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Your Local Specialists for Back Pain Relief

Your spine and joints hold you up, help you move and give you strength and agility. When pain slows down your life, you need expert orthopedic care. Whether you’re experiencing chronic pain or recovering from an injury or surgery, AdventHealth’s orthopedic specialists are here to fully support you with treatments ranging from total knee and hip replacements to sports medicine and physical therapy. It’s the care you need to move toward renewal — so you can feel whole again.

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So Much To Celebrate This Summer

Happy June, Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree. Time to fire up the grill, linger on the patio, slow down. I feel as each new season rolls around in Colorado, I declare that particular one to be my favorite.

But June just feels luxurious to me — the softer mornings and evenings, the feeling that the red carpet has just been rolled out with an entire summer of possibilities.

There’s outdoor music and festivals, farmers mar kets, the Highlands Ranch Community Association’s Mountain Bike Series, shows at Red Rocks, weekend trips to the mountains, lots of exploring on our trails right here in Douglas County (such adventure even on weeknights). So much to do and love.

This month, we hope you linger on these pages over our stories celebrating our 2026 Men of Influence. We’re proud to share just a peek into the heart behind these businessmen, husbands, dads, and community leaders.

And check out our Pinterest-worthy golf-trip guide by a local aficionado who knows a thing or two about teeing off fun with the buddies.

We also present our second in a series on our unique community gem, the Highlands Ranch Mansion. This month we explore the beautiful Mansion grounds and the heart and work that has gone into them. If you’d like to read the first in our series, head to our website, citylifestyle.com/highlandsranch and search “Highlands Ranch At Home,” which originally ran in our March 2026 Home issue.

There’s so much to do and explore this month in Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree and we’re here for it. But here’s also to slow, longer evenings on the porch, glass of sweet tea and good book in hand.

See you around town, Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree! JENNIFER STARBUCK, PUBLISHER

June 2026

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Starbuck | jennifer.starbuck@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Sonja Nix | sonja.nix@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Angie Jehu | angie.jehu@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Kristen Gonzales

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sonja Nix, Brandon Upah

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Angela Grissom, Brittany Dawn Short

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

inside the issue

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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

The South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce hosted its sold-out 2026 Business Awards Show on April 24 at the Denver Hilton Inverness hotel. bestchamber.com 1: Jandel Allen-Davis of Craig Hospital, winner of the Brian Vogt Community Leader of the Year (Individual) 2: World War II veteran Howard Berger, aged 102, honored with the Warrior Bonfire Program. 3: Blush Now owner Nikita Jhaveri. 4: Chamber Champion of the Year (Individual): Peggy King of Vectra Bank 5: Sazón Restaurant owner Lisha Quintana. 6: From left, Diamond Espinosa, Michelle Oddo, Candi Gutierrez, and Caitlin Weimer 7: Guardian Pest Management owners Michelle and Sean Meade. Photography by Pink Poppy Media/Amanda Maughmer

Design

Inspiration

8: Rising Star Award winner, Discover Strength Lone Tree, owners Saif Ahmed and Wafa Qureshi. 9: Cranelli’s Restaurant owners Lasinda and

11-15: On April 16, HRCL hosted its Bizz Buzz with partner Abloom. Guests enjoyed fresh coffee and Abloom’s mobile design-your-own-bouquet cart, a charming addition to any gathering, from corporate mixers to bridal showers. 16-17: Backstage secret: At the Lone Tree Arts Center, the magic doesn’t just happen in front of the curtain. Most performers who take the stage design and sign a commemorative brick to leave their mark on LTAC history. Following April’s successful run of its in-house production of Steel Magnolias, the cast added this beautiful creation to the walls. 16: Back Row: Marcus Turner and Randy St. Pierre. Front Row: The Cast - Jacque Wilke, Erika Mori, Heidi Carann Snider, Kate Gleason, Billie McBride, Sheryl McCallum

business monthly

A New Creative Space in South Denver

Longtime Highlands Ranch resident Rita Bhasin invites the community to experience her newly opened art studio in South Denver. Born in Kenya and of Indian heritage, Rita is now deeply rooted in Colorado and brings a multicultural perspective to her work. Her artistry shines in vibrant Southwest landscapes and distinctive still-life paintings, shaped by a life lived across continents and cultures. Attend Rita’s inaugural studio walk on June 12 and 13 at 2555 S Santa Fe Drive. Ritabhasinart.com

