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In Denver, investment shows up in more ways than a portfolio statement. It’s in the businesses people start, the neighborhoods they care for, and the community spaces that bring us together. This issue explores how investing—financially and locally—continues to shape the future of our city.

We begin with a look at the growing role of the fractional CFO. More entrepreneurs and small business owners are realizing that having experienced financial leadership doesn’t always require a full-time hire. A fractional CFO can help bring structure, strategy, and clarity to growing companies that are ready to take the next step.
You’ll also find insights from a seasoned wealth manager who shares practical guidance while living your best life all while building and protecting wealth in today’s changing financial environment. Whether you’re running a business, planning for retirement, or simply thinking about long-term security, thoughtful financial planning remains one of the most important investments we can make.
But investment in Denver goes far beyond finances. We also cover the grand opening at Bluff Lake, a celebration of the natural spaces that make our city special and remind us why protecting them matters. And we highlight the ongoing work of NAREB, an organization committed to expanding homeownership and economic opportunity within our community.
At its core, this issue is about people who are investing their time, expertise, and passion into building something lasting in Denver. We hope their stories inspire you to think about the ways you’re investing in your own future—and in the place we all call home.
NATE THOMAS, PUBLISHER
April 2026
PUBLISHER
Nate Thomas | nate.thomas@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Anne Hebert | anne.hebert@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Anne Hebert, Valerie Bianculli
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Elliot Steinberg, Michael Ryno, Nate Thomas
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle


Proverbs 3:5-6


















1-7: The grand opening of Bluff Lake Nature Center celebrated the completion of new improvements that enhance the space for visitors and students. Community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting, tours, and activities that highlighted the center’s focus on environmental education and wildlife conservation. The upgraded facilities and accessible spaces help strengthen Bluff Lake’s role as an outdoor classroom and peaceful natural refuge within the city

















Howard Tree Care is a locally owned Denver tree company specializing in proactive pest control and tree health protection. Our new Plant Health Care truck allows us to deliver precise, targeted treatments across the Front Range, stopping infestations before they spread. Fully licensed and insured, our team provides honest recommendations, advanced treatment solutions, and preventative care to protect trees and prevent costly pest damage.
Scan to read more
Dr. Spencer Schneider and the team at Central Park Orthodontics are proud to celebrate five years of crafting radiant smiles in Denver. Since opening, Dr. Schneider has combined his board-certified expertise with a personalized, "no pressure" approach to patient care. Whether providing Invisalign or traditional braces, the practice remains dedicated to the community’s health. Here’s to many more years of building confidence, one smile at a time!
Chef Douglas Rankin is introducing Petit Chelou to Denver with a limited run inside Hop Alley in the RiNo Arts District. The pop-up will showcase Rankin’s creative, globally inspired small plates and natural wine focus. Operating as a chef’s counter experience, the project gives Denver diners an early taste of the concept while Rankin plans a future full restaurant opening in the city.








We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Progress Coworking https://progresscoworking.com/ | 720.513.1236
Park Hill Coworking https://www.parkhillcoworking.com/ | 720.593.1928
Birch Road - The Highlands https://www.birchroad.com/the-highlands | 303.231.1019
Furniture Creative Coworking http://furniturecoworking.com/ | 720.772.6719
The Process https://www.theprocessdenver.com/
Art Gallery
Denver Art Society http://denverartsociety.org/ | 303.534.1132
Future Drawn oneLINE Gallery http://www.futuredrawn.com/ | 970.237.0493
Leon Art Gallery http://www.leongallery.org/ | 303.832.1599
Foolproof Art Gallery http://www.foolproofcontemporaryart.com/ | 303.641.3472
Joe Molina Gallery https://joemolina.com/ | 970.534.4424







For Kathleen Sabia Civiello, building a business of her own wasn’t about ego. It was about full ownership of her work, her relationships and her future.
After more than three decades in financial accounting, controller and CFO roles, Civiello had earned her seat at the table. But something never quite sat right.
“I was doing an awful lot of work, but I wasn't the one out there having the relationships” she says candidly. “I wanted to be part of that. I wanted to be the one in the community doing the work and also having the relationships.”
“The last time I researched it, about 92 percent of businesses in Colorado were small businesses, that’s huge. And that’s what makes working here unique.”

