Designed to connect agricultural producers, business leaders and community members, a new initiative called AgriConnect is set to launch next year.
n Whitman Park redesign funding
Outgoing city council pushes through Whitman Park redesign funding.
Kathleen Riskey opened her new group-fitness studio on April 1 at 622 W. Gunnison Ave.
4
5
6
n Using TRT to treat men with low T
Ray Costello and Aixa Soria held the grand opening for Gameday Men’s Health, 2148 Broadway, Unit B5 on April 2.
n Davis School of Business hires executive director
9
n Riskey Fitness 12
Colorado Mesa University hired Benjamin J. Williams as the new executive director of the Davis School of Business.
Pickleball Prevalence
Lincoln Park, Chipeta Golf Course, Fruita Rec Center combine to add 24 pickleball courts since start of 2024 — See Page 2
Rick Hartman hits a return shot while his pickleball doubles partner Laurie Day watches on April 8 at the Lincoln Park pickleball courts. An appealing element of pickleball is it can be a lifetime sport, and it draws many retirees to the court. Hartman is 80 years old, and Day is 67. Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Director Ken Sherbenou said he has chatted with younger players who are pretty athletic, but they “get whooped up on” by players who “might be older, might not be as quick, but they got the muscle memory down, and they’re really hard to beat. So, it’s pretty cool to see the leveling of the playing field to a certain extent, which is another reason for its success, I think.” Photo by Tim Harty.
Luke Raffa hits a return shot while his pickleball doubles partner, Gabby Santana, watches during their game at Lincoln Park’s pickleball courts on April 15. Raffa and Santana are Colorado Mesa University students who were playing against two other CMU students. Raffa said he and Santana play pickleball about three times a week.
Western Slope Pickleball Club president Jeffrey Smith said one of the reasons for the surge in pickleball play in the Grand Valley is that more and more young players, especially Colorado Mesa students, are gravitating to the sport. Photo by Tim Harty.
Courting pickleball growth
More pickleball courts are popping up across the Grand Valley to meet demand
Randee Bergen started playing pickleball at Lincoln Park about 11 years ago when there were only four courts there to play a sport that was steadily growing and gaining a foothold nationally.
Not long after that, the pickleball craze dwarfed the court availability, which in turn quelled Bergen’s desire to keep playing.
“It got so crowded, you couldn’t get on the court really, so I quit,” Bergen said.
A year ago, she returned to Lincoln Park and resumed playing pickleball where tennis courts once prevailed, but now only pickleball courts are to be found, 20 of them.
The 59-year-old is glad to be back with paddle in hand, part of a group of 12 people who “pretty consistently” play pickleball about three days per week at Lincoln Park.
A former racquetball player, Bergen said pickleball is fun, and she likes the social aspects of the sport. And she likes that her group can almost always get on a court during the morning or early afternoon, but it still gets busy.
The number of pickleball courts in the Grand Valley mushroomed a year ago, when the City of Grand Junction added 12 courts to the eight it had in years prior, and
Chipeta Golf Course tore up its tennis courts to put in eight pickleball courts.
Then, this year Fruita added four outdoor courts near the town’s recreation center, which depending on the time of the year, has two to four indoor pickleball courts available. And Fruita has plans – probably several years away, according to Parks and Rec Director Marc Mancuso – to install eight pickleball courts at Little Salt Wash Park.
Pickleball keeps growing, and there’s some money to be made from it. As a private enterprise, Chipeta Golf Course obviously figured that out, but so has the City of Grand Junction.
It’s difficult to get real counts on participation on the city’s pickleball courts, because the outdoor courts, unlike the indoor courts at the Lincoln Park Barn and Bookcliff Activity Center, are all drop-in play, which is free.
But Lincoln Park also hosts tournaments and programs, such as lessons, and those do allow for revenue tracking.
Hence, the city provided numbers showing revenues and expenses, and this stood out:
Until 2024 and the addition of 12 pickleball courts for a total of 20, the city’s previous high year for pickleball revenue was $6,521 in 2022, offset by expenses of $5,216.
In 2024, the revenue total was $19,717, with expenses
of $5,597.60. That’s a net of $14,119.40.
Regardless of revenues, which are a mere drop in the bucket in the big picture, the City of Grand Junction knew it needed to expand its pickleball offerings, because the demand clearly was there. However, to make Lincoln Park the pickleball complex it is today, the city had to appease the tennis crowd, which still needed its place to play.
The compromise was a $2 million project in which the tennis community relinquished its four courts at Lincoln Park, so pickleball could expand to 20 dedicated courts. Then, the city added four new tennis courts to Canyon View Park, giving it a total of 12 tennis courts. Canyon View Park also got light poles, where none had been before, with LED lights, and Lincoln Park’s lights at the pickleball courts were upgraded to LED.
The lighting, by the way, “was quite a large expense,” according to Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Director Ken Sherbenou, because although the tennis courts at Canyon View Park “were stubbed for lighting, there were no light poles, and there was no lighting present. So, that’s been a huge improvement to the tennis community and one that was really important for them being supportive of the conversion of the four (tennis) courts at Lincoln, and I think that project has been such a success.”
See PICKLEBALL on page 10
Tim Harty The Business Times
AgriConnect aims to connect ag producers and business leaders
Brandon Leuallen The Business Times
Designed to connect agricultural producers, business leaders and community members, a new initiative called AgriConnect is set to launch next year.
A program from the Business Incubator Center, AgriConnect seeks to educate participants about the complex challenges facing ag producers and empower them to become informed champions for agricultural sustainability.
Joe Burtard, board director of the Business Incubator Center and owner/operator of JR Carriage, board member of the Colorado State Fair Foundation Tara Carleo, and cattle rancher and Economic Recovery Corps Federal Fellow Janie VanWinkle are partnering to establish the program.
Carleo emphasized the importance of reconnecting people with the origins of their food.
“It’s extremely important to help facilitate ways for people to see where their food comes from,” she said. “Especially when many people never see and experience what happens outside of the grocery store.”
“There’s only 2 percent of us producing,” VanWinkle said, highlighting the need for broader understanding and support for agriculture.
She said AgriConnect aims to address this disconnect by providing firsthand experiences of ranching and farming life.
