What separates a simple snapshot from a photograph that tells a powerful story? For Michael Still of Still's Life Photography, it's all about revealing the unseen narrative behind every subject.

Michael brings decades of artistic experience to his photography, having started with crayons and fine arts before developing his photographic eye. Unlike conventional photographers who might specialize in weddings or portraits, Michael has carved out a unique niche focusing primarily on automotive photography, landscapes, and travel imagery. His approach is deliberately unhurried and deeply personal.

"I need to understand and get to know you," Michael explains, describing his process with clients. "What's that story? And a lot of times I tell people that story may emerge a little bit as we get to know each other." This investment in relationship-building transforms what could be ordinary photos into visual narratives that capture something meaningful about the subject. For car enthusiasts, Michael understands the profound emotional connection they have with their vehicles – comparing it to the deep emotional significance of wedding photography.

Beyond his client work, Michael and his wife lead adventure travel experiences around the world, from scuba diving in Indonesia to rafting the Grand Canyon. These journeys provide him with extraordinary photographic opportunities in pristine, often remote locations. One of his favorite images captures a massive approaching thunderhead in Cuba, which has developed its own following among scuba divers.

With refreshing honesty, Michael acknowledges his artistic approach isn't for everyone. "Probably a third of the people think I'm the greatest photographer that they've ever met. Another third are 'well, this is interesting.' And another third are 'you know, this isn't for me at all' and that's okay." This self-awareness allows him to focus on clients who value his storytelling perspective.

Ready to have your story revealed through photography? Visit stillslife.net or contact Michael directly at 303-829-0337 to discuss how your passion might translate into images worth displaying.

Ever wondered who to call when your home needs expert maintenance but you're short on time or tools? Luke Buelow of Good Life Home Maintenance might just be your answer.

Luke joins us to share how his Fort Collins-based company is revolutionizing home repair services by blending professional plumbing expertise with comprehensive handyman skills. With refreshing candor, he challenges the outdated stereotype of handymen working "for a 12-pack or $20 an hour," outlining his mission to elevate these essential services to the professional trade status they deserve.

What makes Good Life unique is their approach to treating clients as family. As Luke explains, this philosophy translates into meticulous attention to every project, whether it's fixing a leaky faucet or implementing one of their popular recurring maintenance plans. His business serves busy professionals and families who value their home but lack the time or expertise to maintain it properly.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Luke shares his journey of moving to Colorado, starting a business from scratch, and finding his footing in a new community. His story resonates with the entrepreneurial spirit while highlighting the challenges of building something meaningful from the ground up.

Whether you're a homeowner looking for reliable maintenance solutions or simply appreciate stories of local businesses making a difference, this episode offers valuable insights into how specialized expertise paired with genuine care creates extraordinary service. Visit https://www.goodlifehomeco.pro/ to discover their full range of services from plumbing and water filtration to those time-saving maintenance plans that keep homes running smoothly.

Thomas Kern's dual career as owner of Kern Painting and Juko Kai Martial Arts Center exemplifies how passion and perseverance can build lasting businesses with genuine impact. His journey began at just 14 years old with a four-inch brush, learning the meticulous craft of painting from his stepfather: "no tarps, no drips" was the philosophy that shaped his approach to a trade that would sustain him for 44 years.

The martial arts side of his life represents an equally profound commitment. For 17 years, his Juko Kai center has offered a distinctly practical approach to traditional martial arts. Unlike schools focused on competitions and trophies, Thomas teaches what his 85-year-old mentor - a former US Marine and Marshal - calls a "combat art." His classes blend traditional forms with street-ready self-defense techniques, weapons training, and breathing practices that create both capable fighters and disciplined students. Perhaps most remarkably, Thomas found that martial arts training virtually eliminated his own dyslexia while channeling his ADHD energy positively - a personal transformation that informs his teaching approach.

