If this project is "in the works," or still mostly just an idea, I recommend that he seeks a co-founder, rather than an employee. What he is looking for is likely more than just exceptional skill and high dedication. The Denver-based Java expert he's looking for should also have a sense of ownership, which is most easily accomplished by actually giving him ownership (equity). Owners don't walk away from projects as readily as employees, and they usually work a lot harder (at least in the early stages).