Decline of Cattle Ranching in Mesa County
For VanWinkle, the program also offers a chance to help people understand the broader challenges ranchers and other agricultural producers face.
“We’ve lost 19,000 head. That’s 40 percent of the cattle out of Mesa County in five years,” VanWinkle said. “When you talk about cattle, more than half of the herd of the U.S. cattle industry are in herds of less than 40 head.”
She attributes this sharp decline to prolonged drought,
economic pressures and an aging rancher population.
VanWinkle also pointed out that seemingly minor issues can accumulate for ranchers. She said agricultural producers are stewards of shared land with multiple uses, and while many community members are supportive, collaboration can sometimes create challenges.
She cited examples from conversations with ranchers who sold their herds, such as drivers being rude or angry about getting stuck behind a cattle drive, the reintroduction of wolves, or recreational hikers and mountain bikers leaving gates open. VanWinkle said these factors, combined with larger issues, make ranching increasingly difficult, prompting many ranchers to sell their herds and exit the industry.
VanWinkle became emotional recounting a recent moment when she saw a large convoy of cattle trucks leaving a ranch that had shut down.
“Watching those cattle – and I bawl every time I tell this story – on the highway, leaving, knowing they’re leaving Mesa County, knowing that ranch will never be a ranch again, is just brutal,” she said. “It’s also brutal to Main Street in Mesa County. It’s brutal to Main Street in Delta County. Every one of those cows brings in $600–800 to the county, and we’re losing that. They’re gone, and they’re not coming back.”
Hands-On Experience with Leadership Training
Burtard recognizes the need for this program and is excited to connect business leaders to the agricultural sector.
“People are very interested in how ag works from an outside perspective,” he said.
Drawing from his experience introducing people to the
industry, Burtard shared his vision for the program.
“I own a business where we load folks up on wagons and take them around to vineyards and orchards. They get to walk through lavender farms, taste wine, pick peaches, and things like that,” he said. “It’s this really hands-on experience, so that’s the educational component I’m really fascinated about and devoted to. For example, if we’re learning about the wine industry, participants in the course are going to be bottling wine and touring the facility to learn from the winemakers themselves.”
The program will also offer a certification through the Business Incubator Center, including leadership training for community members, business owners and their employees.
“We wanted folks to walk away with some type of leadership skill from it. Each day they are out, they are growing as individuals and professionals,” Burtard said. “It’s going to be a wealth of information each time, and we’ll bring in several speakers from within that industry to talk to them.”
Burtard also sees the program as a way for participants to explore opportunities within the agricultural sector.
“There’s always business opportunities,” he said. “It doesn’t mean that they have to be a fruit grower, but they could start a business related to that industry.”
Applications coming out this fall
With both opportunities and challenges in mind, the founders of AgriConnect aim to cultivate informed community leaders as well as support organizations like the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce in their advocacy for sustainable solutions for the agricultural community.
“These are nuanced issues, and we need to understand the root causes and concerns behind them,” VanWinkle said. “The AgriConnect Program will explore these complexities with the ultimate goal of agricultural sustainability.”
Applications for the AgriConnect program will open this fall at the Business Incubator Center.
Scott Beilfuss
Janie VanWinkle
Outgoing council pushes through Whitman Park redesign funding
Brandon Leuallen
The Business Times
In a 4–3 vote, the Grand Junction City Council approved a $231,000 design and engineering contract for the long-debated Whitman Park revitalization. The decision, made during the final meeting for several outgoing members, underscored divisions over process, priorities and the city’s approach to homelessness.
The vote passed with support from Mayor Abe Herman and Mayor Pro Tem Randall Reitz, both of whom are leaving the council, along with Councilmembers Anna Stout and Jason Nguyen, who remain.
Had the decision been delayed until the newly elected council took office, the outcome may have looked different.
Grand Junction City Manager Mike Bennett explained the city had budgeted funds for Whitman Park’s design with approximately $500,000 allocated for this year. Bennett clarified the funds are for design only, not for construction, which is not yet budgeted.
He acknowledged that proceeding with the design was a valid concern, given current budget constraints. He said the city’s approach includes a “design-bidconstruct” process, allowing flexibility and a phased process in the event that full development funds are not available.
Councilmember Anna Stout asked where the redesign funding was coming from. The contract was awarded to DTJ Design of Boulder.
According to City Finance Director Jodi Welch, the $500,000 allocation comes from the city’s Parks and Recreation Impact Fee Fund.
According to the city’s recently completed impact-fee study, “Impact fees may only be used for capital improvements
or debt service for growth-related infrastructure. They may not be used for operations, maintenance, replacement of infrastructure, or correcting existing deficiencies.”
Councilmember Dennis Simpson, one of the outgoing members, raised concerns about spending public money on a plan he argued had never been formally adopted by the council.
“We’ve received presentations on what this might change into, but we’ve never actually adopted anything that says the drawings and presentations meet with our approval,” Simpson said. “Rather than let the camel’s nose get under the tent by hiring engineers for something we haven’t bought into yet, we ought to table this item.”
Simpson also referenced the park’s controversial history, noting it had been fenced off under former City Manager Greg Caton to deter unhoused individuals from using the space, and there was no clear redevelopment plan or funding in place.
“We fenced off Whitman Park to deal with homelessness, but we still haven’t found solutions,” Simpson said. “Before spending $200,000 to study its elimination, we should consider whether it can still be part of the solution.”
Councilmember Cody Kennedy, who also opposed the measure, raised concerns about the city’s financial outlook.
“We’ve already spent $71,000 on planning. If we move ahead tonight, we would authorize the expenditure of $231,000 for the full design. This is a $5 million plan.”
Councilmember Scott Beilfuss echoed those concerns, saying: “We may be revisiting it again in a few years and paying for a new plan. I say save the money and wait until we’re ready. The budget will be tight for a while. Let’s take care of what we have first.”
Outgoing Mayor Abe Herman defended the decision, emphasizing the project had gone through public and budget processes, and staff was simply following council direction.
“To come in at this point and say it hasn’t been discussed or should take a different direction feels out of place,” Herman said. “We’ve gone through the public process. We’ve gone through the budget process. Staff is following our direction. When staff goes through the whole RFP process and brings it to us, and we undermine their work at the last step, that’s not how we should operate.”
