We have some awesome guys right here in Parker who all make a difference every day. Their backgrounds and careers are varied; however, they are all dedicated to pursuing their passions while serving the community and making the world a better place. Family has been a motivating factor for all of them too, from Chef Brad who learned to have fun with food in his mom's kitchen, to the men whose families give them another reason to find balance and focus outside of work. Be inspired by their journeys - each path as unique as these remarkable, yet humble individuals.
Jon C. Boesen, Personal Injury Attorney - Boesen Law
As the managing attorney for our firm, every day brings new challenges and goals to accomplish on behalf of our clients. One day I can be talking to a prospective client, discovering facts, talking with witnesses and gathering evidence to support the case. The next day I may be in court watching or participating in one of our cases.
I decided to become a lawyer during my senior year at Oklahoma State when I was president of our fraternity. Some freshmen members got into some legal trouble and the local attorney was our chapter advisor. He directed me and I did the research, writing and some of the legal arguments that eventually turned out well. I was hooked and went to law school at the University of Oklahoma.
HOW DOES YOUR WORK TIE INTO YOUR PASSIONS IN LIFE?
I derive immense satisfaction in helping people and as a personal injury lawyer, I am uniquely afforded the opportunity to help those who have had their world turned upside down by an accident get it turned right side up. As a lawyer in the Denver metro area for 30 years, I know a lot of top tier people who can be trusted to do what is right. I can help almost anyone with a legal need to find the right lawyer.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE A DIFFERENT JOB IN A DIFFERENT INDUSTRY WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
I would choose to be a professional fishing guide. I love the outdoors and would spend more time in some of the beautiful places in Colorado while helping others learn and experience the joy of fishing.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A BALANCED LIFE? HOW DO YOU DISCONNECT FROM WORK?
My beautiful, intelligent and strong wife, Kelly Mae, and our four children have given me many reasons to come home early and not fall into the workaholic trap, which is a very common problem in the legal field. I disconnect with long three day weekends with my wife and try to spend as much time with our kids, even now with them as young adults, as I can.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOOK FORWARD TO DOING AGAIN?
I look forward to going to church again in person. There is no good substitute for worshipping and being with others of faith, in person.
"The stronger we bring up this generation of students, the stronger will be the social fabric of our community tomorrow."
Dr. Jason Edwards, Principal - Leman Academy of Excellence
I had the honor of serving as the principal of Leman Academy for one year before the school opened in Parker. My family and I lived in Tucson where I trained on the job. I also flew back to Colorado once a month to talk with families about the new school and hire the amazing staff that was brave enough to join this new adventure.
Every day, my teammates and I welcome every scholar as they enter the campus and teach them the importance of a good ol' fashioned handshake with eye contact. I love being able to observe our teachers as they guide their classes with thoughtful questions. At the end of the day, I wear one of the silly hats our community has donated to my collection and I enjoy waving at everyone as I do my crosswalk duty.
HOW DOES YOUR WORK TIE INTO YOUR PASSIONS IN LIFE?
So much of the pain in our community and in this world is the result of broken homes. Education gives us the opportunity to partner with supportive parents. Through great schools, we have the chance to be there for kids who might otherwise take a very different path in life. The stronger we bring up this generation of students, the stronger will be the social fabric of our community tomorrow.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE A JOB IN A DIFFERENT INDUSTRY WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
I'm too over the hill to dream about being a professional soccer player or mountain biker. I have grown so much by reading great books. If I could develop the skills, I might try my hand at writing.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO MAINTAIN A BALANCED LIFE? HOW DO YOU DISCONNECT FROM WORK?
I love playing backyard soccer with my two sons, eating cupcakes that my daughter made in the sandbox, cooking with my wife, and playing the guitar or reading a great book aloud to my family.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOOK FORWARD TO DOING AGAIN?
I really miss seeing the school building full of life and sounds and smells. Those dear scholars, dedicated staff and encouraging families bring such joy. I can't wait to be with this precious community again!
Brad Brutlag, Chef and Owner, Big Stuff Food LLC
I worked at Little Caesars in Highlands Ranch when I was 14 years old but my passion for food started when I was much younger. My parents enjoyed going to great restaurants and always encouraged us to try something new when we were kids. My mom was a great cook and would let us experiment in the kitchen. When it was my turn to help with dinner, she would say, "The kitchen is yours, have fun."
