Loveland & South, CO June 2024

A McWhinney Community

LET'S KEEP A GROWING

Let’s keep making room for the good stuff. All things artful, delicious and wild. Let’s mix it up. With more workplaces and green spaces. Local food and native plants. Homes and trails. Town and nature. Let’s use our legs. Let’s walk to the park and bike to lunch. Let’s run some errands … literally.

And let’s create a shared vision for our community. For an even more prosperous, livable, loveable Loveland.

Grateful for Men of Strength & Character

When I was a little girl, my family took a trip to the beach and I was terrified of the waves. I sat in my (yes, it was a yellow polka dot) bikini and cried on the beach. I wanted to get in the water so bad but I was too afraid of the waves crashing down towards me. My father sat down with me, patient as ever and told me that I cannot be afraid of things in life or I will never experience all the adventure and fun. He said to howl at the waves like the coyote or wolf does to the moon and to remember I am brave and strong just like them. As I have gotten older that advice still holds truer than ever in all aspects and I am continually reminded of the impact that love, protection and strength has had on my life.

Because of the wonderful examples of men in my life, I am a stronger, braver and wiser individual. As I dive further into our surrounding communities, I have discovered there are a multitude of honest, strong, morally sound men who are filled with integrity and are actively making a difference in this world every single day. The impact of their patience and kindness ripples throughout their surroundings and impacts everyone around them. Leading with strength and fearlessness, they also offer mentorship and patience. The influence of this carries more weight than we know and it is because of men like the ones shared here in these pages that we know there are still protectors, honest leaders, and examples of integrity and valor. These may be old-fashioned words, but the boldness it takes to stand In what is right in our world and go against the storm takes a spirit of heroism.

As you read through this month's features, we hope you are inspired. Let's thank the men in our lives who are of upstanding character. Cheers to the men who step up, who lead by example, and pour into those around them!

DESIREE GUSTAFSON, PUBLISHER @LOVELANDANDSOUTHLIFESTYLE

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Desiree Gustafson | desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Sarah Erickson | sarah.erickson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Erickson, Desiree Gustafson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dana Martin Creative, Delaney Morrow Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Got Central Air?

Get Rewarded to Dial in How You Cool Your Home

Help reduce energy consumption during the summer months by allowing us to potentially adjust your home’s temperature a few degrees.

Receive a $50 sign-up bill credit plus the annual $30 participation rewards.

Must have central air or qualifying heat pump, an ecobee or Nest smart thermostat, and Wi-Fi to participate.

Enroll in Power Peak Rewards to earn bill credits and enhanced energy efficiency. Scan or go to pvrea.coop/power-peak-rewards

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Natalie Thomas, Michelle Walter, Kerry Flint, Hollie Heidmann, and Jeff Green of the Layman Lewis Financial team volunteering at the Larimer County Food Bank. 2: Nicolas Dunagan, Dixie Daly and Aaron Ellingson From Health4Heroes at their ribbon cutting for the Loveland Chamber. 3: Ouzel Creative's Ribbon Cutting for the Loveland Chamber of Commerce. 4: The beginning of The Hustle Hour, a men's networking group! Stay tuned for their upcoming events. 5: Resilient Soul Yoga is hosting brewery yoga every month throughout the summer. Check their socials for details and dates! 6: Kicking off Desk Chair's Annual Rooftop Derby Party in style! 7: Rylee Hupp, Desiree Gustafson, and Monique Suzette at a Loveland After Hours Event.

business monthly

The Ark Christ-Centered Sober Living

For men that find themselves in the darkness of addiction, The Ark is a transitional home in Northern Colorado that provides faith, fellowship and guidance. They not only provide a safe transitional home in the heart of downtown Loveland where their daily physical and recovery needs are met, but also faith, fellowship, and life training skills. Their aim is to offer a home that they can launch from, giving them the strength and skills to create a new life.

Ouzel Creative Now Serving The Loveland Community

There's a new sustainability-minded graphic and web design studio serving the Loveland community! Ouzel Creative is the husband and wife team of Shawn and Katy Delehoy. They offer graphic design and web design services including logos, branding, layout, illustration, and websites. They also keep sustainability in mind seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

Their passion is to use their creativity and design skills to convey your passion and to help you uniquely communicate. Learn more at www.ouzelcreative.studio.

