Men of Integrity
In today’s world, where the loudest voices often rise above the wisest ones, it’s worth pausing to reflect on a quieter, more steadfast strength: integrity. True integrity doesn’t chase accolades or demand attention. It shows up in the small, often unnoticed moments—when no one’s watching, when the easy choice is tempting, and when standing firm might mean standing alone.
This month, we’re celebrating the men in our lives— fathers, brothers, husbands, friends, and mentors—who lead not just with words, but with character.
A man of integrity isn’t perfect. He doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out. But what sets him apart is his consistency—how he treats people, how he honors his word, and how he shows up for those who depend on him. He’s the coach who stays after practice to encourage a kid who’s struggling. The business owner who chooses honesty over shortcuts. The father who apologizes when he gets it wrong and teaches his kids that strength lies in accountability, not ego.
Integrity is also about courage. It takes courage to do the right thing when it’s inconvenient or unpopular. It takes strength to admit when you're wrong. And it takes heart to live with intention and humility, in a world that often rewards the opposite.
We know these men—they’re sitting around dinner tables, running nonprofits, coaching little league, volunteering at church, quietly working hard to make life better for the people around them. They may not always get the recognition, but their impact is real, deep, and lasting.
So, to the men of integrity: thank you. Thank you for modeling what it means to lead with character. Thank you for proving that kindness and strength are not opposites, but partners. And thank you for reminding us that living a good life isn’t about how much attention you receive—but how much better the world is because you were in it.
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Desiree Gustafson | desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Shen Wu Tan | shenwu.tan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Shen Wu Tan, Adriana Karagozian
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Monica Jean Photography, E.T.C. Photography, Kerri Sewolt, Teresa Funke, Gigi Woods, and Cleo Buchanan
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
It turns out the things we’re nostalgic for are not behind us. Walking to grab a bite with friends. Riding a bike through open space. Taking in a Front Range sunset. Living in a place where homes have character and community still means getting together. It’s all right here, at Kinston. Home of the Hub Café and part of Centerra in Loveland, Colorado. Here’s to the future.
Kinston’s inspired offering of new homes range from spacious semi-custom and stunning single-family homes to sleek low-maintenance townhomes. Plus, beautiful paired homes for lease. So a variety of people from a variety of lifestyles will find their dream home here.
Models are open daily.
Stop by for a bite and explore homes of all kinds from the $400 s to $1M+
Enroll in Power Peak Rewards
HOW IT WORKS
When everyone is using electricity all at once, like during hot summer afternoons, we call on our Power Peak Rewards members to reduce strain on the grid while keeping you comfortable.
YOUR REWARDS
Earn one $50 bill credit for enrolling. Receive an annual $30 Participation Reward after the cooling season.
Must be a PVREA member with central air conditioning or a heat pump and working Wi-Fi to participate.
Get incentives to use less energy when others are using more.
Learn more & enroll online at www.pvrea.coop/power-peak-rewards
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Colorado fair and rodeo royalty attended the Poudre Valley REA's annual meeting. 2: Allura Skin, Laser, & Wellness Clinic hosted an open house. 3: Staff at Wally's Speed Shop fixed up a 1968 Mercury Cougar. 4: Community members worked out on the patio of Club Loveland at Orchards. 5: The Loveland police department held a K-9 demonstration for Leadership Loveland for Public Safety Day. 6: Be the Gift won the BBB 2025 Torch Award for Ethics. 7: Leadership Loveland celebrated Public Safety Day.
