,” Nate says. “I knew I had to get back to Colorado.”
Flipping
the Script and Building CORE
Back in Colorado, Tom was managing a large new construction project with Remington Homes in Superior. When Nate called to say he was returning and wanted out of corporate real estate, the timing aligned.
“He came back, and we kind of flipped roles,” Nate says. “I went from being his boss to working for him, but honestly, I’ve never really been his boss, and he’s never really been mine.”
Tom was at RE/MAX at the time, but the model no longer made sense. Nate had a different idea.
“He said, ‘Why don’t we just start our own real estate company?’” Nate says. “That ended up being the best business decision we ever made.”
In 2015, CORE Residential was born.
“We wanted something simple,” Tom explains. “Our names were a mouthful, and we couldn’t even get a URL. CORE just worked—Colorado Real Estate. It felt right.”
A Business Built on Long-Term Relationships
From the beginning, CORE grew without advertising or big social media pushes. Instead, growth came through referrals and reputation.
“We didn’t market,” Nate says. “We just took care of our clients and did a good job. That’s how everything grew.”
Today, new construction is CORE’s largest niche. The team has helped build roughly 400 homes over the past 11 years.
“One of the coolest parts of new construction is the time,” Nate says. “You’re not working with someone for 30 days. You’re working with them for 10 months, sometimes a year or more.”
That time creates depth. “You go from a blank lot to someone’s dream home,” he adds. “That’s way more rewarding.”
Property management followed organically, filling a need for long-term client care.
A Yin-Yang Partnership That Works
Nate and Tom credit their success to their differences. Nate is in the thick of raising two young daughters, balancing school pickups, hockey three times a week, and family travel. Tom’s children are grown, his marriage spans more than 34 years, and his free time often revolves around golf. They work together, play golf together, cook together, and even competed in an Iron Chef-style challenge against clients.
“We’re basically a couple,” Nate jokes.
Looking Ahead
CORE’s future is focused and intentional. Growth will continue through property management, niche residential work, and long-term client relationships.
Our motto is simple,” Nate says. “From first home to retirement—and everything in between—we’re there.”
At its core, CORE Residential is about stewardship of homes, of relationships, and of trust.
“This business lets us wear a lot of hats,” Tom says. “It keeps things interesting. It keeps things human.”
And that, more than anything, is what defines CORE.
CORE Residential (720) 465-7752
Hello@CoreResidentialCo.com
Tom Studebaker Tom@coreresidentialco.com (303) 229-6485
Nate Freeman Nate@coreresidentialco.com (303) 847- 8675
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
I’ve had several friends with teenagers inquire about the effects of frequent use of smart phones and other technology. I did some research and although it is still too soon to know long term side effects, these are the results I found.
Social media use among young people is nearly universal based on surveys from the Pew Research Center (a nonpartisan fact tank). In 2022, up to 95% of teenagers surveyed (ages 13 to 17) reported using social media, and more than a third of them use it “almost constantly.” Social media has become an integral part of our lives.
Although there are some benefits such as communication, connectivity, and access to learning it is also important to recognize the potential harm and influence that social media can have on young minds, such as risky behavior, addictive tendencies, social isolation, interference with sleep or physical activity, and vulnerability to bullying or inappropriate social comparisons.
Social media use has been associated with negative outcomes for younger populations.
Social media’s “badness” depends on usage. Excessive use is linked to anxiety, depression, poor body image, sleep issues, cyberbullying, and addiction (due to dopamine hits from likes/notifications), fueling comparison and FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). While it offers connection and support, overconsumption distracts from real life. It can also spread misinformation, and create pressure, making it harmful, especially for youth.
An October 2024 report by the CDC found that frequent social media use, reported by threequarters of U.S. high school students, was associated with a greater prevalence of bullying (both online and in person), feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and a serious consideration of suicide. It was noted that teens who had four or more hours of screen time each day were more likely to experience anxiety and depression.
Another report by the University of South Florida and The Harris Poll found that among 11-to-13-year-olds who posted to social media often, 28% had symptoms of severe anxiety, compared to 11% of those who never posted or shared online.
It has been shown that excessive use of social media can harm teens by disrupting important healthy behaviors. Some researchers think that exposure to social media can overstimulate the brain’s reward center which can trigger pathways comparable to addiction.
Clinicians, researchers, young people and their families are concerned about the impact of social media on youth mental health. Social media use is ubiquitous among youth, and the increasing suicide rate in this group in the past two decades is alarming.
In the 1990’s teens barely set foot in a psychiatrist’s office. Today a clinician sees several kids a day for mental health.
One clear connection between social media and youth mental health is the impact of social media use on children’s sleep. Dozens of studies on the effects of excessive social media use have found a consistent relationship with poor sleep quality, reduced sleep duration, difficulty sleeping, and depression among young people.
We know that sleep plays a crucial role in healthy adolescent development. Changes in sleep patterns due to biological and environmental factors are well documented. However, research shows a relationship between social media use and poor sleep quality; later bedtimes and inadequate sleep, i.e., short and disrupted sleep patterns, insomnia and daytime sleepiness, have become increasingly common. For teens, poor sleep is also linked to emotional health issues and a higher risk of suicide.
