Josh Dinar

I co-founded DiningOut Magazine in 1998 and grew the publication into 20 N American Markets. Our group has opened a number of restaurants over the years, currently operating River and Woods and The Sophomore in Boulder, as well as others in Denver, Golden, and Sun Valley, ID. We also produce food and music festivals through DiningOut Events, including Top Taco, Rare, and Chicken Fight, and serve as marketing agency to a number of international spirit brands. I sit on several boards including the Rose Community Foundation, the Colorado Restaurant Association, and Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives, and co-founded Boulder's Restaurant Week (First Bite Boulder). I've authored or co-authored the books Denver Then & Now, The Conscious Cleanse, and Good Better Best Dining Out. I'm a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and enjoy all the Colorado things, primarily skiing and mountain biking. Originally from NJ, I went to school in Vermont and moved to Boulder after graduating in 1997. I live here with my wife of 22 years and my two sons, who are both at Boulder High.

My advice to students...

Hmm. Don't be afraid to try things that scare you, and be okay with failure. Meet people, especially those who are different from you or in a different part of life than you, and listen to them. Everyone, literally everyone, has something to teach you. Ask a lot of questions of people who interest you, and listen to the answers. And don't take yourself too seriously.