Stout, who supported moving forward with the contract, called for an end to the debate.
“This is why we are a consensus government,” she said. “This is how we move decisions forward. So, at this point I don’t know that there’s much productivity in continuing to have back and forths, and I’m prepared to make a motion when you are ready, Mayor.”
Abe Herman
Dennis Simpson
Anna Stout
Scott Beilfuss
Cody Kennedy
Riskey Fitness offers group exercise, variety
Tim Harty The Business Times
With a background in dance and teaching group exercise classes, Kathleen Riskey feels like her new business, Riskey Fitness, is her doing what she loves to do and has long done for other fitness studios.
But now she gets to be the boss and put her spin on fitness.
“I have wanted to do it better for a long time and offer the community something different, and it’s kind of been in the back of my mind for a bit,” said Riskey, who turned 40 years old earlier this year and has been a stay-at-home mom to her three kids.
“We’re not a traditional gym,” she said of the fitness studio, which opened April 1 and had its grand opening April 12 at 622 W. Gunnison Ave. “We’re basically taking the group exercise, groupfitness-class portion out of, say, a big-box gym and highlighting that and doing mostly just that.”
Riskey Fitness has multiple classes each day, such as Les Mills BodyPump, Les Mills BodyBalance, yoga, Pilates, Barre, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Zumba, cardio sculpt, boot camp, functional strength and family fitness.
Riskey said she has been teaching groupfitness classes for nearly nine years in the Grand Valley, and she got into group fitness after teaching dance at Colorado Mesa University, her alma mater, where she got a bachelor’s degree in theater (emphasis on dance).
She features some Les Mills’ exercise programs and equipment because she’s a believer in the brand.
“I was looking for something else and found Les Mills BodyBalance, which is a yogabased program, and I got certified, gosh, almost nine years ago – my anniversary will be in May – and I’ve never looked back. It’s like I found my thing, found the niche that I was looking for. Dance kind of, I guess, started that process.
“I love movement and exercise, and I really love helping people find movement that they love. And that is what has fueled that fire. I’m certified in several different modalities now and just hoping to share that with community, helping them fall in love with their next favorite class or workout.”
Riskey thinks people will notice a difference about her studio immediately.
“As soon as you walk in the door, the atmosphere is drastically different than any other space in town,” she said. “We wanted to create a space that was unique, offering just a different vibe, different feel, everything from the floor to the lighting to the sound system, everything is top-notch, and you kind of have to see it.
“It’s creating a one-of-a-kind experience, because anyone can take a class or go work out. What’s going to draw someone from either another space or from their home, now that you can access classes online even? It really is the space and the community.”
Helping create the community will be the instructors, and Riskey didn’t hesitate to say, “We have the absolute best instructors in town. I have selected my people, because they are passionate about what they teach. They’ve got to be in it, because if they’re in it, then that’s
going to bring other people, and they’re going to help them fall in love with the class as well and get them results, the results they’re looking for.”
When it comes to pricing, Riskey says her rates are competitive.
It costs $40 per month for unlimited class membership, and there is a 10 percent discount for seniors, military and students. There are yearly memberships, and if people pay up front, they get a discount. There are family memberships, which allow up to two kids to work out for free. Riskey said the studio is family friendly and encourages the community to bring their kids if they are 8 years old and older.
There’s also a kids club, a childcare area, on site for children ages six months to seven years.
For people who don’t want to commit to a month or a year, Riskey Fitness offers a fiveclass pass for $50, or there’s a drop-in fee of $20 for a 24-hour period.
Compared with a Barre studio or a more niche studio, Riskey said, “We’re kind of in the middle, I would say. We’re not really one or the other. We’re kind of trying to find that balance, so we’re priced accordingly.”
MORE ABOUT RISKEY FITNESS
FIND OUT MORE
For more information about Riskey Fitness, find it on Instagram and Facebook or call 970-216-2909.
TRY FOR FREE THIS MONTH
All classes at Riskey Fitness, 622 W. Gunnison Ave., are free for the entire month of April.
Make sure to check the schedule and business hours, because most days are split with the studio closing for a couple hours in the afternoon, then reopening.
SO, WHO IS THIS LES MILLS GUY?
Riskey Fitness owner Kathleen Riskey said her studio offers three Les Mills classes, which some people are probably familiar with, while others ask, “Who the heck is Les Mills?”
Les Mills is a person and a fitness brand, Riskey said, adding, “They produce the material that we as instructors teach for our class participants. And they have all different types of programs. They have upwards of 14 different programs, I think.”
The Les Mills classes at Riskey Fitness, as described by Riskey, are: “Les Mills BodyPump, a barbell and weights class, so strength and cardio combined. Les Mills BodyBalance is a yoga/ Pilates/tai chi kind of blend, mostly yoga format. And then Les Mills Pilates is kind of your basic mat Pilates class.”
Riskey Fitness owner Kathleen Riskey leads a class at her new group-fitness studio, which opened April 1 at 622 W. Gunnison Ave. in Grand Junction. Photo courtesy of Riskey Fitness.
Gameday Men’s Health treats low T with TRT
Tim Harty The Business Times
Knowing what testosterone replacement therapy at Gameday Men's Health did for him, Ray Costello figured out what he wanted to do upon retiring from the U.S. Navy after 30 years of service: Run his own Gameday Men's Health.
It was just a matter of where, and Costello said he and his wife, Aixa Soria, initially were looking at territories in North Carolina, Arizona, California and Texas. Then, Gameday corporate mentioned Grand Junction.
“They provided us with demographic information, and so we paid a couple of visits,” Costello said “And when I started going out and talking within the community about what we were thinking about bringing here, every single person that we talked to, male and female, said, 'We need this here.'”
So, now it's here. Gameday Men's Health, 2148 Broadway, Unit B5, has been in Grand Junction since Nov. 21, but franchise owners Costello and Soria didn't have their grand opening until April 2.
Gameday Men's Health provides four core services, and Costello listed them: “The first one being testosterone replacement therapy. We also do medical weight loss. We do vitamin injections or vitamin therapy. And then erectile dysfunction services. Those are the four core.”
