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? 

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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.

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Andi Rose of Rocky Mountain Olive Oil

Anthropology & History Double Major | CSU Grad, 2005

Andi Rose has called Fort Collins home for over 20 years, so when the opportunity came to buy Rocky Mountain Olive Oil in 2020, it felt like a natural next step. A CSU alum with degrees in Anthropology and History (Class of 2005), she was ready to dive into business ownership after leaving the marketing team at New Belgium Brewing. “Because I had lived in Colorado my whole life and Fort Collins for 20 years, it was natural for me to want to buy a business in one of the most beautiful downtown spaces ever – Old Town!”

While she’s not in the shop every day, Andi’s creativity shines through in events like the Fort Collins Foodie Walk™, where she helps bring the community together through engaging food experiences. “Old Town means community and local. It means coming together to see, smell, hear and taste experiences that are vibrant and unique to our town.” As an amateur chef and recipe creator, she loves experimenting in the kitchen - especially now that, as she puts it, “I have a world of delicious products at my fingertips to be able to create meals with!”

Outside of work, Andi has always found joy in movement, connection, and the outdoors. In her 20s, she was a whitewater rafting guide on the Poudre River and a competitive climber, even serving on the Northern Colorado Climbers Coalition Board of Directors. She spent years helping create memorable moments as part of the New Belgium marketing team - working events like Tour de Fat, bike-in movies, and Clips of Faith. These days, she’s a dedicated CrossFit athlete, and still enjoys yoga after more than 20 years of practice. When the sun’s out, you’ll often find her paddleboarding on Long Pond, just steps from home.

At home, things are just as full of energy. Andi and her husband have five kids, along with two dogs and a cat. “There is almost never a dull moment in our house!” And with additional Rocky Mountain Olive Oil locations in Westminster and Estes Park, Andi continues to grow her business while staying connected to the town where it all started.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!”

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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.

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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."

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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. 

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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.

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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!

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Madeline DeGroot of Ivy Boutique

B.A. in Communication Studies & Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts | CSU Grad, 2018

Madeline DeGroot has a deep connection to Fort Collins - first as a CSU student, and now as a local business owner helping shape the downtown community. She graduated with a degree in Communication Studies and Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts in 2018, and knew from the start that Fort Collins would be the only place she'd consider launching her business.

She opened Ivy Boutique in 2021, drawn by downtown’s strong support for local businesses. “Fort Collins was the only town in Colorado I considered. Downtown is centered around small businesses and the community offers huge support and has an emphasis on shopping small and local.”

For Madeline, Downtown Fort Collins is a place for connection. “Downtown Fort Collins means community. The support and encouragement the store owners in the community offer each other is so special and unique. There is truly a mentality of wanting everyone to succeed.”

As a new mom, she balances running her business with caring for her baby, who comes to work with her every day. And while there’s always something to enjoy about entrepreneurship, it’s the people who make it worth it: “Connecting with fun, kind customers who are truly interested in supporting my business is the best feeling and always puts a smile on my face.”

She still feels closely tied to CSU, especially how its presence is felt in the broader community. “I love that CSU is such an integral part of the Fort Collins community. Not only is Fort Collins a prominent college town, but it also offers individual growth post-graduation.”

With her growing family and her growing business, Madeline continues to make her mark in a town that means so much to her.

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Dexter Beasley at FoCo Cafe

B.A. in Human Development & Family Studies, Concentration in Leadership & Entrepreneurial Professions | CSU Grad, 2021

After graduating from CSU in 2021 with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Dexter Beasley was looking for meaningful work that aligned with their values. That's when they found FoCo Cafe. "I knew it was the perfect place to bring what I had learned from years of foodservice work and restaurant management while getting hands-on experience in a non-profit - because I knew that was the field I wanted to dedicate my life to"

Dexter joined the team in August 2022 and became Executive Director just a few months later. Located just off Maple Street, FoCo Cafe has become a community staple. "We are here for all the people of Fort Collins. FoCo Cafe is a place for you to find acceptance, connection, and (of course) delicious food!"

The work is personal and impactful. "I smile when our guests tell me how important FoCo Cafe has been to them. The sense of mutual respect and dignity, and seeing community care in practice make all the hard work more than worth it"

When they're not at the cafe, you can find Dexter around town - riding their bike, hanging at Bean Cycle or Arboretum, or snapping photos of flowers, bugs, and clouds. And if you're wondering, yes, they're always rocking a great pair of dangly earrings - either handmade by them or crafted by another local artist!

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