Meet Ed Raegner. He is the owner of R&J Liquors. Not only is he a local business owner, but he is also a member of the East Grand School Board and the Granby Chamber of Commerce. If he’s not volunteering or working at the store, you might be able to catch him on the slopes in the winter, or out on his bike in the summer.
Questions:
Q: Are you a Grand County native? If not, where you from and what brought you to Grand County?
A: I’m not a Grand County native, I’m originally from Larchmont, New York, which is about half-hour North of New York City. I originally came here for a season of skiing.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: Before owning a retail liquor store, I worked for wholesaler for 16 years, and before that, I actually worked for a food wholesaler. Prior to that, I had been in the food and beverage business for about 8 years. I think hospitality is in my blood, that’s what got me into restaurants and bars. My knowledge of wine, beer, and spirits got me into wholesale and now I am a retailer. I have owned R&J now since November 17, 2018, and am proud that we were named Best of Grand 2019.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Grand County, and what do you love there?
A: My favorite restaurant right now is The Ditch because I love their beer program. We are lucky in Grand County to have such a great variety of places to eat.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Grand County?
A: Bob Singley because of the ski career he’s had, and the places he skied and the people he has skied with. He is always interesting to talk to.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: One of the things on my bucket list is to go to Japan and to ski the legendary Japanese powder.
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: The first movie I remember seeing is Jaws, and my favorite movie is Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Q: What advice would you give someone moving to Grand County?
A: My first piece of advice is to move here without the great idea of showing everybody how things should properly be done. There are certain ways people like to do things here–learn that first before you try to change anything. Second, buy some snow tires and a good pair of boots.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Go sky diving.
Q: What is your favorite music/ 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I’m going to see Widespread panic for my birthday, October 31st in New Orleans. I’ve seen tons of Grateful Dead shows and loved all of them and I love the Beastie Boys.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
A: Go skiing or hang out with my family.
Q: What is one business or activity that you would like to see in Grand County that currently isn’t here?
A: We need a dry cleaner
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Grand County?
A: Our community. We are really lucky to have a community that reaches out and supports each other.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: Hopefully, traveling more and working less.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: When I was 10 years old, my older brother passed away and we donated his organs. His eyes went to a gentleman that we actually got to encounter a lot. Because of this, I am passionate about being an organ donor. If you are not an organ donor I encourage you to sign up!
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Family, Dogs, and Shoveling!
Q: If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?
A: Housekeeper.
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
A: I am going to choose a man, so I don’t get in trouble with my wife, and it would be Brad Pitt. I think he’s absolutely hilarious and would be a funny guy to hang out with.
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