Stan

Owner, Wine Specialist

Since the very beginning (1984), Stan has run the show at Star Liquors. From it’s origination as a convenience store’s sister business to it’s current 9,000 square feet of glory, he was there every step of the way. And Stan’s pride in the business is evident in our well-developed and extensive wine selection, the top-notch staff we have worked to build and the customers who leave satisfied each day.

Having honed his wine knowledge over 25 years of studying, travelling and tasting nearly 25,000 wines, Stan’s passion for vino rests on solid foundation. His goal to thrill each customer is met with surprising regularity, so it’s no wonder he still serves some of the same clients today as he did in that first store several decades ago.

Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Stan lived in Ohio until May of 1978 when he moved to sunny, beautiful Durango. He loves the people in this mountain town perhaps as much as he loves running, hunting and golfing in it. Stan is always happy to support local charitable organizations and sponsor community events around Durango.

When he’s not at work or playing outdoors, Stan enjoys cooking, savoring great wine at home, reading and catching up on sports (Go Ohio State! Go Broncos!).

Garrett

Beer Enthusiast

Garrett moved to Durango from Boulder in 2006 to begin the long educational journey into the world of psychology. Fortunately for us, he joined our crew in the fall of 2009 and has helped us keep our collective heads cleared ever since.

Garrett is one of our core beer aficionados, spending much of his time keeping our beer world well stocked and in order.  He does his homework and can tell you about almost every beer we carry, no small feat.

Don’t misunderstand, Garrett is not an all work and no play kind of man, he loves Durango’s 300 plus days of sunshine and when he’s not busy with school or doing  ‘research’ for work, he enjoys spending his time in the sun skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking and rafting.

Jolin

Wine Specialist

Originally from Nashville, this Durango-resident-since-2003 enjoys outside playtime galore— that is when she’s not helping our customers discover the wonderful world of wine. In 1996 Jolin entered the fine dining customer service industry and started tasting and exploring wines. At first to get ahead at work, and then to satisfy her developing fascination with this dynamic libation. Finally, in 2005, she won a position on the Star Liquors staff, where she thrives on helping customers find that perfect bottle using her own “price to flavor ratio” method. She continues, with our avid encouragement, to expand her knowledge by tasting about 30 wines per week, constantly studying different vintages, and earning qualifications such as the Certified Specialist of Wine Certificate and the Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Sommeliers Certificate.

Kevin

Assistant Night Manager

Kevin has been with Star Liquors since early 2008, raising the bar on hard work and keeping nighttime operations safe and productive. As an avid supporter of sincerity in sales, Kevin considers himself to be a fake ID specialist—so kids, don’t even think about it. Born in Las Vegas and raised in Cortez, this Durango resident loves summer time, writing and playing music on his guitar, and working with our all-Star staff and customers.

Oliver

Assistant Beer Manager/Buyer, Specialist

Hunting, fishing and beer—originally from Bountiful, Utah, this multiple-decade Durango veteran has simple tastes. From the nearby mountains, desert and deep forest he so loves (not to mention all the recreational activities sustained by those environments) to the wide variety of beer, wine and spirits here at Star, Oliver thrives on diversity. He’s been “thriving” with us since early 2008, and we hope to keep him for many years to come.

Severin

Top Sales Superstar

All the way from the Republic of Moldova, Severin has joined us here at Star and we will never be the same. He is fast moving, sure footed, hard worker and top sales person to boot. So far Severin has outsold any other employee on in store sales incentives. He has charged into wine education with vigor and enthusiasm. He has hand sold more Russian Standard vodka (his personal favorite) than anyone (get this) in the whole South West part of Colorado!
Severin and his family love the mountains and he especially enjoys fishing and cooking. Moldovin ingredients aren’t easy to come by in our little mountain town, but he’s worked up some pretty spectacular dishes at our staff parties. Severin is no stranger to a good cognac, as well he enjoys moscato, Bushmill’s Irish whiskey and Russian Standard vodka.

Sunnie

Register Gal

Supposedly, long-time Durango resident Sunnie is a checkout technician here at Star. In reality, she’s spent every minute since July ’08 giving other staff members a hard time. Which we love. Originally from Raton, New Mexico, Sunnie is particularly drawn to the eclectic population and breathtaking scenery of Durango, and she enjoys hiking, swimming, fishing, camping and just plain observing. She’s also an expert in the fields of laundry, dishes and child transportation.

Tamara

Store Improvement Specialist, Maker of Signs

Tamara hales from the east coast, making her mark on Durango since the spring of 2002. Having four distinctive seasons and a ski resort out our back door are her favorite things about Durango. Tamara is an avid snowboarder in the winter and playing soft ball in the summer with the best view of any ball fields she’s ever seen (up on the campus in the sky!) She likes to spend her free time with her husband and their ‘four legged children’.

Tamara loves a ‘big Cab’, a great beer and knows a thing or two about Crown Royal.  Since joining us, she has utilized a mere fraction of her creative talents by helping us beautify our store with her sign making skills and has taken on the role of staff trainer. If you can get past Tamara, you may have a shot on staff at Star. Good Luck!