Brian O’Connell

Brian O’Connell brings a wealth of professional expertise, military service, and personal passion for adaptive sports to the Adaptive Adventures Board of Directors. He currently serves as a licensed Loan Officer at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, where he is recognized as a leading VA Home Loan expert in the Denver Metro Area. His extensive background includes previous roles at Cross Country Mortgage, as well as over a decade of experience as a General Construction Contractor with Colorado Veteran Contracting, LLC. Brian’s nearly 20-year commitment to the United States Army Reserves, where he holds the rank of Sergeant First Class and works as a Construction Inspector, has afforded him leadership opportunities both domestically and abroad, including combat deployments and humanitarian missions.

Brian first connected with Adaptive Adventures through participation and volunteer work at events such as “Crank Around the Clock,” where he saw firsthand the transformative impact of physical pursuits on personal healing and growth. Having discovered the therapeutic value of cycling as he recovered from the effects of war, Brian understands the power adaptive sports hold in helping athletes—disabled and able-bodied alike—overcome adversity and find renewed purpose. His passion for the organization’s mission is rooted in his deep respect for Veterans and civilians who push themselves beyond perceived limits to achieve their goals.

In addition to his professional and military accomplishments, Brian has been recognized as a rising star in the Colorado lending market by Five Star Professional and featured in the Denver Post. His business acumen, honed through years in the mortgage, construction, and contracting industries, complements the strategic priorities of Adaptive Adventures. He is active in professional affiliations such as VFW Post 1 and participates in multiple networking groups, often aligning his community outreach with support for the Veteran community and other service-oriented organizations.

Brian’s commitment to Adaptive Adventures lies in helping the organization run efficiently and sustainably, ensuring it can continue to serve athletes for years to come. He values clear expectations and thrives when given a mission, leveraging his interpersonal skills, leadership experience, and resourcefulness to expand opportunities for adaptive athletes.

Outside of his professional and volunteer roles, Brian is an avid outdoorsman and adventure sports athlete. Cycling remains his personal passion and a source of both challenge and healing. He enjoys spending his free time in the wilderness, embracing physical pursuits that nurture his spirit, and connecting with the communities he cares about most.