Phase One Begins on High Note Park

The City of Lone Tree and South Suburban Park and Recreation District officially broke ground on High Note Park on April 29. It is located along Happy Canyon Creek near I-25 and RidgeGate Parkway in Lone Tree. It will feature scenic trails, expansive green spaces, performance venues, and interactive play areas. Construction of Phase One is anticipated to continue through 2026, with an expected opening in 2027. To learn more: cityoflonetree.com/highnotepark

THE ULTIMATE WORKSPACE

Titan Car Condos is now offering workspace condos designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Units are designed as high-end and customizable to adapt to your lifestyle — whether you are scaling a business or refining a hobby.

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ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ANGELA MARIE CREATIVE AND PROVIDED

2026 Men of Influence

PERSPECTIVES ON HOW FIVE NOTABLE MEN DEFINE PURPOSE AND FIND BALANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Chris Arena

ARENA PERFORMANCE & MUAY

THAI PROFESSIONAL FIGHTER

As the digital world and AI take up more space in our daily lives, and knowing what’s real online becomes harder, we’ve asked the 2026 Men of Influence how they stay grounded, authentic. Professional Muay Thai fighter and Highlands Ranch resident Chris Arena has already fought for authenticity and emerged a champion. Arena struggled with addiction as a young person but found the discipline to radically change his life through the art of Muay Thai and the guidance of mentors in the sport. Now, Arena is a professional Muay Thai fighter, coach and performance specialist who also has a heart for

helping seniors and people suffering from Parkinson’s disease build physical and mental resilience — and live stronger lives.

Here, Arena, who moved to Highlands Ranch seven years ago with his wife (she grew up here), talks about his love of Muay Thai and how the sport helps him show up authentically for himself and his community.

TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOURSELF.

I was born in Boston, Mass., and grew up in Pennsylvania, and it wasn’t a straight path. I struggled with addiction in my teens and early 20s, a period marked by instability, poor choices, and without a clear sense of purpose.

At 23, I got clean, which became a turning point. Shortly after, I walked into a Muay Thai gym and something immediately clicked. Training gave me structure, discipline, and purpose. I went from smoking a pack of cigarettes a day to quitting cold turkey after one practice, knowing I wanted to commit fully to this new path.

Over time, Muay Thai became more than a sport; it became the foundation for rebuilding my life. Addiction took people close to me, deepening my commitment to living differently and helping others do the same. Today, I am a devoted Muay Thai coach and practitioner, passionate about sharing the art.

WHAT IS MUAY THAI?

Muay Thai, from Thailand, is a striking-focused combat sport known as the Art of Eight Limbs, using punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and clinch work, with all action taking place standing. The discipline emphasizes balance, rhythm, and clean scoring strikes.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A PROFESSIONAL FIGHTER AND TRAINER?

I grew up playing football, basketball, and competitive swimming, which built a strong athletic foundation. My first Muay Thai coach in Pittsburgh was David Reese, and after relocating to Colorado, I connected with Coach Oscar Martinez at the Muay Thai Academy. Both played a pivotal role in guiding my development and professional fight career.

Through consistent training, competition, and the support of experienced coaches, I transitioned to the professional ranks. Becoming a professional fighter and trainer has been a collective effort, shaped by discipline, mentorship, and continuous improvement.

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND TO BE THE BENEFITS OF MUAY THAI?

Physically, it builds strength, endurance, coordination, and overall conditioning in ways few sports can match. Mentally, it

develops discipline, focus, and fortifies self-confidence. You learn how to stay composed under pressure and push through discomfort, which carries over into everyday life. What I’ve found most impactful is the sense of personal growth and confidence it creates. Muay Thai challenges you to confront your limits and steadily work past them.

TELL US ABOUT THE WORK YOU DO WITH PARKINSON’S PATIENTS.

