Meet Colleen Huther

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

Hi Colleen, what is the most important factor behind your success?
One of the key factors behind our success has been our consistent use of the
Balanced Scorecard approach. It’s a framework we’ve used in previous
properties, and it's something I continue to apply because of its clear focus on maintaining equilibrium across all critical areas of the business.
The Balanced Scorecard emphasizes that true success doesn’t come from
focusing on just one stakeholder group. Instead, we strive to create a
harmonious environment where our team, our guests, and our investors all feel
valued. When we prioritize a happy and engaged team, we naturally see
improvements in guest service and overall operational efficiency. That leads to positive guest experiences, which drive loyalty, reputation, and
revenue. And ultimately, that results in strong financial performance and satisfied investors.This balanced approach ensures we’re not only hitting KPIs but also building a sustainable culture where everyone is supported and success is shared. It’s this alignment of people, performance, and purpose that has consistently driven both personal and property success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the General Manager at Hotel Boulderado. Hotel Boulderado is truly one of a kind. What sets it apart is not just its status as a historic landmark, but the deep emotional and cultural connection it has with the Boulder community. This isn’t just a hotel—it’s a community beacon. The town of Boulder has invested in it, supported it, and created memories within it. Almost everyone in the area has a story tied to this property—whether it’s a family celebration, a wedding, or simply a meaningful visit.

What I’m most proud of is being part of a team that not only honors that history
but is also helping write its next chapter. I’m especially excited about the
upcoming conversion to a Graduate Hotel. It’s a major step that gives us broader exposure on a national level, while still preserving the soul and storytelling that make Boulderado so special. It’s an opportunity to elevate
the guest experience while staying deeply rooted in the legacy of the property
and the community it serves.

I’ve been working in hospitality since I was 15 — it started as a summer job, but I
quickly realized I loved the energy, the people, and the constant movement.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work at a variety of properties, each
one teaching me something new — whether it was how to lead a team through
change, manage operations under pressure, or create memorable guest
experiences. Each property added a different layer of perspective and skill that I
carry with me today.
Being in leadership, especially as one of the few women in the room at times,
I’ve learned the importance of standing strong, trusting my voice, and leading
with both confidence and empathy. Hospitality is a people-first industry, and being
personal, authentic, and approachable really matters — not just with guests, but
with your team too.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that hospitality is always evolving —
trends shift, guest expectations grow, teams change — and to thrive, you have to
be flexible, curious, and ready to adapt. You can’t take things too seriously either

— you have to be able to have fun with it. At the end of the day, that energy is
contagious, and it’s what keeps this industry exciting for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Start morning with a hike at Chautauqua Park to take in the Flatirons and get a
feel for the landscape. After that, head to The Dushanbe Tea House for brunch.
Not only is the food and tea selection amazing, but the building itself is a work
of art—handcrafted in Tajikistan, disassembled, and shipped to Boulder as a gift
from our sister city, then reassembled piece by piece. Every detail—from the
hand-carved columns to the painted ceiling—tells a story.
From there, we’d take a walk through the CU Boulder campus, especially in
the fall, it’s absolutely beautiful with all the trees, historic buildings, and mountain views. It’s a great way to slow down and appreciate the vibe of the town. In the afternoon, we’d make our way to Pearl Street Mall to browse the shops and maybe catch a street performer or two. At some point, we’d definitely stop by the Boulderado—it’s kind of a must. Whether it’s for a quick drink at License No. 1 or just to take in the lobby and the stained-glass ceiling, it’s such a cool part of Boulder’s history and charm. For evening plans, if there’s a show at the Boulder Theater, we’d absolutely catch it. It’s such a special venue — historic, intimate, and always featuring a great mix of live music, film screenings, or local performances. It’s the kind of place where you feel connected to the community and the arts in a really genuine way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My incredible team at Hotel Boulderado!

Website: https://boulderado.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotel.boulderado/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-huther-978988/

Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-huther-978988/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HotelBoulderado/

Image Credits
Hotel Boulderado