It didn’t me take long to figure out that my life-long vision would be to help women become successful in business: when women are financially successful, they have better choices! Give us an opportunity and then stand back and watch us go! I was always been an entrepreneur because I wanted to do things that women traditionally did not do. That led me to find ways to help other women create wonderful personal & professional lives. On a personal note, my theme has always been “Life is a dashing and bold adventure” and my red Harley Trike helps me live it. I am a Colorado gal, lifelong athlete, and an unapologetic Patriot. And I love being labeled as “Annoyingly happy!”
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I was brought up in an entrepreneurial family in Fort Collins. Our family had two movie theaters (the Trail and the Aggie), and my brother had a high-end restaurant (the Black Knight Inn). My first job at age 4 was opening the bottles of pop at the theater. Marketing, customer service really were dinner table conversations in our house. But so was community involvement. My dad was on the City Council so I learned early that politics affects our personal & professional lives.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I graduated from CSU but ended up in Breckenridge, married a handsome Sheriff’s Deputy, skied my brains out and became a sports photographer. That career continued when my husband & I moved to the foothills of Loveland, but I switched to equine photography when our son went horse-crazy. That led to sharing ideas about how to use photos in Realtors’ marketing programs, which led to a whole other career as a “Person Promotion Marketing Specialist.” That continued until my husband retired from Loveland Police Dept. in 2008 and I created Colorado Women of Influence (COWOI). He retired; I wasn’t ready. I still wanted to put women in the spotlight. So much of what I do with COWOI pertains to helping members share their experiences & expertise to benefit others. My husband passed away in 2019, and I quickly realized I still burned with the fires to help women find the resources to create a great life. I do just that but through COWOI but how cool that we also become “girlfriends at a whole higher level” and I really love that!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Betta Gumbo, El Cielo, Origins, Pour House, Loveland Chophouse
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Raised in FC, lived in Breckenridge for 10 years, now over 40 in Loveland. I’ve had my office in Palmer Gardens for over 10 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
So many but Jane DeDecker is amazing. We have so many women who are not just “interesting” but are true inspirations, I can’t list them all. That’s why I created the Women of Vision Gala. For 10 years we found amazing women who were unknown, unappreciated and often ignored. Despite their having done amazing things. I was proud to put over 100 NoCo women on a big stage to hear our applause!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Ireland, land of my ancestors.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
As an adrenalin junkie, I enjoy adventure & fantasy movies, mysteries and any presentation with a strong female lead. Right now it’s The Last Kingdom on Netflix.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
When I was 14 my grandfather gave me a tiny compass. He was quite the hunter & fisherman, so I figured he worried that I might get lost in the woods on one of our adventures. He surprised me though. He put it into my hand and said, Keep this with you as a reminder of a couple of things. First, look at your surroundings and understand where you’re at. Second, decide where you want to go and map out your journey. Most important, check the compass every so often to make sure you haven’t gotten off course.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I have lots of candles on my birthday cake so my bucket list has most items checked off! “Been there, done that” is kinda frustrating but also very satisfying.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I get lost in the 70’s and 80’s, with the rock bands. Nice that ZZ Top is still around!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I’m so proud of Loveland business owners – so many entrepreneurs. We adapt and adopt, through floods, fires, COVID and changing economies. We help each other in times of need. Sunny Jim’s Candy Shop and Sylvan Dale Ranch west of town endured more than one flood, and came back strong. I’m sad to see Sunny Jim’s owner retiring, but she earned it.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I choose two, both NoCo locals: Debra Benton and LeAnn Thieman. Debra’s book, Lions Don’t Need To Roar, changed my life. LeAnn’s book, This Must Be My Brother, showed how a quiet woman can become a hero when thrust into a battle zone. Their books inspired me to think bigger and take on more! I’d take Debra to Door 222 for tapas and LeAnn to Loveland Ale Works for a stout beer and a taco from a food truck!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our festivals downtown! During COVID we persevered when other communities shut down their events. The Corn Roast was especially great last year.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still riding my Harley, living life at full speed until I’m forced to come to a screeching stop. Jack Kerouac was right: “I would rather be ashes than dust!”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was put on “social probation” for rappelling out my dorm window in college.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
My own front porch, in the foothills west of town, overlooking my neighbor’s pastures. Elk, deer, wild turkey, fabulous sunrises. I am blessed.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Month: September. The colors change, the weather cools, the harvests are in.
Holiday: 4th of July, patriotism on display.
Single day: Winter Solstice on December 21th. My late husband’s birthday and the end of the dark days of winter as the days slowly become brighter. Highly symbolic on many levels.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The walk around Lake Loveland, Benson Sculpture Park, the Foundry, our home-town parades.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My son the personal trainer who said, “Something is better than nothing. Whatever you’re doing, take it to the next level.” And my girlfriends. They’ve all experienced adversity & challenges, and they’ve handled them with dignity & grace…or they’ve muddled through and survived. My grandmother said, “Friendship divides our grief and multiplies our joy” and I’ve learned the hard way how true that is.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Autumn leaves, smoke from a campfire or firepit.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Sanctuary, serenity, safety.