Through economic hardships, including nearly losing his home during the 2008 financial crisis, Thomas has embodied the martial artist's mentality of finding alternative paths around obstacles. "I really don't like and care for the word no," he explains. "If you're going to tell me no, I'm going to find a way to go around." This adaptability, combined with old-school integrity learned from World War II-generation grandfathers, has become his business signature: quality work, kept promises, and genuine expertise freely shared. Whether you're interested in transformative martial arts training or need expert painting services, Thomas proves that businesses built on passion and principle can stand the test of time.

Ready to experience the quality and integrity that define both Kern Painting and Juko Kai Martial Arts Center? Contact Thomas directly at 970-444-5003 or visit his websites to discover how his 44 years of expertise can benefit your home or personal development journey.

When your pet needs emergency care, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. Dr. Matt Asciutto shares the story behind Inkwell Veterinary Emergency Clinic, Fort Collins' locally-owned outpatient emergency clinic that's changing how pet parents experience urgent care.

After years traversing the country as an emergency veterinarian in specialty referral centers from Alaska to North Carolina, Dr. Asciutto put down roots in Fort Collins when his wife joined CSU. With a growing family and deep emergency medicine expertise, he spotted a crucial need in the community – accessible, transparent emergency care that bridges the gap when your regular vet isn't available.

What makes Inkwell truly revolutionary is its physical design. "The whole place is glass," Dr. Asciutto explains. This deliberate transparency allows pet owners to witness their pet's treatment firsthand, reducing anxiety during already stressful situations. Located at Drake and Timberline, the clinic combines specialty-level medical expertise with convenient hours (open until 10 PM) and a genuinely local approach to business. Dr. Matt Asciutto addresses common misconceptions about veterinary financing while emphasizing his collaborative relationships with area primary care veterinarians.

Beyond his professional identity, we glimpse the person behind the white coat – a family man who once performed improv comedy and still occasionally strums a guitar while falling asleep. His philosophical approach to challenges serves him perfectly in emergency medicine: acknowledge where you are and focus on finding solutions.

Whether you need emergency care today or want peace of mind for tomorrow, visit inkwellvet.com or stop by the clinic to see this unique approach to veterinary emergency medicine firsthand. When minutes count, wouldn't you rather trust a neighbor who built their clinic with your needs in mind?

Ever wondered if classical music is really just for the elite? Wendy Fanning, the newly appointed Executive Director of Fort Collins Symphony, challenges this widespread misconception in our latest conversation. After stepping into leadership just five weeks ago, Wendy brings fresh energy to Colorado's oldest cultural institution, which has been enriching the community since 1923.

The symphony's 102-year legacy includes five signature concerts annually, two POPs events, and remarkable community initiatives like B-sharp for dementia patients and Open Notes for student education. But what really stands out is Wendy's passion for breaking down barriers. "Classical music isn't just for the ivory tower," she explains, describing how smaller chamber ensembles and creative programming inspired by phenomena like Bridgerton are helping attract younger generations to this timeless art form.

Our conversation takes a personal turn when Wendy shares how losing her sister and father to cancer transformed her outlook on life. "They lived more in their time than most people do in a full lifetime," she reflects, explaining how these experiences taught her to embrace each moment—a philosophy that clearly influences her leadership approach. When not guiding the symphony, Wendy embraces Colorado's outdoor lifestyle through climbing and hiking adventures with her dog.

Whether you're a longtime symphony patron or someone who's never considered attending an orchestral performance, Wendy makes a compelling case for experiencing the remarkable talent on stage. Discover more about upcoming performances and outreach programs at fcsymphony.org or reach out directly to Wendy at wfanning@fcsymphony.org—and prepare to have your preconceptions about classical music beautifully challenged.

When life closes one door, sometimes it opens a coffee trailer. That's what happened to Hallie Dantzler, founder of Hal's Coffee, who pivoted from healthcare to entrepreneurship after unexpectedly losing her job. What emerged was not just another coffee shop, but a sustainable, mobile coffee experience that's redefining how we think about our daily brew.

Hal's Coffee began as a trailer on wheels but has since expanded to include a permanent café near CSU's veterinary hospital and a versatile indoor catering cart. What sets this business apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability – running entirely on battery power, from the truck pulling the trailer to the equipment itself. They've embraced comprehensive composting practices and chosen glass over plastic, proving that mobile businesses can be environmentally responsible.

