CSU Alumni-Owned Businesses

The vibrant spirit and strong culture of Colorado State University (CSU) alumni-owned businesses can be felt throughout Downtown Fort Collins! Which inspiring story is your favorite? 

---

Kelsey Miles of Fit5 Studio

B.A. in Business Management | CSU Grad, 2009

While her fitness business focuses on transformation and change, Kelsey’s favorite thing that hasn’t changed is her appreciation for the community and culture at her alma mater. “There is something so special about walking onto campus or going to a home football game. CSU fans are the best!”

Post college, Kelsey fell in love with Lagree – a high intensity, low impact workout that combines strength, endurance, cardio, balance, core, and flexibility training – after taking her first class in 2017. Energized by the liveliness and vibrancy of Downtown Fort Collins, she wanted to bring a fitness studio that matched that gusto to Old Town. Fast forward to 2020, where Kelsey, armed with her degree in business management, co-founded Fit5 Studio based on the Lagree Fitness Method™.

Now, she finds daily joy observing both the physical and mental progress that happens within her clients. “It is my job to challenge them. I love seeing my clients transform their lives through moving their bodies. I truly have the best job!” Kelsey declares.

When not in the studio, you can find Kelsey enjoying happy hour on a patio in Old Town with her husband or shopping and eating out with her two daughters. She also loves traveling, reading, skiing, and playing sand volleyball.

---

Andi Rose of Rocky Mountain Olive Oil

Anthropology & History Double Major | CSU Grad, 2005

As a Colorado native, CSU alumni, and Fort Collins local for 20 years, Andi feels it was only natural to want to own a business in one of THE most beautiful downtowns ever — Old Town Fort Collins. In 2020, she got that chance when Nichole and Lindsey Crisanti decided to sell their business, Rocky Mountain Olive Oil. 

Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Andi was part of the New Belgium Brewing Co. marketing department where she worked events like Tour de Fat, bike-in movies, and Clips of Faith. Back in her 20s, she was a white water rafting guide on the Poudre River and a competitive climber. Currently, she dabbles in yoga, but has doubled down in the last four years as a CrossFit athlete. Her love of the outdoors still runs strong and in the summertime you can catch her SUPing on Long Pond, where she, her husband Shaun, three (of five) kids, two dogs, and one cat live. The two oldest have spread their wings and left the nest to pursue their own passions.

Being an amateur chef and recipe creator, Andi loves bringing the community together to see, smell, hear, and enjoy taste experiences that are vibrant and unique to our town during the monthly Fort Collins Foodie Walk™. Her creativity and passion pairs nicely with her business pursuit as she now has a world of delicious products at her fingertips to experiment with. Most recently, she expanded Rocky Mountain Olive Oil by opening additional retail shops in Estes Park and Westminster.

---

Grant and Julia Houx of St. Peter’s Fly Shop

Grant: B.A. Speech Communications | CSU Grad, 2005

Julia: B.S. Apparel & Merchandising| CSU Grad, 2005

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Fort Collins, St. Peter’s Fly Shop has been a beloved local institution since 1992. Currently at the helm of this thriving business is the dynamic husband/wife duo of Grant and Julia Houx.

They met freshman year at CSU while living four doors down from each other in Westfall Hall. Each pursued their respective degrees and graduated in 2005. Then, in 2007, while working full-time for St. Peter’s as a fly fishing guide, an opportunity arose. Grant recalls, “All my colleagues were graduating and moving away. Julia (my girlfriend at the time) and I wanted to find a way to stay in Fort Collins.” Purchasing the business not only provided a career for both of them, it was an opportunity to stay in the community.

For Grant and Julia, Downtown Fort Collins is more than just a place to do business; it’s a community they’ve come to cherish. “It’s a wonderful place to live and raise a family,” Grant says, referring to their own two children. “The community is amazing, active, and welcoming, and there’s always something to do.”

In 2011, St. Peter's added a second location on the south side of Fort Collins. One of the things that brings Grant and Julia the most joy is interacting with their customers and employees. “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping people progress in their passion for fly fishing,” Grant explains. “Over the years, our customers have become like family.”

---

Chris Qualls of Pour Brothers Community Tavern

B.S. in Psychology | CSU Grad, 1994

Eager to start a new chapter, Chris and his family relocated to Fort Collins in 2022 after serving as a firefighter in Austin, Texas for 20 years. Chris recalls, “I was ready for a new adventure and definitely wanted to get away from the Texas heat!” That’s when he decided to return and become a part of the community that he loved so much during his college career at CSU.