Rosie's Troy Sinatra is Breaking Barriers & Setting New Standards

Having worked with Troy to curate a few cocktails for Loveland & South, we can attest to his professionalism, drive and creativity. The knowledge of his craft and his imagination have propelled Rosie's bar to new heights. Recently their February cocktail was featured on a Forbes List of Whiskey Cocktails to savor for International Whiskey Day! We are excited to witness the evolution of Rosie's and to give praises to our friend Troy. He truly is a genius!

Men of Influence

SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON INCREDIBLE MEN WHO ARE POSITIVELY INFLUENCING OUR COMMUNITY

Nicholas Dunagan Founder of Health4Heroes

Founder of Health4Heroes, U.S. Army Combat Veteran, Nicholas Dunagan has first-hand experience in dealing with challenges faced by our Veteran community. After getting out of the military in 2014, he struggled with PTSD and other mental and physical health issues. It wasn’t until he became immersed in a local Veterans organization that he started to feel normalized, and found hope. He became active, healthy and engaged, which are now fundamental aspects of his organization.

Health4Heroes was founded in September 2020 with a mission to empower Veterans and First Responders to take command of their health, reduce the impact of

service, and increase longevity through community, connection, and education.

Continually building a supportive community of like-minded individuals through events and activities like community workouts, recreation, social events and local member get-togethers, Health4Heroes also distributes educational material designed to empower their members to make informed decisions about their health. Health4Heroes also provides access to vital resources by partnering with local health and wellness businesses that offer exclusive discounts and support for our members.

Cooper Logan

When it comes to the word inspiration, Cooper Logan or “DJ Lil Coop” is the embodiment of letting faith and courage overcome life’s challenges and trials. At just 15 years old, he has faced more obstacles than some people ever know in a lifetime.

At the age of 3, Cooper fell ill and the events that followed changed the course of his life forever.  Diagnosed with a heart disease known as Kawasaki Disease, it is this same diagnosis that caused him to develop two aneurysms in his coronary arteries. As a result of the medications needed for those aneurysms, he was also diagnosed with kidney failure. Despite facing a multitude of daunting health issues, Cooper possesses a wisdom beyond his years and chooses to focus on pouring his energy into the things that bring him joy.

Staying true to himself and following his passion for music, DJ Lil Coop has pursued his dream of becoming a DJ. By honing his skills and training with some of the best in the industry, he now holds a permanent spot with the Colorado

Eagles Hockey Team and is actively living and pursuing his dreams despite the circumstances surrounding him. In the face of difficulties, Cooper chooses to focus on what sparks joy in his life, to have faith in what is to come, and to live his dreams now, because every new day is a gift.

Dr. Shpendi Lluhani

Impact. This is the theme that Benjamin Williams has built his life around. Parlaying his professional sports career into a speaking and coaching career, he has experienced depths of winning, losing, learning, and leading to the extent that he is now able to offer valuable insights and optimum impact.

As a two-sport pro athlete with successful indoor football and MMA careers, he gained valuable experience and perspective that he was then able to carry into business. After opening two gyms and garnering over 20 years of experience in training and wellness for athletes, he tragically lost his brother to suicide in 2012. After sharing his testimony in church, he knew that speaking and coaching was his life's purpose.

“My mission is to be an instrument for growth in the lives of others. I was always striving to be the best on the field and everything I was competing in. Now my mission is to bring positive impact.”

What was once a dream that Dr. Shpendi Lluhani and his wife, Deanna envisioned, is now a mainstay in the Loveland health community. Reconnect Chiropractic is a true family practice, where Dr. Shpendi and Dr. Deanna provide personalized and targeted chiropractic treatments that improve health and produce results.

For them, true chiropractic is meant to help remove the noise and obstacles that get in the way of proper messages between the brain and the body, hence the name Reconnect Chiropractic.

Dr. Shpendi is also the founder of local men’s networking group, The Hustle Hour. The Hustle Hour is the antidote to tiring networking groups that feel like a chore. Instead, Dr. Shpendi wanted a group that men look forward to going to. A place where they can come and relax while also connecting and making friendships in the community so that they can help each other grow and succeed.

