Paul Michaelson left an early stage financial planning career track soon after graduating from CSU to launch a 2-location Taco Del Mar franchise in Fort Collins, in partnership with his brother-in-law. When the franchisor proved to be more of a hindrance than a help, they split off to become Matador Mexican Grill off Harmony and Timberline, and Toro - a quick-serve restaurant in Campus West, reliant upon the Matador’s kitchen - and about 10 trips across town each day for Paul!

Toro soon disappeared, but Matador has become a Fort Collins landmark, and staple food source for white-collar and blue collar, takeout and traveller alike. My relationship with Matador began when I was a banker at Capital West Bank, kitty-corner across the street, and at least every other Wednesday I would go in for their smothered burrito special, ghost sauce on the inside and bathing in Matador’s delicious hot green chili. Drink two Arnold Palmers while eating my burrito, building a sweat and then a shiver - and returning to the office in an altered state was my habit on Wednesdays, and it’s been a joy to reconnect with Paul as a collaborator of the Hot Nugs Conversation Series with Fort Collins Mayoral Candidates.

Paul’s is a journey of resilience, dedication, customer loyalty, and continuous deliciousness and creativity, so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Paul Michaelson.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain