Experience Authentic Italian Elegance at Ovest Via Ristorante
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with every bite at Ovest Via Ristorante. From handmade pasta to perfectly grilled seafood, our menu is a love letter to traditional Italian cuisine, crafted with the freshest ingredients and paired with an exquisite selection of wines.
Cheers to the Gentlemen!
Have you ever paused to think about the impact fathers have on their homes and families? The truth is, the role of a father or mentor is immeasurable. They shape homes, nurture growth and provide the foundation upon which children can thrive. As a dad or father figure, the level of impact you choose to have is entirely in your hands. Being the husband and father of the co-publishers of Parker City Lifestyle, I have encouraged and supported Joan and Jeni over the past eight years.
The gentlemen featured in these pages are all leading with passion, from young men just starting on life's journey to those men who are investing with vision and making an impact on our town. It is inspirational to read their stories and see how obstacles and health challenges have been overcome and how leading with excellence contributes to a more vibrant future.
My dad, my grandfathers and my father-in-law all encouraged me and helped shape the person I am today. It is my personal goal to inspire and be there for my children and grandchildren as a foundation for generations to come.
Here are just a few of the ways fathers and mentors can build up their homes:
• His strength can be a steady anchor.
• His words can encourage and inspire.
• A dad’s hugs or calls can provide comfort in difficult times.
• A smile from a dad can instill joy and confidence.
• His guidance can be life-changing.
• Adventures with a dad or father figure can create fun and unforgettable memories.
This month, let’s celebrate the men in our lives. If you have a father or father figure in your life, let them know how much they matter to you. If you are a dad, thank you. You are an invaluable part of your family, your community and the world.
Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible guys out there!
DAVID DAMERON
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Joan Dameron | joan.dameron@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Jeni Fleck | jeni.fleck@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kristen Gonzales
kristen.gonzales@kcrcopywriting.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kait Dameron | kait.dameron@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Cassandra Green | cassandra.green@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Abby Watkins | abby@abbywatkinsphotography.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kristen Gonzales, Cassandra Green, Cassidy Ritter, Casey Weber
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lisa Christianson at Castle Rock Headshots, Jenny Edelmann, Benn Farnham (Owner, ARTopgraphy Studios), Hannah Haines Photography, Lindsey Kay, Matt Rees, @danrichard.co, Brittany Dawn Short, Abby Watkins
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-4: Richmond American Homes celebrated the Spring Grand Opening of the Tanterra community in Parker on April 18th. 5-7: Barn to Be Me - Fashion Show featuring Borris Powell and sponsored by Aesthetics 360
BENN FARNHAM, OWNER, ARTOGRAPHY STUDIOS
HANNAH HAINES PHOTOGRAPHY
HANNAH HAINES PHOTOGRAPHY
HANNAH HAINES PHOTOGRAPHY
HANNAH HAINES PHOTOGRAPHY
“Now
business monthly
Nurse Practitioner, Stacie Farrow, FNP-BC, Joins
Rock Integrated Health
Rock Integrated Health welcomes Stacie Farrow, NP! Her 20 years of experience include hospital, primary and urgent care settings, caring for the chronic and acute needs of all ages. Stacie addresses patients' unique health needs, using a collaborative approach to achieve optimal health. We offer Trigger Point Injections, Joint Injections, Peptides, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Vitamin Therapy, Gut Health, Medical Weight Loss and Hormone Replacement.
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Divorce Mediation Made Easy and Affordable
Coombe ADR provides affordable mediation and offers a flat-fee non-contested divorce. A U.S. Army veteran and former Magistrate, Alisha Coombe, brings over 17 years of legal experience in domestic relations, juvenile and civil law to her mediation practice. With a background in finance and investments, she specializes in settling complex financial disputes and authored Family Law Boot Camp to enhance community access to justice. www.coombeadr.com (303) 997-2210 | alisha@coombeadr.com
Bryan Isham Named Town of Parker Community Development Director
Town Manager Michelle Kivela shares, “Bryan brings a forward-looking approach to community development that aligns well with Parker’s vision for thoughtful growth and high-quality development. His leadership experience, collaborative mindset and commitment to smart planning make him a strong addition to our organization.”
