We occasionally like to highlight some interesting folks crafting Colorado experiences and arts. If you know someone who belongs on our Characters of the Craft pages, let us know.

Ray Strohm

Manager, Whitewater Hill Vineyards
Age: 47

What do you love about your job? I love working outside and spending time with the vines. I have been with Whitewater Hill Vineyards for 26 years, and had a hand in planting these grapes and caring for them throughout their lives. I love working in the vineyard so much that I actually have a tattoo of Riesling grapes, my favorite variety, on my hand.

What is the hardest part of your job? Finding the balance between all of the various tasks that have to be done at specific times of the year.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? My family. I have an amazing wife, five wonderful children, and two grandchildren that keep me motivated every day.

What’s one thing about yourself
that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? My guilty pleasure is a cold, refreshing Cherry Dr. Pepper.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? I love visiting the hot springs in Glenwood Springs. My wife and I love to bike around the cute mountain town and unwind.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? I love to bring a picnic and grab a chilled glass of Riesling to enjoy on the patio at Whitewater Hill Vineyards!

Kim Laderer Veiga

President / co-owner, Felene Inc
Age: 50

What do you love about your job? I love sharing a product I truly believe in and watching people light up when they taste Felene Vodka for the first time. It’s not just about vodka — it’s about connection, community and creating something meaningful with people I care about.

What is the hardest part of your job? The travel can be exhausting at times. Being on the road every week is tough, but it’s also where the magic happens — meeting our customers, hosting events and telling the Felene story in person.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? Passion and purpose. I genuinely believe in what we’re building at Felene. Plus, I’m motivated by the amazing team around me and the excitement of what’s next.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I love yoga. It’s something I do just for myself, and it helps keep me grounded when things get chaotic.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? Aspen in the fall. It’s absolutely magical when the leaves turn golden, and there’s this peaceful energy in the mountains that helps me reset and recharge.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado?
I love them all. There’s amazing food in Colorado, incredible cocktails, and a vibe that feels good. I love to drink Tap Fourteen’s Summer Spritz made with Felene raspberry lemonade.

Timothy Goolsby

Bar Manager, Post Oak Barbecue
Age: 27

What do you love about your job? I have the opportunity to be creative and make fun cocktails with puns for names. I lead a staff of four brilliant and hilarious bartenders. I work with a team of managers whose main focus is the guest and employee experience, and I get to do it all while joking around with guests and my boss, who is one of my friends. What’s not to love?

What is the hardest part of your job? The most difficult part is definitely working with the interests of business versus the interests I have. I like to have our whiskey wall be representative of our customer base, by having as many local Colorado whiskeys and ones from back home in Texas as I can. The limits of space, and efficiency of cost mean I also have to keep big brands represented, as well as bringing in what’s hot right now in the whiskey world. It’s rare those interests line up but when they do, I take full advantage.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? The first thing to wake me up is my cats for sure. But I really get up because I want to go to work and hang out with my friends, guests and coworkers alike – and maybe get some work done.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? The confidence I project is not represented internally. I am constantly working against doubts and nerves to bring the show to people, but I do it happily because I think it makes life more fun for everyone.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? I love going to Salida! It’s great all year, and it gets me within a couple hours of my family just south of Durango. The ideal long weekend is to stop in at Eddyline Brewing for some beers and food. Pulled pork and tots are a must. A little night cap at Deerhammer Distillery. Day 2: Going down and meeting my family in Pagosa Springs for whatever season-appropriate activity is available, and back up in time for dinner at Boathouse Cantina in Salida. Day 3: Getting coffee and meeting with my tattoo artist at Centennial Tattoo before going home.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? I love trying new places so having a go-to means I love it and that place for food is Dae Gee Korean BBQ. For drinks, Ratio Beerworks – they slay. For cocktails, it’s Retrograde because I can get ice cream at the same time and they’re so creative with their drinks.