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.

Nate McAlpine

Brewer/Owner, Reverence Brewing Company

Age: 16,436 days old

What do you love about your job? That it never gets old. I’ve been brewing for more than 19 years and I still enjoy creating new beers and sharing them with people.

What is the hardest part of your job? Running a business is a whole new beast for me. It feels good that I’m comfortable in the brewhouse and can spend more bandwidth learning the ins and outs of running a small business.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? Two kids. Being a dad is the greatest job I do. Having the motivation to give them the best life gets me excited each day to get out of bed and support them.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? Well, most people that know me, know that I’m an open book and I wear my heart on my sleeve. Reverence has provided me a space to share my experiences and stories and I try to facilitate a space of openness and sharing.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater – last weekend in June. That’s my staycation every year so I can get down with some WSMFP (aka Widespread Panic).

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado?
Drinking at Red Rocks never lets me down.

Alice Del Simone

Education Director, Boulder Opera Company

Age: 33

What do you love about your job? I love that my education director position allows me to get out into the community and meet all kinds of people. I especially love presenting at schools and getting the opportunity to introduce opera, sometimes for the first time, to the next generation.

What is the hardest part of your job? The most challenging part of my work is securing ongoing funding so we can bring our programs to the communities that would enjoy and benefit from them most. The demand and enthusiasm are there – it’s the logistics and resources that take constant creativity and persistence.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? Arts education is more than just a job for me, it’s a passion. I love getting to be a part of people’s journey with the arts. There is so much healing and excitement that is possible through singing, and getting to contribute to someone’s personal growth is unbelievably rewarding.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I’m an enthusiastic rock climber. I still have a long way to go before I would call myself a great climber, but I really enjoy getting to the gym or outside to push myself out of my comfort zone.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? Steamboat holds a special place for me. I got engaged on a hike there and my husband and I love to take a weekend trip to enjoy the trails whenever we can.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant in Boulder is one of my favorite places to go for a special occasion.

Theodore Smith

Master Distiller, Branch & Barrel Distilling

Age: 49

What do you love about your job? The details. The fact that we care about everything. Using all Colorado ingredients. Fresh grain from Alamosa. Pure water from our deep water well. Getting to create something special out of these things that we hold a reverence for. Really caring about making an exceptional spirit every time.

What is the hardest part of your job? Time away from family. When you love what you do, you really are driven to be the best at it. To make yourself available and open to every situation. To be selfless in all things related. I look forward to every summer, when I take some time off and head straight for some quality family time.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? The raw opportunity to be part of people’s lasting memories of a special moment. To be the creator of a spirit they shared with a friend, a colleague, or a loved one at a time that will forever remain with them. To share a drink with them that will be imbued upon them, unchanged and timeless. To be there ‘in spirit’ to share one of their most fond times.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? How enthralled by the beauty of the world I am. Whether in art, literature, nature, or even simple human interaction, I often marvel at the little things.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? Glenwood Springs. Multiple hot springs resorts, world-class dining, old school Colorado charm. The mountains, the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado rivers, the hot springs, all make this little mountain town where I go to recharge my batteries.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? It’s gotta be Someplace Else Brewery in Arvada. It’s fun, they have tons of pinball games and they tap a fresh flavor of brew every Friday. They donate to charities, invite everyone’s dogs, have game nights and craft nights. They really make everyone feel welcome and bring the community together.

This story is from our winter 2025-2026 issue. Read the entire issue online here, and find our full magazine archive here.