I was born and raised on Ellis Ranch in Loveland. I am the third generation in my family to run the ranch (I work and live here with my family).
Ellis Ranch has been in my family for 59 years. In the 70’s and 80’s it was a horse ranch, in the 90’s it was more of a tourist ranch and now it’s primarily a wedding and event destination (host about 100 weddings a year).
It is amazing to be able to live where you work, great mix of “work and play”. I can start work when I want to start and end work when I want to end. Working at a wedding and event location, my “weekends” end up being on Mondays and Tuesdays, rather than Saturdays and Sundays. When I am not working, I love camping, boating, four-wheeling, and fishing with my family.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have an amazing wife, Kim, and two kids, Alli and Garrett. My parents have retired and live in Florida, and I have a sister who lives in Nashville.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Prior to running the ranch, I was a horseshoer for about 10 years. Now I run the Ellis Ranch Event Center and Wedding Park just west of Loveland. I see myself at the ranch until I retire. At that point, I hope to end up down south somewhere, maybe start a new venture!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Henry’s, P.F. Chang’s, Black Steer
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
All my life! I actually live in the same house I grew up in.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Hard to pick one, maybe Dixie Daly with the Loveland Chamber.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Europe (I’m a history buff).
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
TV Show: The Walking Dead.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Work hard. Don’t stress about the little things. And set an alarm clock!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel the world.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I actually prefer to listen to talk radio or sports. But my favorite music is 80’s rock or country (Journey and Guns and Roses).
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
It’s not a business, but the Loveland Valentine’s traditions make me nostalgic.
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?
Payton Manning. We’d have lunch at Shanahan’s Steakhouse in Denver.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Loveland is becoming a big city, but still feels like a small town.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
If I’m not still in Loveland, I see myself down south starting a new adventure.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy woodworking.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hawaii.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Month: March (my birthday) or October (Fall, business slows down, beautiful).
Holiday: Christmas.
Day: 4th of July (we take the week off to celebrate my anniversary).
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My family (or the Broncos if they were a better team!).
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Pine trees and campfire.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, tradition, heritage.