Christopher Bussard

Author and creator of www.thefightwithdepression.com

Reaching and supporting those who struggle with their mental health is Christopher Bussard’s passion. After writing The Fight: My Battle With Depression in 2019 about his own lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression, he launched his website and podcast, The Fight With Depression

As a firefighter for more than 20 years, he initiated his fire department’s peer support program after noticing many peers struggling with their mental health. Since then he has expanded his business, fully dedicating himself to providing hope and encouragement through physical activity, interaction with others, and a connection with nature.

In his podcast, he discusses tips for maintaining and improving mental health based on his own experiences as well as from the perspective of someone who people come to with their struggles.

Christian Griffith

Owner of Pride Roofing & Solar

Unapologetically ethical is how Christian Griffith, Owner of Pride Roofing & Solar describes his business. A full service exterior envelope contractor, they offer roofing, siding, windows, gutter, doors, garage doors, painting and solar, and all their services come with the unfaltering promise of quality, honesty, and durability.

After experiencing the less-than-ethical business strategies of previous roofing companies, Griffith felt it was necessary to start a business and make it his mission to become so good at it that it forced his competitors to level up to the same ethical and service-minded standards. He explains, “Our goal is to exceed expectations by always rendering an unapologetically ethical service. We stand by our promise to do the right thing.”

Griffith recently started a podcast called Into the Lion’s Den in which they explore not only the best practices of the roofing and restoration industry, but also converse on lifestyle, business, leadership, and how to make smart decisions as a responsible homeowner.

A family-owned and operated fixture in the Loveland community, Stan's Auto Service exemplifies community-mindedness and longevity. Established in 1984, this year they are celebrating 40 years of service in the Loveland community. As a 5th generation family-owned and operated Auto Repair Shop, you could say that they’re a local legacy.

Owned by Sheldon and Pamela Barthlama, Stan’s Auto Service is a one-stop-shop that offers an array of services including import and domestic auto repair, light duty and heavy duty truck repair, diesel truck repair, semi’s & trailers, tires, alignments, DOT

Sheldon Barthlama

Owner of Stan’s Auto Service

inspections, fleet repairs, and 24-hour towing. They’re a Loveland mainstay that pride themselves in offering quality work in a timely manner and at a fair price.

Sheldon’s grandfather and great-grandfather both owned repair shops, so it was inevitable that Sheldon’s father, Stan, and then Sheldon would follow in the tradition. For Sheldon, continuing this impressive legacy and then passing it onto his son, Hayden, is his central motivation.

Sheldon finds it extremely important to give back to the Loveland community and the automotive industry both. He is on the Automotive Services Association of Colorado advisory board, the Front Range Community College advisory board, is a former Loveland High School baseball coach, and meets monthly with other shop owners to discuss training, benefits and other aspects of automotive.

He explains, “It’s my way of trying to better the industry and give back to an industry that has supported my family for generations.”

CONTINUED >

Ed VanDyne

Founder of Plastic 2 Green

For engineer, Ed VanDyne, the future is bright and plastic-free. VanDyne is the Founder of Plastic 2 Green, a local startup that is passionate about creating a sustainable future by turning waste plastic into valuable resources. With their cutting-edge technology, they are turning non-recyclable waste plastic into ammonia—the hydrogen fuel of the future—and high value carbon products.

Their technology takes plastic molecules apart into their individual atoms, and then separates them and reforms them into useful high value products. Plastic 2 Green is the only company that has the technology to consume plastic waste, and properly dispose of it after it is collected from rivers, streams, and oceans.

VanDyne is no stranger to invention, development, or starting businesses of scientific and environmental significance. A combustion and plasma engineer who went to MIT, he invented plasma ignition technology as a student. He went on to become the Director of Research at Woodward where he invented and developed the super turbocharger. He went on to create several

companies including VanDyne SuperTurbo, a solar company, and a sailboat company before starting Plastic 2 Green.

VanDyne and his team are dedicated to cleaning up the planet by creating the fuel of the future. “I really enjoy coming up with ideas that can change the world for the better. I am a futurist, so I don’t spend much time looking back. I am always trying to create a better future for everyone on this planet.”