I attended Johnson and Wales University in Florida and graduated with an associate degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelors degree in Food Service Management. Restaurant experience includes a sushi bar, a steak house, a stadium and a 3-star resort hotel. For the last eight years, I have been working on private yachts on both the east and west coasts.
HOW DOES YOUR WORK TIE INTO YOUR PASSIONS IN LIFE?
I entered the Great Food Truck Race just to have fun and low and behold, we won! I love to try new recipes and eat at new restaurants. My current truck is Colorado Comfort Food and I use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. My goal is to own cuisine specific trucks, including Asian, Mexican and Italian.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE A DIFFERENT JOB IN A DIFFERENT INDUSTRY WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
If I were to do anything else I would love to be a radio personality or do voiceover work. I have always thought, and also been told, that I do make some pretty good voices.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A BALANCED LIFE? HOW DO YOU DISCONNECT FROM WORK?
I keep in touch with friends I have made all over the world. I love to travel whenever I get a chance.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU THAT HAS SURPRISED YOU?
Over the course of the pandemic, I have realized how strong our community is and how willing people are to help out their fellow man.
"If we are to accomplish anything in life, we need to be focused on making that thing happen."
Roger Ballard, President, Key Roofing and Exteriors and Podcast Host Extraordinaire
As a company, we are always looking for ways to help others both locally and globally. We started the Great Merger podcast to talk to other business owners who were using their business to minister to others. We have found that people in all walks of life are connecting people to bring the community closer. Selfishness and greed have caused people to lose sight of what it means to live in community, and the Great Merger focuses on encouraging people to live out the message of faith in all aspects of their life.
HOW DOES YOUR WORK TIE IN WITH YOUR PASSIONS IN LIFE?
I am focused on serving people and passionate about sharing the message of hope. We are committed to doing as much good as we can, both through our company and through the podcast.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE A DIFFERENT JOB IN A DIFFERENT INDUSTRY WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
My passion revolves around communication and messaging so I could go into a lot of different industries. I love figuring out how to communicate with different people and help them find what they need or want. Businesses need to brutally evaluate their messaging to be sure it is clear and concise. This will ensure that the message is getting to those that need their product or service and in a way that the need is felt by the customer.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A BALANCED LIFE? HOW DO YOU DISCONNECT FROM WORK?
When I get home, I put my phone down and put it on silent. I spend a couple of hours with my wife, Stacy, and our kids. After the kids go to bed I spend time with Stacy so we can catch up and plan for the days ahead. I get up early so I can read, pray, and work out. I don't believe in a balanced life, but rather a focused life. If we are to accomplish anything in life, we need to be focused on making that thing happen.
WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU?
Even people that say they aren't afraid have acted out of fear - myself included! We were built for community and I am working hard to be a beacon of hope to those that are filled with fear and help to those that really need it.
"I treasure relationships with friends and family and any gathering, large or small, will not be taken for granted.”
Devin Rentz - Dentist and Owner, Stonegate Dental Care
I entered the dental world in 2011 after graduating from Loma Linda University in Southern California. I live in Castle Rock with my wife Julie, and our four children. I provide a variety of procedures and pride myself on being good at almost everything, which minimizes patient referrals to a specialist.
Although each day is different, I start every morning by greeting my wonderful team and having a huddle, where we discuss the day's procedures and appointments. I really love what I do and a big part of that is because I surround myself with good people.
HOW DOES YOUR WORK TIE INTO YOUR PASSIONS IN LIFE?
First, I love working with people and using my hands to create things. I also love to use technology and at Stonegate Dental Care, we can digitally design a patient's crown or veneer on the CEREC software and mill it for same-day delivery. My passion is providing a top-notch service that delivers a smile.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE A DIFFERENT JOB IN A DIFFERENT INDUSTRY WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
I could see myself in commercial or residential real estate because I could establish relationships with people and I would like the thrill of finding the perfect fit for families and businesses.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A BALANCED LIFE? HOW DO YOU DISCONNECT FROM WORK?
I tell people that I really don't have hobbies because I have four kids. I cope with stress by enjoying a good run, bike ride or gym session. I also love sports and whenever I can combine my interests with those of my children, I do it. This is how I try to be as good a dad to them as my dad was to me.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO DOING AGAIN? WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU?
We are all anxious to go to California and visit family. I treasure relationships with friends and family and any gathering, large or small, will not be taken for granted. And these are not virtual relationships.
I have been pleasantly surprised to see how well my kids have adapted to things. They know we are more stressed, and my two oldest ones have really stepped up and helped with their younger brothers.