I lead a boxing-based training class designed specifically for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, and it has become one of the most meaningful parts of my work. This cause is personal, as I lost my grandfather to the disease.

The training focuses on improving balance, coordination, mobility, and overall functional strength, the areas impacted by Parkinson’s. Through structured, repetitive movement and striking drills, participants experience improvements in reaction time, posture, and confidence. Just as important, the class creates a supportive community where individuals encourage one another and stay engaged.

It’s an incredibly rewarding experience to be part of that progress.

YOUR PROFESSIONAL WORK IS VERY PHYSICAL, WHICH SEEMS LIKE THE PERFECT ANTIDOTE TO SOCIETY’S MOVE TOWARDS A DIGITAL EXISTENCE. WHAT IS ONE ‘UNFILTERED’ LIFE LESSON MORE IMPORTANT THAN A HIGHLIGHT REEL?

Consistency matters more than intensity. Highlight reels make success look like a few big moments, but real progress is usually slow, repetitive, and can feel like nothing is happening. The work is showing up on ordinary days when motivation is low, and results aren’t yet noticeable. The real challenge isn’t finding a breakthrough; it’s staying engaged through boredom, doubt, and delay. People who achieve meaningful results are just the ones who didn’t quit in that unglamorous middle stretch.

HOW DO YOU USE THE TOOLS THAT AI OFFERS WHILE REMAINING AUTHENTIC?

In Muay Thai, AI is useful for preparation, but not performance. It can help study patterns, structure training camps, track progress, and provide coaching insights. The key is that it stays in the background, strengthening your understanding rather than replacing your instincts. Authenticity lives in the ring, and decisions under pressure can only be built through real rounds.

ARENA’S IMPACT ISN’T JUST FELT BY ATHLETES; IT’S LIFE-CHANGING FOR CLIENTS LIKE MICHAEL LEMAN. HERE, LEMAN SHARES HIS JOURNEY AS A “PARKIE” AND THE BENEFITS OF HIS TRAINING.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in late December 2021, which altered the course of my life and retirement travel plans. Suspecting that my mobility would diminish, I embarked on a rigorous exercise program to slow the disease’s progression. A fellow patient suggested therapeutic boxing as a proven approach for mitigating symptoms and promoting cardiovascular fitness.

Chris takes us through a rigorous warm-up followed by a series of classic boxing moves. Literally “hands-on” training, Chris’ coaching has given me new confidence in movement, balance, and cognitive processing. And one heck of a good cardio workout!

Be sure to check out Chris Arena’s professional fight on Pay-Per-View, June 6. freedomfighterpromotions.com

@Chris__Arena & arenaperformance.co

Favorite Part of Lone Tree? “The opportunities, thriving businesses, world-class restaurants, open spaces, transit, and the arts. The view of Downtown Denver from the Bluffs is amazing.”

Jeff

Holwell

DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS,

CITY

OF LONE TREE

TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOURSELF.

I grew up in Littleton and attended Arapahoe High School. Back then, Highlands Ranch was just starting to develop; I learned to drive in a parking lot that is now Total Wine. When the University of Colorado won the National Football Championship in 1990, I knew I was destined to be a Buff, and I hold a BA and MPA degree from CU. I’ve lived all over the metro area and have built my career advocating for the South Metro area and the State of Colorado. I am lucky to serve as an advocate and promoter of this community.

WHAT IS ONE PART OF YOUR LIFE YOU’VE INTENTIONALLY KEPT ‘OFF-THE-GRID ‘?

Much of my life outside of work is “off the grid” because our community offers great recreational opportunities like skiing and hiking, which are easy to enjoy without a phone. My favorite sports teams are the Broncos, Buffs, and Avalanche. They are always interesting, whether winning or not. As Generation X, we were independent long before the grid.

HOW DO YOU INTEGRATE THE TOOLS THAT AI OFFERS WHILE REMAINING AUTHENTIC?

I use it every day. Like email, the internet, iPhones, and social media before it, AI is just a tool. It’s important to take initiative, be creative, and lead things that technology can’t do. In fact, I wrote these responses without using AI.

www.cityoflonetree.com

Part of

South Metro

TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOURSELF.