Wally’s Speed Shop

Wally’s Speed Shop has been building dreams and preserving legacies in the form of classic cars, trucks, and hot rods since 2016. An award-winning custom car builder in Loveland, not only do they specialize in restoring classic cars and hot rods, they are passionate hobbyists who savor every part and aspect of the restoration process.

Started in 2016 by husband and wife team, Wally and Miriam Veigel, they pride themselves on offering the very best work from the best mechanics and craftsmen in the industry, which definitely seems to be resonating with classic car, truck, and hot rod enthusiasts throughout Northern Colorado. Since 2016 they have outgrown two previous buildings and are now on their third, which is quickly starting to bust at the seams with a constant ensemble of rebuilds, fabrications, and servicing projects.

At Wally’s, they offer an extensive array of services all under one roof, including full car restoration, bodywork and repair, mechanical repair, and paint, with an objective of trying to keep as much of the restoration process in-house as possible. And with over 110 years of cumulative experience spread amongst their staff of 10, they can handle any project that comes their way. In fact, they love a challenge. It takes passion and skill to tackle these projects and that’s exactly what they have.

“We have a passionate group here,” Wally explains. “You have to be a passionate person to work on this stuff. It’s not as glamorous as everyone wants it to be. You have to be invested in the final goal and you have to be physically and emotionally invested to get it done.”

Wally’s automotive passion was ignited when he received his first truck as a teenager, a 1963 C-10. He immediately

“We exist to make your dream car a reality. To take your passion and turn it into a functional, drivable car. We want our cars to be driven. A lot.”

immersed himself in the automotive culture which seemed to fill a void that he didn’t even realize was there. He then went on to tech school to pursue his interest. It was through school and his trusty C-10 that he learned a lot about automotive repair. Fast forward to 2016, and he was ready to go into business for himself and start a shop that was different from the rest. He wanted a shop where people are comfortable spending their hard-earned money on their dream cars. And a shop that offers transparent service that guarantees value and peace of mind throughout the entire build process. Armed with his skill and know-how, Wally and Miriam opened Wally’s Speed Shop in September of 2016. Now, they’re the most valuable resource in Northern Colorado for custom, classic and muscle cars and trucks.

Originally from Arlington, Texas, Wally and Miriam met their senior year of high school in economics class. She asked him to prom and the rest is history. They have now been married for nearly 20 years and have three boys—18, 16, and 10. One of the things that Wally is most proud of is the strength of their marriage and his family. They moved to Loveland from Texas when their oldest was just 6 months old, drawn in by the open space, the small town feel, and the close proximity to the mountains. They have been growing and thriving here ever since.

When it comes to Wally's, it’s the culture and mentality that truly sets it apart from any other. Operating from the idea of Kaizen, a Japanese business philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement, at Wally’s they are continually

“There’s a legacy that comes with each project. We do our absolute best to maintain our customer’s vision or restore what they remember or used to love about the car.”

The collaboration piece is a large part of the culture. The team understands that they are bringing the breadth and width of their experience to every project, and it’s through collaboration that they are able to create amazing work. Process-oriented and creatively driven, they are able to transfer the details from the customer’s imagination to the planning phase to the finished product and they enjoy the process from beginning to end and from bumper to bumper.

improving and streamlining their processes. From vehicles to storage, billing, and inventory - everything is in a constant state of improvement.

Their overall culture is something that they’re continually working on and improving as well. Ultimately, it revolves around good communication, active listening, respect, and collaboration.

“We understand and respect that our customers are trusting us with a dream and we honor that trust with an excellent finished product.”

“We’re the custodians of these vehicles. There’s a legacy that comes with each project and we do our absolute best to maintain our customer’s vision or restore what they remember or used to love about the car.”

Wally goes on to explain, “My favorite part is meeting the customer and seeing the passion that they have for their project and then seeing their face when they see their dream come to fruition and seeing the value that they receive from us. A lot more tears than you think shed on both sides.”

To learn more about Wally’s Speed Shop and check out some of their favorite projects, visit them online at www.wallysspeed.com

COMEBACK

COUNSELING story

COUNSELOR, MIKE ENSLEY TALKS MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH

Driven by an unyielding passion to advocate for men’s mental health, Mike Ensley, Counselor and owner of Comeback Story Counseling, is normalizing the pursuit of mental and emotional wellness particularly to a population that may have been previously less likely to consider counseling a resource.