That realization led her to launch Ambassador Accounting, LLC. “There’s only one way you’re going to be able to do this,” she recalls thinking. “You’ve got to go out on your own.”
Today, as a fractional CFO and strategic partner to small businesses across Colorado, she’s often the calm voice behind the numbers.
“I am 100 percent on their side,” she says. “And I make sure I’m available. I understand their situations because I’m in them. I’m also a business owner. So I get it.”
That empathy is critical in a state where small businesses dominate the landscape. “The last time I researched
it, about 92 percent of businesses in Colorado were small businesses,” she says. “That’s huge. And that’s what makes working here unique.”
Unlike Fortune 500 corporations, small businesses are deeply personal. The wins and losses don’t just affect shareholders, they affect families.
Part of her role is translating what can feel intimidating into something manageable. One of the biggest blind spots she sees? Confusing revenue with cash.
“When I present financials, the first thing they say is, ‘Well, where is that money? It’s not in my bank account,’” she says with a knowing laugh. “Understanding
the difference between revenue and cash is a big learning curve.”
Her approach is grounded and reassuring. “At the end of the day, it’s only accounting,” she says. “Anything can be fixed if there’s a correction to be made.” With the right guidance, she adds, financial reporting and tax strategy can align with a business owner’s mission instead of working against it.
That steady presence was shaped, in part, by her life outside the office.
Civiello became a single mother while raising three children, including a daughter with special needs. The demands of motherhood — and the need for flexibility — pushed her toward entrepreneurship.

“We all like to make money, but my idea of success is not the cash. It’s the relationship. It’s the community.”
“My daughter required flexibility,” she says. “And the ability to make more money than what a salary could provide. That played a part in my decision to jump from corporate to entrepreneurial.”
In larger companies, she felt the absence of understanding. “If I got a call from school and had to leave my desk, all they knew was they weren’t getting what they needed,” she says.
Owning her own firm allowed her to “zigzag and weave” her personal life with her business. It wasn’t easy. “Yeah, sure. Of course it was overwhelming at times,” she says. But it was worth it.
When asked what makes her most proud, she points to simple moments.
“When a client pulls me aside or calls and says, ‘Thank you for taking the time to do that. I know you were busy, but you did it anyway,’” she says, pausing. “That’s what means something.”
“Customer service is the key,” she adds. “Not just to prosperity in money, but prosperity in relationships.”
Her resilience has also been forged on race courses. An Ironman athlete who has completed 100-mile trail runs, she began racing during some of her most challenging years.
“I needed something in my life that was for me,” she says. “So I started racing.”
Her children watched her train early, work hard and build a business. “It’s very challenging physically, but it’s really a mental game,” she says. “It makes you tough.”
That same grit shows up in her business philosophy. Success, she says, has evolved over time.
“We all like to make money,” she acknowledges. “But my idea of success is not the cash. It’s the relationship. It’s the community.”
And for women considering entrepreneurship?
“Don’t be afraid,” she says. “Take the leap. The fear is very real. Acknowledge it — and then set it aside.”




At Ambassador Accounting, we deliver Fractional CFO leadership, high-level bookkeeping, and strategic financial insight for entrepreneurs ready to scale with confidence. From crystalclear cash flow to investor-ready financials, we turn your numbers into a growth engine. Book a strategy call today and start making decisions backed by real financial clarity.
www.ambassadoraccountingllc.com | 720-244-6110 kathleen@ambassadoraccountingllc.com | D kathleen-civ









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ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK
FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day. Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.
If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.

One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drivethru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.

An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.
Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.

Kevin McCulley remembers what it felt like to enter the financial industry in 2007 — just before the ground gave way.
“I promptly endured one of the worst recessions we’ve had in a very long time,” he says of the 2008 global financial crisis. “It was a crash course in how to manage market volatility — and frankly, how to manage human emotion.”
That experience shaped the foundation of what would eventually become Ride Wealth Partners, the independent firm he later founded. From the beginning, McCulley was drawn to the markets not just for the numbers, but for the psychology behind them.
“Wealth management and markets are incredibly dynamic,” he says. “They’re influenced by economics, global events, and human emotion. You’re constantly blending the quantitative with the qualitative to help people achieve their life goals.”
After years in traditional firms, he began to feel something was missing.
“Starting my own firm has been a career goal,” he says. “I wanted to ensure that I had the experience and knowledge to build a practice that would allow me to take care of my clients in a more comprehensive way.”
In larger firms, growth can mean more clients and less personal connection. McCulley envisioned something different.
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RYNO
“I want to devote more time per client,” he says. “Not juggle more relationships than I should be working with. I want to deepen the connections I have and remove any conflicts between growing revenue and doing what’s best for the client.”
At Ride Wealth Partners, growth is about reinvestment. “As I grow the business, I plan to reinvest in enhanced technology and planning tools that directly help clients achieve their goals,” he says.
One of those goals, he’s found, is often harder than it sounds: actually enjoying the wealth people spend decades building.
“We’ve been taught since we were kids to save money,” McCulley says. “Then you retire or sell your business, and suddenly you’re expected to flip a switch and live off your investments. That can be very challenging.”
He often reminds clients, “A 100 percent success rate in a Monte Carlo analysis means you’re going to have regrets when you die.”