But far and away the most soughtafter service is testosterone replacement therapy, which Costello said “has become
kind of a mainstream-type thing. It's gaining popularity, mainly because men's testosterone levels over the years have been declining rapidly, and we don't understand why. Whether it's food, it's environmental, it's very, very concerning. “
Costello can talk at length about it, but he also had a good summary. Gameday Men's Health will: book an appointment; draw the person's blood; determine the testosterone level within 15 to 20 minutes; check other levels such as prostate-specific antigens and hemoglobin; and while the testing is being done, the clinician will run the person through a battery of questions.
Costello rattled them off: “What are you feeling? Why are you here? Is it brain fog? Is it fatigue? Is it low libido? Are you having problems with maintaining a good weight because you're in the gym all the time and you're not seeing a difference? Are you having problems maintaining muscle?
Are you having problems sleeping?”
Those answers provide the symptomatology to clinician Matt Chernikovich, then get paired with the test results, and another discussion ensues.
“And we can either treat you or not, based off of the level that you have, and we kind of just go from there,” Costello said.
About 30 percent of men don't need testosterone replacement therapy, he said.
And for the ones who do have low testosterone, they can start a regimen of hormones, or they can choose to walk away with the knowledge and do nothing more.
See TRT on page 11
Co-owner Ray Costello stands next to equipment used for blood testing at Gameday Men’s Health, 2148 Broadway, Unit B5, in the Monument Village shopping center. The clinic is open three days per week: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Photo by Tim Harty.
Pickleball
Continued from page 2
Sherbenou said pretty much all communities “are grappling with the explosion in pickleball,” and the trend has been to repurpose tennis courts, which leads to animosity and conflict between tennis and pickleball. He said that conflict “really doesn’t help anybody since they’re sister sports. They’re very similar, and a lot of tennis players become pickleball players, so there’s really no reason for the conflict.”
Sherbenou thinks the compromise yielded a “positive-sum solution” that speaks well of Grand Junction’s tennis and pickleball communities, and both received improved facilities as a result.
More pickleball courts are coming as the Grand Junction Community Recreation Center, which is eyeing completion in mid-2026, will have nine indoor pickleball courts. The pickleball courts will be on courts also used for basketball and volleyball, but the timing of play is such that Sherbenou thinks the court sharing will work out well. Many of the other uses tend to be needed more in the evenings and on weekends.
In terms of demographics, Sherbenou said, a lot of retirees play pickleball and do so at a time when kids are in school and working adults are at work.
“So, it’s been a really great way to achieve utilization through the middle of the workday, during the middle of the school day, for gyms and recreation
centers,” he said. “And we’re definitely gonna see that when our facility opens next year.”
Another justification for the city’s expansion of pickleball courts is the economic impact, and Sherbenou said there absolutely is one.
“It definitely has an impact for people deciding about
where they want to live,” he said. “There’s a lot of people that look at the pickleball structure and facilities before they decide to buy (a home) or take a trip.”
Count Western Slope Pickleball Club President Jeffrey Smith among those steered to Grand Junction by pickleball.
“I moved here because of the courts,” he said, and that was before all of the new courts that popped up since the start of 2024.
For another measure of the sports’ growth, Smith said the Western Slope Pickleball Club’s membership in 2018 was under 300. Now, it has 780 members.
Smith also thinks the growth is going to continue, because as soon as those new pickleball courts were available at Lincoln Park last year, they were filled with players.
That’s why, as thrilled as he was to see the recent increase in courts, he knows this: Grand Junction is going to need more soon.
Ana Gorlach hits a return shot while Sophie Leeson watches during a pickleball game they played against fellow Colorado Mesa University students on April 15 at the Lincoln Park pickleball complex in Grand Junction. Western Slope Pickleball Club president Jeffrey Smith said college students often show up at Lincoln Park mid-to-late afternoon on weekdays to play pickleball after they’ve finished classes for the day.
GRAND JUNCTION PICKLEBALL NUMBERS
Pickleball Usage and Revenue
It’s difficult, actually not even remotely possible, to provide numbers for pickleball usage at the City of Grand Junction’s pickleball courts. That’s because the outdoor courts are mostly used by drop-in players.
But the city’s interim communications and engagement director, Hannah Ellis, gathered what she could and shared it. And no one at The Business Times can explain or present it better than she did, so with our thanks to Hannah, here it is:
Court usage
These numbers include the dropin pickleball at the Bookcliff Activity Center, pickleball clinics and the tournament run by the city (note: this event was not held in 2023 or 2024 due to court construction). The largest part of the number is related to indoor pickleball usage at Bookcliff Activity Center.
Because of the expanded new facility at Lincoln Park, the indoor pickleball number reduced greatly. This occurred because residents would rather play drop-in for free at the 20-court Lincoln Park complex versus indoors at Bookcliff Activity Center, where they are required to pay. The past two winters have also
been nice, with the ability to play pickleball outside during most of the winter. When we have nice winters, our indoor numbers drop, and with the amazing facility at Lincoln Park, most players are skipping indoors as much as they can and opting to play outdoors at Lincoln Park.
Usage numbers
2014 – 940 participant visits.
2019 – 1,804 participant visits. 2022 – 3,394 participant visits. 2023 – 4,358 participant visits. 2024 – 4,244 participant visits. 2025 – 4,445 participant visits (year to date as of April 11).
Revenues
and expenses
These are strictly program figures and do not reflect any drop-in use, which is difficult to track.
shot while during a against University Lincoln Grand Pickleball said up at afternoon pickleball after the day.
TRT
Continued from Page 9
“The testosterone-level test, that initial one that we do, and the consultation with our clinician are complimentary. I do not charge for that,” Costello said. “So that first 45-minute appointment is free.”
For those with low testosterone who do seek replacement therapy, Costello said it's life-changing. He knows what it did for him: better sleep, better attitude; became more positive; brain fog alleviated; and he got better results at the gym.
He also knows TRT is life-changing, because customers tell him so.
“The purpose behind what we're doing and the results that we get, the feedback we get from the people that come in here, it's incredible,” he said. “I never knew that I could feel this good, providing this type of service.”
Of course, there are the other core services, and Costello said Gameday Men's Health is a place people like to come to just to talk. He touts the man-cave environment, ESPN on TV, snacks on hand; Gatorade, coffee and water to drink. It's a place that relaxes people and makes them feel comfortable talking about whatever they need to talk about.