In this position, Bryan will oversee the Town’s Building and Planning Divisions, guiding Parker’s continued growth and development with a focus on thoughtful planning and high-quality service.
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Photography by Jenny Edelmann
Colorado Eye Consultants is committed to delivering compassionate and quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Using the latest technologies and innovative practices, our doctors dedicate themselves to excellent outcomes…every time. For more than 40 years, the Colorado Eye Consultants team has been caring for patients and changing lives. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404
COLORADO EYE CONSULTANTS
1501 West Mineral Avenue Suite 100 | Littleton, CO 80120
Five O'Clock Shave Moves To New Location On Mainstreet
Lindsey Kay, owner of Five O'Clock Shave, has moved to the historic cobblestone Dora Health House at 19690 Main Street in Downtown Parker. Licensed as a master barber since 2012, Lindsey delivers premium haircuts in a relaxing salon setting for kids and adults alike. A true asset to the Parker community, Lindsey's genius with a pair of clippers won her Best Barber in Parker two years in a row! Book your haircut now at www.fiveoclockshave.com.
ORIGINAL LANDSCAPE AND ABSTRACT PAINTINGS
BY DAVE REITER
“Song of the Stream”oil on canvas over board, 16 x 20 in.
Representation:
The District Gallery, 5113 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
The Story Behind the Painting:
This painting was inspired by the beautiful streams in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. What first drew me to this particular stream was the fallen trees stretched across the water, forming a small dam that the current had to work its way through. The logs could not stop the water from its course. As I stood there, I could hear a variety of sounds from nature surrounding me, but it was the sound of the stream that drew them together into a cohesive melody—pleasant, soothing, and comforting. Even though the logs first drew me, it was the sounds that kept me. I wanted to capture that same musical ambiance in my painting—the melody I had experienced sitting there by the stream.
Yes, I do custom paintings to fit a unique size and location, designed specifically for your home or corporate space.
Text: 720-338-8843 | Web: davereiterart.com
Photography by Lindsey Kay
Photos by Savannah Johnson
MORE THAN COFFEE
MARVIN’S PLACE SERVES UP HOSPITALITY, KINDNESS AND COMMUNITY
When visiting Marvin’s Place in Downtown Parker, you’ll often see guests reading a book, chatting with a friend or striking up a conversation with a stranger. What you won’t find is someone typing away on their laptop because the specialty coffee shop doesn’t have Wi-Fi. That aspect was an intentional decision by owners Chris and Tasha Gary, who opened Marvin’s Place in March.
ARTICLE BY CASSIDY RITTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY @DANRICHARD.CO
“Anxiety happens the moment you see someone else working,” Chris says. “So if I want the space to be someone’s ritualistic, calm, happy space, and everybody in there believes they can all put their screens up, it’s going to subconsciously put you in a state of anxiety.”
Instead, the Garys want coffee and tea to be a relaxing experience for guests, but their mission is deeper than that.
The husband-and-wife duo opened Marvin’s Place with two goals: to create a space for people to connect without digital distractions and to teach their four sons about kindness and humility, the latter of which they believe can only be taught through interactions with others.
“It’s a space where you can come to reconnect, either with someone else or yourself,” Chris says. “And we hope it’s a place where whatever drink you order, it’s the best you’ve had.”
Marvin’s Place serves traditional coffee, from drip, cold brew and espresso to lattes and cappuccinos. It also offers matcha, teas, juice and snacks.
They reserve four types of coffee beans for guests who ask for something not on the menu. These beans are served as an espresso with a seltzer water on the side as a palate cleanser. The drink becomes a conversation starter and something that draws a guest’s curiosity.
Marvin’s Place also sells books, another medium that can start conversations and spark curiosity. The theme of the books rotates, but there will also be one with a message from Marvin. If you find the message, the book is free.
And contrary to popular belief, the name Marvin isn’t a family name. It’s one Tasha and Chris thought fit their logo (a balding guy listening to music).