BE THE GIFT
DEANNA C. SLOAT
DEANNA C. SLOAT
WALLY’S SPEED SHOP
CLUB LOVELAND AT ORCHARDS
ALLURA SKIN, LASER, & WELLNESS CLINIC
POUDRE VALLEY REA
Photography by NOCO Unify
8-14: NOCO Unify's 14th Annual Down & Derby Party in Windsor delivered a lively Kentucky Derby celebration with race viewing, cocktails, music, contests, and community--all in support of Northern Colorado youth.
business monthly
The Skin Lounge Celebrates Six Years in Business
Congratulations to The Skin Lounge on turning six! Amna Rafiq, founder of the skin care clinic, is grateful for those who helped her business flourish. “To our incredible clients—you are the heart of everything we do. Thank you for letting us care for your skin, your soul, and your stories. Here’s to the facials, the friendships, the growth, the glow, and everything still to come. We’re raising a glass (and a gua sha) to the next beautiful chapter!”
Sweet Heart Winery Onboards New Hospitality Director
Meet Tesoro, Sweet Heart Winery’s 4-month-old golden doodle and official Director of Hospitality! Recently featured in the Loveland Reporter-Herald, Tesoro is “a listening ear and a loving heart,” spreading joy and building community. He perfectly reflects our mission of creating experiences for people to connect — with each other, with nature, and yes… even with a puppy. - Sweet Heart Winery
Photography by The Skin Lounge
Photography by Sweet Heart Winery
Friday Afternoon Club Events at Cristiana Salon Spa
Cristiana Salon Spa is hosting a Friday Afternoon Club for its protégés! The weekly event will be held every Friday from 1:00 to 5:30 PM and costs $17.50. Attendees can come and get their hair blown out for the weekend and enjoy a glass of wine or sparkling water!
Scan to read more
Or
Colorado Family Roofing Named Certified Platinum Roofer
Loveland’s own Colorado Family Roofing has been named a Certified Platinum Roofer by one of the nation’s most recognized brands: Owens Corning. Only the top 1% of roofers earn this prestigious designation. Owner Brian Barnes shares, “We are thrilled to be an Owens Corning Platinum Contractor—not only because of the tremendous honor, but also because it allows us to provide our customers with the strongest warranties in the industry.” - Colorado Family Roofing Scan to
Photography by Colorado Family Roofing
ARTICLE BY SHEN WU TAN |
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
MONICA JEAN
PHOTOGRAPHY, E.T.C. PHOTOGRAPHY
GENTLEMEN OF IMPACT AND CHARACTER
MEN WHO STRIVE TO BETTER OUR COMMUNITIES
There are innumerable ways to contribute positively to our surrounding communities, no matter your profession.
Your gift to society could be elevating small businesses through video storytelling. Or your talent could be helping families find their next homes. Then again, perhaps it could be teaching customers how to quilt, so they can handcraft presents for loved ones.
More often than not, how we lift up humanity goes unnoticed and unacknowledged.
So, let's take a moment to recognize some of the men in our neck of the woods who are trying to improve our communities, using their unique strengths and capabilities.
Pic by E.T.C. Photography
Pic by E.T.C. Photography
“Failure is one of the most important things you will ever do. Never waste a failure.”
BRIAN BARNES, OWNER, COLORADO FAMILY ROOFING
Brian’s involvement in the roofing industry dates back to the several poor personal interactions with roofers and HVAC companies he experienced time and time again.
His frustration at finding good, honest roofing and HVAC companies that had clients’ best interests in mind developed into an insatiable hunger to resolve this issue and to help fellow homeowners.
“The entire service industry is broken, and I wanted to solve a need in the marketplace,” Brian notes. “We exist to change the industry.”
In 2021, he opened Colorado Family Roofing. The company utilizes in-house Haag Certified roof inspectors, something that sets the company apart from others in the field, and its staff meticulously examine roofs to build something that will last for years.
Operating from a philosophy of sincerity, Brian believes that people can act from truthfulness and honor and still create a high-quality product that’s both sustainable and profitable.
“Honesty above all else, integrity above all else,” Brian comments. “I truly believe that we are changing an industry from the inside out…. People are tired of making money at the expense of their conscience.”
By setting an example himself in the industry, he hopes others in the field will follow suit.
But getting where he is today was no easy feat.
