The Gateway To The Rockies Podcast

Zander Oklar, Aurora Pride

As the only beachfront celebration within 1500 miles, Aurora Pride is among the most unique events in the country. More than just a party, Aurora Pride provides safe spaces, educational resources, medical resources, & more to the Front Range's LGBTQIA community. Zander Oklar serves as Aurora Pride's  Executive Director and is a vocal community advocate. 

Dr. Lynn Doan & Dr. Kha Nguyen, The Dental Bar

Can you imagine looking forward to going to the dentist? The Dental Bar is doing just that by taking a modern, chic, comfortable approach to dentistry.  Dr. Kha Nguyen & Dr. Lynn Doan are merging their dental expertise with an innovative and fun concept that will redefine the oral health experience in Aurora and beyond. 

Debbie Sam & Pamela Sam-Duval, Sam’s Meats & Deli

A legacy spanning three generations, Sam's Meat and Deli has served Aurora for more than 40 years. Through sourcing high-quality meats & maintaining a sense of community with her customers, Debbie Sam has carried on her father's dream while leading a new generation to helm this important institution.  

Stacey Miller, Milly’s Community Café

Nestled inside Aurora’s Elevation Christian Church, you’ll find Milly’s Community Café, a cozy and creative space specializing in locally sourced coffee beverages and freshly baked and crafted menu items. Through attention to detail and fostering an environment of community, owner Stacey Miller has created one of the most highly-rated eateries and cafés in the city. 

Precious Czeczok, The Hair Fetish Experience

By offering an array of services from a talented & diverse team, The Hair Fetish Experience has become one of the highest-rated salons in the greater metro area, owned by third-generation entrepreneur and cosmetologist Precious Czeczok, who carries the legacy of her family & a spirit of service in everything that she does.

Katie Goldman, La Victoria Healing Kitchen

In the heart of the Aurora Cultural Arts District, you’ll find La Victoria Healing Kitchen, created by the vision of Architect Katie Goldman. This community space was created as a small business incubator, supporting chefs, bakers, and makers who craft products that promote health & wellness while seeking to uplift community well-being.

Betsy Lay, Lady Justice Brewing

Social entrepreneur Betsy Lay is a co-founder of Lady Justice Brewing. This women-owned, minority-owned, & LGBTQ+ owned business in the Colfax arts district of Aurora also serves as an important community gathering space. Almost all of their profit benefits organizations that serve women and girls in Colorado. 

Stephanie Klaviter, Triple Crown Sports

More than 18,000 fast-pitch softball players representing over 1100 teams across the country descend on the Aurora area for the Colorado 4th of July tournament. This marquee event is run by Triple Crown Sports tournament director and accomplished former pitcher Stephanie Klaviter.

Poonam Moore, Poonam’s By Design

Aurora resident for nearly 30 years, Poonam More is the co-star of "Rico To The Rescue" on HGTV. She also owns Poonam's By Design, an interior design firm that offers beautiful home remodeling and home design services based in the Southlands Lifestyle Center.

James Grevious, Rebels In The Garden

Veteran Master Sergeant James Grevious created Rebels in The Garden to teach the children in his family how to cultivate food in their own backyard. That ambition evolved into Rebel Marketplace, a bi-monthly farmer's market at Aurora's Del Mar Park that provides a vital community space for local growers & vendors and teaches valuable business skills to future generations.