More than 4,000 readers voted in Style magazine’s 2017 annual “Best Of” contest, demonstrating that Northern Coloradans are fervent about the businesses that make this region a great place to eat, drink, socialize and shop. And, they appreciate great service – from wait staff to realtors to veterinarians and landscapers. The result: Only the best of the best earn the title of winner in the “Best Of” Style magazine.
Best Roofing Service: Affordable Roofing & Restoration
(970) 207-0000 | www.affordableroofinginc.com
Specializing in residential and commercial roofing, Affordable Roofing & Restoration strives to make the insurance claim and repair process as painless as possible. Affordable has more than 40 years of expertise in the roofing and insurance industry and has won NOCO Style’s “Best Of” award for three years running. As a family-owned business, they take great pride in the relationships built throughout the years among customers and industry partners.
Affordable has multiple locations stretching from Castle Rock to Northern Colorado to Wyoming.
“We would like to thank all of our customers for recognizing us as Northern Colorado’s premier roofing company,” say owners Cory Braesch and Jim Simpson. “We would also like to recognize the hard work and dedication of our employee family who are invaluable to our growth and success.”
Best Plumbing Service: Allen Service
(970) 484-4841 | www.allenservice.com
Now in its 56th year, Allen Service has long prided itself on its customer service. Inside its front door, a sign instructs its employees with three simple rules: “Be on time. Be willing to learn new things. Do the best you can.” That provides the foundation for the company, CEO Jeff Allen says. “Our mission is to provide such excellent service that all our customers become raving fans and brag about using our company.”
Jeff is joined by his brother Mike, who is president of the family-owned business, which their parents founded in 1962. The company has not only survived, it has thrived by adapting to the times. It was Northern Colorado’s first green plumber, Mike says. “We were green before it was fashionable. We’ve been using the right approach for years with things like low water consumption, fixtures and faucets.”
In addition to plumbing, Allen Service also does HVAC work.
Best Custom Builder: NoCO Custom Homes LLC
(970) 581-0481 | www.nococustomhomes.com
Building a custom home is not a decision people make lightly, so it’s important to choose wisely when selecting a builder. That is a responsibility that NoCO Custom Homes has taken to heart.
Being chosen by NOCO Style readers as Best Custom Builder in 2017 is an impressive accomplishment for a company that is only six years out of the starting gate, but co-founder Jason Jones already had five years’ building experience when he and his wife, Dani, launched their firm in 2012.
Nevertheless, Jason says they were “pleasantly surprised” at winning the award.
Jason spent six years in the Marine Corps, which included two deployments to Iraq. He returned to Fort Collins in the early 2000s and decided to venture into the world of real estate. “I’ve always been passionate about construction as well as the home-building process,” he says. “Becoming a custom home builder was a natural progression for me.”
Their focus is decidedly on quality rather than quantity, says Dani.
“Jason and I work strictly as a husband-and-wife team,” she says. “This has been a huge benefit to us historically. Folks like that we have a tight grip on quality control, being that it is just the two of us. This business structure is by design. We have opted to keep our company small in an effort to foster a close relationship with our clients.”
NoCO is mindful that for most people, building a custom home is an investment of a lifetime.
“This is a responsibility we take seriously and feel honored when folks put their trust in building their dream with us,” says Dani. “We are very passionate about what we do and about helping people make their dreams a reality.”
Best Hotel: Armstrong Hotel
259 S. College Ave., Fort Collins | (970) 484-3883 | www.thearmstronghotel.com
The Armstrong Hotel is a family-run boutique hotel that Charles and Carolyn Mantz opened in downtown Fort Collins in 1923. The hotel is named after Carolyn’s father, Andrew Armstrong. The ownership and name has changed throughout the years to the Empire Hotel and the Mountain Empire Hotel, but eventually went back to the Armstrong Hotel.
“The Armstrong is proudly part of Fort Collins history, and has maintained a distinct and unique vibe all its life,” says General Manager Aaron Black. “Guests of the hotel, and patrons of Ace Gillett’s Lounge, get a kick out of immersing themselves in something totally authentic to this community. The atmosphere, the service and the location all add up to a visit that makes you feel like you’ve really gotten to know the town during your stay.”