A LONG TIME COMING
Chris didn’t like the taste of coffee until he went to Costa Rica years ago and had his first cup of fresh coffee. From 2010 to 2015, he took an annual trip to try coffee from around the world. He didn’t originally set out to open a coffee shop, but says he thought it through subconsciously.
Chris and Tasha later tried to open a coffee shop in Chicago and New Orleans, but the timing and the spaces weren’t right.
Then the family moved to Parker, and the idea reignited.
“We didn’t have a favorite place in Parker that we felt embodied the things that were important to us, and that’s slowing down a little bit and really being able to enjoy quality coffee and conversation and that bit of community,” Tasha says. “We wanted to build that.”
The Garys moved to Colorado and opened Marvin’s Place in 11 months.
“It was quick,” Chris says. “If we hadn’t known what the DNA of the company was before this moment, there’s no way [we could have opened like we did].”
At its core, Marvin’s Place is an exercise in non-digital communication, over something meant to be an expression of friendship: sharing a drink.
“If we’re going to share a drink or food together, then what we’re basically saying is we’re willing to engage with each other. I don’t like how far away from being able to engage with each other we’ve gotten,” Chris says. “... Most communication is nonverbal, and you’re reading the person. There are so many things that are cueing you into who you’re interacting with that if you’re not present in that, you’re missing everything.”
-John B.
The Perfect Steak
ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY
Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?
1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.
2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.
3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.
4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.
5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.
6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.
7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:
• Rare: 120°F
• Medium Rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Medium Well: 150°F
• Well: 160°F
8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.
For a Brighter More Vibrant Future
Gentlemen Leading With Passion, Investing With Vision and Honoring Life with Excellence
ARTICLE BY CASSANDRA GREEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY WATKINS, LISA CHRISTIANSON AT CASTLE ROCK HEADSHOTS, PROVIDED
TYLER STANFIELD
SINGER AND SONGWRITER
From Tyler,
I grew up in a small town surrounded by music. I started playing classical piano at a young age, eventually moving to guitar, singing and then songwriting. My style is a melting pot of every bit of music I have absorbed in my life. Everything from blues to rock to Americana.
As a songwriter, could you expand on the transformative power of music?
There’s an emotional honesty in music that is deeper than everyday conversation. You can say things in a song you might never say otherwise. That vulnerability creates connection. Someone can hear your song and feel understood. That’s a very powerful thing.
What message do you want to share through your art?
I don’t write songs with a specific purpose; I write them because I have to. It’s about pulling whatever’s inside of me to the surface and making sense of it. If it resonates with others along the way, it makes it that much better.
What do you love about the community of Parker?
The small-town feel. It’s one of those places where people still look out for each other, and it is a really safe, grounded place to raise a family.
JEFF BRIERE
SINGER AND SONGWRITER
First off, we want to say thank you for your service. Could you share about your career and passion for serving 30 years in the Air Force?
I entered the Air Force Academy in July 1985, went to pilot training at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas and KC-135 school in Merced, California. I served on base at Griffiss AFB, then Grand Forks AFB. After teaching cadets how to fly and preparing them for pilot training, I joined the Nebraska ANG in Lincoln, Nebraska, to serve out the rest of my commitment at the nearest KC-135 base to Colorado Springs. I was hired by United Airlines in March 2000 to fly the 737 out of Denver.
Following the September 11th attacks, I was furloughed, and I packed up the family and moved to Lincoln for the next 15 years, where I served as an instructor in the KC-135 as Chief of Safety. I was incredibly fortunate that I got to travel to six continents, 40 countries and all 50 states, as well as serve alongside some fabulous people that have become my friends for life.
You mention you’re focusing on your health after a cancer scare. How has that changed your perspective?
In November 2020, I suffered a stroke while walking up the jet bridge at DIA following a flight. After 37 years of flying, it was now time to find something else to do. Then, during a routine test in March 2024, mantle cell lymphoma was discovered that had spread to my bone marrow and lymph nodes, making it Stage 4 by definition.