Chris, along with his wife Kristin, and their two sons, made the move and immediately integrated into the community by purchasing Pour Brothers Community Tavern in May 2023. They continue to make Pour Brothers a great place to come for craft beer, craft cocktails/mocktails, and delicious food. Maintaining the give-back tradition established by the previous owners, Dave and Kristy Wygmans, every Wednesday at Pour Brothers is “Community Night,” where tips earned between 5 - 7 pm are donated to a different local non-profit. “We love being a part of the community and we would like to be for many years to come!” says Chris. While Fort Collins has grown a lot since attending CSU, he still appreciates the small town feel, the sense of community, and welcoming atmosphere.

---

Colin Randall of Sonny Lubick Steakhouse

B.S. in Natural Resource Management; Minor in Geospatial Information Science (GIS) | CSU Grad, 2016

A Fort Collins High School Lambkin, a Marine, a devoted father, a quasi proficient fly fisherman, and a proud CSU Ram, Colin Randall is a diehard local. “I grew up in Fort Collins, and I've always liked the ‘A’ on the foothills.” he recalls. It is this stalwart symbol overlooking the city that represents the interconnection between the Fort Collins community and the university.

As a lover of the outdoors, Colin pursued a degree through CSU’s Warner College of Natural Resources. “Getting to know the faculty and staff as an adult learner was really impactful,” Colin explained. Then, in 2022, he was fortunate to have the opportunity to carry on the legacy of CSU's greatest football coach by purchasing Sonny Lubick Steakhouse. Sonny Lubick’s name and reputation are synonymous with CSU and Colin feels honored to be affiliated, in a small capacity, with the university and Coach Lubick.

For Colin, Downtown Fort Collins is more than just a place to do business; it's a community he's deeply connected to. He says Coach still makes regular appearances at the restaurant and is unbelievably gracious with his time and stories. However, Colin says his greatest accomplishment and favorite pastime is being a father.

---

Diane Findley of Trimble Court Artisans

B.F.A. Fine Arts | CSU Grad, 1976

Diane’s energy and love of all things art are infectious to everyone around her. Spend a few minutes with her at Trimble Court Artisans, a co-op gallery, and you’ll be taken on a wonderful whirlwind exploration of artwork from over 50 local Colorado artists.

Trimble Court Artisans started when CSU professor Martha Scott Trimble made the storefront at 118 Trimble Court available to a group of young artisans in 1971.

“Martha felt we stood out as women of high moral character and wanted us to be successful selling our art. To this day, she guides us in spirit, and we are forever grateful to her.”

Diane is the longest standing member of the cooperative (since 1977) and serves as president of the board. She is an accomplished painter, mixed media maker, ceramic artist, local luminary, and creative force who has helped to shape the cooperative and the arts in our beautiful city for decades.

---

Sean Godbey of Old Town Spice

B.S. Human Dimensions in Natural Resources & Tourism | CSU Grad, 2008

Sean loves helping people enjoy cooking, whether volunteering with middle and high-school-aged kids or talking to customers who are exploring the world of spices. 

“I love hearing from customers about what they are cooking and learning to cook at home! This last year people have really been trying to stretch their culinary chops and learn new cuisines and see what they are able to make in their home kitchen!”

Aside from his passion for cooking, Sean gets outside every chance possible. Whether that be hiking, fishing, or the new found hobby of wildlife photography, Colorado has so much to offer!

---

Kat Reeves of Bistro Nautile

B.A. English, Secondary Education Endorsement | CSU Grad, 2002

“Good people and good towns deserve excellent cuisine!” says Kat, co-owner of Bistro Nautile.

Along with her husband, a Fort Collins native, they both “love Fort Collins and want to do what we can to support and feed our community. Our people make me smile, everyone from our awesome customers to our friendly local vendors and delivery people to the amazing humans I call my work family. I am lucky to be surrounded and supported by the friendliest people in Fort Collins!”

---

Desiree Rich of Pinot's Palette

B.S. Business & Concentration in Accounting | CSU Grad, 2015

Although her educational background is in accounting and business, Desiree’s perspective is anything but black and white. While accounting may be her career, art is her passion. “I've been going to Pinot's Palette since 2012 and always wanted to have a presence in Fort Collins. When the opportunity to transfer the business presented itself in early 2022, we had to do it.” says Desiree, referring to her husband and business partner.