“My job is to help clients understand they’ve done a fantastic job saving,” he says. “Now it’s time to enjoy their assets.”
Balancing long-term security with present-day enjoyment is both art and science.
“If you’re making a decision with a dollar sign around it, give me a call,” he tells clients. “I’m here to be a partner along the journey.”
An avid cyclist and snowboarder, McCulley believes financial freedom should translate into real-life flexibility.
“We love to go skiing,” he says with a grin. “We just don’t love going on the weekends.”
Part of his mission is helping clients structure their finances so they can “take off on a Wednesday to


do something they enjoy and know it’s not going to ruin their financial future.”
For McCulley, wealth isn’t about accumulating the highest possible number.
“It’s about knowing what it takes to fund the life you want and building a plan that keeps working for you over time.”
“You don’t need a big Wall Street firm to get institutional-caliber solutions,” he adds. “You can receive that level of expertise and high touch service from a local, homegrown shop — and when you call, you’ll get me.”

Denver NAREB focuses on expanding homeownership in our communities.
At a recent networking gathering of the Denver chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the room buzzed with activity as professionals from across the real estate industry connected, shared ideas, and discussed their areas of expertise.
NAREB welcomes professionals from all sectors of real estate who share a commitment to promoting what the organization calls “democracy in housing.” With a national mission to unite minority real estate professionals, NAREB encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas on how to better serve clients and communities. The organization also fosters an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive in both the workplace and the marketplace.
In Denver, many NAREB members come from families with long histories in real estate, bringing generations of experience and dedication to the organization’s mission.
The Denver Board of Realists operates as part of a national network while maintaining a strong local focus. The group creates opportunities for members to collaborate, exchange referrals, and build strategic partnerships while serving the public.
“We are able to strengthen our communities through our contributions to
homeownership,” says Denver NAREB President Ashton Williams.
Founded in 1965, the Denver chapter has served the region for decades.
According to Williams, the organization works to reduce the gap in Black homeownership by addressing systemic barriers, advocating for housing equity, and promoting financial literacy.
NAREB supports these goals through community outreach programs designed to make homeownership more accessible. Free seminars and educational classes provide guidance on topics such as long-term affordability, credit impact, financial education, insurance, mortgage lending, real estate listings, fair housing policies, and current legislation.
“These resources help people access the information they need as they navigate purchasing a home,” Williams says.
Throughout the year, community programs, service days, health panels, and resource fairs help expand outreach while reinforcing NAREB’s role as a trusted voice for housing equity.
From April 12–18, NAREB will host a week of programming featuring panels, community events, and a culminating summit with local and national partners.

“We are able to strengthen our communities through our contributions to homeownership.” — Williams








VISITORS TO BLUFF LAKE NATURE CENTER FIND SOLACE AND CONNECTION TO NATURE
Legacy is a bold word that describes the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations. At Bluff Lake Nature Center (BLNC), this concept thrives.
Denver’s only nonprofit nature center, the community green space offers free admission and educational programs for all ages highlighting the paradox between nature’s fragility and strength. The habitat at BLNC offers diverse ecosystems including a lake, wetlands, prairie, and woodlands supporting numerous species of wildlife.
On February 14, 2026, this unique nature-in-the-city campus celebrated the opening of its brand-new community building,
restrooms, an accessible ramp and stairs, and water stations.
“The new infrastructure improvements represent the realization of a long-held dream of our volunteers, past and present board members, staff, and entire community,” says Rachel Hutchens, executive director at the nature center.
“The improvements make it easier to visit the site, says Hutchens. "Community restrooms and running water are huge enhancements, and the new accessible ramp will enable groups to stay together as they tour the area."
For more information, please visit www.blufflake.org .

“The renovations create additional opportunities for inclusivity, gathering, and positive interaction. This legacy is extended to community to teach how caring for our environment invites an improved future for all.”









An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.
A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.
Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?
A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.
Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?
A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.
Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?
A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.
“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”
Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?
A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”
Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.
This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.



