We had the good fortune of connecting with Bill Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bill, what do you want your legacy to be?
I would like to be remembered as one who gave of his time and efforts to help others benefit, while not expecting anything in return. This giving spirit is the basis for my part time job of Santa during the Christmas season! I think the world would be a better place if everyone could have that philosophy throughout the entire year!!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My professional life was in foodservice, beginning in college when I worked at a wholesale grocer warehouse which led to sales, then eventually leading me to the restaurant business. For many years I owned and operated my own restaurants, managed chain restaurants, and eventually came to Colorado and served as Concessions Coordinator for the City of Fort Collins for thirteen years. I enjoyed meeting so many people as customers and employees, and I think that was the most fun part of my foodservice career. It is not easy to succeed in the food industry, but I had a knack for making the restaurants I managed profitable, and through hard work and setting a good example for my employees I had quite a run!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It seems to be a favorite place to visit with each group that visits, and I really love the Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park! Just a lovely area and we love wildlife! We would probably eat at Penelope’s in Estes, and maybe visit our favorite winery there (Snowy Peaks Winery). We would then go through the RMNP and end up at Grand Lake Lodge in Grandby. Most beautiful view ever! We would have to have a day or two of fishing at Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake, or Boyd Lake. We would eat at least once at Cocina & Cantina Mexican Restaurant in Berthoud. LOVE IT!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The members of Centennial Bass Club of Northern Colorado have helped make many of my volunteer projects become come realities. Together each year we do conservation efforts, teach others to fish, take 40 disabled/disadvantaged children and their families fishing in boats (CAST For Kids Foundation), support our Youth Bass Fishing Club, and do a Shoreline Clean-up Day at Horsetooth Reservoir! Other volunteers with me on most projects are Jessica Barry (Co-Host of CAST) and Chuck Barnes who helps with every annual project I do!

Website: https://centennialbass.com

Facebook: Cast For Kids Horsetooth Reservoir

Other: Santa Bill (970) 218-2895 or Bassinbill@gmail.com for Santa appearances and bookings

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.