“You know, there's different things that we deal with that we're not comfortable talking about,” Costello said. “But I'd say nine out of 10 guys after they've started with us, within a few weeks they're more open with some of the other things that are going on in their life. And so we're able to help them.”
Gameday Men's Health is not the only place in town that does what it does. Costello readily acknowledges that. But answering the question about whether his business has competition in Grand Junction, he ultimately answers, “No, because nobody can do what we can do. And nobody else has Matt.”
Costello said Chernikovich as a physician's assistant is a game-changer at Gameday Men's Health.
“There's nobody better than my clinic director at what we do here,” Costello said. “We have other Gameday clinic directors asking him questions. He's always learning more about the subject of testosterone replacement therapy, about peptides, about the weight-loss market, what type of vitamins should we offer here. He never stops learning. It's just a continuous thing with him. He's a gem. He's a one of a kind.”
Chernikovich also puts customers at ease, as Costello said, “The most common thing that I hear from the men that leave here is, 'I had a great talk with Matt. He made me feel comfortable.'"
Gameday Men’s Health owners Ray Costello and Aixa Soria.
Davis School of Business hires Williams as executive director
Colorado Mesa University hired Benjamin J. Williams as the new executive director of the Davis School of Business.
According to a May 15 news release from CMU, Williams has more than a decade of experience in higher-education leadership and a passion for entrepreneurship development. He brings a proven track record of building programs and combining academic excellence with real-world application.
Williams most recently served as managing director of the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. There, he spearheaded award-winning initiatives recognized by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, including student accelerators, community partnerships and education models designed to equip students for real-world success.
“The Davis School of Business produces remarkable professionals that make a significant impact on the broader community in terms of its workforce,” CMU President John Marshall said. “Under Ben’s leadership, the innovation, collaboration and talent coming out of the business school will be even better prepared to be future leaders and shape their respective industries thanks to his strategic vision that perfectly aligns with CMU’s values.”
Beyond his institutional leadership, Williams has supported nonprofit and educational organizations nationwide through consulting and entrepreneurial ventures. His work consistently centers on educational equity, the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and expanding access to open-learning platforms.
“I’m thrilled to join Colorado Mesa University and the Davis School of Business. This is a community full of energy, creativity, and potential,” Williams said. “Together, we’ll build on the strong foundation already in place and create new opportunities for students to thrive as bold, ethical and entrepreneurial leaders.”
Williams holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in entrepreneurship from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Williams and his wife, Laura, recently celebrated the arrival of their son, Archer Grey Williams, in November.
The role of commercial real estate in economic growth
In Grand Junction and throughout the Grand Valley, commercial real estate is more than just a sector, it’s a cornerstone of our regional economy. Office buildings, industrial facilities, retail centers and mixed-use developments provide the spaces where businesses operate.
As we look toward the future, the health and growth of the commercial real estate market remain key indicators of economic vitality and business opportunity.
Commercial Real Estate: An Economic Driver
At its core, commercial real estate contributes directly to economic growth by supporting business operations, generating employment and facilitating investment. Each transaction, whether it’s a lease, a sale or a new development project, sets off a ripple effect that impacts construction, finance, legal services, property management and more.
In the Grand Valley, the steady demand for retail storefronts, warehouses and office spaces reflects our growing and diversifying economy. From tech startups to healthcare providers and logistics firms, businesses rely on access to quality commercial properties to serve their clients and scale their operations.
The recent influx of outdoor-recreation companies and manufacturers has spurred the need for flexible industrial spaces near transportation corridors.
Attracting and Retaining Businesses
Quality commercial real estate is a critical factor in attracting and retaining businesses. A vibrant and well-maintained commercial corridor can encourage local entrepreneurship and draw in outside investment.
In downtown Grand Junction, revitalization efforts have transformed Main Street into a bustling economic hub, where historic buildings now house a mix of retailers, restaurants, co-working spaces and professional services.
The synergy created by accessible, modern commercial properties in proximity to residential neighborhoods and transit options leads to dynamic communities where people can live, work and play. Well-located and thoughtfully designed commercial properties enhance community appeal while supporting mixed-use growth and walkable business districts that drive foot traffic and consumer engagement.
Investment and Wealth Creation
For investors, commercial real estate offers an opportunity for portfolio diversification and long-term wealth creation. In Grand Junction, favorable cap rates, relatively low barriers to entry and a stable economy make commercial real estate an attractive option. Local investors contribute to the economic ecosystem not only through property development, but also by reinvesting earnings in other ventures, philanthropic efforts and community initiatives.
Several major redevelopment projects, including repurposed warehouses in the Riverside Parkway area and adaptive reuse developments in the North Avenue corridor, have emerged
as symbols of smart investment. These projects not only enhance the visual character of the community but also provide the infrastructure needed to support new industries.
Supporting Job Creation and Infrastructure
Commercial real estate also directly supports job creation across multiple sectors. From architects and engineers to contractors, brokers and property managers, a wide network of professionals benefit from a strong commercial market
Commercial development often necessitates infrastructure improvements, such as road upgrades, utility expansions and broadband enhancements, which benefit the wider community.
The City of Grand Junction has collaborated with private developers to improve transportation corridors such as 24 Road and Horizon Drive, allowing better access to commercial zones. These efforts not only serve current business needs, but also lay the groundwork for sustained regional growth.
Adapting to New Demands
Commercial real estate continues to evolve in response to emerging business trends. Flexible workspaces, sustainability-focused construction and technology-integrated buildings are becoming the standard. The Grand Valley is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, with ample room for development and a business community eager to innovate.
Local developers are increasingly pursuing LEED-certified buildings and solarready designs to meet tenant demand for sustainability. The trend toward flexible work arrangements has also driven demand for coworking environments and shared office spaces in urban and suburban areas. This evolution is helping retain a younger, techsavvy workforce that values efficiency and connectivity.
Bray Commercial is actively engaged in supporting this evolution, working with investors, developers, and business owners to identify opportunities, facilitate transactions and bring visionary projects to life.
