There are innumerable ways to contribute positively to our surrounding communities, no matter your profession.
Your gift to society could be elevating small businesses through video storytelling. Or your talent could be helping families find their next homes. Then again, perhaps it could be teaching customers how to quilt, so they can handcraft presents for loved ones.
More often than not, how we lift up humanity goes unnoticed and unacknowledged.
So, let's take a moment to recognize some of the men in our neck of the woods who are trying to improve our communities, using their unique strengths and capabilities.
Brian Barnes, Owner, Colorado Family Roofing
Brian’s involvement in the roofing industry dates back to the several poor personal interactions with roofers and HVAC companies he experienced time and time again.
His frustration at finding good, honest roofing and HVAC companies that had clients’ best interests in mind developed into an insatiable hunger to resolve this issue and to help fellow homeowners.
“The entire service industry is broken, and I wanted to solve a need in the marketplace,” Brian notes. “We exist to change the industry.”
In 2021, he opened Colorado Family Roofing. The company utilizes in-house Haag Certified roof inspectors, something that sets the company apart from others in the field, and its staff meticulously examine roofs to build something that will last for years.
Operating from a philosophy of sincerity, Brian believes that people can act from truthfulness and honor and still create a high-quality product that’s both sustainable and profitable.
“Honesty above all else, integrity above all else,” Brian comments. “I truly believe that we are changing an industry from the inside out….People are tired of making money at the expense of their conscience.”
By setting an example himself in the industry, he hopes others in the field will follow suit.
But getting where he is today was no easy feat.
“Success is formed from adversity,” Brian says. “You have to be willing to fail, to look like a fool, to be ridiculed and thought differently. Failure is one of the most important things you will ever do. Never waste a failure.”
Charles Oster, CEO of Sweet Heart Brands
The name, Sweet Heart Brands, the parent company of Sweet Heart Winery, holds true value for Charles.
After acquiring the winery, Charles further developed the business with his life partner and sweetheart, Farah. Over time, the company transformed into a family-driven enterprise, also run by Charles’ brother and Farah’s sister and her husband.
But it wasn’t solely about developing something significant with Farah and her family and selling wine.
“It’s about creating spaces where people celebrate love, community, and life’s most important moments,” Charles says. “That’s a calling I don’t take lightly.”
Charles, with his sweetheart at his side, aims to create memorable experiences and moments for people to connect in authentic ways.
The Sweet Heart Winery was established by two families back in 2010. Charles’ consulting company, Elevation Partners, eventually bought the winery. Sweet Heart Brands was then formed and has since launched several wine series, expanded into hard cider, and secured new brands.
“Ultimately, I was drawn to this space because it allows me to blend strategy, heart, and hospitality—while building something meaningful with my wife, Farah.”
James Merkley, Owner/CEO of Story Path
Captivating, well-written novels.
Beautifully-crafted movies and television series.
From an early age, these types of stories are what inspired and curated James' creativity and imagination.
“I've always had a fascination with storytelling,” James says. “It wasn't until I grew up that I realized that true stories, the ones that you and I carry, are the truly fascinating ones.”
Upon hearing more stories from friends, loved ones, and others, he decided to dedicate his life to helping individuals share their stories and maximize them for professional and personal success. Now, James does this by producing professional videos and photo content and providing Fractional Marketing Director services through his company, Story Path.
The business started in 2020 after James worked with a friend to produce a video project, which grew his friend’s business drastically. From that day on, James decided he would help businesses tell their stories.
“I believe that in business, you get what you give,” he comments, “and giving to others and helping them succeed first has always and will always come back to me in powerful ways.”
Todd Heenan, Owner/General Manager of Club Loveland at Orchards
A love of staying active has largely influenced Todd’s personal and professional lives. The gym owner had always been an athlete, even playing soccer in college on a scholarship. He also regularly played tennis.
Therefore, opening Club Loveland at Orchards with his business partners was a natural next step for Todd. He and his partners purchased the club in 2017, spent months renovating it, and opened its doors 14 months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Fortunately, Club Loveland survived the pandemic and has had substantial growth since.
“I love the business I have been in for over 40 years,” Todd says. “It is a very positive environment, and the goal is to make people happier and healthier. People who don’t quit inspire me most of all.”
His work philosophy centers on creating a positive experience for the gym’s members, with a goal of surpassing their expectations and providing them with reasons to keep coming back. He also believes in contributing to the local community, such as participating in food and gift drives.
