The 5 Best Business Owner(s)

Behind every successful local business is someone willing to turn an idea into a livelihood, build relationships with customers and contribute to the community. In Steamboat Springs, entrepreneurs help shape the character of the Yampa Valley through everything from neighborhood gathering places to professional services and distinctive dining experiences. The Best of the Boat 2026 puts the spotlight on business owners whose work extends beyond their storefronts and offices.

Danielle Skov || Off the Beaten Path Bookstore

Danielle Skov brings together literature, coffee and community as co-owner of Off the Beaten Path Bookstore, Coffeehouse & Bakery in downtown Steamboat Springs. She and her husband, Mike, purchased the longtime local business in July 2022, fulfilling Danielle's dream of owning the independent bookstore. A former classroom teacher and reading specialist who spent 14 years teaching in Steamboat Springs, Skov brings her passion for literacy to a business offering books, gifts, coffee and freshly baked treats. The bookstore also hosts literary events and provides a gathering place for readers and coffee enthusiasts. Under the Skovs' ownership, the business has continued supporting community organizations, including participating in a 2025 fundraising initiative benefiting the Yampa River Fund.

Jon Wade || The Steamboat Group

Real estate expertise and community involvement are central to Jon Wade's work as co-founder and broker-owner of The Steamboat Group. Wade and his wife, Wendy, established the locally owned real estate business to serve buyers and sellers throughout Steamboat Springs and Routt County. The brokerage handles residential properties, resort condominiums, luxury homes and land transactions, combining local market knowledge with property marketing and transaction services. Wade has also made charitable giving a central part of the company's operations. Through The Steamboat Group Fund, a donor-advised fund at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, the company directs contributions from real estate transactions toward nonprofit organizations and community initiatives throughout the Yampa Valley.

Stephany Traylor || Dusky Grouse Coffee

Stephany Traylor has made community connections a central part of Dusky Grouse Coffee, the independent specialty coffee shop she founded in Steamboat Springs in 2021. After previously working in the ski industry and operating a ski shop with her husband, Traylor pursued her interests in coffee, music and community gathering spaces. Dusky Grouse serves espresso drinks, pour-over coffee and other beverages while creating opportunities for residents to connect. Traylor has also supported local charitable activities, including founding Little Givers, a volunteer initiative involving children and their families. In 2024, she received the Steamboat Springs Chamber's Business Leader of the Year award in recognition of her work and community involvement.

Collin Kelley || Primrose

Collin Kelley combines culinary creativity with restaurant ownership as chef and owner of Primrose, a fine-dining destination along the Yampa River in downtown Steamboat Springs. The restaurant specializes in dry-aged USDA Prime beef, Colorado Black Angus steaks and fresh seafood, complemented by a wine list featuring selections from around the world. Kelley also owns Cypress, another Steamboat Springs restaurant, and has continued exploring opportunities to expand his culinary businesses. In December 2025, he announced plans for a European-inspired market and dining concept in the Steamboat Basecamp neighborhood, developed in partnership with MR Homes. His restaurant ventures emphasize carefully sourced ingredients, food prepared by hand and distinctive dining experiences.

Katie Thornton || The Parlor Barbershop

Katie Thornton brings more than 15 years of local barbering experience to The Parlor, a two-chair barbershop located at The Arches on Oak in Steamboat Springs. A Routt County native and dual-licensed cosmetologist and barber, Thornton has been working in the local grooming industry since 2010. Her services include men's haircuts, short textured styles, hot lather neck shaves and shampoo and styling options. The appointment-based shop emphasizes individualized attention, with Thornton also mentoring an apprentice as part of its small team. Her experience and approach to personal service have helped establish The Parlor as a neighborhood destination for haircuts and grooming.

Created or enhanced with ChatGPT.