To further explore the role of commercial real estate in our region’s growth, the upcoming Western Colorado Economic Summit, presented by the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, will offer invaluable insights. This event will take place April 24 at Colorado Mesa University from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., bringing together business leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders to discuss trends shaping the Grand Valley’s economy.
With sessions dedicated to commercial development, infrastructure planning and regional business strategies, the summit is an excellent opportunity for business owners, investors and developers to stay informed and connected. We encourage members of the business community to attend and take part in these important conversations.
At Bray & Company, we are committed to driving commercial success throughout western Colorado. If you are exploring opportunities in commercial real estate, we invite you to connect with our experienced team to learn how we can help you achieve your business and investment goals.
Stewart Cruickshank is sales manager of Bray & Co. Real Estate, 1015 N. Seventh St. in Grand Junction. To reach out to Stewart, call 970-242-3647.
Stewart Cruickshank
Effective Listening: Enhancing communication in all relationships
Communication is the foundation of any successful relationship, whether in business, personal life or social interactions.
At its core, effective communication starts with listening. Yet, listening is often one of the most neglected skills. Many people hear words, but they don’t truly absorb the meaning, intent and emotions behind them. Instead, they focus on preparing their own response rather than understanding the speaker’s message.
Poor listening skills and ineffective communication lead to a range of problems, including workplace dysfunction, disengaged employees, unsatisfied clients, strained marriages and disconnected families. Frustration, distrust, resentment and misunderstandings often stem from the inability or unwillingness to truly listen.
Think about your own relationships—both personal and professional. The ones you find most fulfilling, successful and rewarding likely involve clear communication, where you feel genuinely heard and understood. Conversely, relationships plagued by tension and dissatisfaction often suffer from poor listening, where one or both individuals feel ignored or dismissed.
Ask yourself these questions:
• Do you feel valued when someone listens attentively to you?
• Do you build stronger trust and rapport with those who engage deeply in conversations?
• Do you feel respected when someone listens without interruptions or distractions?
• Are you practicing the kind of listening that you expect from others?
Truly listening is a skill that requires intention, patience and practice. When done effectively, it eliminates miscommunication, enhances relationships and fosters trust.
Most of us unknowingly sabotage our listening abilities by engaging in certain behaviors that hinder effective communication. These behaviors, or “listening blockers,” include:
• Rehearsing: Instead of paying attention to the speaker, you focus on crafting your next response.
• Placating: Agreeing mindlessly without actively engaging, just to keep the peace or avoid conflict.
• Derailing: Changing the topic abruptly or making jokes because of boredom or discomfort.
• Judging: Prejudging the speaker, assigning labels or dismissing their perspective before fully hearing them out.
• Sparring: Actively looking for points of disagreement rather than seeking common ground.
• Multitasking: Dividing your attention between multiple things instead of focusing on the conversation.
• Drifting: Allowing your mind to wander to unrelated thoughts instead of remaining present.
• Identifying: Using someone else’s story as a segue to share your own experience, unintentionally overshadowing their message.
• Being right: Listening only to formulate a defense for your point of view, rather than absorbing the other person’s perspective.
• Advising: Jumping into problem-solving mode and giving unsolicited advice, rather than simply understanding and empathizing.
Which of these habits do you recognize in yourself? Most people engage in at least some of them without realizing it. The good news is that with awareness and commitment, these ineffective behaviors can be reversed.
Stephen R. Covey famously said, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” This simple truth highlights why many conversations feel unfulfilling or frustrating, because real listening requires a shift in focus from responding to understanding.
When people feel truly heard, trust deepens, relationships flourish and communication becomes a powerful tool for connection rather than conflict. Whether in business or personal life, prioritizing listening can make all the difference.
Successful businesses thrive on strong communication. If leaders, employees and clients don’t feel heard, dysfunction arises, and productivity suffers. On the other hand, organizations that foster a culture of listening build teams that are engaged, innovative and collaborative.
In personal relationships, listening is equally crucial. People want to feel understood, valued and acknowledged. The ability to listen with full presence and empathy strengthens bonds and minimizes misunderstandings.
Developing the habit of truly listening is not difficult. It just requires practice and intention. Here are a few ways to improve your listening skills:
• Be present: Give your full attention to the speaker. Put away distractions and maintain eye contact.
• Resist the urge to interrupt: Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts before responding.
• Ask clarifying questions: Demonstrate engagement by asking thoughtful questions to ensure understanding.
• Practice empathy: Seek to understand the emotions and perspectives behind the words.
• Reflect before responding: Take a moment before replying to fully process the speaker’s message.
• Validate the speaker’s feelings: Acknowledge their emotions and express appreciation for their openness.
The ability to listen effectively is one of the most overlooked yet transformative communication tools. It can strengthen relationships, enhance business success and create deeper connections with those around you.
If you are striving to build a successful company, lead a high-performing team or foster meaningful personal relationships, mastering the art of listening is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. By committing to listening with intent and presence, you open doors to better communication, deeper trust and lasting success.
FMarcus Straub owns Life is Great Coaching in Grand Junction. His personalized coaching and consulting services help individuals, business owners, executives and companies build teams, organizations and lives filled with happiness and success. Straub is winner of the International Coach of the Year Award and author of “Is It Fun Being You?” He’s available for free consultations regarding coaching, speaking and trainings. Reach Straub at (970) 208-3150, marcus@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com.
Marcus Straub
In case you thought elections cure tone deafness, I present the Grand Junction City Council
Oops, they did it again.
That’s right, after being rejected outright in the latest, ill-timed, usually-low-voter-turnoutto-benefit-progressives, springtime elections, our city council once again generously served up another slice of cake while completely ignoring the voice of the people who screamed loudly on April 8, “We don’t want your ideas, follies or leadership anymore!”
I’d say they have deaf ears, but that would imply they are at least attempting to listen to the people.
Instead, in their alternative Grand Junction universe our Feckless Foursome of “Abe the Sausage King of Grand Junction (and if you don’t get the joke, this column won’t hit your reality either) Herman,” “Anna the Stout, confident progressive,” “Randall right is wrong and wrong is right Reitz” and “Jason if not now, Nguyen do you need my vote?” have decided now is the time to finally do something more about Whitman Park.
