Owner of Beautiful Day Adventure Tours, beertender at Soul Squared Brewing Co.
27 Years Old • Wellington
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I grew up in Batavia, Ill., and moved to Fort Collins in 2016, where I studied natural resource tourism and business administration at Colorado State University. I then found work in Wellington as a sales manager at Deppen Brewing and fell in love with the town.
Explain your career, achievements and professional highlights.
During college, I participated in student government through ASCSU and was part of an honors research program that helped bridge the gap between local communities and the park service in South Africa. After spending time abroad, I helped start an NGO that uses tourism to benefit smaller communities in South Africa. Over the past couple of years, I have built an adventure tourism company and joined Wellington’s Parks, Recreation, Open Spaces, and Trails (PROST) Advisory Board.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
I volunteer with the local Boys and Girls Clubs, the Wellington Public Library, Wellington Parks and Recreation and the American Legion. The PROST board’s main project is working with the American Legion to build a veterans’ memorial garden in our community park.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
One of my largest achievements was graduating college during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, there were very few jobs open in the tourism and hospitality industry. That made me fight to be resourceful and led me to the life I have now.
Tell us something unique about you.
I am an ultrarunner. I participate in local ultramarathons and have just entered the world of Ironman competitions.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I see myself working with other community leaders to provide a better life for our society. I also see myself working hard to have a thriving business that gives back to the community it serves. In 10 years, I hope to create a path for future generations to follow and help other dreamers achieve their goals.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
To accept help. There is a quote by Sir Isaac Newton that reads, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This helped me realize that you need an army or community to achieve large goals.
How does your business work?
Beautiful Day Adventure Tours offers multiple hikes around Northern Colorado, all with varied difficulty levels. For example, our easiest hike is a short distance with little elevation gain, and our more challenging hikes are steeper and longer. That way, we can cater to any group, from beginners to advanced hikers. During the hikes, we talk about local history, flora, fauna, geology and fun activities to do in the area. I’m still in the building phase of the business, so the best way to find my tours is through Tripadvisor and Viator.
What motivates you to volunteer in so many different ways?
My appreciation for volunteering comes from my mom: At a young age, she introduced me to volunteering in our community, from participating in breast cancer awareness fundraisers to getting involved in youth sports. During that time, I realized how much of a difference one person can make. This carried over to my time at CSU and now into my life in Wellington. I want to see my community thrive.
Local business shoutout:
I’d like to give Owl Canyon Coffee a well-deserved mention. Located in downtown Wellington, it’s a must see if you’re in town. The owners and staff are top notch, and they’re always extremely friendly. It’s a wonderful little place, with a relaxing vibe to enjoy with family or friends. They are always hosting fun events for the community as well. My recommendation is the London fog.