I grew up on the Western Slope with a love of the outdoors, then attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where I met my wife, for both undergraduate and medical school. My Emergency Medicine residency was at the Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. I spent a couple more years serving as chief resident and practicing emergency medicine before returning home to Colorado. I’ve been working at AdventHealth Littleton since 2011. I’m a dad of two remarkable teenagers, strongly rooted in Colorado with our entire extended family nearby.

WHAT TACTILE RITUAL DO YOU RELY ON TO STAY GROUNDED IN AN INCREASINGLY DIGITAL WORLD?

I bake. Every week, I make bread, bagels, English muffins, and other goodies for my family. In baking bread, recipes are a guide, but using all your senses and getting your hands in the dough is how you get it right. It is a tactile and present experience that the digital world doesn’t offer.

HOW HAVE YOU INTEGRATED AI TOOLS WHILE REMAINING AUTHENTIC?

Like many, I have some misgivings about AI and its ramifications. That said, medicine offers great examples of the potential to amplify our humanity rather than replace it. I use AI extensively to chart, which allows me to spend more time at the bedside with patients. AI already outperforms physicians in EKG interpretation and synthesizing large amounts of clinical data. Using it as a second set of eyes provides an extra margin of safety for my patients without replacing hard-cultivated clinical experience.

Favorite Part of Highlands Ranch? “The community it offers. We have so many regulars. I’ve already built great relationships with our neighbors in just the short time I’ve been here.”

Stefan Dzara

CO-OWNER, TAZIKI’S HIGHLANDS RANCH

TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOURSELF.

I grew up in Melbourne, Florida, and started college in Quincy, Illinois, where I met my wife. I later transferred to Middle Tennessee State University, ended up in the restaurant world, and I have loved it. That path led me to an opportunity to move to Colorado as a part-owner of Taziki’s, and I’ve been all in ever since. I love what I do and love living here.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN A LIFE THAT SIMPLY LOOKS GOOD AND A LIFE THAT ACTUALLY FEELS GOOD?

My family and I share a lot about our lives as online content creators. However, when we are home, we are home. We don’t share our daily lives at home, work, or school. There will always be big shiny things, but as long as I stay true to myself, my family values, and do things that truly make us happy, that’s what matters. We live in an instant-gratification world, but it’s important to take a step back, wait a day or two, and remember my values and what’s truly going to make me feel good.

HOW DO YOU INTEGRATE THE TOOLS THAT AI OFFERS WHILE REMAINING AUTHENTIC?

I use AI daily to manage my emails, correct grammar and spelling, and express my thoughts more clearly. I don’t let the tool do everything for me; I want people to know I’m really a human.

tazikis.com & @coloradokidadventures

Favorite Part of Highlands Ranch? “The people! They are outgoing, outdoorsy, and care deeply about their families. Plus, minutes from my front door, I can find great outdoor spaces.”

Eric Rysner

TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOURSELF.

I grew up in the Chicago area and completed my undergraduate degree in Ergonomic Engineering at the University of Illinois in Champaign. After college, I moved to Winter Park to pursue my dream as a ski bum while applying to law school. After meeting a girl, now my wife of over 30 years, I decided dentistry was a better fit. I graduated from Creighton Dental School and have been in private practice since 2002. Now “pretired,” I practice dentistry two days a week, and my wife and I volunteer in the Winter Park Host program. I joke that we have learned nothing, since we are back where we started. I also serve on the Highlands Ranch Metro District as Treasurer and board member.

WHAT IS ONE ‘UNFILTERED’ LIFE LESSON YOU BELIEVE IS MORE VALUABLE THAN A HIGHLIGHT REEL OF YOUR SUCCESS?

I try to surround myself with successful people. The present state of anyone’s success is boring and irrelevant to me. I much prefer the stories of failure and struggle that led to success. I love discussing the “I almost, but didn’t” experiences. I relish the pain and persistence that led me to where I am now.

HOW DO YOU INTEGRATE THE TOOLS THAT AI OFFERS WHILE REMAINING AUTHENTIC?

We use AI in planning complex surgical and restorative cases. We employ 3D CAD/ CAM and printing to manufacture precise, aesthetic restorations for patients, but I never forget that technology is no substitute for compassion and kindness.

