Our Innkeepers and Staff

Bruce Knoepfel, owner of the Frisco Inn on Galena, is a seasoned hospitality professional with nearly four decades of experience operating award-winning lodges, inns, boutique hotels, and bed & breakfasts. He envisioned the Frisco Inn as a refined yet relaxed retreat for discerning travelers, one that blends European elegance with authentic Colorado mountain living.

Located just steps from Main Street yet tucked into a peaceful setting, the Inn reflects Bruce’s commitment to exceptional hospitality, fine cuisine, and attentive service. His passion for creating a space where guests feel both pampered and at ease is central to everything the Inn represents.

Bruce has traveled extensively, visiting nearly 100 countries around the world. These global experiences influence the Inn’s design, atmosphere, and guest experience, bringing a thoughtful international perspective to one of Summit County’s most inviting boutique hotels.

An avid skier, competitive road cyclist, photographer, and outdoor enthusiast, Bruce enjoys sharing stories with guests and offering insights into the best ways to experience Frisco and the surrounding mountains. He lives locally in Frisco and personally invites every guest to enjoy the comfort, tranquility, and care that define the Frisco Inn on Galena.

Avery Maxwell leads guest services and brand development at the Frisco Inn on Galena, ensuring every aspect of the Inn operates with intention, warmth, and consistency. As Resident Innkeeper and Director of Guest Experience, Avery oversees front desk operations, supports the growth of Mt. Royal Coffee, the Spa, the Gift Shop, and the Inn’s food and beverage offerings, and works closely with ownership to strengthen the Inn’s presence and performance.

Originally from North Georgia and inspired by time spent exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, Avery brings a deep appreciation for place, connection, and meaningful hospitality. A world traveler and avid reader, he is passionate about helping guests feel both relaxed and inspired during their stay.

When not assisting guests, Avery can often be found running local races, lifting at the gym, or hosting Plato’s Corner, a reflective evening gathering in the Inn’s library focused on thoughtful readings and conversation. He is proud to help shape the guest journey from first welcome to fond farewell.

A third-generation Frisco native, Alex was born and raised in Summit County and knows the region inside and out. His passion for Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, biking, backpacking, and camping, makes him an invaluable resource for guests looking to explore the area.

Alex is also an enthusiastic traveler, having visited destinations across Europe, South America, Africa, and Central America. Highlights include a three-month Outward Bound expedition in Costa Rica, backpacking from coast to coast, whitewater rafting, and learning to surf.

At the Frisco Inn on Galena, Alex loves sharing local recommendations, trail tips, and travel stories, helping guests discover why Frisco is truly a slice of mountain paradise.

Zach Sherfey, a new innkeeper looking to test the waters in hospitality. In collaboration with the rest of our team, his goal is to provide the best experience possible for our guests. He loves to prepare delicacies in our kitchen for our guests. In his off-time Zach enjoys bad movies, cooking, reading and connecting with people. 

Shanda McClure arrived at the Inn in January of this year to join her nephew,  Avery Lane Maxwell. Coming from her home in Georgia, Shanda has been an entrepreneur for over twenty years having two successful print shops in the Metro Atlanta area. After selling the businesses last year she was looking for a change of pace and has found that here at The Frisco Inn on Galena. .  

Shanda strives to bring her southern hospitality and bring a family dynamic to the Inn with Avery. As an avid hiker, kayaker and swimmer, Colorado has always been a beloved vacation destination. She is excited to meet you at the Inn! 

I’m Corey and I’m from Missouri! I have built a strong foundation in hospitality, working in fast-paced, guest focused environments that sharpened customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills. I look forward to being able to excel at the guest focused environment of the Frisco Inn.  Through travel and hands-on experience, I learned how to connect with people from all backgrounds, adapt quickly, and deliver service with professionalism and care. With years in hospitality and a passion for travel, I thrive in environments built on people, culture, and connection. From serving guests to navigating new cities, I bring adaptability, empathy, and a calm presence wherever the journey leads.

My name is Colette Walker, and I am a dedicated housekeeping professional committed to delivering exceptional results. I have over 20 years of experience in the housekeeping industry, working with various companies across multiple states. I am proud to have been a member of this team for the past 8 years and to have served as Head Housekeeper for the last 3 years.

I take great pride in my strong work ethic and my ability to go above and beyond to ensure every job is completed efficiently and to the highest standard. I value both quality and timeliness, and I consistently strive to exceed expectations. Whether managing daily operations or addressing complex challenges, I bring reliability, focus, and a results-driven mindset to everything I do.

I bring over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked in a variety of roles. With a strong Caribbean background, I pride myself on a dedicated work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining the cleanliness and welcoming charm of the Frisco Inn. In my downtime, I enjoy reading and embracing my inner couch potato.

Ray Collins specializes in deep tissue myofascial massage, blending sports and craniosacral techniques to support recovery, relaxation, and healing. His client-centered approach and calming presence create a therapeutic environment ideal for guests seeking post-activity relief or deep relaxation during their stay in Frisco.

Originally from Mexico City and now deeply rooted in the local community, Denise views skincare as a pathway to reconnection and self-care. As her practice evolved, she expanded into massage therapy to offer a more holistic approach to wellness. By combining esthetics and massage, Denise delivers treatments that support the nervous system, promote relaxation, and provide lasting results.

This is me, Luis Salazar. I am a Peruvian J-1 visa holder and a Mechanical Engineering student at PUCP. I am passionate about cars, soccer, running, and I’m a big pet lover. I play and manage my own soccer club at my university, which has helped me build strong teamwork and leadership skills. I’ve participated in 5K and 10K races, and my dream is to run a marathon. I consider myself optimistic and open-minded, always excited to learn new things. I joined the Work and Travel program to improve my English and connect with people from different cultures. Thanks to my stay at Frisco Inn on Galena, I’ve learned a lot about customer service and kitchen operations. I’ll be very happy to help you and feel free to ask me for travel tips from Peru.

Skylar brings a strong passion for healing and well-being to the Mount Royal Spa. She combines techniques such as deep tissue and Swedish massage to reduce pain, relieve tension, and encourage relaxation. Her personalized approach ensures each guest receives a treatment tailored to their needs.