Best Fine Dining: Chimney Park Restaurant & Bar
406 Main St., Windsor | (970) 686-1477 | www.chimneypark.com
Chimney Park Restaurant & Bar, established in 2007 by chef and owner Jason Shaeffer, merges the refined elements of dining with a feeling of accessibility and simplicity. The restaurant has become a regional, state-wide and national dining destination in Northern Colorado. In recent years Chimney Park has won the DiRoNA Award of Excellence, OpenTable.com Best Restaurants in America, 2011 and 2015, and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2014 through 2017.
Housed in historic downtown Windsor, Chimney Park’s original building from 1895 has undergone a recent renovation in 2017, the restaurant’s tenth anniversary. Chimney Park sources local, seasonal and organic products from Colorado and the surrounding region.
Whether it’s a special occasion, an evening with friends or the nightly happy hour in the bar, Chimney Park offers an approachable, sophisticated atmosphere. The staff, cuisine, wine and service are the benchmarks in this foundation for creating hospitable and memorable experiences.
Best Spa: Allura Skin, Laser & Wellness Clinic
2032 Lowe St., Suite 103 | Fort Collins
1615 Foxtrail Drive, Suite 190 | Loveland(970) 223-0193 | www.alluraclinic.com
Celebrating its tenth year in business, Allura Skin, Laser & Wellness Clinic has seen many new developments in the industry since the opening of the first location in 2008. But fad chasers, they are not. All new services are rigorously researched, and adopted only if evidence-based standards are met. In short, Allura’s goal is to help its clients look confident and feel confident through laser skin treatments, med spa services, laser hair removal, diet and wellness services, and more. Among the new offerings is the “Mona Lisa Touch,” a vaginal laser treatment that addresses the painful effects of menopause. Other services include CoolSculpting, rosacea laser treatments, laser hair removal, injectables (Botox and fillers) and bio-identical hormone replacement for men and women. Led by a management team that includes three medical doctors, Allura has 34 employees on staff at its two NOCO locations. Allura prides itself on the rigorous training team members undergo.
“We are continually getting updates on new techniques and the latest research,” says co-owner Rebecca de la Torre, MD. “It is because of our commitment to excellent provider skills and customer service that our clientele voted us the best spa in Northern Colorado.”
Best Carwash/Detailer: Breeze Thru Car Wash
(970) 484-8893 | www.breezethrucarwash.com
Breeze Thru Car Wash has opened seven locations around Northern Colorado and southern Wyoming since opening the first location in 2007. Offering fast and inexpensive exterior car washes, some locations offer cleaning inside and out, and detailing.
“What sets our business apart from other car washes is value to the customer, convenience and professionalism,” says owner John Agnew.
Breeze Thru offers an unlimited wash pass so customers can wash their car as many times as they want for one low monthly price. “My favorite parts of the business include washing a lot of cars, seeing the development of our employees and giving back to the community,” John says.
Best Orthodontic Practice: Crane & Seager Orthodontics
Fort Collins and Loveland | (970) 226-6443 | www.craneseagerortho.com
Mark Crane, DDS, MS, and Craig Seager, DDS, MSD, and their personally trained team love to help kids, teens and adults achieve beautiful smiles. Their orthodontic solutions are tailored to each patient’s lifestyle and personal preference ensuring the best results. The Crane & Seager team take their roles seriously and are always excited to see their patients. Their genuine desire to provide the best patient care pushes them to stay on the cutting edge of orthodontics. Crane & Seager offer a full range of treatment options including high-end braces, lingual braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign. As a locally owned business, with offices in Fort Collins and Loveland, Crane & Seager are active community leaders supporting many local businesses and nonprofits since 2002.
Best Interior Finishes: Loveland Design Center
360 S. Lincoln Ave., Loveland | (970) 667-3590 | www.lovelanddesigncenter.com
Loveland Design Center is a family-owned business that has served Northern Colorado since 1967. Cindy Corbett bought the business from her parents in 1983. It was originally called Loveland Discount Center and it was an automotive store. It is now a 7,000-square-foot showroom filled with the newest and best floor coverings. Cindy didn’t want the store to be rows and rows of carpet, so she opted for an open, fun interior. “It is an extension of my home,” Cindy says.