On a personal level, Todd always has to have something to look forward to, whether that’s traveling to Costa Rica or taking a fishing trip with some golf thrown in here and there.
“You never know what life is going to hand you, so live it every day,” he comments. “Work hard, play hard!”
Marlon Seals, Owner of OE Auto Glass
Marlon has two wise pieces of advice to impart for those trying to navigate through their lives and career paths.
- “Don’t let your past experiences define your future self.”
- “Find something that you are good at and enjoy doing. Make sure you work with something you are passionate about.”
As someone who’s been in the auto glass industry for decades, Marlon found his talent and purpose, serving as an example of the guidance he offers.
He started his company in Alexander, Louisiana 31 years ago before moving to Loveland, Colorado. He’s been in northern Colorado for 27 years now.
“It’s something I know how to do very well,” Marlon says about his auto glass business. “I have 31 years of experience under my belt now, and it honestly has become second nature to me. I love dealing with new people, new stories, and most importantly, creating new relationships with each of our customers.”
How did he get involved in the auto glass industry in the first place?
Marlon discovered that insurance companies paid for repairs, leaving no charge for customers covered under insurance. He thought to himself, “I bet they didn’t know this,” and things took off from there.
As a business owner, there are three motivations that drive Marlon: satisfying customers, trying to achieve perfection, and taking pride in a job well done.
Blas Estrada, Broker Associate and Partner at The Group, Inc. Real Estate, Board Member of NOCO Unify
“I got into real estate because I love helping people,” Blas says. “I always had an interest in entrepreneurship and am a self starter. I felt I could accomplish both serving people and my desires for my own business through real estate.”
Prior to the real estate business, Blas worked in social work, assisting youth and families at The Matthews House in Fort Collins. His job experience there formed his deep interest and appreciation for his fellow human beings and their stories and gradually directed Blas into real estate.
With people at the forefront of his mind, Blas handles his business on a system of principled negotiation and a client-first approach with “a whole lot of heart” and “a sense of duty.”
Aside from his day job of helping people buy and sell homes, Blas invests his time and energy into his community, backed by a belief that life shouldn't be centered solely on monetary opportunities. He serves on local boards and nonprofits, including NOCO Unify and the Children’s Museum of Northern Colorado. Previously, he served on Loveland’s visual arts commission and got involved in local politics, fueled by a mission to create a more robust northern Colorado.
But the desire to assist others and give back is just part of his motivation. At the end of the day, Blas is a family man, a father to two daughters who are his greatest blessings.
“Family is at the center of everything I do,” he shares. “My wife and I work hard to make sure our girls receive the life and opportunities that we didn't.”
Noe Cantu, Owner of Wild Oats Sewing Company
With a sewing machine and quilting scraps on hand, Noe began making face masks while cooped up at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping meet the demand for personal protective equipment.
His plan was to teach sewing and have a pop-up shop. So, his team started searching for meeting rooms.
“The stars aligned, and I found our first space, which was 500 square feet and way too small, but it was a start,” Noe says.
In November 2022, Noe rented the space, officially opening his sewing company in February 2023, with the goal of offering the community a space that is not just a traditional retail store.
“We offer lots of items to get you on your sewing journey, but we also offer a place to learn, teach, or just have fun,” he adds. “We want everyone to be comfortable here.”
Noe also enjoys helping people meet their creative needs.
“Do what you love, no matter what others think.”
Zachariah Averill, Owner/Designer of Oak & Stone Design
“In every walk in with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
That quote by John Muir is one that resonates with Zach and somewhat aligns with his views about landscaping.
“Landscape is always evolving,” he shares. “But a huge driver for me is to build thoughtful, inspired landscapes that nurture wildlife and feel as though it belongs to Colorado.” He also aims to offer clients lifelong service through continual education and best practices in landscape installation.
Before landing in the landscaping industry, Zach made an educational shift while in college. His dislike of chemistry and calculus prompted him to change his major from environmental engineering to landscape architecture.
Initially, Zach worked with another contractor in the industry. But Zach eventually left because he wanted to do work that piqued his interest, leading him to start his own company in 2020.
“The best advice I can give to young men trying to find their career path is to define yourself through your work ethic, explore the world, and find something that sparks creativity.”
“Failure is one of the most important things you will ever do. Never waste a failure.”
“You never know what life is going to hand you, so live it every day. Work hard, play hard!”
“Find something that you are good at and enjoy doing. Make sure you work with something you are passionate about.”
"Family is at the center of everything I do. My wife and I work hard to make sure our girls receive the life and opportunities that we didn't."