Yes, I know they decided a while back to shut Whitman Park down from its 24/7/365 out-of-town guests and move them to the “resource center” but a few blocks away after making them literally roam the desert all over town. I say “out-of-town guests” simply because by the time I write another column on the homeless problem in our area, these same fine folks will get together with other “community leaders” and give the problem yet another name and claim it a solution. I also say guests because they stay and commune in special accommodations provided by the city.
Then again, these same folks aren’t “guests” when it comes to downtown foot-traffic statistics used to justify bollards galore on Fourth and Fifth streets. Rather, they’re magically drivers of the local economy.
But really, Craig, one tone-deaf topic per column.
So, back to the vote to approve nearly a quarter of a million dollars to go to a Boulder (is there really another city in Colorado which would enhance the irony?) design and engineering firm to begin “revitalization” of Whitman Park. I could point out the obvious and ask why a local firm didn’t win the bid, but how does that get you elected to the House of Representatives, governor or preside in your proper place of ruling over the serfs?
Then again, this rushed vote is what happens when you thought you were going to get four more years of progressive rule in your hamlet but instead lost in the last election. Because that’s what this is really about.
Just like so many of the pontifications and programs put into place by our precious politicos, this appears all about cornerstones and microphones. A topic I have written on many times before and I could write monthly if needed about the most dangerous place in Mesa County being between a community leader and a microphone at yet another press party bestowing their special efforts and virtues in taking credit where none or little is due.
Funny how the safest place in the county is at the site of yet another business closing or boondoggle at citizens’ expense caused by these same leaders. If you need a visual, think about moving the BLM headquarters to Grand Junction and all of its ongoing hullabaloo.
That’s all Whitman Park is in the end: Who gets their name on the sign after millions are spent? And they all will. Have you seen the sign at CanyonView Park? It reads more like a roster of who worked for the city than a nameplate and map of where you are, which is what it should be.
But here we are, moving ahead with “plans” for Whitman Park as old Dishonest Abe used as an excuse, basically saying, “They’ve done begun the process of telling subordinates what to do, and there’s no possible way we can or should stop it,” all while he has Anna’s (who called for the vote because it’s probably her idea), Jason’s and Randall’s votes. So, more of your taxpayer money gets spent. This time doing what a few grand in fencing is doing already at Whitman Park in keeping the homeless at bay. Well, they also tore down the bathrooms, so I guess some thought and extra dollars were put into it.
But we all know the main reason for this vote is obvious. It’s because it’s their idea. After all, these select four (and let’s not forget their fifth wheel who on this occasion went rogue, “Scott we don’t always have to spend money we don’t have this time Beilfuss”) got elected to put into place their solutions and plans. Even this one, which hasn’t been formally adopted by council, as rightly noted by “Dennis don’t spend a penny Simpson.”
Obviously, this isn’t about moving the homeless away from the entrance to the city, as they are still only two blocks away. So, it must be about something. I think it’s about looking like you’re doing something – anything – to not really solve problems presently while putting a permanent placeholder with your name on it for perpetuity. Even if it means approving a $5 million project when you don’t have the money, as noted by “Cody I talk to the people too much Kennedy.”
I’d hate to think the outgoing council did this out of spite.
In Christ and Freedom.
F
Craig Hall is owner and publisher of The Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.
Taking a balanced look: Get facts before conclusions
The front-page article of the Daily Sentinel from April 10 opened with the heartbreaking story of an 81-year-old cyclist who was killed on 12th Street. From there, it shifts into a broader discussion of Grand Junction’s multimodal efforts, highlighting, in particular, the city’s recent changes to Fourth and Fifth streets.
While the topic is certainly newsworthy, the article reads more like a promotion of the city’s transportation agenda than a balanced look at a controversial issue.
Let’s start with the facts.
I’ve seen surveillance video that captured the actual crash, and I’ve spoken with people who were there. One of them is a friend of mine, and she performed CPR on the victim. This crash occurred when the cyclist veered off the sidewalk into traffic. This isn’t something a bike lane would have prevented. The Sentinel’s framing suggests otherwise, but that doesn’t reflect what actually happened.
This isn’t about rejecting data. It’s about how we use it.
If we’re serious about making streets safer, we should start with the facts and question our conclusions, not the other way around. That means approaching these questions the way we would a scientific problem: Begin with a hypothesis; examine the data objectively; and adjust based on what we find.
If speed is being cited as the primary issue, then we should see it listed as a contributing factor in each crash being used to justify a redesign. If it’s not, that incident shouldn’t be part of the dataset driving the decision. Otherwise, we risk lumping together unrelated fender benders and minor scrapes to support a predetermined agenda.
Was the original goal to improve safety or to reshape downtown to be more bike-friendly? Those are different starting points, and they lead to different kinds of decisions.
I’m not saying we don’t need safety improvements. We do. I’ve written about this before in previous blog posts where I’ve raised questions about the Fourth Street and Fifth Street redesign and the broader decision-making behind it. I’ve consistently said we need to evaluate what’s working and what’s not — not blindly revert, and not blindly push forward.
What I’ve called for and will continue to call for is a balanced approach:
• Adjust signal timing to reduce speeds without disrupting traffic flow.
• Lower speed limits where appropriate and increase speed enforcement.
• Use raised crosswalks to slow traffic while improving pedestrian visibility.
• Consider using “sharrows” (markings that indicate bikes and cars share the lane) rather than carving out entire lanes that disrupt business access, emergency response and freight movement.
• Add bike lanes where they make sense for cyclist safety, not simply as a tool to slow down traffic.
These are practical solutions. They improve safety without requiring the kind of sweeping changes we’ve seen in the pilot project.
The Sentinel’s April 10 editorial, which focused on campaign messaging and voter sentiment, briefly referenced the Fourth and Fifth street pilot project and quoted me as saying, “My feeling is that we need to be collaborative. I really do want to make sure we are meeting the public’s needs and safety.”
That remains my focus.
When I talk about collaboration, I don’t mean a slightly tweaked version of what’s already been decided. I’m not interested in preserving a single-lane solution just for appearances, and I’m not asking to go backward either. What I’m calling for is a genuine process. One that starts with an honest look at the data, not a predetermined goal to change the character of downtown. These changes were proposed under the premise of safety. If that’s the goal, then let’s work together toward a safer downtown by identifying what’s truly causing crashes and addressing it directly.