Loveland Design Center provides free interior design services and has master installers to help you every step of the way. “Our team is well versed with all the products and listens very carefully to get you exactly what you need.” A very important team member is the store greeter, Jamie, also known as the “hospitality sweetheart.” She greets every customer who enters the store with a big smile.
Best Pet Grooming: The Dog Pawlour
2005 S. College Ave., Fort Collins |(970) 484-3644|www.dogpawlour.com
The Dog Pawlour has grown tremendously in the three-and-a-half years in business. They started in Fort Collins but recently added a second location in Greeley, with a grand opening of January 27. Both locations offer dog and cat grooming, self-wash, and doggie daycare.
Master groomer and owner Brittany Munsch says grooming is her favorite aspect of the business. “It is what brought me into the industry and into owning my own business,” she says. “Being hands-on and working with the pets brings such a joy to what I do.”
“There are three things that sets our business apart from other dog grooming facilities; our staff, personalization, and superior equipment. My amazing groomers are loving and compassionate with the pets and the front-of-the-house staff does an incredible job assisting our clients. We provide a very personalized experience for our client’s pets by offering treatments and add-ons that are tailored for each pet’s needs. Our state-of-the-art equipment allows our groomers to have a clean, consistent groom every time.”
Best Bank: First National Bank
(970) 495-9450|www.1stnationalbank.com
As the largest family-owned bank in the country, First National can compete with the really “BIG” banks, but still maintain a personal touch. The accolades keep piling up: For six years in a row, First National has been recognized as one of Forbes’ “Best Banks in America,” and recently the bank received recognition as the “Best Bank in Colorado” from money.com (a division of Time magazine). Being named “Best Bank” in NOCO Style magazine is also a big deal, because the reader-driven award underscores First National’s commitment to community partnerships. Indeed, First National is the “Official Bank” of Downtown Fort Collins, Colorado State University and the Colorado Eagles.
“We’re always honored to receive the recognition like that from NOCO Style readers as the ‘Best Bank’ over the past couple of years,” says Mark Driscoll, Colorado market president for First National.
“Serving Northern Colorado since 1881, we appreciate and respect the trust our customers have placed in us regarding their finances, and helping them meet their goals becomes our goal, too.”
The coming year will be another banner year for First National; it plans to release new versions of its website and mobile apps, and it will open a new branch in Boulder—its 25th branch in Northern Colorado.
Best Heating and Air Conditioning Service: Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning
(970) 484-4552|www.fortcollinsheating.com
Family-owned Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning (FCHA) maintains the same family mindset it had since its start in 1934. The company motto is “Big enough to serve, small enough to care.”
FCHA prides itself on having an entire department dedicated to following up on every installation with a full-fledged quality assurance inspection of its own. This process ensures workmanship to the company standard, not just to code. Additionally, FCHA is committed to high levels of customer service.
“We have been able to grow, and while we’ve grown we’ve maintained our core values: quality, customer satisfaction and internal morale,” says CEO Glenn Frank. “I am so proud of the culture we’ve created and the core values that we hold to such a high standard every day.”
In 2017, FCHA was listed on the Inc. 5000 list and was honored among the fastest-growing top privately-owned companies in the nation.
Frank’s goals for the business are to be the premier HVAC company in Fort Collins and the surrounding area.
“I’ve talked to my management team a lot about what we mean by ‘premier,’” says Frank. “To us, premier is to lead by example and to encourage other companies in the industry. We want to be there not only for the residents of Northern Colorado, but also for other companies as well. We want to be a good example, a good leader and a good support within the industry.”
Best Dental Practice: Front Range Dental Center
2720 Council Tree Ave., #260, Fort Collins | (970) 672-4128 | www.frontrangedental.com
Front Range Dental Center has been voted best dental practice for four consecutive years. The family, general and cosmetic dentistry team is a “one-stop shop” that can provide everything from exams, dental cleanings, x-rays, cavities and fillings, clear correct braces, teeth-grinding treatments, implants, dentures and crowns. The nation’s best dentists deserve the best equipment. They recently acquired a CEREC machine, which allows the dentists to perform same-day crowns, veneers and bridges.
