Castle Rock, Colorado, is more than just a picturesque town nestled between Denver and Colorado Springs—it’s a thriving hub of entrepreneurial spirit, community pride, and small-town heart. At the core of this energy are three dynamic business owners whose ventures have helped shape the identity and culture of the area. Jason Gray, the town’s current mayor, is also the founder of beloved local hangout Crowfoot Valley Coffee and Crowbar. John Manka, affectionately known as "Mr. Castle Rock," channels his passion for classic cars and community engagement through his automotive business and events like the Classic Rock Cruise In Car Show. And Eric Seufert, a former Army pilot turned brewmaster, has made 105 West Brewing Company a destination for craft beer lovers and social connection. Together, these leaders embody Castle Rock’s blend of entrepreneurship, civic commitment, and a deep love for the place they call home.
Jason Gray, Mayor of Castle Rock and Owner of Crowfoot Coffee and Crowbar
When Jason Gray was asked to move from Alaska to Colorado to open a Kaladi Brothers Coffee in the 90s, he agreed without hesitation and never looked back.
“When my boss asked me to move back up to Alaska, I just kind of fell in love with Colorado,” Jason explains. “I knew that I eventually wanted to do a coffee shop. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for it or not, but opened it (Crowfoot Valley Coffee) on December 22, 1999.”
With its place on Wilcox Street, this coffee shop is a staple for the downtown area. It’s no wonder Crowfoot is known for its excellent cup of joe, since Jason also roasts his coffee beans.
“When I started the coffee company, I kind of wanted to make sure I could control the final product from beginning to end,” Jason explains. “We roast as well, so we’ve been roasting for 26 years. It’s a big deal to me to make sure I can control that end of it as well.”
Now, with a second store at Arapahoe Community College, Jason has weathered multiple storms, including the late 2000s recession and COVID-19. With coffee his main objective, in 2010, he opened the Crowbar, which offers high-end alcohol.
“For the most part, we use Ironton Distillery out of Denver,” Jason says. “The family lives in Sedalia, and we just love the idea of working with somebody local, but that cares about the product, the way we care about it.”
Extremely passionate about supporting small businesses in the Castle Rock downtown area, Jason is now the mayor of Castle Rock for his second term. He fell in love with the city many years ago and continues to support the community today.
“There’s been several books written about the 'Third Good Place,' meaning that your home and your job are your first and second place, of course,” Jason explains. “We’ve always worked really hard to be in a third good place, like you don’t want to be home for the evening or before you go to work, you can come to Crowfoot and have it be your third good place.”
John Manka, Owner of 1 Stop Auto Tire and Auto Service
A Canadian from Montreal, John Manka, known as Mr. Castle Rock, transferred to the United States in 1983, working as an engineer on wire rope. When he lived in Pennsylvania, his neighbor pitched the idea of going into business with him, and he became the co-founder of Wow Internet and Cable, which brought him to Colorado.
“I think I want to be a local guy,” John says, when his longtime business partner asked him what was next when they were selling off the internet business. “I’ve never done that. Living in Montreal, people say ‘oh, that company’ and they point to it, but not knowing much about it.”
In his research to find a new venture, John discovered that automotive fit his expertise. “One of the things I kept coming back to was automotive. People could buy parts and stuff online, but they didn’t have the expertise or the tools to install, so that seemed like a safe place to be, and I’m an old car guy.”
His passion for old cars and ownership of a 1960 Corvette led him to the Vintage Car Club of Castle Rock. He convinced them to move their annual Classic Rock Cruise in Car Show to Father’s Day weekend, make it the headliner, and shut down Wilcox Street for the event.
“I didn’t fathom how big a deal this was (shutting down Wilcox Street), until we were leaving Town Hall and the two people from the DMA were dumbfounded we got it approved,” says John. “They said, ‘Oh my God, we’re shutting down Wilcox Street.’”
That first car show in 2009 was a huge success, and every year on the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend from 10 AM to 3 PM, Wilcox shuts down, vintage cars line the streets, restaurants fill up, and the community of Castle Rock comes to life downtown.
In addition to bringing the community together with vintage cars, John started a networking event called BOB, Business Over Beverages. Locals from all over Castle Rock come together monthly over beverages to talk, mingle, and network.
Looking back on his influence throughout his career and becoming a local guy, John says one thing is essential to making your impact: “Volunteering. You’ve got to volunteer, of course, as you may not have the skill set coming out of college yet…but you have the opportunity.”
Eric Seufert, 105 West Brewing Co. Founder and Brewmaster
A former Black Hawk pilot, mechanical engineer, and construction manager, Eric Seufert is the epitome of well-rounded. His time in the army and working for the government brought him to many different states and even Germany before he settled in Castle Rock to find his latest passion, brewmaster.
“I started home brewing,” Eric explains. “Then in 2013, I opened a home brew shop in Castle Rock called Beer and Wine Making Supplies, and then I saw no one was opening a brewery, and I thought I would give it a go. So 2015 is when we started.”
A gap was definitely there, and downtown Castle Rock has never been the same. 105 West Brewing Company features ales, stouts, IPAs, lagers, lighter beers, and wine. Open seven days a week, the brewery welcomes locals and tourists alike.
“A lot of people find it to be a friendly, welcoming spot to meet people,” Eric says proudly. “So a lot of people are repeat visitors.”
In addition to their many beer offerings, they also offer wine they make themselves from grapes imported from California and Washington. Come for a beer and stay for a wine flight!
105 West Brewing Company also hosts the Castle Rock Brewfest Under the Stars at the Phillip Miller Amphitheater. It boasts delicious beverages, food trucks, and live music for one all-inclusive price.
“The ticket price includes all the food and the alcohol,” Eric says. “It ends with an 80s rock band called That Arena Rock Show. It’s a really good rock concert.”