Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Justin Hergenreder | Farmer and business owner

I am a Colorado native who grew up on the east side of Longmont. I am the oldest of four children and we grew up on a farm and ranch. My mother worked in town as a book keeper, secretary and accountant while my father farmed with my grandfather. From irrigating crops, feeding cattle, checking fences, daily repairs and chores there was always something to do. At an early age my siblings and I learned the value of a hard days work but also the pride that comes a long with doing a job well done. Read more>>

CJ Simonds, SET | President/CEO , Vulcan Fire

Growing up as a firefighter’s son in Morrison Colorado. I’m a native of Colorado and live in Littleton with my wife and Two youngest children. My oldest Daughter lives nearby and lives on her own. I always looked up to my father. He was tough, but fair. He taught me how to be honest, show integrity and be a man of my word. Amongst hundreds of other life lessons. My father was old school, where a handshake was a contract between two people. Read more>>

Madi Moore | Aspiring Traveling Tattoo Artist

I am a Colorado Springs, Colorado native. My dad and Uncle are the co-founders of Westside Tattoo. I was raised in the tattoo industry and have always looked up to so many amazing artists, with my dad being my biggest inspiration, when it comes to tattooing and every other thing in life. He raised me all by himself and has taught me everything i know about art, life skills, and even gave me his really stupid sense of humor. Read more>>

Chris Himels | Creative Director Of From Hell With Love

I grew up in Aurora, Colorado. As a young kid I wrote graffiti was in a few crews I loved skateboarding. Even being young it was sought after to have style or steez with how you dressed and skated. I always loved style, clothing and fashion. It wasn’t until maybe 5 years ago I really got into making my own clothes and building a brand. What I create today are who an what I always wanted to be. But back then I put myself a mold to blend in with my peers. Read more>>

Casey Thompson | Photographer

I am a born and raised Colorado native. From an early age I found value in the necessity for self-sufficiency. Because of this, I am a hard-worker who takes pride in what I am passionate about. I found my interest in photography while in school for media production; I continue to foster that interest and passion by continuously learning and letting my camera lens lead the way. Read more>>

Blaine Harrington IV | Photographer, Blogger, Aspiring VFX Artist

I’m from Colorado, and I live in Sherman Oaks California now. I was inspired by a lot of things growing up. My dad’s a professional travel photographer, and I was always surrounded by his work, which made me want to take photos myself. He would take me with him on his trips to Alaska, the Canyon Lands and we were lucky enough to go on the top of Mount Rushmore. During Spring break of this year, we both went to Death Valley National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park. Read more>>

Kelli Rohrig | Landscaper, avalanche instructor, ski guide, volunteer

Part of how we started Limbs for Liberty was my relationship with my emigrant family. My mother’s family fled Europe during WW2. Some of the family had help from random Belgians who enabled them to leave Europe and the war. When the war in Ukraine broke out, I decided this was my time to pay back those who helped my family. I originally was bringing medical supplies to Ukraine with an organization called Backroads Foundation. Read more>>

Susiehyer | fine artist

I spent the first 18 years of my life in the burbs of northern NJ. Born to lower middle class folks, making art as a career choice was never encouraged, even though I knew from the time I was 4 or 5 that I would be an artist. It was like I came in knowing that. Always being steered away from it made me more determined to have a career in art. I studied art at a small liberal arts university in PA. One semester break I was at home with my parents. Read more>>

Elena Miller-ter Kuile | Rancher/Farmer

My Hispano family came to the San Luis Valley to claim properties through the land grants awarded by the Mexican government. We have been farming and ranching in the area ever since. I always say we didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us. I went off to college to study and travel and quickly realized the great need in our country for more sustainable and inclusive farming practices. We are currently facing major environmental challenges and sadly there is a history of oppression of indigenous, black, BIPOC, and black communities. I hope to see this country become a leader for more positive changes. Read more>>

Beth Warmath | Professional Mural Artis

I was raised in the country, rode lots of horses, 4 wheelers, and explored the lakes and woods of Tennessee. I never dreamed of painting but I always loved to create from nature. I earned a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from the University of Memphis and worked for two large corporations as a graphic designer. After moving to Florida my color palette got much brighter and I started making art and painting residential murals on the weekend. Read more>>