The cancer diagnosis changed my perspective on two things. First, as an aircraft commander in the military, you are responsible for a crew and aircraft as well as the mission at hand, and you rely on your training and experience to keep everyone safe and bring the mission to a successful conclusion. With a cancer diagnosis, my sole task became following Dr. Michelle Levy’s treatment plan through Rocky Mountain Cancer Center. It was definitely different to be on the receiving end and have people care for me.
Secondly, you realize that tomorrow is not guaranteed, and you’d better take advantage of the time you have. I consider myself extremely fortunate that my wife, Pam, and I have the ability to travel, see amazing sights and make memories together. We’ve toured the Canary Islands, Morocco, Gibraltar, Spain,
Corsica, France, Italy, Greece, her islands, Turkey, Cyprus and the Caribbean, with upcoming trips to Scotland and the Baltic countries and the Adriatic coastal countries.
How do you like to spend your time with friends and family?
Pam still works full-time overseeing her growing culinary empire with West Main Taproom & Grill, Ovest Via Ristorante, Villa Parker and Elevated Taste Catering, so while she’s at work, I occupy my time with woodworking. I have built all the furniture in my house, a cedar strip canoe, a koa rocking chair, a myrtle wood dining table and a few items for West Main like the hostess station, the tap handles, the community table, the beer flight boards and the pizza peels at Ovest Via, to name a few.
Do you have a favorite quote or word of advice that you like to live by?
Despite the events of having a stroke, cancer and heart failure, and the great fortune of having commanded jets and crews around the world, I try to follow the Golden Rule. Treat people the way you want to be treated. No matter where I’ve traveled in the world, I’ve found that people endure the same daily struggles.
DARREN DELAUP
MUSICIAN AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC EDUCATOR
As the Band Director at Sierra Middle School, what do you love most about your job?
Seeing the students grow from barely making a sound on their instruments to making music in an ensemble at a high level is so rewarding. After teaching at the high school level for over 20 years, it is very clear that with teaching middle school, you get to see students grow very rapidly into musicians.
You have an incredible background in music. Can you share about that?
I was born and raised in New Orleans, attended the University of New Orleans and earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. I also attended the University of North Texas and earned a Master’s in Music in Tuba Performance with a two-year course study toward a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Tuba Performance as well.
I have been teaching since 1998, and have taught in Louisiana, Texas and Colorado at all levels of music, including teaching in college workshops and clinics. I have performed in many different capacities throughout the United States, Europe and Mexico.
I was always passionate about playing in all sorts of situations, like solo, orchestral, wind band, brass quintet, jazz and even rock band! I feel that music is not what I do, but it is a major part of who I am. There is something about performing music that takes one away from everything going on in the world and shields that feeling with being surrounded by music.
What is your encouragement for young musicians and those in the arts?
Playing music brings you on a whole new journey. I want to encourage young musicians to push past young stereotypes and see that the people who are looked up to the most in our world are those who make music! If you enjoy it, don’t stop doing it, no matter what anyone says.
Playing music and participating in the performing arts is something one can do for the rest of their life. You do not have to major in music or become a professional musician to do it. There are so many opportunities for people of all walks of life to indulge in performance. Just keep in mind that if there were no musicians, we would not have music in our world, for a world that needs it more than ever right now!
ANDRIK NELSON
INSTRUMENT-RATED PRIVATE PILOT STUDENT AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Could you share about your experience at the Legacy Campus?
I was a part of the first class to ever attend The Legacy Campus. I thought it was a super cool opportunity to get a head start on becoming a pilot. In my junior year, I learned a lot about weather, aircraft instruments and the fundamentals of flying. We would fly in simulators and learn the basics of flight. This led me to actually begin flying my senior year of high school and eventually obtain my private pilot’s license. Legacy is a really good way for people to explore if flying is truly for them.
What drives and inspires you each day?
Tyler Harvey is who drives and inspires me every day. Tyler was one of my best friends and the guy I did everything with throughout high school. Right as I began flight training, Tyler was diagnosed with NTRK fusion sarcoma. It’s a rare type of sarcoma with no cure. He was an incredible athlete, committed to playing D1 baseball at UNLV. I always promised him that I would take him flying once I got my license. He always joked that I would be flying his
private jet one day, once he was in the MLB. Tyler was an extremely driven and hardworking kid who never cared what others thought about him. On days when everything is going wrong, working hard in a way I know Tyler would, is what inspires and drives me. The reward for my hard work is having the opportunity to fly in the clouds, knowing he is alongside me.