Healing your body with great food that is good for you.
ARTICLE BY ANNE HEBERT | PHOTOGRAPHY
COURTESY OF THE NOURISH CHEF
Charity Phillips founded The Nourish Chef to help those with chronic disease, autoimmune conditions, and specialized nutritional needs navigate and embrace healthy, clean eating that tastes absolutely delicious. “Its a common misconception that healthy diets have to be bland or boring,” she says.
Phillips offers meals that are prepared with clean oils, organic ingredients, and are free of food dyes and preservatives. “In this way, food can work as functional medicine with a customized plan that can help reduce inflammation.” she explains. “Cutting out white flour, sugars, processed foods, seed oil, preservatives and food dyes while replacing them with a variety of grains, organic vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins can help manage many chronic health conditions.”
Rooted in our neighborhood, The Nourish Chef brings customized meal programs, personal chef services, catering, cooking classes, and easy online ordering. Learn more or schedule a consultation at www.thenourishchef.com for your home.
• 3 cups fresh strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and halved or quartered
• 3 cups rhubarb, sliced into ½-inch pieces
• 1 to 1¼ cups date paste or coconut sugar (depending on sweetness of the berries)
• 3 tablespoons potato starch
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons triple sec
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. In a large bowl combine strawberries, rhubarb, date paste, potato starch, and salt. Toss well so the starch coats the fruit evenly. 3. Stir in triple sec and vanilla. 4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 baking dish or large baking dish.
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1¾ cups old fashioned oats
• 1 cup maple syrup or 1 cup date paste (recipe below)
• ¾ cup coconut butter
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• ½ teaspoon salt
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl mix almond flour, oats, maple syrup or date paste, cinnamon, salt, coconut butter, and vanilla until well combined and crumbly. 2. Spread the crisp topping evenly over the strawberry rhubarb filling.
Bake
1. Bake for 40 –50 minutes, until the fruit filling is bubbling and the topping is lightly golden. 2. Let rest 15–20 minutes before serving so the filling thickens.
(Makes enough for both the filling and the crisp topping)
Ingredients: 4 cups pitted dates, 1 cup water
Directions:
1. Place the pitted dates and water in a large microwave-safe bowl. 2. Microwave 90–120 seconds, until the dates are very soft and the water is hot. 3. Transfer the warmed dates and water to a blender. 4. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. 5. If the mixture is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of warm water and blend again until smooth. Yield: about 2 to 2½ cups date paste, enough for the filling and crisp topping.






APRIL 1ST - MAY 3RD
Brick Planet: A Magical Journey Made with LEGO® Bricks
Denver Museum of Nature & Science | 9:00 AM
Brick Planet: A Magical Journey Made with LEGO® Bricks” showcases imaginative sculptures by Sean Kenney, guiding visitors through Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Discover vibrant scenes—from polar regions to coral reefs, cities, and savannas—celebrating nature’s creativity and balance. Enjoy hands-on activities like building, sketching, and interactive games. Included with Museum admission, the exhibition is presented in English and Spanish.
APRIL 3RD
Denver Pub Crawl
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row | 7:00 PM
Denver Pub Crawl delivers curated, high-energy nightlife experiences across Denver’s top bars and clubs. From themed monthly pub crawls with drink specials and skip-the-line entry to Colorado’s only weekly VIP-style club crawl, we make going out effortless and social. We also create private and corporate events, offering premium planning and unforgettable nights. Recurs weekly on Friday's and Saturday's.
APRIL 9TH - 12TH
Colorado Auto Show
Colorado Convention Center | 10:00 AM
The Colorado Auto Show is an annual celebration of automotive innovation held in Denver, showcasing the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, and electric vehicles from top manufacturers. Attendees can explore cutting edge technology, concept models, and interactive exhibits, while meeting industry experts. The event highlights trends in sustainability, performance, and design, attracting car enthusiasts and families alike each year in Colorado.
APRIL 18TH
Denver Ramen Festival
Denargo Market | 1:00 PM
Get ready for unlimited slurps and sips at the Denver Ramen Festival at Denargo Market. Enjoy rich tonkotsu, creative fusion bowls, boba, sake, and nonstop live entertainment—from DJs to cultural performances and a JDM Car Show. Your ticket includes all food and drinks for the ultimate flavor-packed day in Denver. Come hungry and find your new favorite bowl.
APRIL 22ND
Denver Botanic Gardens Free Day
Denver Botanic Gardens | 9:00 AM
Funded by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The Denver Botanic Gardens offers Free Days during regular Gardens hours only; ticketed events are not included. Free Day tickets are released on a rolling basis three months at a time, beginning on the first day of each month. https://tickets.botanicgardens.org/events/01949559-881b-e435-70df-877606de86ad
APRIL 27TH
Denver Art Museum Free Day
Denver Art Museum | 10:00 AM
On Sunday, April 27, Denver Art Museum offers a Free Day — general admission is waived for all visitors during its annual Día del Niño celebration, with free access to galleries and family-friendly art activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of this special community event.

