My parents moved from Missouri to Colorado late summer of 1965. The first place they ate when they arrived in Colorado was Dino’s Restaurant, I was in my mom’s belly at the time. I was born that year on September 21st at Lutheran Hospital in Wheatridge. I have an older sister Stacie born 1963, and in 1970 a younger brother named Martin. We lived in North Denver, then Montbello for a time, then Maryville MO for a year so my dad could get his Master’s Degree, then moved back to Colorado to Pleasant View around 1972. I attended Pleasant View Elementary, Bell Junior High School, and graduated from Golden High School in 1983. I attended Red Rocks Community College, then trade school. I traveled to the West coast and East coast for a few years 1986-1989 doing electrical work as an apprentice, along with personal travel, and realized what an amazing place Golden Colorado is. I have since lived in Golden, raised a family here, and currently live in close proximity to my parents and sister in Golden. Unfortunately we lost our brother Martin in 2005 – he worked at the Buffalo Rose at the time. I started Karsten Electrical Services in 2004 to build a local company that provides quality service, with a high level of technical abilities, and a company that provides opportunities for employees, while giving back to the community of Golden. We are in our 19th year of business with 18 employees. I feel profound gratitude to the Golden community for their business and support. This is an amazing community of fellow businesses and residents with kind hearts, and progressive attitudes, who are community oriented. I am so proud to be a part of Golden’s culture, and grateful to be able to contribute to the success of organizations, businesses, and people in Golden.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career/accomplishments. What do you love most about what you do?
Being an electrician, and electrical contractor, I have been involved with many interesting projects. I really enjoy the design aspect of our company, developing conceptual designs, provide engineering, and then building and proofing the design. Some of the more interesting projects are the machine modifications, conveyance systems, and automation projects we work on. We love challenges, and really enjoy opportunities to be resourceful. I also enjoy the volunteer work we do with Habitat for Humanity, Go Farm, and many other organizations in our community. We love to help the elders in our community, as well as military personnel, policemen, firemen, and teachers.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants or breweries in our community?
I frequent Cast Iron Tavern, El Dorado, and Indulge for their food and atmosphere. For special occassions Abejos has some unique culinary delights and mixed drinks. I like to catch up with friends and clients at the excellent breweries like Coda Brewing, Mountain Toad, New Terrain, Golden City Brewery, and of course Coors Brewery.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
~51 years
Q: What is one of your favorite hiking or biking trails?
South Table Mountain for it’s wide open space and breathtaking views! And because I grew up on that mountain.
Q: What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
The same advice I gave myself 18 years ago when I lost my brother – Spend as much time with the people you love, every moment possible, even if it seems to be difficult to make the time. That is the meaning of life.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Well, there really aren’t businesses that were around back then. Meyers Hardware was the last that I can think of. Golden Transcript is still around. Buffalo Rose is completely different, but the venue brings back memories. I think generally, the City of Golden, it’s buildings, the “Welcome to Golden” arch, and the surrounding geographical features keep it nostalgic for me.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The geographical features surrounding Golden make it special. Of course CSM, Coors Brewery, CoorsTek, and the river all are unique contributors. And the history is quite intriguing.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I’m not really that interesting.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I have always been inspired by my grand parents, my parents, my true love, and my kids. I try to exemplify love, patience, integrity, and gratitude to them all.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, Love, Laughter