Brian Barnes
“Success is formed from adversity,” Brian says. “You have to be willing to fail, to look like a fool, to be ridiculed and thought differently. Failure is one of the most important things you will ever do. Never waste a failure.”
Brian Barnes, Colorado Family Roofing, pic by Monica Jean Photography
Charles Oster
CHARLES OSTER, CEO OF SWEET HEART BRANDS
The name, Sweet Heart Brands, the parent company of Sweet Heart Winery, holds true value for Charles.
After acquiring the winery, Charles further developed the business with his life partner and sweetheart, Farah. Over time, the company transformed into a family-driven enterprise, also run by Charles’ brother and Farah’s sister and her husband.
But it wasn’t solely about developing something significant with Farah and her family and selling wine.
“It’s about creating spaces where people celebrate love, community, and life’s most important moments,” Charles says. “That’s a calling I don’t take lightly.”
Charles, with his sweetheart at his side, aims to create memorable experiences and moments for people to connect in authentic ways.
The Sweet Heart Winery was established by two families back in 2010. Charles’ consulting company, Elevation Partners, eventually bought the winery. Sweet Heart Brands was then formed and has since launched several wine series, expanded into hard cider, and secured new brands.
“Ultimately, I was drawn to this space because it allows me to blend strategy, heart, and hospitality—while building something meaningful with my wife, Farah.”
James Merkley
JAMES MERKLEY, OWNER/CEO OF STORY PATH
Captivating, well-written novels.
Beautifully-crafted movies and television series.
From an early age, these types of stories are what inspired and curated James' creativity and imagination.
“I've always had a fascination with storytelling,” James says. “It wasn't until I grew up that I realized that true stories, the ones that you and I carry, are the truly fascinating ones.”
Upon hearing more stories from friends, loved ones, and others, he decided to dedicate his life to helping individuals share their stories and maximize them for professional and personal success. Now, James does this by producing professional videos and photo content and providing Fractional Marketing Director services through his company, Story Path.
The business started in 2020 after James worked with a friend to produce a video project, which grew his friend’s business drastically. From that day on, James decided he would help businesses tell their stories.
“I believe that in business, you get what you give,” he comments, “and giving to others and helping them succeed first has always and will always come back to me in powerful ways.”
James Merkley, Story Path, pic by Monica Jean Photography
Charles Oster, Sweet Heart Brands, pic by E.T.C. Photography
“You never know what life is going to hand you, so live it every day. Work hard, play hard!”
Todd Heenan
TODD HEENAN, OWNER/ GENERAL MANAGER OF CLUB LOVELAND AT ORCHARDS
A love of staying active has largely influenced Todd’s personal and professional lives. The gym owner had always been an athlete, even playing soccer in college on a scholarship. He also regularly played tennis.
Therefore, opening Club Loveland at Orchards with his business partners was a natural next step for Todd. He and his partners purchased the club in 2017, spent months renovating it, and opened its doors 14 months before the COVID19 pandemic hit. Fortunately, Club Loveland survived the pandemic and has had substantial growth since.
“I love the business I have been in for over 40 years,” Todd says. “It is a very positive environment, and the goal is to make people happier and healthier. People who don’t quit inspire me most of all.”
His work philosophy centers on creating a positive experience for the gym’s members, with a goal of surpassing their expectations and providing them with reasons to keep coming back. He also believes in contributing to the local community, such as participating in food and gift drives.
On a personal level, Todd always has to have something to look forward to, whether that’s traveling to Costa Rica or taking a fishing trip with some golf thrown in here and there.
“You never know what life is going to hand you, so live it every day,” he comments. “Work hard, play hard!”
Todd Heenan, Club Loveland at Orchards
“Find something that you are good at and enjoy doing. Make sure you work with something you are passionate about.”
MARLON SEALS, OWNER OF OE AUTO GLASS
Marlon has two wise pieces of advice to impart for those trying to navigate through their lives and career paths.
1. “Don’t let your past experiences define your future self.”
2. “Find something that you are good at and enjoy doing. Make sure you work with something you are passionate about.”
As someone who’s been in the auto glass industry for decades, Marlon found his talent and purpose, serving as an example of the guidance he offers.
He started his company in Alexander, Louisiana 31 years ago before moving to Loveland, Colorado. He’s been in northern Colorado for 27 years now.
“It’s something I know how to do very well,” Marlon says about his auto glass business. “I have 31 years of experience under my belt now, and it honestly has become second nature to me. I love dealing with new people, new stories, and most importantly, creating new relationships with each of our customers.”
How did he get involved in the auto glass industry in the first place?
Marlon discovered that insurance companies paid for repairs, leaving no charge for customers covered under insurance. He thought to himself, “I bet they didn’t know this,” and things took off from there.
Marlon Seals
As a business owner, there are three motivations that drive Marlon: satisfying customers, trying to achieve perfection, and taking pride in a job well done.
Marlon Seals, OE Auto Glass, pic by Monica Jean Photography
Blas Estrada
"Family is at the center of everything I do. My wife and I work hard to make sure our girls receive the life and opportunities that we didn't."
BLAS ESTRADA, BROKER ASSOCIATE AND PARTNER AT THE GROUP, INC. REAL ESTATE, BOARD MEMBER OF NOCO UNIFY
“I got into real estate because I love helping people,” Blas says. “I always had an interest in entrepreneurship and am a self starter. I felt I could accomplish both serving people and my desires for my own business through real estate.”
Prior to the real estate business, Blas worked in social work, assisting youth and families at The Matthews House in Fort Collins. His job experience there formed his deep interest and appreciation for his fellow human beings and their stories and gradually directed Blas into real estate.
With people at the forefront of his mind, Blas handles his business on a system of principled negotiation and a client-first approach with “a whole lot of heart” and “a sense of duty.”
Aside from his day job of helping people buy and sell homes, Blas invests his time and energy into his community, backed by a belief that life shouldn't be centered solely on monetary opportunities. He serves on local boards and nonprofits, including NOCO Unify and the Children’s Museum of Northern Colorado. Previously, he served on Loveland’s visual arts commission and got involved in local politics, fueled by a mission to create a more robust northern Colorado.
But the desire to assist others and give back is just part of his motivation. At the end of the day, Blas is a family man, a father to two daughters who are his greatest blessings.
“Family is at the center of everything I do,” he shares. “My wife and I work hard to make sure our girls receive the life and opportunities that we didn't.”
CONTINUED >
Blas Estrada, The Group, Inc. Real Estate, NOCO Unify, pic by E.T.C. Photography
NOE CANTU, OWNER OF WILD OATS SEWING COMPANY
With a sewing machine and quilting scraps on hand, Noe began making face masks while cooped up at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping meet the demand for personal protective equipment.
His plan was to teach sewing and have a pop-up shop. So, his team started searching for meeting rooms.
“The stars aligned, and I found our first space, which was 500 square feet and way too small, but it was a start,” Noe says.
In November 2022, Noe rented the space, officially opening his sewing company in February 2023, with the goal of offering the community a space that is not just a traditional retail store.
“We offer lots of items to get you on your sewing journey, but we also offer a place to learn, teach, or just have fun,” he adds. “We want everyone to be comfortable here.”
Zachariah Averill Noe Cantu
Noe also enjoys helping people meet their creative needs.
“Do what you love, no matter what others think.”
ZACHARIAH AVERILL, OWNER/DESIGNER OF OAK & STONE DESIGN
“In every walk in with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
That quote by John Muir is one that resonates with Zach and somewhat aligns with his views about landscaping.
“Landscape is always evolving,” he shares. “But a huge driver for me is to build thoughtful, inspired landscapes that nurture wildlife and feel as though it belongs to Colorado.” He also aims to offer clients lifelong service through continual education and best practices in landscape installation.