Desiree, originally from Lima, Peru, made Colorado her home when she moved to Breckenridge at age 16. It was her desire to attend CSU that brought her to Fort Collins. Living here for the last 10+ years, Desiree says it’s the time spent in Old Town Square, the festivals, kids events, and now running a downtown business that makes FoCo feel like home.

---

Peter Vlcek of Farmers Insurance

B.S. in Business Administration | CSU Grad, 2004

You might recognize Peter from CSU football games - for two seasons straight; he appeared on the jumbotron at least once for every home game!

His enthusiasm for CSU football shows in his office as he points out where his seats are at the stadium on a photo from opening day.

Peter purchased his Farmers agency in 2018 and says, "The best part of this agency is that it's located at 262 E. Mountain Ave. in the heart of downtown Fort Collins and has been home to a Farmers Insurance agency for over 45 years! To me, Downtown Fort Collins is the center of our community, filled with support, enjoyment, and activity."

---

Holli McElwee of Kilwin's Chocolates, Ice Cream, Fudge & Confections

B.S. in Speech Communications & Concentration in Media Studies | CSU Grad, 2006

For Holli, "RAM PRIDE is part of your DNA" once you become a CSU student or alumni. This spirit is evident in her downtown Fort Collins business, Kilwin's Chocolate, Ice Cream, Fudge & Confections.

Holli's decision to purchase her business in 2023 was driven by a desire to bring happiness, keep cherished traditions alive, and offer a special place where individuals and families can create lasting memories over sweet treats. She eloquently states, "Confections bring people together for life's little and big moments, and the tastes and smells have the ability to take one 'back in time' to a moment they wish to remember with a loved one or a special occasion." Being an integral part of Downtown Fort Collins, for Holli, "means family," as she highlights the incredible support from organizations, businesses, and the broader community, all working together to keep the area vibrant and thriving.

Holli finds immense joy in serving a diverse clientele, from long-time residents and students to brand-new customers. She loves hearing their stories - whether it's families reminiscing about their kids growing up with Superman Ice Cream, college freshmen excitedly sharing their new dorm life, or business leaders finding a brief moment of relaxation while picking up custom gifts. Outside of Kilwin's, Holli is a passionate mom to four daughters and dedicates her time to volunteering, helping in elementary classrooms, and attending local community events. She also embraces the Colorado lifestyle, often found hiking, running with her three dogs, skiing, and even riding her horses. 

---

Marc Parker of Maximum Painting

B.A. in Sociology | CSU Grad, 2005

Many CSU Grads choose to stay in Fort Collins, and Marc Parker is one of them, making his home and raising his family in Old Town. As a "social butterfly," you might spot him enjoying coffee at Mugs in the morning or catching up with friends around downtown, appreciating the tight-knit community where, as Marc says, "The Vin Diagram that exists in this community is insane!"

Marc's passion for his business - Maximum Painting - stems from his team,"From our painters in the field to our project management group, our people are what makes me smile." His connection to CSU remains strong as well; he's involved with the painting of "The A." When he's not working, you can find him enjoying live music, golfing in the summer, and skiing in the winter. Marc lives by the quote, "Success brings Complacency, Complacency brings Failure, Only the Paranoid Survive," a mantra he attributes to Tiger Woods.

---

Linda Roth of Walnut Creek

B.A. in Art Education | CSU Grad, 2014

Linda Roth's journey to Fort Collins and business ownership began with a new start. A widow with three sons, she moved to Fort Collins - a town she had always dreamed of calling home - in 2011 to pursue CSU's math education program.

While a student, Linda's passion for art led her to sell her artwork as a vendor. This experience unexpectedly led to her becoming a 50% owner of Walnut Creek, an art-based business in Old Town. For Linda, "Downtown is the physical heart of Fort Collins. It means I'm home. I love this town, it's energy and it's hope that it gives to entrepreneurs, especially the creative community, musicians, and artists like myself." She loves seeing customers' faces "light up with delight" as they discover unique treasures within Walnut Creek's "maze of mini businesses" and witnessing vendors proudly refresh their spaces. 

Outside of her business, Linda is a big fan of Fort Collins' bike trail network, often seen on the Poudre Trail with her dog, Marz. An artist herself, she has public art pieces around town and enjoys listening to live music at local venues. Linda also shows her Ram pride as a season ticket holder for the CSU Women's Basketball team. Go Rams!

---

Mentioned in this Post