What are you most excited about now that you’re going to Baylor University in Texas?
I am most excited and thankful for the guaranteed flight time we get. My current goal that I am pursuing is to fly for the airlines. Flying for the airlines means I can do what I love every day, and be a smiling face for everyone I interact with. With this goal in mind, every day I am working as hard as I can with every task at hand.
Do you have a favorite quote or word of advice that you like to live by?
Isaiah 43:2
MAYOR JOSHUA RIVERO
Could you share about your background as a longtime Parker resident and elected official?
I’ve been fortunate to call Parker home for decades, raising my family here and building both a business and a life rooted in this community. Before serving as mayor, I spent 12 years on the Town Council, working alongside residents, business owners and civic leaders to thoughtfully guide Parker’s growth. That long-term perspective matters. It means I’ve seen Parker evolve from a quieter town into a thriving community, all without losing the values that brought people here in the first place. As both a public servant and a small business owner, I approach decisions with a practical lens: what helps families succeed, what supports entrepreneurs and what keeps Parker a place people are proud to call home.
We have a rich community of local businesses (yours being one of them). Can you illuminate how the Town Council supports them?
Local businesses are the backbone of Parker’s identity and economy. From the Town Council’s perspective, supporting them means more than just cutting ribbons; it’s about creating an environment where they can succeed. We prioritize streamlined processes,
reasonable regulations and infrastructure investments that make it easier for businesses to operate and grow. We also actively engage with our business community, listening to their challenges and adapting where we can. As an owner of Fika Coffee House, I understand firsthand the risks, long hours and passion it takes to run a small business. That perspective helps ensure our policies aren’t just well-intentioned but that they’re practical and grounded in reality.
We love how Parker is growing vibrantly while still maintaining a small-town charm. Could you share your passion for preserving this?
Parker’s growth is something we’re proud of, but it has to be managed with intention. The goal isn’t growth for growth’s sake. The goal is smart, balanced growth that enhances quality of life. Preserving our small-town charm means protecting open spaces, supporting locally owned businesses and fostering a sense of connection among residents. It’s in our events, our parks and the way neighbors still look out for one another. My passion is making sure that as Parker continues to grow, it never loses that “hometown feel” that makes it so special. For me, it’s not about the size of the community, it’s about the people and the way of life we’re fortunate to enjoy every day.
Photography Credit: Lisa Christianson at Castle Rock Headshots
RONALD HAMMERS, MD, FAANS, BOARD-CERTIFIED
NEUROSURGEON WITH NEUROSURGERY ONE-PARKER
What would you like the Parker community to know about your medical practice?
We are a group of neurosurgeons and interventional pain management physicians with an office in Parker and five other offices in the Denver area. We handle nearly every type of neurologic issue: brain, spinal cord, spinal nerves and peripheral nerves, as well as movement disorders such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. When someone presents with a neurological issue, we evaluate the whole picture because all these systems are interconnected.
Between the 11 neurosurgeons in our practice, we cover just about every neurological condition and every neurosurgery procedure. Within our practice, we have informal case discussions happening constantly through emails and text threads. If a case is unusual or particularly challenging, we immediately tap the expertise in our group. The advantage is that our patients get access to specialized knowledge that might otherwise require a referral to a different specialist.
You work with the AdventHealth hospital system, yet maintain your independence as a private practice. How does that balance work?
We are a physician-owned practice, yet partner with AdventHealth on the operations of our clinics and, of course, we perform surgery in AdventHealth hospitals, including AdventHealth Parker. This combination gives us the best of both worlds. It involves the support and resources of a hospital system alongside the nimbleness and flexibility of a private business. We can make decisions quickly, adopt new technologies and approaches rapidly and stay ahead of emerging trends.
What’s your message to someone in the community who’s having neurological concerns but isn’t sure whether they need to see a neurosurgeon?