“We opened Front Range Dental Center seven years ago from scratch, with zero customers and no corporate affiliation,” says founder Kathryn Radtke, DDS. “Now we are thriving, and that is all due to this great community and customer referrals.”
Best Hot Wings: Jim’s Wings
1205 W. Elizabeth St., Fort Collins |(970) 493-1103 |www.jimswings.com
First opened in 1991, Jim’s Wings is a Fort Collins favorite for wings and anything else one could want with wings. “The food is made fresh to order and customer service is a priority,” says owner and self-proclaimed “chicken king” Jim Dunn.
His restaurant boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, fast service, and ample televisions surrounding the dining area. Jim won’t reveal the ingredients in his secret sauce, but he does have a recipe for success: “We have a core group of amazing employees and loyal customers who keep business thriving!”
Best Women’s Clothing Boutique: Lemons & Lace Boutique
4431 Corbett Drive, Suite 100, Fort Collins
(970) 226-3854|www.shoplemonsandlace.com
Lemons & Lace, one of the newest women’s boutiques in Fort Collins, has won best women’s clothing boutique for the first year. Owner Jordan Cannon, a Fort Collins native and CSU Apparel and Merchandising graduate, opened Lemons & Lace in the fall of 2016. Jordan’s love for the community and her expertise in style shines throughout the boutique. The shop contains a variety of products for every age at great prices. Some of these products include clothing, denim, athleisure wear, footwear, jewelry, items for the home, and gifts.
“You will find classic pieces you’ll love and have forever, and the latest and greatest statement pieces,” says Jordan. I believe the secret to success is to work hard and stay humble, keep things new and fresh, and continue to grow but stay true to who you are,” added Jordan.
You can follow Lemons & Lace on Facebook and Instagram, @shoplemonsandlace.
Best Financial Planner: Layman Lewis Financial Group
5401 Stone Creek Circle 2nd Floor, Loveland |(970) 669-1225|www.laymanlewis.com
Layman Lewis Financial Group has won best financial planner for three years in a row. The family-owned business took their years of experience and established Layman Lewis in 2005. Their priority is to help you meet your financial needs, whether you need help with retirement planning, investment planning, estate planning or tax planning.
“We are not a transactional firm, we are a relationship firm,” says financial professional and co-founder Alicia Lewis. “The better we know you, the better we can advise you.”
This attitude is just one of the reasons that Layman Lewis has been so successful throughout the years,” says Alicia.
“We specialize in retirement planning. I have customers that say to me, ‘I would like to retire yesterday.’ I live for the moments when I can say, ‘We can make this happen and here’s how,’ and their faces light up.”
“Our company’s goals are to teach, inspire and unite,” she adds. “Most people are not familiar with the services we provide, and I want to spread the word so that we can help more people achieve financial independence.”
Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and Layman Lewis Financial Group are not affiliated companies. “Best Of” is an annual survey conducted by Style magazine. The winner is chosen by an online vote of the general public, and no specific criteria are utilized to determine the winner. The majority of voters may not be clients of Layman Lewis Financial Group. The designation is not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance. AW12175443
Best Physical Therapy: Rebound Sports & Physical Therapy
Fort Collins and Loveland |(970) 663-6142|www.reboundsportspt.com
Rebound Sports & Physical Therapy started in 1997 as a solo-therapist practice and now has two locations, one in Loveland and one in Fort Collins, with 19 clinical staff.
“Rebound considers the ‘3 C’s’ as key organizational principles: Character, Clinical Excellence and Customer Service,” says Brad Ott, physicial therapist and president of the practice. “These are critical elements to who we are, and why we love what we do every day. Having the entire company, from therapists to administrative staff, committed to those principles allows us to create an environment and patient experience that is extremely positive. I like that Rebound has become a collective team, with impressive clinical experts and opinion leaders in the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, hand therapy, and massage therapy. Nearly 70 percent of our new patient referrals are through word-of-mouth recommendations and not just referrals from physicians.”
“Seeing individual patient results such as pain relief, or return to activities is a constant reward,” says Brad. Rebound has expanded the scope of their ACL injury rehabilitation program with an ACL injury prevention program called Sportsmetrics. They also offer group fitness classes, taught by physical therapists, for running-specific fitness and injury prevention, and golf-specific yoga.
