All of us here at the 4UR Ranch look forward to welcoming you!
At the 4UR Ranch, our dedicated owners and staff are the heart of the guest experience, blending warm hospitality with deep-rooted expertise in ranch life. From the long-standing family legacy that guides our vision to the hardworking team that ensures every stay is exceptional, each member plays a vital role in preserving the spirit of our historic Colorado guest ranch. Get to know the passionate individuals who make the 4UR Ranch a truly special place.
AARON AND ROBIN CHRISTENSEN,
General Managers
Aaron and Robin began their adventure at the 4UR ranch in 1999, each bringing a unique set of management skills. Aaron was an experienced fishing guide with a degree in Business Management. Robin had extensive personal experience in ranching and horsemanship, and a degree in Hospitality and Tourism. Today, their mission is to ensure that our guests have a remarkable vacation experience, while overseeing a staff second to none in the hospitality field. They pride themselves in the relationships that are forged between guests and staff, season after season. Aaron and Robin have four lively youngsters, Cole, Kylee, Luke, Laci who are active in every sport, especially Little Britches Rodeo, basketball, and 4-H.
JAMIE BOYD, Office Manager
My name is Jamie Boyd, born in the heart of Austin, Texas, and I’m honored to have joined the 4UR family as office manager after a 30-year banking career. I’m a proud mother of two wonderful sons, Jake and Joey, and this past year I was blessed with my first grandson, Jacoby Brooks Boyd. In 2014, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer. After a year of intense treatments and surgeries, I’m a survivor, and that journey has shaped my positive outlook on life. I love the outdoors—snowshoeing, skiing, hiking with my pups Hooter, Halo, and Bandit, and road and mountain biking. Every morning, I savor my coffee with the sunrise, and every night, I take in the stars, reflecting on the gift of life in the San Juan Mountains and feeling blessed to be on this 4UR adventure!
SCOTT HIZNY, Operations and Marketing
Scott graduated from Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA with a major in Digital Communications. Scott began working with the 4UR as a ranch hand during the 2016 season. He fell in love with the ranch during his first season and welcomed the opportunity to stay full-time. His duties around the 4UR include, marketing, photography, guided hikes, bartending, housekeeping supervisor, shooting sports, assisting the ranch hands and many others. He is interested in just about anything and loves the opportunity to learn something new. You will also find him playing his guitar and singing at the weekly steak ride dinner. He is an award winning, published photographer and loves to travel with his wife Maddie. Their dog, Millie, keeps them moving at 100mph all day, and loves to help guide hikes.
LIZ WOLFGANG, Executive Chef
Liz graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a degree in culinary arts. Liz originally joined the 4UR kitchen team in 2006 for two seasons before heading back to her home in Englewood, Florida. Liz decided to rejoin the 4UR team in 2016 and we couldn’t be happier to have her back with us. Liz gained most of her experience from working in several fine dining restaurants around the country. During the off season she returns to Florida where she and her wife Jamie have a home. Liz works as a personal chef, caterer and culinary teacher during the winter months and Jamie is finishing her degree in Psychology. During the winter Liz and Jamie enjoy cheering on their favorite baseball (Rays) and hockey (Lightning) teams, playing with their beagle Libbie and spending lots of time with family.
SAM GRANTEED, Dining Room Manager
Hello Y’all, I’m Sam! I’m 36 and from Pittston, a small city in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where I grew up working in my family’s beer garden, Granteed’s Tavern. I have a passion for Musical Theatre, Circus Arts, and yoga, which I taught across NEPA, NYC, and New Jersey. I joined 4UR Ranch in 2016 as a server and moved here full-time in 2017 as Dining Room Manager. In the off-season, I help with on-site repairs, painting, and anything else needed. Living here deepened my love for fishing, camping, and hiking—and sparked my quest to handstand on all of Colorado’s 14ers. Though I lost my original hiking buddy, Mr. Phoenix, I now have Miss Blanca, a German Short-haired Pointer and my new adventure partner. I love traveling, especially turning trips into “Foodcations,” discovering amazing restaurants to fuel my passion for food and bring guests an unforgettable dining experience. I’m blessed to call 4UR Ranch home and look forward to helping you enjoy a vacation of a lifetime—peace and much love to y’all!
KYLE MICHAELS, Property Manager
Kyle began working at 4UR Ranch in 2004 and, after earning a Criminal Justice degree from Hardin Simmons University in 2007, became the Property Manager. He held the role until 2013, when he joined the Oregon State Police as a Fish and Wildlife Officer. After several years in Oregon, Kyle and his wife, Kate, chose to make Creede their permanent home to raise their family in this incredible community. Passionate about the outdoors, the Michaels enjoy hiking, running, biking, fishing, and hunting. Kyle is thrilled to rejoin the 4UR family, always bringing a keen eye for improvement to keep the ranch at its best. Kate, an RN for the Creede School District, can often be found hiking the ranch or wrangling their three daughters, Ruby, Ella, and Ada, during the summer.
NICK and ANNKATE DERIENZIS, Head Wrangler and Senior Wrangler
Born in New York and raised in North Carolina, Nick comes from a family of horse enthusiasts. Over the years, Nick developed an interest in roping and cattle work, which he still participates in now. Nick graduated from East Carolina University in 2011, and came to 4UR in 2013. Outside of riding, Nick enjoys playing hockey, mountain biking, and snowboarding. AnnKate was born and raised in rural Virginia on her family’s cattle farm, graduated from NC State University with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, and then began her time in Colorado. Her love of horses and riding began at age 6 and has continued. While riding is her favorite thing, she also loves hiking, skiing, and reading. Nick and AnnKate met at 4UR in 2013 and have been together ever since. They were married in May of 2022.
PETE and LINDSEY LEAVELL, MARY LEE PINKERTON, and their families, Owners
The 4UR Ranch has been in the Leavell family since 1972, over which time they have taken great pride in their stewardship of this magical valley. Now, with four generations growing up and all doing their part, the Leavells hope to be welcoming guests for many years to come.