Mark, Collen, Shelby, Bear, Cameron, and Markey Meatball Zbrzeznj
Our story starts like many Vail love stories—at Semana. But for Mark and Collen it took a while to come together, with a few twists along the way.
Collen and Mark both graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder. While in Boulder they constantly heard about each other through mutual friends. Mark was practically a legend in their group, but despite being at the same parties and events, they never became more than acquaintances. After college, life took them in different directions until one day, years later in Vail, fate decided it was finally time.
In 2008, Collen had spent 2 years as a ski instructor in Beaver Creek and just transitioned to being a preschool teacher. Mark, who was living in Denver, was having no luck trying to start a career in the peak of the great recession. So, he decided to head to the mountains to wait tables at the Minturn Country Club. One night out in Vail, Collen and Mark ran into each other and soon enough were hiking, hanging out, and became fast friends.
The friendship turned into something more, and eventually, they started building a life together. Collen quickly fell in love with Mark’s adventurous spirit and love for travelling. He has an incredible way of making every trip feel like an exciting new experience. They traveled together to some amazing places, and no matter where they went, Mark seemed to know how to connect with people from all walks of life. It was easy to see why everyone loved being around him—whether making friends at a local bar or sharing stories with fellow travelers, every trip was full of fun and laughter. Traveling with him was an adventure in itself, and that adventurous energy became a big part of their life together. Mark doted over Collen’s athleticism, competitiveness and ambition. Early in their relationship, they played in Co-ed soccer, kickball and dodgeball leagues—winning several titles along the way. He especially treasures that no place is off-limits when they ski together!
From Bag Boy to Member
One of the funniest parts of their story is how much Singletree has been part of Mark’s life. While at CU, Mark spent his summers working as a bag boy at the Sonnenalp Club. He used to ride his bike from the Tarnes in Avon, dreaming of one day living in the neighborhood and becoming a member of the club.
Well, fast forward 2 decades and Mark gets to hang out at the Sonnenalp ALL THE TIME. You will often find him out on the course working on his swing, enjoying a game with friends, or posted up at the bar. Golf is one of his biggest passions, and Collen and the kids are starting to adopt the same love of the game.
Their Journey to Singletree
While working as a preschool teacher, Collen and Mark began dating. At that time, Collen lived with a group of girls on Charolais Circle—her first taste of the neighborhood. Mark was renting a room in Minturn. When the relationship became serious, they moved into a tiny condo together in Sandstone/West Vail. In 2012, the two purchased their first condo in Eagle Vail which initiated their interests in owning real estate. In 2013, Mark finally popped the question, and they wed in 2014—celebrating 10 years this past April.
Collen and Mark both graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder. While in Boulder they constantly heard about each other through mutual friends. Mark was practically a legend in their group, but despite being at the same parties and events, they never became more than acquaintances. After college, life took them in different directions until one day, years later in Vail, fate decided it was finally time.
In 2008, Collen had spent 2 years as a ski instructor in Beaver Creek and just transitioned to being a preschool teacher. Mark, who was living in Denver, was having no luck trying to start a career in the peak of the great recession. So, he decided to head to the mountains to wait tables at the Minturn Country Club. One night out in Vail, Collen and Mark ran into each other and soon enough were hiking, hanging out, and became fast friends.
The friendship turned into something more, and eventually, they started building a life together. Collen quickly fell in love with Mark’s adventurous spirit and love for travelling. He has an incredible way of making every trip feel like an exciting new experience. They traveled together to some amazing places, and no matter where they went, Mark seemed to know how to connect with people from all walks of life. It was easy to see why everyone loved being around him—whether making friends at a local bar or sharing stories with fellow travelers, every trip was full of fun and laughter. Traveling with him was an adventure in itself, and that adventurous energy became a big part of their life together. Mark doted over Collen’s athleticism, competitiveness and ambition. Early in their relationship, they played in Co-ed soccer, kickball and dodgeball leagues—winning several titles along the way. He especially treasures that no place is off-limits when they ski together!
From Bag Boy to Member
One of the funniest parts of their story is how much Singletree has been part of Mark’s life. While at CU, Mark spent his summers working as a bag boy at the Sonnenalp Club. He used to ride his bike from the Tarnes in Avon, dreaming of one day living in the neighborhood and becoming a member of the club.
Well, fast forward 2 decades and Mark gets to hang out at the Sonnenalp ALL THE TIME. You will often find him out on the course working on his swing, enjoying a game with friends, or posted up at the bar. Golf is one of his biggest passions, and Collen and the kids are starting to adopt the same love of the game.
Their Journey to Singletree
While working as a preschool teacher, Collen and Mark began dating. At that time, Collen lived with a group of girls on Charolais Circle—her first taste of the neighborhood. Mark was renting a room in Minturn. When the relationship became serious, they moved into a tiny condo together in Sandstone/West Vail. In 2012, the two purchased their first condo in Eagle Vail which initiated their interests in owning real estate. In 2013, Mark finally popped the question, and they wed in 2014—celebrating 10 years this past April.
