Meet Outer Range Brewing, A New Signature Program Company
Long before Outer Range Brewing became a destination for craft beer enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, founders Emily and Lee Cleghorn were charting a very different path.
The couple met while serving in the U.S. Army and spent years building careers rooted in discipline, leadership, and service. During that time, Lee discovered a passion for homebrewing, turning a hobby into an obsession as he experimented with recipes and refined his craft. What started as batches brewed at home gradually evolved into a much bigger vision: creating a brewery that could bring people together around exceptional beer and a shared love of mountain life.
After attending the American Brewers Guild Brewing Science and Engineering program, that vision became reality in 2016 when Emily and Lee opened Outer Range Brewing in Frisco, Colorado.
Nestled in the heart of Summit County, Outer Range was built around the idea that great beer is only part of the experience. Inspired by the mountain communities they loved, the founders created a gathering place where locals and visitors could connect after a day spent skiing, hiking, biking, or exploring the outdoors. The company’s motto, “Leave the Life Below,” reflects its belief that time in the mountains offers an opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions and reconnect with people, purpose, and adventure.
Over the past decade, Outer Range has grown into one of Colorado’s most respected craft breweries, earning a devoted following through a commitment to quality, consistency, and customer experience. While many breweries focus solely on production, Emily and Lee built a brand that extends beyond beer, one that is deeply connected to community, hospitality, and mountain culture.
Like many successful entrepreneurs, the Cleghorns were never content to stop growing. As Outer Range continued to gain recognition, they began exploring how the company’s mission could reach beyond Colorado. That entrepreneurial mindset led to the opening of a second Outer Range location in the French Alps, creating a connection between two iconic mountain regions and expanding the brand onto an international stage.
Today, Outer Range Brewing operates as a thriving business rooted in craftsmanship, community, and exploration. From its beginnings as a homebrewing passion project to an internationally recognized mountain lifestyle brand, the company’s journey reflects the power of pursuing an idea with conviction and the willingness to evolve as new opportunities emerge.
As members of BEN Colorado’s Signature Program, Emily and Lee join a community of entrepreneurs who understand that great companies are built through vision, persistence, and a commitment to continual growth.
Throughout the Signature Program experience, a team of volunteer Advisors shares their time, knowledge, and expertise to assist founders through decisions as they scale to their next level. We look forward to seeing what Outer Range will accomplish with BEN Advisors by their side!