Colorado has the best beer, hands down.

“Live every day like a holiday” is the ethos behind Karen Hertz’s Holidaily Brewing Co.

As a two-time cancer survivor on a gluten-free diet, Hertz—a Colorado native and former Coors executive—was determined to create delicious beer for gluten-free drinkers like herself. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of only 15 dedicated gluten-free breweries in the country, bringing award-winning brews to a previously underserved market.

Hertz, alongside CU Boulder alum and brewer Connor Reeves, developed Big Henry for those who want a great beer that happens to be gluten-free. Using locally sourced millet and buckwheat instead of traditional grains, Holidaily has created a unique brewing process with custom equipment designed for smaller grains.

“Without my degree, I wouldn’t have had the courage,” says Hertz, whose CU education in entrepreneurship helped her turn a personal challenge into a thriving business. Holidaily continues to grow, transforming Colorado’s craft beer scene one gluten-free pint at a time.