“Men are a lot less likely to enlist someone’s help in this pursuit, and that’s something that I’m very passionate about changing,” explains Ensley.

After his own journey through recovery alongside other men working through similar issues, Ensley realized that these were the relationships that had the most profound impact on his life and he wanted to facilitate similar journeys of healing and connection for others. His goal was to create a space where his patients can have a counseling experience that helps launch them into a new and better chapter. As a result, Comeback Story Counseling was born.

At Comeback Story Counseling, Ensley works with men, women, and teens looking to shake off the burdens of trauma & consuming patterns, restore relationships, and create more fulfillment in their lives in an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. He provides a place where it's safe to explore what's hard, and walks alongside clients struggling with painful emotions, hurtful relationship patterns, trauma from the past, and consuming habits in the present.

Ensley admits, “While the work can be uncomfortable at times, it's worth doing. I didn't just learn that in school--it's a story I've lived, too.”

At Comeback Story Counseling, Ensley and his growing team of therapists are there to help people discover and forge the life that they want. Their

“My focus is helping my clients launch a new, better chapter.”

approach is centered on engagement of the whole person, utilizing therapies that address the social, psychological, and neurological aspects of every issue.

“My focus is helping my clients launch a new, better chapter so that they go forward into a season of life where they are more equipped and more present and more of themselves in the way they want to be.”

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JUNE 1ST

Johnstown BBQ Days and 5K, Kid's Mile, & Junior Dash

Downtown Johnstown

Join us to celebrate the wonderful community and citizens of Johnstown, Colorado! Held annually on the first Saturday in June, festivities include music, food, and entertainment for the whole family! Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities can also enjoy the scenic 5K route through historic Johnstown including a Kids Mile and Junior Dash.  Learn more at www.johnstownbbqday.org.

JUNE 1ST

2024 Berthoud Day

1000 Berthoud Parkway, Berthoud CO 80513 | 7:30 AM

The Berthoud Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the 70th annual Berthoud Festival! This event brings in thousands each year while at the same time providing a fun and family-friendly event for the whole community. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, parade, and all-day entertainment, food and fun for the entire family. Learn more at www.berthoudcolorado.com/berthoud-day/

JUNE 7TH

Bluegrass & Brews Festival

The Foundry Plaza in Downtown Loveland | 6:00 PM

For the 4th year, The Loveland Downtown District is hosting a unique, two-day festival, featuring live music from a variety of bluegrass acts, a youth fiddle contest, session beers from local craft breweries, and more! Located in The Foundry Plaza it's free and open to the public on June 7 and 8.  Learn more at www.downtownloveland.org/bluegrass-brews-festival.

JUNE 8TH

2024 Sweetheart Car

Show

4650 Sunview Dr., Loveland, CO, United States, Colorado 80538 | 9:00 AM

Classic car show, silent auction, food service, kids' activities - fun for the whole family! We partner with local non-profits that help single moms and widows and our proceeds go to provide car care services to their clients. 9 AM - 2 PM

JUNE 18TH

Meals on 4th - "Social!"

4th Street in Downtown Loveland | 6:00 PM

Join us on 4th Street in downtown Loveland for the most anticipated event of the year - the 2024 Meals on 4th Event, proudly presented by Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud. This year, we’re embracing the theme “Social!” to spotlight the critical role of socialization in promoting health and well-being, especially for homebound and aging adults in Southern Larimer County. 6-9 PM

JUNE 21ST

Northern Colorado Summer Home Show

5280 Arena Circle, Loveland CO 80538 | 10:00 AM

This free event is the perfect opportunity for homeowners to save BIG on all home improvement projects and meet with local and national vendors face to face, offering valuable insights and guidance to help you turn your vision into reality. Friday: 12pm-6pm | Saturday: 10am-7pm | Sunday: 10am-5pm Learn more at www.northcoloradohomeshow.com.

In a new place where home matters. Nature is essential. Good co ee or dinner with friends is footsteps away at the newly opened Hub Café. And community still means people getting together. Two new builders have added to the variety of single-family and paired homes for sale and new models are now open for tours. The time is now. The place is Kinston Centerra, in Loveland.

EXPLORE NEW HOMES FROM THE $400 S Have a bite. Take a tour.