Before landing in the landscaping industry, Zach made an educational shift while in college. His dislike of chemistry and calculus prompted him to change his major from environmental engineering to landscape architecture.
Initially, Zach worked with another contractor in the industry. But Zach eventually left because he wanted to do work that piqued his interest, leading him to start his own company in 2020.
“The best advice I can give to young men trying to find their career path is to define yourself through your work ethic, explore the world, and find something that sparks creativity.”
Noe Cantu, Wild Oats Sewing Company, pic by E.T.C. Photography
Zachariah Averill, Oak & Stone Design, pic by E.T.C. Photography
Matt Estrin, 477 Distilling, pic by Monica Jean Photography
THE
RELENTLESS DRIVE OF MATT ESTRIN
ARTICLE BY ADRIANA KARAGOZIAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA JEAN
Matt Estrin jokes that his goal is to make enough money to buy a private jet. It gets a laugh—and then it gets real. Because behind that lighthearted dream is a man who understands exactly what it takes to build something from nothing, and who’s not afraid to go all in.
His story doesn’t start in a boardroom or a business school. "It was a dream that was born in my garage," Matt reflects.
PHOTOGRAPHY, E.T.C. PHOTOGRAPHY
Pic by Monica Jean Photography
In 2015, he began experimenting with distilling as a hobby. It wasn’t glamorous. It wasn’t public. It was passion, pure and unfiltered. When his grandfather passed away a year later, leaving Matt and his wife a modest inheritance, they made a bold move. They filled their first bourbon barrels in North Carolina in 2016 and opened the doors of 477 Distilling in Greeley in 2018.
"From there, I caught the bug for entrepreneurship, having started 7 businesses over a 7-year period," and it ignited something within Matt.
In December 2024, he opened a combined 477 tasting room and gourmet waffle restaurant, Oak and Maple, in downtown Loveland.
Now, Matt wasn’t just building a brand, but a movement. From crafting award-winning spirits to creating a gourmet waffle concept, Matt saw opportunity where others saw obstacles.
He didn’t just open doors. He kicked them down.
But here’s the thing: success for Matt has never been just about money, accolades, or even jet fuel. He measures success by impact. For Matt, it has always been about the community and the people in it. In fact, it echoes like a trumpet in his core values.
"We love serving people; we love serving our community; and we love being creative.”
Pic by Monica Jean Photography
"WE LOVE SERVING PEOPLE; WE LOVE SERVING OUR COMMUNITY; AND WE LOVE BEING CREATIVE."
That mantra isn’t just on a mission statement. It lives in every bottle, every menu, every handshake across the bar. Whether it's donating a portion of sales to nonprofit organizations, creating drink specials that give back, or offering meaningful employment opportunities, Matt’s work is rooted in purpose, the purpose of the people he serves.
“I love people. I created a place for people to connect with each other, with our staff, with our brand. I want to make an impact in the community I serve. I also want to foster growth in my employees for their own future endeavors."
While building businesses, Matt also builds community. Walk into one of his locations, and you’ll feel it. The sense of belonging. The energy. The authenticity.
That’s not accidental. That’s Matt’s blueprint.
A longtime resident of Greeley—over 15 years and counting—Matt has become an anchor in northern Colorado. He serves on the board of the Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greeley Downtown Development Authority, and supports both UNC women’s volleyball and men’s basketball programs through NIL sponsorships. For him, business isn’t just about
profit—it’s about creating a thriving community for the people he loves.
“My life is a collection of people that have poured into my life, and I hope to do the same for others," he states, inserting an obvious pun as part of his overall charm and humor.
There’s a humility in that statement that’s rare, something that is mirrored in his family values as well. "More than anything I love being a dad, and my two daughters are the biggest joys in my life." It is within that essential truth that Matt remains steadfastly clear, along with the support of his 20-year marriage to his wife, which, as he puts it, “is more than worth noting.” It is worth celebrating! That mentality of putting family first and building a business based on values is not only admirable, but is the foundation of real success.
