Many of you have had the pleasure of traveling with Randy Juden (pictureds above, on the left, with his husband Jeremy). He has been a fantastic addition to the Brand g family, even if he lacks courage, given that he was terrified to do this interview because of some silly notion that I (Eric, the Director of Marketing) would ask inappropriate questions in an attempt to embarrass hIm.
The very thought!
- Where did you grow up?
I grew up in KS with my 8 siblings, south of Wichita, just 4 miles for the Oklahoma border in a poor farming community (though we weren’t farmers).
- When did you know you were gay?
I knew I was gay well before puberty! I remember having crushes on the friends of my older brother’s.
- How many boyfriends have you had, and do you have compromising photos?
I really haven’t had many boyfriends. Jeremy is my first long term relationship. When I finished college, I began working as a stage actor and singer and toured quite a bit. It seemed that I was never in the same city for more that 6 months. So, I was kind of unavailable for a serious relationship…and I made it a rule early in my theatrical career that I would not date guys I worked with. I was always very comfortable being a single man! Sorry, not compromising photos…at least that I know of!
- What’s so great about living in Denver?
I fell in love with Colorado in 1983 when I was on a tour with a show that stopped in Aspen. Some locals suggested that I audition for the local dinner theatre, The Crystal Palace. I thought there was no way I could ever afford to live in Aspen. But curiosity got the best of me, and I returned to Aspen a few months later to audition for the owner of the Palace. He hired me and I moved to Aspen in Nov. of 1984. I stayed in the Aspen area for 10 years then moved to Denver where I have been off and on ever since. The quality of life here is good for me. Lots of options for outdoor activities…and I love the climate with 4 seasons.
- Tell us about your adorable husband.
Jeremy and I have been together since 2014. Jeremy also works for Brand g, so many of our guest know him…although many don’t realize that we are a couple. He is one the happiest, most easy-going persons I have ever met! He’s a really good cook AND he has recently discovered that he loves to garden (which makes me really happy because I DON’T love to garden, but I DO like a pretty garden)!!
- How did you come to Brand g?
I worked with Brand Van Way and Jeff Gundvaldson for several years at RSVP. When they started Brand g, I told them that at some point they would need someone like me and not to forget me when that time came. And then I refused to let them forget about me! I followed the growth of Brand g and reached out to them often to see if they were at a point where I might be needed. Finally, they asked me to co-host 4 trips with them…unfortunately, those 4 trips were all cancelled because of Covid. But I was on their first trip back after the pandemic and they haven’t been able to get rid of me.
- Where did you work before Brand g?
I have re-invented myself so many times, I’ve lost track. As I mentioned earlier, I worked as an actor/singer for 20+ years…not only stage work, but doing solo country shows, complete with guitar playing, singing, storytelling and even lariat rope trips and bullwhip stunts! (I continue to do a bit of that even still.) I also worked as a residential realtor in the Denver area for 10+ years, and had a mobile dog grooming business, called Doggie Style, in the Denver area for 8+ years.
- What are your duties at Brand g?
Ha! That’s a burning question that the rest of the staff is still trying to figure out. When not out hosting trips, as all of us on staff love doing, I’m working taking reservations, answering emails, taking calls and doing quite a bit of the data entry that guests send us…their passport info, their flight details, etc…
- What’s your favorite part of your job?
The travel… seeing new (old) places and experiencing different cultures. But the interaction with our guests is also high on the list. Plus, we have an amazing staff at Brand g. I feel lucky that I get to work with such great people!
- What’s been your favorite Brand g trip so far?
That’s a hard question! I love our Amazon/Machu Picchu trip…which I’ve done 3 times. The Arctic trip we did summer of ’25 was also amazing…starting in Norway and then cruising/exploring areas of Greenland before finishing in Iceland. I tend to be partial to the trips that area a bit more “Nature” focused.
- What was your most embarrassing Brand g moment so far?
Oh, Jeremy provides most of those for me!
- What is your favorite travel destination?
Growing up a poor kid in KS, I never thought I’d leave the state! So, all the travel I get to do is a blessing for me and a wonderful adventure. “Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore!”
- What would you be if you could be anything?
I’m being it!
- What is your greatest extravagance?
I don’t know that I do extravagance! I’m a bit frugal.
- What is your greatest regret?
This is a question that could lead me down a dark rabbit hole. I remember when I was young, just out of college, thinking I had no regrets. Then I started experiencing great loss…loss of loved ones, loss of opportunities…and living through the ‘80’s as a gay man with the AIDS crisis. Suddenly I knew what regret was…regret for not saying and regret for not doing.
- What one thing would you want people to know about you?
Jeremy and I both love to surround ourselves with positive energy. Giving it and receiving it is good for the soul!