But if the real aim is to reduce car use and remake the core of the city around bikes and pedestrians, then we owe it to the public to say that out loud. Collaboration only works if everyone is honest about the goals we’re trying to achieve.
We’re not Denver. We’re not Boulder. We’re Grand Junction. And we need to find what works here.
That means approaching this with an open mind and being honest about two key priorities: First, making decisions based on objectively reviewed crash data to understand downtown safety; and second, considering multimodal safety in the context of national standards like the Federal Highway Administration’s Safe System Approach.
Last week’s election was not a mandate to shut it all down. But it was a call for accountability. Voters said loud and clear: Listen to us. Engage with us. Don’t keep telling us what’s best for us while ignoring what we’re experiencing every day.
This isn’t about being “anti-bike.” It’s about being pro-honesty. Pro-reality. Procommunity.
Let’s approach these conversations with care and perspective.
F
Cody Kennedy is the District A representative on the Grand Junction City Council.
Cody Kennedy
Craig Hall
n TASTE OF THE GRAND VALLEY FUNDRAISER SET FOR MAY 2
United Way of Mesa County will host the 23rd annual Home Loan Taste of the Grand Valley fundraiser on May 2, 4-7 p.m. at 310 N. Seventh Street (Historic Lowell School Building) in downtown Grand Junction.
The outdoor food and beverage-tasting festival is a local fundraiser where ticket holders get to enjoy samples and sips from 15 local vendors along with live music from Misti Dawn as well as Baltic and Birch.
Vendors in attendance include Armando Tacos, Surfin’ Salmon, Hillbilly Catering & Chef Stef Events, Colorado Q Barbeque, Baker’s Boutique, Hot Mesa, Suck It Fruity, The Little Pink Truck, Trail Life Brewing, Sauvage Spectrum, Gemini Beer Company, Carboy Winery, Carlson Vineyards, Rise and Grind Design Company, and Ramblebine Brewing Company.
All proceeds from the event benefit the 43 local nonprofit programs that United Way of Mesa County helps support. These programs assist 50,000 Mesa County residents each year.
United Way encourages ticket purchases prior to the event, as the festival sold out last year. Tickets are $40 now through May 1, or $45 the day of the event and at the gate (if available). Learn more and get your tickets today at www.tasteofthegv.com.
For more information about Home Loan Taste of the Grand Valley, please contact United Way of Mesa County at 970-243-5364 or email taste@uwmesacounty. org. Follow United of Way of Mesa County on Facebook and Instagram for updates and additional information and check out the United Way of Mesa County website at www.unitedwayofmesacounty.org.
n CONNECT FOR GOOD HOSTS LUNCHEON APRIL 24
Connect for Good, a new community-building initiative in the Grand Valley, invites residents from all sectors to its next monthly luncheon on April 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Redlands Community Center, 2463 Broadway.
The theme is “From Spark to Action: It starts with you,” and attendees can expect: uplifting conversations that inspire, not drain; a chance to connect across generations and sectors; insights into issues that matter to the Grand Valley; and a welcoming atmosphere filled with curiosity, purpose, and possibility.
“Connect for Good is more than a luncheon; it’s a movement to strengthen social connections, deepen understanding of local nonprofits and community issues, and foster a true sense of belonging,” said Porcia Chen Silverberg, founder of Connect for Good.
Silverberg previously ran a women’s center in downtown Grand Junction and now leads initiatives that bring people together to create lasting community impact.
n NONPROFIT BOARD FAIR SET FOR MAY 21
“Board Connect,” a nonprofit board fair hosted by Connect for Good, is a first-ofits-kind event on the Western Slope that brings together local nonprofits and community members for meaningful, one-on-one conversations about board service.
This event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21st at The Art Center of Western Colorado, 1803 N. Seventh St. in Grand Junction. Attendance is free to community members looking to learn more about board service and opportunities at several nonprofit organizations in the Grand Valley.
Nonprofits interested in having an exhibitor table can sign up online at forms.gle/ u8XrHvNkETVdNrFp6. Exhibitor fees are $50 for members of the local nonprofit coalition Community Impact Council (CIC), and $100 for non-CIC members.
“Nonprofits are critical to a thriving, connected community – but they can’t do it alone,” says Porcia Chen Silverberg, Connect for Good founder. “They need new energy,
fresh perspectives and community-minded individuals at their board table. This board fair will help local organizations increase visibility for their mission and help them recruit potential new board members and volunteers.
“On the flip side, community members new to the idea of serving on a board, and those who already have experience and are looking for a new opportunity, can come to the event, which will help them explore, connect and discover what’s possible in their own backyard.”
Community members interested in attending the free fair are encouraged to register in advance by emailing Info.ConnectforGood@gmail.com. Registrants will receive a copy of the Board Connect Nonprofit Directory and a board service tips sheet. For more information, visit www.connectforgood.biz/board-connect online.
n SOUTHWEST ARBOR FEST TAKES PLACE APRIL 26
The City of Grand Junction will celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day with the annual Southwest Arbor Fest at Lincoln Park, 910 N. 12th St., on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A variety of activities and events will take place throughout the day, including Coffee with the City Manager, which will be during the Tree Seedling giveaway, beginning at 9 a.m.
Southwest Arbor Fest also will feature food trucks, craft beer, vendors and local bands. Free tree seedlings, auctions, live demonstrations, talk with an arborist and more will be available outside the Lincoln Park Pool entrance.
For the third year Grand Junction Parks and Recreation partnered with Mesa County to provide Hazardous Waste Recycling, sponsored by Alpine Bank and Save-A-Tree.
For more information about Southwest Arbor Fest, call Grand Junction Parks and Recreation at 970-254-3866, email gjparksandrec@gjcity.org, or visit the office at 1340 Gunnison Avenue.
n AIM CLINIC RELOCATES, EXPANDS ACCESS
The Grand Junction Intermountain Health Integrated Addiction Medicine (AIM) clinic has expanded and moved to a new location: 2635 N. Seventh St., inside Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital.
The new, larger space will better accommodate the growing needs of Intermountain Health’s patients and expand its service offerings for Western Slope residents. The