HRfamilydentistry.com

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ARTICLE BY BRANDON UPAH AND SONJA NIX

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

MASTER Your NEXT GOLF TRIP

An Insider’s Playbook for Planning Your Next Golf Vacation

For Brandon Upah, an avid golf traveler and diligent trip planner, the true highlight of any golf trip isn’t the stroke count; it’s the camaraderie. Upah has mastered the art of planning golf trips. From Scotland to Mexico, Pebble Beach to Myrtle Beach, he shares his top destinations and lessons learned.

BRANDON’S PLANNING PHILOSOPHY:

I love planning trips to participate in my favorite pastime: golf. My planning philosophy includes de-emphasizing prestige. While there are some bucket-list destinations on this list, I’ve also played smaller, lesser-known courses and enjoyed them just as much. Keeping the group smaller, often 8 players or fewer, creates what I consider to be the best part of a golf trip: the time spent together off the course.

BRANDON’S TOP GOLF DESTINATIONS & KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

• The Place: One of the most versatile golf destinations in the country. Allows golfers to stay centrally, play 36-hole days, and still have access to Old Town nightlife and casinos. Courses range from $60 to $600 within a short drive. Played TPC Scottsdale, We-Ko-Pa, Grayhawk, Quintero, Gold Canyon, and Talking Stick across three trips.

• What to Know: Travel from October through March to avoid melting on the course. Travel during the shoulder season kept costs down, but meant temperatures of 105 degrees and nighttime “lows” of 92.

• Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

• The Place: The group stayed at Barefoot Resort and played the Norman, Fazio, and Love courses, as well as the World Tour course. The World Tour course is a unique layout featuring recreations of iconic holes from Augusta, St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and more.

• The Key Lesson: A budget-friendly, high-volume golf destination with a relaxed vibe. The trip was all about easy golf, good company, and a laid-back atmosphere.

• Location: Palm Springs, California

• The Place: Tahquitz Creek, TPC Stadium, Norman, Escena, Classic Club, Terra Lago, Big Rock, and Celebrity. A pure golf marathon, the group played 36 holes for three straight days. Big Rock was the surprise standout, where golfers cross city streets in their carts, wait at crosswalks with pedestrians, and finish the day at a clubhouse that turns into a live-music bar.

• The Key Lesson: The group landed at 11 a.m., drove straight to the course, played 18 holes, then played three straight days of 36 holes, and another 18 before heading to the airport. That is a lot of golf but worth it for our group.

• Location: Scotland (Edinburgh & St. Andrews)

• The Place: A true bucket-list experience. The group played the Old Course, Jubilee, Kingsbarns, Monifieth, Muirfield, North Berwick, Elie, and Scotscraig. The defining moment was standing on the first tee of the Old Course, looking out toward the

Swilcan Bridge. It was a surreal feeling to know how many legends had stood in that exact spot.

• Key Lesson: Getting an Old Course tee time required months of planning and a bit of luck. Four people called to get into the lottery. Only one succeeded.

• Location: Mesquite, Nevada / St. George, Utah

• The Place: Mesquite: Wolf Creek and St. George: Copper Rock, Sky Mountain, Sunbrook, and Coral Canyon. COVIDera casino experience with 7-foot plexiglass dividers, and the discovery that Mesquite had exactly one Uber driver.

• What to Know: This trip delivered a huge lesson in planning. The group found a perfect Airbnb in Mesquite, only to discover that Wolf Creek was the only one still open, with the others closed for overseeding. The group couldn’t cancel, so they drove an hour each day to golf. Even though it was a logistical nightmare, the group still had off-course fun like nightly putting competitions on the backyard green.

Top left: Scottsdale, AZ. Top right: Palm Springs, CA. Bottom left, Scotland, United Kingdom.

BRANDON’S ESSENTIAL PLANNING ADVICE

1. Secure Tee Times First: Research far in advance, as must-play courses often release tee times 6-12 months in advance. Securing tee times determines everything else: dates, lodging, and group size.

2. Time Your Trip Carefully: Compare green fees by season. Prices can vary significantly, but avoid extreme weather seasons, which affect comfort and safety.

