The People Behind AvidLifestyle

A 49-year media-industry veteran, Allen runs all aspects of the business side of Colorado AvidGolfer and AvidLifestyle. Before joining Colorado AvidGolfer as publisher in June 2002, he was the vice president of advertising at The Denver Post and the Denver Newspaper Agency. In addition to the Post, he has held advertising management positions with The Idaho Statesman and The Santa Fe New Mexican. For his contribution to the game of golf in Colorado, Allen has received the Colorado PGA Section’s 2008 Todd Phipers Media Award and 2018 President’s Award, as well as the 2012 Colorado Open Golf Foundation’s Robert M. Kirchner Award. A past chair of Colorado Open Golf Foundation Board, he currently serves as its governance chair. He has also served on the Better Business Bureau, Downtown Denver Partnership and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation boards. A native of Stockton, California, Allen moved to Colorado in August of 1988. He and Nancy, his lovely wife of 44 years, have raised two amazing children, Erica and Jason. In his spare time, Allen enjoys playing golf and tennis, dining out, drinking big Cabs, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Lori has more than 40 years of award-winning marketing and business development leadership experience. Lori’s successes in the ad/media industries, business ownerships of two businesses (an 8,000 square-foot bridal store for 18 years and a partnership in a powersports business) coupled with two degrees, allow Lori to give the highest level of client care. Lori enjoys taking care of her four dogs — three beautiful blue-eyed Australian shepherds and a Parti Yorkie. Lori enjoys traveling, dining out (the best thing she makes for dinner is reservations!), her clients and work.

Heather Shoning is an editor with more than 16 years of experience in lifestyle and home-and-design magazines. She manages all AvidLifestyle editorial duties and oversees the production of the magazine. In addition, Heather writes home-and-design and travel articles for several magazines across the country. Originally from Iowa, Heather’s work is grounded in Midwestern sensibility. As an editor, she provides thoughtful direction, meticulous management of the schedule and budget, and is a gracious leader and mentor for staff and freelance teams alike. Her writing is polished prose, always delivered on time; she goes the distance to uncover the ambiguous story and enlightens readers with engaging anecdotes and information they can use. In addition to her magazine work, Heather is an aspiring author — currently seeking representation for her first novel while diligently writing her second. She has two adult daughters, Haley Rae and Hanna, and two precious pups, Juniper and Winnie. When she’s not editing or writing, you’ll find her hiking, running, or traveling (mostly in Mexico, where she gets her fill of tacos!). Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in magazines from Drake University, where she was awarded an esteemed apprenticeship in Meredith Corporation’s home-and-design publications department.

Jim joined Colorado AvidGolfer in Spring 2023, directing the digital and print content teams. He is a 35-year journalist and was previously editor-in-chief of the Dayton Daily News in Ohio. Jim moved to Colorado — as many do — to follow two of his adult children who had moved here to begin their professional lives. He has played golf since he was 8 and was almost driven over by a golf cart at the age of 12 at the Canadian Open, ferrying Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and other pros around the course. Over his career he has interviewed George W. Bush, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Kerry, John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. A Cleveland native, Jim was in the stands of Cleveland Municipal Stadium for The Drive; he met retired Broncos kicker Rich Karlis in 2023 and was finally able to apologize for calling him bad names for the past 35 years.

Chris joined the Colorado AvidGolfer team in August of 2023 as Art Director. He previously held positions as Creative Director at two private clubs — Valley Country Club and The Ranch Country Club. He lives in SE Denver with his wife, Sara, and daughter, Harper.

Michael joined the Colorado AvidGolfer team in the spring of 2023 as Tournament Director and Golf Passport Manager. He is a rare Colorado native who has also lived in Tennessee and Wisconsin. Michael has been addicted to the game of golf since he was introduced to it at age 3 with a red, blue, and yellow plastic golf club. He worked at Valley Country Club and The Ridge at Castle Pines in high school and college, then moved up in the golfing ranks and caddied at The Honors Course (TN), Colorado Golf Club, and Castle Pines Golf Club during his semi-retirement stint. Michael brings a background in content creation, marketing, and project management from his previous work experience. He enjoys (and sometimes hates) all Colorado sports, being outside, and spending time with his wife, Abigail. If you ever need a 4th to fill your foursome, Michael is your guy!

Carson Griggs is the Digital Marketing Manager for Colorado AvidGolfer and AvidLifestyle, overseeing the digital presence of both brands across web, email, social media, advertising, and analytics. Originally from Arkansas and now calling Colorado home, Carson played college softball at Colorado Christian University and brings that same competitive drive to everything she does. She is passionate about the Colorado lifestyle, staying active, and the communities that make it great.