There is also sleep deprivation among teens due to having phones in the bedroom. Many admitted they went to sleep between 1-4 am on school nights because they were on their phones. Parents need to have more supervision and restrict phone usage in the bedroom.
While precise direct death statistics solely from social media in 2025 aren’t available, recent reports confirm rising youth suicide rates, increased problematic social media use (especially among 11-15 year olds), and studies linking heavy use to higher suicidal thoughts, depression, and cyberbullying.
Suicide rates among youth have risen concurrently with the rise of social media platforms. Social media does not ‘cause’ suicide, but the brain is going through a sensitive period between ages 10 and 19, when identities and feelings of self-worth are forming. It has been noted that frequent social media use may be associated with distinct changes in the developing brain, which can potentially affect emotional learning and behavior, impulse and emotional control, and brain development.
Tom Kersting, a licensed and practicing psychotherapist, school counselor, best-selling author and nationally recognized speaker, says:
“We live in a society that is not mentally well. Mental health seems to have a negative connotation. It is my goal to flip that script so that people look at mental health from a perspective of wellness and power. The biggest contributor to poor mental health is screen time. Too much screen time distracts people from knowing their deeper self and prevents them from strengthening their mind and emotions.”
Kersting says, “I talk about it in my book, ‘Disconnected’ when I was working as a high school counselor. I began noticing an incredible uptick in the number of teenagers being diagnosed with ADHD, which didn’t make sense considering that the average age of diagnosis is age eight. I began doing extensive research on why this was happening, and everything pointed to screen overuse and subsequent brain neuroplasticity. Kids’ brain pathways were changing because of too much screen time, which was causing the symptoms
of ADHD. From there it progressed to other mental conditions, namely anxiety and depression.”
In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill— targeting infinite scrolling, auto-play videos, and algorithmic feeds that encourage prolonged use—into law on Dec. 26,2025.
To address the youth mental health crisis by limiting exposure to harmful, dopamine-driven algorithms for minors, New York has new laws and proposed regulations to protect children from potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use. The ‘SAFE for Kids Act’ requires social media apps to display warnings to young users about the addictive nature of their feeds.
She says: “With the amount of information that can be shared online, it is essential that we prioritize mental health and take the steps necessary to ensure that people are aware of any potential risks.”
Studies highlighted in the legislation suggest that teens spending more than three hours daily on social media face doubled risks of anxiety and depression symptoms with eating disorders being another concern. About half of adolescents report that platforms worsen their body image.. A review of 50 studies across 17 countries between 2016 and 2021 published in PLOS Global Public Health suggested that relentless online exposure to unattainable physical ideals may trigger a distorted sense of self and eating disorders particularly among girls.
In a review from 2023 Trusted Source: Children’s heavy reliance on screen media has raised serious public health issues since it might harm their cognitive, linguistic, and social-emotional growth. This study examines the effects of screen time on kids with a wide range of cognitive consequences, both beneficial and detrimental. Screens can improve education and learning; but too much time in front of a screen and other media has been related to decrease attention, academic performance and can have an impact on language development.
In his book, ‘Disconnected’, Tom Kersting says: “There’s no denying the clear connection between overuse of devices--smartphones, computers, and video games-and the growing mental health crisis, especially in our children. Too much screen time has a real, measurable effect on kids’ brains, self-esteem, emotional development, and social skills. We aren’t controlling our devices anymore--they’re controlling us.
“The government needs to identify the main causes of our current mental health epidemic, which is screen addiction, and regulate social media and other platforms so that people can de-hypnotize themselves out of the lonely, time-sucking, relationship-killing black hole. People can then find freedom and return to being social/emotional beings again.”
Parents should be role models and that means following all the same rules they set for their children. If children/teens should limit their screen time, parents should do so as well. We all notice that it’s not uncommon to see parents looking at their phones when they are out with their kids.
Parents should be the first to supervise their children and teach the importance of reconnecting to family, friends, and self. And one way this can be done is by disconnecting more frequently from our smart phones and devices.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35164464/ https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/digital-dementia https://livewell.care/can-excessive-screen-time-cause-digital-dementia/ https://www.theepochtimes.com/epochtv/screens-stress-and-a-generation-in-crisis-a-therapist-and-a-pediatrician-share-how-smartphones-and-socialmedia-are-rewiring-childhood-capitol-report-5962966?ea_src=author_manual&ea_med=related_stories https://www.mymomentumcare.com/lifestyle-diseases/ https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/new-york-to-require-warning-labels-on-social-media-platforms-5963257?ea_src=ai_recommender&ea_ med=desktop_news&test_user_group=b https://medium.com/authotity-magazine/mental-health-champions-why-how-thomas-kersting-of-valley-family-counseling-is-helping-to-9a3a43b0daad https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2025/attorney-general-james-releases-proposed-rules-safe-kids-act-restrict-addictive