3. Confirm Course Availability Before Lodging: Don’t book lodging until you confirm course availability to avoid logistical headaches.

4. Prioritize Proximity Over Perfection: Select lodging based on the courses you will play. A great house in the wrong part of town can turn a trip into hours of driving, which drains energy and kills the vibe.

5. Optimize Lodging Amenities: Choose accommodations that prioritize comfort and recovery. No one wants to share a bedroom, and amenities like a pool or hot tub are ideal for recovery.

6. Keep Group Size Manageable: Compatible dynamics matter more than handicap or skill. So while eight golfers is ideal for tee times, rental cars, and reservations, you want to avoid filling extra spots with people who don’t mesh, even if it means bringing only six.

7. Avoid Overscheduling: While some courses offer 36-hole options, too many back-to-back 36-hole days can leave the group exhausted and unable to enjoy evenings or the destination.

8. Customize Trip Length:

1. Domestic Trips: Aim for 2 full days and 2 half days of golfing. For the Western U.S., travel on Thursday morning and return Sunday evening. For the Eastern Seaboard, travel on Wednesday morning to allow for the extra day of travel.

2. International Trips: Plan for 8-9 days. This duration provides enough time for both golf and tourist activities, so you don’t miss the non-golf sights.

“The true highlight of any golf trip isn’t the stroke count; it’s the camaraderie.”

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AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST

Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short

Creative Director: Jen Birn

Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill

Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX

MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.

After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.

Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?

A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When in all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”

THE QUIET STANDARD:

MIKE JOHNSON

“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”

— Mike Johnson

Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?

A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”

Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?

A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”

This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

MIKE JOHNSON

BEYOND THE TURRET: The Living History Rooted IN THE MANSION GROUNDS

Electric Blooms to a 200-acre Expansion, Discover the Mansion Ground’s Botanical Heart and Ranching Soul

ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE HIGHLANDS RANCH METRO DISTRICT

Editor’s Note: This is the second in our series on our community treasure, the Highlands Ranch Mansion. To read the first story, go to citylifestyle.com/highlandsranch and search “Highlands Ranch At Home.”

The Highlands Ranch Mansion stands as a proud symbol of our community’s rich history, serving as a tangible reminder of the area’s transformation over the decades. What began as a modest homestead in 1891 has evolved into the magnificent estate we enjoy today.

The property’s origins as a ranch date back to the turn of the 20th century, a legacy still represented today next door at the Clough Cattle Co., while its past as an orchard is recalled by the apple trees across the street. Today, the Mansion’s grounds are a popular locale for important life events, including weddings, community functions, photoshoots, and even the occasional social media influencer.

The current gardens were added during the Mansion’s renovation, which began in 2010, upon the conveyance of the Mansion from Shea Homes to the Highlands Ranch Metro District. When renovations began, ivy had grown so thick across the front facade that the windows were blocked, requiring two full dumpsters for disposal.

A central feature is “Marion’s Garden,” named for the former on-site resident and wife of the longtime grounds foreman for the Phipps family. The garden is a living memorial honoring Marion’s life and serves as a meaningful link to the property’s rich history, highlighting its importance as a community heritage site.

Seen from above, the garden is designed to resemble a flower. The central stamen shape, with a sculpture by Brian Muller, invites visitors to appreciate its thoughtful design and beauty.

Lily of the Valley

Lucifer's Flower

One of the flower beds holds Lily of the Valley, Marion’s favorite flower, along with other shade-loving plants, such as Dicentra (Bleeding Hearts) and Heuchera (Coral Bells). As visitors move through the garden, the sun exposure changes from fully shaded to dappled shade to full sun, adjusting the perennial variety to the blooming season.

One plant of note, the Delosperma, or Ice Plant, blooms late spring into mid-summer. Steve Patrilla, Highlands Ranch Metro District’s Parks Maintenance Supervisor, says, “The violet ice plant is so bright, you can hardly look at it without sunglasses.”’

Central Stamen in Marion's garden surrounded by Ice Plant

Jupiter's Beard

display

Bleeding Hearts

The front lawns and circle drive are wedding-venue favorites. The mansion’s turret and Tudor-style addition serve as a backdrop to plants with old-school elegance, such as bridal wreath spirea, daphne, and roses.

