Meet the Blue Quill Team
Dennis Steinbeck
Owner
Dennis Steinbeck's path to The Blue Quill Angler wasn't exactly a straight line. A career in aviation, a lifelong connection to fishing, a family move to Colorado, and eventually learning to fly fish alongside his son Chris all played a part in turning a favorite pastime into a deeply personal connection with the Blue Quill.
From Aviation to the Blue Quill
Dennis graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Aeronautics and earned his pilot's license. He spent the next 35-plus years in the aviation industry, beginning his career with Lockheed before joining Jeppesen, which relocated Dennis and his family to Colorado.
He later had the opportunity to join an aviation software startup. The company grew into a highly successful business and was eventually sold in 2016, closing one chapter of his professional life and creating the opportunity for another to take shape.
Family First
Dennis and Lydia married in 1980 and have built their lives around family. They have three grown sons they couldn't be more proud of and six wonderful grandchildren.
Today, Lydia is also a key part of The Blue Quill Angler, helping coordinate the guide operation and keeping many of the day-to-day details of the business moving smoothly.
A Lifetime Around Fishing
Fishing has been part of Dennis's life for as long as he can remember. His father and both of his grandfathers were avid traditional fishermen, and some of his earliest memories involve the simple things: a worm under a bobber for bass and bluegill, grass shrimp on a hook for sturgeon, or squid for sharks in San Francisco Bay.
Fly fishing came later. When his son Chris turned 12, the two decided to learn together. What began as a father-and-son activity grew into a shared passion and ultimately created a special connection with The Blue Quill Angler. Over time, that relationship evolved from customer and angler to friend, advocate, and eventually owner.
My Blue Quill Story
How It All Came Together
The story of how learning to fly fish with Chris eventually led Dennis to become an owner of The Blue Quill is best told in his own words. This video shares that journey and why the shop has become such an important part of his life.
Watch Dennis's Story →At The Blue Quill
Dennis does not guide and you will not often find him working the shop floor. He is more likely to be the guy behind the curtain, taking care of the accounting, systems, technology, processes, marketing, and the countless details that keep the business running and make sure all systems are a go.
In a larger company, those responsibilities might be spread across a CEO, COO, CMO, and CTO. At the Blue Quill, Dennis wears a little of each of those hats — which is simply part of life in a small business. His focus is making sure the team has the tools, support, and systems it needs to take great care of customers and keep the Blue Quill moving forward.
Surrounded by Passion
Dennis feels incredibly fortunate to work alongside some of the most knowledgeable and passionate fly anglers around. The experience, enthusiasm, and willingness of the Blue Quill team to share what they know is a big part of why he believes the shop continues to mean so much to customers and anglers throughout Colorado and beyond.
For Dennis, owning the Blue Quill is less about changing what the shop has been and more about helping carry its legacy forward while making sure the next generation of anglers can discover the same enjoyment, friendships, and connection to the outdoors that fishing has given his family.
Family, Fishing & The Outdoors
“I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work with some of the best and most passionate fly anglers around —
and to be part of a business that has meant so much to our family.”