Best Waxing Studio: Screamin Peach
638 S. College Ave., Fort Collins |(970) 224-2930|www.screaminpeach.com
Head honcho Jen Eichhorn opened the Screamin Peach 11 years ago in Old Town Fort Collins. Since then, Jen opened a second location in Fort Collins and recently opened a location in Longmont at The Village at the Peaks. “It’s a beautiful studio and we are really excited to be a part of this growing community,” says Jen. “I feed on forward motion. The growth of the Screamin Peach, both in expansion and business efficiency, is my favorite aspect.”
The mission at the Screamin Peach is “to make each and every one of our clients feel safe, comfortable, and heard,” says Jen. Services include women’s and men’s waxing, spray tans, and some “secret” services.
They are also now offering microblading. “This is an awesome service to be able to offer our clients with thinning or unruly brows. Our microbladers have worked incredibly hard to train for this and I’m very proud of their success at this new venture,” adds Jen.
When asked what makes her most proud, Jen names her employees. “They are the most amazing team of women; they are compassionate, bright, and dedicated. We truly enjoy our time together at work and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Best Specialty Food & Drink: Savory Spice
123 N. College Ave., Fort Collins
(970) 682-2971 |www.savoryspiceshop.com/colorado/fort-collins
Former Fort Collins’ Mayor Susan Kirkpatrick is on a roll! She is the owner of Savory Spice in Old Town and they have won best specialty food and drink store for the second year in a row. Savory Spice opened in 2011 and provides more than 400 types of herbs, spices and seasonings for baking, grilling and much more. Susan stated, “My knowledgeable staff sets my business apart. We strive to delight our customers with great service and quantities of spices to meet their needs. My favorite aspect of the business is seeing repeat customers and meeting customers who are thrilled at our selection and quality.”
Susan is very involved in the Fort Collins community. “I am most proud of my support for a scholarship in the Food and Nutrition Department at Colorado State University,” says Susan. “The current recipient is studying the health benefits of turmeric. This is the fourth year of the scholarship.”
There are a few new offerings at Savory Spice, says Susan. “First, our easy recipe packs called ‘Spice ‘n Easy.’ You can make an appetizer, a main dish or a dessert in about 20 minutes, and the price is affordable. We also have a new Chocolate Peppermint Sugar and a new Chicharron Salt made with real pork rind. It’s like bacon salt, only better.”
Best Liquor Store: Wilbur’s Total Beverage
2201 S. College Ave., Fort Collins |(970) 226-8662|www.wilburstotalbeverage.com
Wilbur’s Total Beverage has been voted best liquor store four years in a row. General manager/co-owner Mat Dinsmore says Wilbur’s service and selection sets it apart from other liquor stores. The 24,000-square-feet space contains 12,000 items, including the largest local selection of wine and spirits in Fort Collins. The family-owned business has served Northern Colorado since 2000.
Mat says three factors have contributed to Wilbur’s success.
“One, is having awesome customers,” he says. “Our customers are a blessing. We have created so many great relationships with people. We have customers who have kids in high school now and we remember when their wives were pregnant. Two, surrounding ourselves with great people; our team is so special to me. They range in age from 21- to over 60-years-old, many of which have worked in hospitality and the liquor industry in different fashions, and truly care about great customer service. And three, being proud of giving back to the community.”
Wilbur’s donates to many nonprofits each year, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, UCHealth Breast Diagnostic Center, Children’s Health Foundation, and Pathways of Northern Colorado.
“We sell a fun product!” says Mat. Visit Wilbur’s for weekly wine and beer tastings.
Best Chiropractor: Scott Chiropractic Fort Collins P.C.
5125 S. College Ave., Fort Collins |(970) 482-1175|www.drscottchiro.com
Mark Scott, DC, has been helping patients since 1992. His office has won best chiropractor two years in a row. The team consists of well-experienced chiropractic and massage therapists whose goal is to keep patients out of the office and feeling great without depending on an adjustment. “From pain relief and restoring function to auto-injuries and trauma, at Scott Chiropractic of Fort Collins, we make it our job to help patients reach both short-term and long-term goals,” says office manager Lisa Bohannon. “To simply put it, we strive to keep things traditional and simple.”