Moving around to the back of the Mansion, visitors find “the well,” a structure reminiscent of a wishing well. Patrilla explains, ‘It’s actually not a well. It was a barbecue pit. You can still see where the grates sat and where the fire access door was. Now it’s a flower bed for annuals.”

Colorado-scaping, found in the central bed behind the mansion, includes plants that thrive in semi-arid conditions, such as high-performance, low-maintenance, multi-colored Jupiter’s Beard and Vinca. The gardens are designed to be accessible and welcoming, making them a perfect spot for strolls, community gatherings, and quiet reflection.

Another popular wedding spot in Marion’s garden is the backyard gazebo. It looks out over quintessential Colorado plains onto a distant windmill.

Sherry Eppers, the District’s Community Relations Manager, notes, “There have been several weddings under the gazebo, with a windmill in the background. In summer, when the grass is high, the horses are grazing, it’s like you’re not in a city at all.”

Spruce trees are found throughout the gardens, and Rocky Mountain Junipers, often mistaken for cedars, define the landscape. Impressively, the trees that stand now are the great survivors of 2023’s tornado.

On April 30, 2026, the final land conveyance from Shea Homes to the District added 200 acres to the grounds of the mansion. This includes the land and all the buildings that the Clough Cattle Co. currently leases, as well as acreage on which the windmill to the south sits. The district will soon launch a broad outreach campaign to gather community input on the future uses of the newly acquired land and to keep residents informed about upcoming enhancements and opportunities to participate.

From historic ranching roots to a newly expanded estate, the Mansion’s grounds provide an evolving testament to community history, with a bright future ahead shaped by those who now call Highlands Ranch home.

Favorite Flowering Plants

Found on the Mansion Grounds:

• Columbine: spring-blooming, shade-loving, Colorado’s state flower.

• Ajuga: A low-water groundcover with purple bloom stalks

• May Night Salvia: a popular, hearty western landscape favorite

• Penstemon: a water-friendly plant that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

• Yarrow: A drought-tolerant plant

• Lucifer’s Flower: Noted for its distinct red flowers.

• Tulips: Center of the circle drive

• Peonies: traditional garden flower in a variety of colors

• Vinca: fast spreading, low-maintenance ground cover

• Plains Grasses: water-friendly landscape providing vertical interest

• Bridal Wreath Spirea: apropos-named deciduous shrub with arching branches

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JUNE 4TH

HRCA Summer Concert Series Lineup Is Set

Highland Heritage Regional Park | 6:30 PM

Bring a blanket and picnic or purchase food from food trucks and get ready for a summer full of great music! The first outdoor concert kicks off Thursday, June 4th with "Shelvis and the Roustabouts". This high-energy band will get everyone dancing and singing. Be sure to check out the full line up of bands and dates: hrcaonline.org

JUNE 13TH-AUGUST 29TH (SATURDAYS)

Backcountry Wilderness Outdoor Movie Series

Backcountry Base Camp, 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton, CO 80125 | Gates open 8:00 PM

Bring your picnic dinner, popcorn, camp chairs, and cozy blankets for a magical night at the movies. You’ll set up in front of a 33-foot outdoor screen — a perfect summer tradition in the making. hrcaonline.org

JUNE 15TH

South Metro Denver Chamber 2026 Golf Tournament

Meridian Golf Club

Hit the links for a fun day of making new connections while playing golf at the South Metro Denver Chamber Annual Golf Tournament! Combining the best of business and pleasure, the tournament provides the perfect blend golf and one-on-one networking with regional business leaders. Open to the public, so register yourself or your foursome now! bestchamber.com

JUNE 20TH

Schweiger

Ranch Opens June 20th

Schweiger Ranch, Lone Tree

Schweiger Ranch will officially reopen to the public on June 20th. Registration is now open for guided tours, which will be available from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Other events in June include “Fireside Stories: Buffalo Soldiers” on the 26th and “Nature Walk: Full Moon with Bats” on the 27th. Registration is required for all events. To learn more: schweigerranch.org