Mike Ellis
Owner | Colorado Tinting
Who has helped you get where you are today, and what would you thank them for?
I wouldn't be where I am today without my family, my team and the many customers who believe in me along the way. I started learning window tint and paint protection film when I was just 17 and, over the years, so many people have helped me learn, grow, and keep pushing forward. I'm especially thankful to my wife, Jen Zhang, for supporting me and believing in me. She took care of our home and kids for many years while I worked 14 hour days, and now she is here helping me grow our business.
What has the support of this community meant to you and your business?
The support of our community mean so much to me. Colorado Tinting started as a one-person operation in a small RV storage unit without running water. Today, we have a team and a shop with over 4,000 square feet of space. That growth happened because people in my community continued to trust us, recommend us, and support locally owned and operated businesses. Those relationships mean so much more than just business—they're the reason we're able to continue doing what we love.
What moment this past year made you especially grateful to do what you do?
What makes me especially grateful is knowing that we can make a real difference for people beyond simply making a vehicle or home look better. We believe in educating our customers so they can make informed decisions about protecting themselves, their families, and their investments. Through quality window film, we can help reduce UV exposure. All of our window film is recommended by the Skin Cancer Association. Through paint protection film, we can help protect vehicles from everyday road hazards like rock chips that can lead to expensive repairs.
Natalie Hart
Owner | Hydrate IV Bar of Southglenn
What has the support of this community meant to you and your business?
The support of this community has meant so much to us. We’re grateful for everyone who has walked through our doors, shared our business with a friend, or cheered us on. Getting to know our clients, hearing about their families, and building genuine relationships have been some of the most rewarding parts of this experience. Being trusted to help them pursue their health and wellness goals is an honor.
Who deserves a little extra recognition, and why?
Our partners, Devon and Erin, deserve recognition for everything they’ve poured into this business. As General Manager, Devon handles much of the daily work and helps us navigate the challenges of opening and growing a retail space. As Lead Nurse, Erin brings care, knowledge and heart to our clients and team. We’re incredibly thankful for their dedication, flexibility and continued support.
What has made you especially grateful this past year?
The relationships we’ve built with our clients continually remind us why we started. We love hearing about their lives, getting to know their families, and welcoming them back. When they return and share how much better they feel, it makes our work especially meaningful. Those conversations remind us that this business is about people and trust. We’re thankful to play even a small part in their personal health and wellness journeys.
James Hutchison
Owner | Bumble Bee Blinds of Centennial
Q: Who has helped you get where you are today, and what would you thank them for?
My parents have played a significant role in helping me get where I am today.
My dad has been a tremendous influence. His drive, work ethic, and business acumen have helped shape who I am and set me up for success. I have so much to thank him for.
My mom has been equally influential. Her compassion, personality, warmth, and attention to detail have had a lasting impact on me.
I'm incredibly grateful for both of them and the qualities they've instilled in me.
Q: What has the support of the Centennial community meant to you and your business?
The support of the Centennial community has meant so much to me and my business. It's actually how you and I first connected!
Through Centennial City Lifestyle, I've built relationships throughout the community, connected with new clients, and grown my business beyond simply generating leads.
It's also helped me become a familiar and trusted resource for homeowners and businesses throughout Centennial. I love being known as the local "blind guy" people can turn to when they need help.
For me, it's about more than business. It's about building relationships, being part of the community, and becoming someone people know and trust.