Scott Chiropractic offers new patient specials that includes an exam, a chiropractic treatment and a one-hour massage for one low price. Returning patients will receive an affordable chiropractic treatment that includes a free follow-up visit. They also offer massage therapy packages that are competitively priced and transferable to share with a friend or family member.
“Our favorite aspect of the business is the relationship between the staff and our staff’s relationship with our patients,” adds Lisa. “Nothing is more satisfying than having a team that enjoys coming to work and patients that enjoy the value of happy employees contributing to the experience.”
Best Nail Salon: She She Beauty Lounge
2601 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins |(970) 377-4181|www.sheshelounge.com
Owner/founder Susan Byrum opened the She She Lounge almost ten years ago and since then, the quaint salon-spa has become like home for her clients, a place she pours her heart and soul into every day. From nail services and spray tanning to full body waxing and results-oriented facials, the team of passionate professionals do a little bit of everything. “We believe that sanitary and personal beauty experiences should be accessible to everyone; we also aim to be affordable,” Byrum says. “We offer a one-stop shop for all grooming and pampering needs.”
Best Jewelry Store: Sather’s Leading Jewelers
300 E. Foothills Parkway, Fort Collins |(970) 223-0256|www.sathersjewelers.com
Sather’s Leading Jewelers has won best jewelry store two years in a row. They have been in business since 1910 and continue to be family owned. Julie Sather-Browne stated that they are “five generations strong and generations three, four and five are currently working in the business. A locally owned business that thrives for 108 years speaks volumes as to how we treat our valued clients, our beautiful jewelry and longevity of our team. This is a huge part of our success, amazing individuals who give 110 percent every day.”
“We work diligently to have the current styles and prized pieces of jewelry to mark one’s most momentous occasions. Our team professionally guides our customers to the perfect gift—be it to mark a special moment of self-achievement, a celebration of love, or a ‘just because’ piece of jewelry. It is truly a privilege for us to be serving Northern Colorado as ‘The Jeweler of Choice,'” added Julie.
Best Tattoo Parlor: Tribal Rites
628 S. College Ave., Fort Collins |(970) 221-9712|www.tribalritestattoo.com
Tribal Rites is a full custom tattoo and piercing studio, and jewelry boutique. Established in 1994 as the first piercing-only studio in Northern Colorado, the management eventually went on to add tattooing and have been gradually expanding their jewelry collection to what it is today. They have won best tattoo parlor three years in a row.
“Tribal Rites sets itself apart by offering the largest and most exciting collection of high quality body jewelry in Northern Colorado,” says co-owner Chad Williams, who has more than 20 years of experience in piercing. “My favorite aspect of the business is that I get to do what I enjoy every day with people I love being around, and I get to bring joy to my customers by providing a service that empowers and uplifts them.”
“We employ a highly trained staff and focus on having excellent customer service and providing excellent work,” adds Chad. “Our goal has always been to make everyone that walks into our shop feel happy and look even more beautiful than when they walked in. We are most proud of our longevity in the business and remaining true to our values and roots.”
Tribal Rites has five tattoo artists who are available to do consultations and drawings.
Best Clothing Alterations: The Sewing Room
301 E. Swallow Road, Unit B, Fort Collins |(970) 225-6927|www.thesewingroomfc.com
The Sewing Room, locally owned and operated for more than 20 years by Debbie and Bob Zink, is dedicated to customer satisfaction. Services offered include sewing, tailoring and alterations, specializing in formalwear, prom and bridal. “We offer a free bridal tag,” says manager Roobie Shrestha. “This includes the bride’s name, the groom’s name, and the date of the wedding.”
They also offer customization of your bedding and clothes, with embroidery capabilities to almost any fabric. The turnaround time for most items is very quick.
“We are very proud of our team,” adds Roobie. “We are all about customer satisfaction. My favorite part of the business is seeing happy customers.”
The Sewing Room loves giving back to the community. Roobie says they are offering a 10 percent discount on your next alteration if you contribute a coat of any style or condition. They will repair the coat if needed and donate it to the homeless. They also offer sewing classes.