It’s never too early to get something checked out. Whether it’s a spine issue, a headache or anything else affecting your nervous system, we’re here to take a look. You can always start with your primary care doctor, but know that we’re available and happy to see you. We’ve expanded our practice because demand has been strong, which means we can usually see patients within days, not weeks. That’s what we offer this community: expertise, accessibility and the time to listen.
TONY MANGO
I OPERATE MANGO CAPITAL CORP. WE ARE A RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE COMPANY AND ALSO A COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MANAGER.
Can you please share a little bit about your business and your passion for what you do?
While we were primarily a mortgage company, we eventually acquired the building our office was located in and became the property manager for two commercial buildings in Downtown Parker. A few years later, we acquired another commercial building across the street, which we are just completing a redevelopment project on. While we are still primarily a mortgage broker, we have now become very active in the downtown Parker area. Over the past ten years, we have become more focused on the success of our downtown business community. I love seeing the success of small businesses, plus the additional offerings being brought to our community. We do not have chain operators as tenants, only small business owners.
What do you love about being a part of the community in Parker?
I truly love our downtown and feel it is in competition with other downtowns. With help from the Downtown Business Alliance, a couple other people and I formed a Business Improvement District. The BID is funded with a small portion of property taxes from buildings in our boundaries, and we fund things like the flower program with the partnership of Pine Lane Nursery, the banner program and other beautification projects in Downtown Parker. Downtown is all of the residents’ primary playground, and a vibrant downtown is the front porch of our entire community.
Do you have any encouragement or advice for fellow business owners?
Don’t fear your new neighbors. Another restaurant, coffee shop or retailer will not be your competition. They will be your partner that will help draw more people to DTP. We need to get to a point in time where consumers say, “Let’s go to DTP and go shopping and find a place to dine!” The totality of the area’s offering will draw people, not just one specific restaurant or store. Everyone will benefit. Rising tides will, in fact, raise all boats.
HUNTER SALOMONSON
ATHLETE AT LEGEND HIGH SCHOOL
Could you please share about your passion for baseball and what drives you each day?
Sports have been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I always go back to my teammates and parents being the thing that really drives me. Sports have taught me lessons and a work ethic that I use in my life every day.
I play baseball. Being on a team has taught me many lessons, like supporting the people around me when times get hard, being unselfish and doing everything I can to help my team win even if it doesn’t benefit me personally. Most importantly, it has taught me to be a good person and support all of the people around me.
As an athlete, where do you draw motivation from on the more difficult days?
I find motivation in remembering what the end goal is, whether it is to win a game, work on my body or find a way to go one step further. The process is the most important part in life and sports. That’s where I find most of my motivation on the not-so-good days.
What is your encouragement for other students in your community?
I encourage other students in the community to get involved as much as possible and create as many relationships as they can. Sports, community service, school events and activities, try your hardest, and find motivation within each other.
REES
ARTICLE BY KRISTEN GONZALES
FRISCO GATE DESIGNS ESTATE GATES WHERE ELEGANCE MEETS ENGINEERING
CRAFTING DESIGNER ENTRANCES
A custom-built gate produced by FRISCO Gate, a full-service, locally owned welding and fabrication business, sets a property apart from the rest. With over a decade of experience, they specialize in handcrafted gates tailored to each client’s vision. From intricate designs to precision engineering, customers know they are getting the best from Matt Rees and his team. CONTINUED >
“Our focus is to work with the customer and make their design come to life,” Matt explains.
With a PhD in Chemistry and many years of government service, Matt decided to capitalize on his passion for welding and turn it into something more.
“I’ve been welding since I was in high school,” Matt says. “It was sort of a natural progression. I’ve had a business that has been around since 2000, and it was fairly non-specific. I installed an automatic gate at my property, and I enjoyed the process. The business took root and grew. We do all sorts of welding and other things, but the gate area is a passion which combines our artistic sensibilities with the welding, engineering and electrical components that all fit together in my background.”
FRISCO Gate, led by Matt and his wife, Heidi, creates premium, custom-built gates for businesses and homes throughout Colorado.
