Meet Our Staff

The Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch carefully selects each of their 21 employees to be sure each adheres to the high quality standards and expectations of your hosts, Jerry and Cheri. The ranch staff is there to ensure that you and your family have a very memorable vacation. We invite you to read and learn more about some of the key people on the ranch.

Jerry and Cheri Helmicki, Your Hosts

Since 1995, this amazing couple of 32 years has owned the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch and have called Colorado home.  Born and raised in Michigan, Jerry traveled the country as a sales manager for a large direct marketing corporation.  Cheri was a high school physical education teacher and a track, cross country and swimming coach.  After leaving the corporate life in Detroit and with an intense love for the outdoors, Jerry and Cheri decided to pursue their life long dream of owning a Colorado guest ranch.

With their daughter (now an attorney) in tow, they exchanged their commuter passes for horse saddles. "Coming from Corporate America, which is stressful and all-consuming, we understand the importance of allowing guests to experience one week out of 52 that is quiet, refreshing and rejuvenating". Owning the guest ranch combines everything they enjoy most – people, outdoor activities and horses – and, it gives them the opportunity to put others in touch with wonders of nature.

The payoff for this incredible couple is watching the adults tear-up as they leave the ranch. Jerry explains, "They tell us that they didn’t realize how important the week would ultimately become to their family".

Chad Yurich, Head Wrangler / Tammy Yurich, Campfire Entertainment

Chad came to the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch over 7 years ago directly from Grand Valley State University in Michigan. His love for horses started when a college friend asked if he would ride some of her family’s horses so they could get exercise. Having never been on a horse, Chad was up for the challenge. Ever since that first ride, he was hooked. "It is in my blood to love and care for these amazing animals. It’s great to watch new riders grow and bond with their horses throughout the week. Many don’t want to leave their horse behind".

Chad met his wife Tammy on the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch.  It was instant attraction and two years later, Jerry (ranch owner) walked Tammy down the aisle. Tammy has worked on the ranch for the last 11 years as a horse wrangler and more recently has exchanged horse wrangling for kid wrangling their two children (ages 3 and 8 months). However, she hasn’t given up the ranch completely. With her guitar in hand, she entertains around the adult campfire on Thursday nights. "As you can see this place is part of the fabric of our lives – it’s home."

The Yurich family lives on the Bar Lazy J property along with their three dogs. "The family atmosphere of the staff is incredibly tight-knit. Our kids run around the ranch and everyone watches out for them. It’s absolutely perfect".

Eddie Allen, Ranch Chef

Originally from South Carolina, Eddie was lured into the culinary world when his passion for food was recognized at an early age while working at his grandmother’s restaurant. With his aptitude for serving people, combined with a longstanding love of food (and a lack of interest in a traditional desk job), he knew he was on his way to a fruitful culinary career. "I took to it like a duck to water!" said Eddie.

"Most people live to work. I work to live. Even when I’m working, I’m on vacation". With over 25 years of experience, his tantalizing cuisine compliments your "Western Experience". Using only fresh ingredients and his flair for learning, Eddie’s homemade cooking will keep you coming back for seconds, and thirds, and fourths….