Our mission is to provide Glenwood Springs’ residents and tourists with superior industry and product knowledge in a warm, welcoming, historic environment. We strive to offer unique selections not found in the area with outstanding customer service and very competitive pricing.
If you are looking for something special, or don’t see something on our shelves you’d like to try – be sure to ask!
Kevin Brady, Co-Owner
Twenty-five years in the wholesale wine & spirits industry prepared Kevin for his dream: owning an education-based retail wine, beer and liquor establishment in Glenwood Springs, CO.
Originally from Omaha, Kevin graduated from Creighton University with a marketing degree. Out of college, he was hired by Finocchiaro Distributors and worked with both large grocery chains and small independent owners. Friends of Kevin’s were moving, so he decided to join them and headed south to Atlanta where he worked for Empire Distributors. There he began Georgia’s first “Fine Wine” wholesale division. Other distributors saw the value in Kevin’s efforts and, soon, he accepted an position as a Buyer, Marketing Manager, and Retail Sales Manager with Quality Wine & Spirits. A major focus of his job was identifying promising new brands and growing them into strong “must haves” in the region. Kevin’s marketing ideas and strong sales experience brought great success to every company with which he was involved. However, when the Rocky Mountains presented an opportunity, Kevin and Sharon decided to move West to the town they so loved to visit each year.
Kevin is beyond excited about bringing his experience to Glenwood and looks forward to personally helping you with all your wine, beer and spirit needs.
Sharon Brady, Co-Owner
Born in Tulsa and raised in Houston, Sharon graduated with a marketing degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and has been involved in public relations and marketing ever since. These skills are the common thread that weave through her diverse career path. In the late ‘80’s Sharon worked in the Office of Public Affairs at The Office of Management & Budget in Washington DC, in the White House compound, then took this experience to Atlanta where she worked in public relations and marketing. In the 90’s Sharon started Virtuosity Decorative Painting and enjoyed 10+ years creating beautiful surroundings for her clients. Here in the Roaring Fork Valley, she most recently worked for Junior Achievement where she held the position of District Manager for 4 years serving students k-12 from Aspen to Parachute.
Sharing Kevin’s love of wine, food, art, music and the amazing Roaring Fork Valley, Sharon joins her husband in bringing their passions to Glenwood Springs and Cooper Wine & Spirits.
Team Cooper
NayLynn Valencia
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Born and raised right here in the amazing Roaring Fork Valley, NayLynn started with Cooper Wine & Spirits in February of 2022. Having tremendous retail experience and great work ethic, NayLynn quickly learned the ropes and began learning the various taste profiles and origins of wine, beer and spirits. She is always quick to help customers with a question or offer a fantastic pairing suggestion.
When NayLynn isn’t at Cooper, she is happy spending time outdoors and enjoying her friends, husband, kitties and their dog Troy.
Mark Vaine
(picture to come)
Mark came to Cooper Wine & Spirits with a great deal of industry knowledge working for a large distributor in Breckenridge for years. He also has experience in the restaurant industry and has a terrific palate, sharing product information with staff and customers each day. Full of great energy and positive spirit, he is excellent at merchandising, marketing and assisting with wine buying decisions.
Mark has a healthy appetite for the outdoors, enjoying rafting, golfing, fishing and most of all being with his family.
Ryan Ortega
Born and raised in Glenwood Springs, Ryan joined the Cooper Team in February of 2023 after attending Mesa State University in Grand Junction. New to the beverage industry, Ryan is committed to learning about beer, wine & spirits and brings great customer service to the shop each day.
Away from Cooper, Ryan is a huge sports enthusiast and loves to play basketball, attend concerts with friends and hang out at events with family members in the Valley.
Brendan Giradot
I’m one of those rare Colorado natives you may have heard about… My early years were spent in the kitchen of my parents restaurant here in Glenwood Springs called The Avalon Cafe, peeling potatoes and washing dishes for comic book money. In 2006 I moved to Denver and attended the Colorado Film School, only to discover that my passion lay more in music than in film.
From there I dove into teaching myself the art of beat making and music production while working as a bartender, then eventually as a budtender in a few of Denver’s best dispensaries. Post COVID I decided to return to the Roaring Fork Valley to continue honing my musical craft and business, while reconnecting with family and nature.
As a beer nerd looking to really expand my knowledge in the wine and spirit world I couldn’t be happier to be part of the Cooper team, everyone is so knowledgeable! I am also very grateful that I have the opportunity to help and serve this amazing community, which I’ve always felt a deep connection to.
Gary Cummins
Boulder, Colorado born and raised, Gary was an avid follower of the music scene especially in the late 60’s, the 70’s but not limited to that time frame.
Gary worked in restaurants early on while pursuing a degree at the University of Colorado in Fine Arts History, with a specialty in Eastern Indian Art. As a fun departure from academic studies, a friend suggested he enroll in a continuing education class offered thru the University, Basic Wine Education. Upon being introduced to the outstanding German wine vintages of 71 and 75, along with some memorable French Bordeaux and Burgundy, the question of what to do with the Art History degree became moot.
For work, to support the growing wine habit, Gary took a job at Boulder Liquor Mart, learning from customers, coworkers and industry peers. After 19 years it was time to seek out new opportunities with a couple of wine distributors, partial ownership of a small boutique wine shop, followed by a tenure as a sommelier at the Flagstaff House Restaurant, in Boulder. Upon leaving the Flagstaff House, he worked at Superior Liquor for several years prior to moving to Glenwood Springs.
Industry related travels have included Argentina, Italy, France, Spain and New Zealand. In addition, Gary was invited to Spain to be a wine judge at the Premios Zarcillo Wine Competition in Valladolid. An opportunity of a lifetime!
Gary looked to move to a quieter lifestyle on the western slope and found the best fit in Glenwood Springs. As the newest member of the team, Gary looks forward to meeting you, and assisting with your
wine interests.