Collen shifted from preschool teaching to becoming a web designer and later found herself selling vacation ownership at the Westin for 10 years. Mark, meanwhile, transitioned from the Minturn Country Club to working at Vail Commercial Advisers (now Fortius Capital) where he was in property management and brokerage. They moved to Millers Creek in Edwards in 2015 and welcomed their first daughter, Shelby, simultaneously. But as the family expanded in the following years, they quickly outgrew the home.
By the time they found out they were expecting their fourth child, Markey (aka Mr. Meatball), it was time to reevaluate. Between the demands of careers and the chaos of raising Shelby (nine), the spunky leader of the pack, Bear (six), the fearless adventurer, Cameron (three), the little comedian, and Markey Meatball (two), the amazingly strong and determined youngest, a change was needed. That’s when they decided to take a leap and begin investing in income producing properties, both locally and across the country. It was the perfect way to balance family life with a new direction in work.
A Family That Skis Together…
As a family, the Zbrzeznj’s love staying active and having fun, especially in the great outdoors. Whether being wild on the trampoline, playing games in the yard, or chasing each other around the house, life in the household is never dull. And when winter rolls around, you’ll find them sledding and skiing. Beaver Creek is their mountain of choice to enjoy their love for skiing.
It’s a family affair—Collen’s mom and dad live locally, as does her sister Whitney. You can often catch them all on the mountain, having a blast and making the most of mountain life.
Southern Soul and Philly Heart
While their lives have evolved in big ways, their roots still play a big part in who they are. Collen is originally from New Orleans, and that Southern warmth is something she’s brought into the home here in Singletree. The house is always open to friends, and the neighborhood kids know they can come by anytime, especially when the trampoline is out, the music is on, and wild laughter is echoing from their yard.
Mark, hailing from Philadelphia, brings his own East Coast flavor into our world. You can find him yelling profanities (ear muffs) at the television when his sports teams play—as is customary for a Philly sports fan. You will usually find him cooking for friends and family numerous nights of the week.
Thriving in Singletree
Since moving to Singletree in 2022, they’ve fallen more in love with the neighborhood. It’s the perfect spot for their family to thrive—between the wide-open spaces for their kids and Jimmy the Cat to run wild, and the close-knit community, they are home. Bear and Shelby both attend ECCA where they can walk or ride their bike to school, Cameron is at Mountain Montessori, and Markey is thrilled to attend Little Lambs three days a week.
If you see the Z’s around, feel free to stop by and say hello. Whether it’s a barbecue, a spontaneous playdate, or just a quick hello, they are thrilled to be a part of this wonderful place. They are incredibly grateful to be here and to share this neighborhood with such an amazing community.
By the time they found out they were expecting their fourth child, Markey (aka Mr. Meatball), it was time to reevaluate. Between the demands of careers and the chaos of raising Shelby (nine), the spunky leader of the pack, Bear (six), the fearless adventurer, Cameron (three), the little comedian, and Markey Meatball (two), the amazingly strong and determined youngest, a change was needed. That’s when they decided to take a leap and begin investing in income producing properties, both locally and across the country. It was the perfect way to balance family life with a new direction in work.
A Family That Skis Together…
As a family, the Zbrzeznj’s love staying active and having fun, especially in the great outdoors. Whether being wild on the trampoline, playing games in the yard, or chasing each other around the house, life in the household is never dull. And when winter rolls around, you’ll find them sledding and skiing. Beaver Creek is their mountain of choice to enjoy their love for skiing.
It’s a family affair—Collen’s mom and dad live locally, as does her sister Whitney. You can often catch them all on the mountain, having a blast and making the most of mountain life.
Southern Soul and Philly Heart
While their lives have evolved in big ways, their roots still play a big part in who they are. Collen is originally from New Orleans, and that Southern warmth is something she’s brought into the home here in Singletree. The house is always open to friends, and the neighborhood kids know they can come by anytime, especially when the trampoline is out, the music is on, and wild laughter is echoing from their yard.
Mark, hailing from Philadelphia, brings his own East Coast flavor into our world. You can find him yelling profanities (ear muffs) at the television when his sports teams play—as is customary for a Philly sports fan. You will usually find him cooking for friends and family numerous nights of the week.
Thriving in Singletree
Since moving to Singletree in 2022, they’ve fallen more in love with the neighborhood. It’s the perfect spot for their family to thrive—between the wide-open spaces for their kids and Jimmy the Cat to run wild, and the close-knit community, they are home. Bear and Shelby both attend ECCA where they can walk or ride their bike to school, Cameron is at Mountain Montessori, and Markey is thrilled to attend Little Lambs three days a week.
If you see the Z’s around, feel free to stop by and say hello. Whether it’s a barbecue, a spontaneous playdate, or just a quick hello, they are thrilled to be a part of this wonderful place. They are incredibly grateful to be here and to share this neighborhood with such an amazing community.