Matt lives by a simple motto that hangs in his home: “Work hard and be nice to people.” Add some grit, some guts, and a whole lot of vision—and you’ve got the formula that’s taken him from a backyard distiller to a community powerhouse.
So yeah, the private jet? Still on the list.
But here’s the truth: Matt is already flying. He's lifting his team, his town, and his family every single day.
And that’s a hell of a lot more powerful than anything with wings.
Pic by E.T.C. Photography
Pic by Monica Jean Photography
SMOKED
BRISKETS PRIME
ARTICLE BY MICHAEL AND VERONICA TURNER, OWNERS OF TURNER'S PIT BARBEQUE
Tasty Cuts of Meat with a Flavorful Kick to Enjoy on Summer Days
Turner’s Pit Barbeque in Berthoud has nothing but exceptional pride for its mouthwatering prime briskets.
Each brisket is delivered looking like a school bus and then hand trimmed into a sports car and seasoned according to Turner’s Pit Barbeque’s Pit Master and Owner Michael Turner’s homemade recipe. With the help of his wife, Owner Veronica Turner, they smoke their perfectly seasoned briskets anywhere between 13 to 15 hours in their 500- and 1000-gallon offset smokers, using post oak they purchase from Texas.
Michael built each of their smokers by hand, starting with empty propane tanks. These handcrafted smokers are definitely worthwhile checking out.
The Turners believe in the cardinal rule: if you’re lookin,’ you ain’t cookin’! Luckily, Michael’s intuition seems to know exactly when to wrap each brisket and take it off the smoker.
Best brisket in town is an understatement!
SMOKED PRIME BRISKETS:
DIRECTIONS:
1. Season prime briskets with spices, and smoke the meat on a grill.
2. The cooking time for briskets varies, depending on the size of the cut of meat.
INGREDIENTS:
• Prime briskets
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Granulated garlic
ARTICLE BY SHEN WU TAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY, KERRI
SEWOLT, TERESA FUNKE, GIGI WOODS, AND CLEO BUCHANAN
The Craftsmen of Loveland CreatorSpace
INSIDE THE CREATIVE MINDS OF LOCAL ARTISTS AND MAKERS
Bobby Deal, Real Deal Guitar Repair
Bobby Deal repairs stringed and fretted instruments, including guitars, and exotic world instruments. Starting Real Deal Guitar Repair in 2020 was a no-brainer for Bobby, who has been maintaining his own instruments for decades.
Jacquin Buchanan, profile on Thingiverse
Jacquin Buchanan creates opensource, 3D printable prosthetics to help people worldwide access affordable arms and hands. He and his volunteers share functional, easy-to-produce designs online to help support clinics in low-resource areas.
Ken Fantetti,
Designed by Fantetti
Ken Fantetti, a former NFL linebacker, stays in the game with his custom wall plaques: laser-engraved art of team mascots and action shots of athletes on seasoned wood. As a retired athlete, he enjoys memorializing someone’s team and legacy.
Roger Funke, Funke Woodworking & Repair
Roger Funke builds custom-made projects, whether it’s ukuleles or furniture, and enjoys adding secret compartments to his specialized designs. Having grown up on a farm in Idaho, Roger learned several handyman skills as a child.
Elza Simpson, Switch~n~Gears, Simply Elza
Elza Simpson dabbles in laser-engraved and layered wall art, creating products like multi-layered wall hangings. A retiree, he loves dedicating his free time to his craft.
Pic by Monica Jean Photography
A McWhinney Community
LET'S KEEP A GROWING
Let’s keep making room for the good stuff. All things artful, delicious and wild. Let’s mix it up. With more workplaces and green spaces. Local food and native plants. Homes and trails. Town and nature. Let’s use our legs. Let’s walk to the park and bike to lunch. Let’s run some errands … literally.
And let’s create a shared vision for our community. For an even more prosperous, livable, loveable Loveland.