“It’s privacy and security,” Matt says, as to why people want gates. “It’s having access control to your property, and a lot of times it’s either keeping animals in or the public out. We’ve been doing a ton of work recently in Teller and El Paso County, but we’re all over.”
“HAVING A GATE THAT DOESN’T MEET EXPECTATIONS IS WORSE THAN HAVING NO GATE AT ALL.”
With FRISCO Gate, customers receive privacy and security with upscale gates made with state-of-the-art equipment, designed and engineered with each specific need in mind.
“We really try to focus on combining a particular gate that we worked with the customer to design, with the customer’s climate and geography matched with the highest-grade commercial operators to achieve the highest reliability for the future.”
He goes on, “Having a gate that doesn’t meet expectations is worse than having no gate at all.”
While solar-powered operators are available, the best option for long-term reliability and highest customer satisfaction is to run power to the gate wherever possible. Using cutting-edge fabrication and technology ensures they stand out from the competition and reduces the need for out-of-service calls.
As customers range from businesses to private ranches, so do the designs. While some customers bring their own designs to the table, others rely on FRISCO Gate to create designs from scratch.
“It’s about 50/50,” Matt explains, on getting customer designs versus creating a design from scratch. “We need some ideas on what they want upfront, but we encourage them to go out on the internet and find other gates or sit down and draw something on a piece of paper.”
He continues, “We need something to start, and based on the idea from them, we can take it and say, ‘Well, we need to put a crossbar in here to attach the operator,’ but from that, we add more graphics or airbrush art to put in a custom design element.”
While gate frames are generally made of powder-coated steel, aluminum wood accents are an option. FRISCO Gate fabricates overhead arches from steel or wood to meet the customer’s vision.
“We can add wood elements to the gate,” Matt says. “It’s really whatever the customer wants.”
With pristine craftsmanship at every turn, FRISCO Gate has earned its reputation for creating reliable, trustworthy gates that showcase an artist’s touch. Find out more at www.friscogate.com
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
JUNE 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SUNDAYS IN JUNE
Festival Park
Farmers Market
9:00 AM
Enjoy warmer temperatures and seasonal goods at The Farmers Market at Festival Park. The Farmers Market at Festival Park will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through mid-October. Locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, a variety of fresh produce, delicious baked goods, artisan-made products and more from nearly 40 vendors.
JUNE 11TH TO 14TH
Parker Days 50th Annual Festival
Downtown Parker | 11:00 AM
The Parker Chamber Foundation presents Colorado's Hometown Festival. Mark your calendars for June 11th through June 14th for a family festival that features a wide variety of music on 4 stages, shopping at over 200 marketplace booths, food from 25+ vendors, beverages, inflatable activities for kids, crafts, bungee jumping and over 50 carnival rides.
JUNE 11TH
2026 Discovery Park Summer Concert: The Violet Pines
Discover Park | 6:30 PM
Drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres, The Violet Pines defy easy categorization, and that’s exactly the point. Since forming in 2023, the band has embraced creative exploration as a driving force, blending their diverse musical backgrounds into a sound that is both dynamic and authentic.
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JUNE 20TH
Dash Across the Dam
Father's Day 5K
Rueter-Hess Reservoir, 9343 Double Angel Road | 8:00 AM
The Parker Parks and Recreation Run Series invites you to come out and celebrate Dad (or anyone) and Dash Across the Dam 3.1 miles at the Rueter-Hess Reservoir in this fun-filled 5K on Father's Day weekend.
JUNE 23RD
Lunch Bunch
Venalonzo's Tacos on Mainstreet | 11:00 AM
Lunch Bunch is a casual networking event for members of the Parker Chamber of Commerce and their guests. They meet at various dining establishments around town. Free to attend. Everyone buys their own meal. Bring your business cards. Everyone has an opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses.
JUNE 24TH
Bike to Work Day
Breakfast Station
Cherry Creek Trail | 6:00 AM
For the 2026 Bike to Work Day, take a ride through history! Parker has come a long way from its early days of horse-drawn buggies and dusty wagon trails to trains and the rise of the automobile. In modern day, we celebrate our thriving bike culture and ever-expanding trail network.
Parker's Leading 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.