Behind every $8 latte is a story most consumers never hear. Hallie sources beans from small family farms and co-ops worldwide, ensuring fair compensation for growers. From quality cups and specialty syrups to the ice in your cold brew, each component represents an investment in both quality and ethics. As Hallie puts it, "We never sacrifice quality for quantity." This philosophy extends to her personal life too, where she homesteads with gardens, chickens, and beehives – embodying sustainability beyond her business.

Ready for coffee that comes to you? Whether you're planning a wedding, conference, or just want to visit their café at 2350 Gillette Drive on South CSU campus, Hal's Coffee delivers exceptional experiences on wheels or in their storefront. Follow them on social media @halscoffeenoco or visit halscoffeenoco.com to discover how coffee can be both delicious and planet-friendly. Your taste buds – and the environment – will thank you.

From summer job to thriving business, Craig Singleton shares the remarkable journey behind OuterSpace Decks, a premier custom deck building company serving Northern Colorado for 28 years.

Craig's story begins at Colorado State University, where what started as temporary work transformed into his life's passion. After graduating with a PE degree, he recognized an opportunity in the market when his employer left town. Taking the leap in 1998, Craig built a business focused on quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service that continues to thrive today.

What truly sets OuterSpace Decks apart is their dedicated approach - a small team of two that commits to one project at a time, staying on-site until completion. This philosophy addresses one of the biggest frustrations homeowners face with contractors who juggle multiple jobs. Craig personally serves as designer, builder, and project manager for every deck, pergola, and outdoor structure they create, ensuring direct communication and consistent quality throughout.

The conversation reveals interesting insights about common misconceptions in the industry. Many homeowners approach deck building expecting a quick, simple, and inexpensive process. Craig tactfully explains that quality outdoor structures require proper investment, time, and skilled craftsmanship - an education that pays off when clients see the final results and are "over the moon" with their new outdoor living spaces.

When not crafting beautiful outdoor structures across Northern Colorado, Craig pursues his passion for fly fishing, even volunteering as an instructor with Colorado Youth Outdoors. His genuine enthusiasm for both his craft and life outside work reflects the authentic, customer-focused approach that has made OuterSpace Decks successful for nearly three decades.

Ready to transform your outdoor space with a builder who combines decades of experience with meticulous attention to detail? Contact Craig directly at https://www.outerspacedeckscolorado.com/ or 970-691-4550 to discuss your vision for the perfect custom deck or pergola.

A cup of coffee can be so much more than just a morning pick-me-up. For Summer Renee, founder of Summahtime Coffee, it represents community, connection, and the purest expression of life itself.

Summer's journey began with a challenge. Facing health issues that required a more flexible work arrangement, she purchased an 84-year-old horse trailer, gutted it completely, and transformed it into a mobile café. This resourceful beginning reflects the creative spirit that drives her business forward, now evolving into a full beverage trailer offering not just coffee but energizers, mocktails, and electrolyte drinks.

The inspiration behind Summahtime Coffee runs deeper than entrepreneurship. At 18, Summer traveled to Costa Rica for volleyball and fell in love with both coffee and the philosophy of "pura vida" (pure life) embraced by locals. This concept became the foundation of her business following the disconnection many felt after 2020. Her slogan—"it's always better when we have a cup together"—captures the essence of what makes her business special: genuine human connection with every transaction.

What differentiates Summer's approach is her commitment to presence. She values the brief moments with customers, believing that a simple exchange can positively impact someone's entire day. Working with local roaster Tal, she ensures quality in every cup, proudly claiming their worst espresso would still rank among the best in town. Now relocated to Fort Collins for better food truck opportunities, Summer is relaunching with potential rebranding as "Ray of Sunshine" or "Cup of Sunshine."

Follow Summer's journey on Instagram and Facebook to discover where this mobile café will appear next, and experience for yourself how a simple cup of coffee, served with intention and heart, can truly brighten your day. When you support Summahtime Coffee, you're not just getting a beverage—you're becoming part of a community dedicated to bringing a little more sunshine into everyday life.