Town Hall: How Love of Community Led to an Adventure in Entrepreneurship
Startup Colorado
When Robin Hall's employer Smartwool announced that she—along with all other employees—would need to relocate from Steamboat Springs to Denver, she was faced with a big decision. Leave the company she thought she'd retire at... or stay in Steamboat Springs and wayfind a new future for herself. With true entrepreneurial spirit, Robin and her co-founders Jay Lambert and Joe Solomon decided to launch a business that was truly rooted in place: Town Hall, a sustainable outerwear brand for kids. Here's how love for the Steamboat community led to an unexpected adventure in...
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How One Carniceria Is Building for Family and Community
Startup Colorado
In Rocky Ford, Colorado, a meat market isn't "just" a meat market. Maya's Carniceria is helping address the unique needs of a small, rural town, as well as creating an opportunity for young people to stay local. Hear how Maya and her family launched Rocky Ford's first carniceria.
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From Baker to Business Owner - How Jessica Larriva Launched Tumbleweed Bread
Startup Colorado
Jessica Larriva never set out to become a business owner. She’s a baker. But when her mother fell ill, Jessica returned home to Colorado’s San Luis Valley and soon discovered that starting a business was a necessity. Here’s how Jessica launched Tumbleweed Bread—an artisan sourdough baking company that serves the San Luis Valley—and a nonprofit that addresses food insecurity in the region.
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From Energy to Adventure: Good Vibes in Craig, Colorado's Economic Transition
Startup Colorado
Seven years ago, Josh Veenstra was working as an insulator at one of Craig, Colorado's energy companies. Today, he and his wife Meagan are the founders of Good Vibes River Gear, a handmade mesh rafting accessory manufacturer that's become an influential voice in the town's transition from the energy economy to outdoor recreation. Here's how Josh and Meagan started a business powered by the waves of change.
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Julia Taylor and the Rise of GeekPack
Startup Colorado
Julia Taylor didn't set out to create an e-learning business for women; she was just trying to find a job that she could perform regardless of where the military stationed her husband. In 2014, she stumbled across website building and began teaching herself to code. The journey wasn't easy. There was no curriculum, no benchmarks, and no community. Sometimes when she'd ask a question, the responses—usually by men—were derogatory. She pushed on and eventually founded , a company that not only teaches women to code, but also provides a supportive, online community for learning and...
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How This Entrepreneur Turned a Hobby Into a Successful Business
Startup Colorado
Chereen Leong Schwarz started knitting as a way to decompress after long, stressful days as a head chef. Today she's the owner of Smeeny Beanie Knits, a handmade apparel company in Steamboat Springs. We spoke with Chereen about how she turned a hobby into a side-hustle and eventually into a successful, quit-your-day-job business.
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Women In Tech with Eva Helén
Startup Colorado
With more than two decades in tech, has co-founded, built, and exited two software companies - most recently Sanbolic, acquired by Citrix in 2015. Since 2017, she has influenced a broad range of technology companies to build more diverse workforces and inclusive cultures. Her book Women In Tech: A Book for Guys is based on her research and interviews with men in the tech industry. We spoke with Eva about her experience co-founding two successful startups and what eventually led her to support the advancement of women and minorities in tech. Special thanks to ...
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Why Does Art Matter in Rural?
Startup Colorado
When Dominque Robbins arrived in the rural town of Rocky Ford, Colorado, the culture shock was real. Where was the Starbucks? And latenight burrito joints? A lifelong musician, Dominque also quickly discovered another Big City ammenity was missing: an art scene. A few months after arriving, Dominque founded , a recording studio and events management enterprise. His goal is to pave the way for more artists, musicians, and creatives in the Rocky Ford area. We visited Dominque in his studio to learn how... and why... he chose to open an arts and entertainment business in a rural area. ...
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This Entrepreneur Is "Flipping" Towns
Startup Colorado
As Craig, Colorado transitions away from its roots as a coal town, local entrepreneurs like Kirstie McPherson are laying the groundwork for its next phase of life. When TriState Generation and Transmission and Xcel Energy announced that both the coal mines and power plant would be shutdown by 2030, local residents of Craig, Colorado were left wondering, "what's next?" For entrepreneur and economic behavioralist Kirstie McPherson, the answer is . In this first episode of the , Season 4, we visited Kirstie's business & to learn how the concept of "flipping houses" can be...
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How Entrepreneurs Can Tap Into Podcasting
Startup Colorado
Is podcasting the new blogging? Have we reached "peak pod?" If so, who cares? The podcast industry is booming and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Here's how rural entrepreneurs can tap into podcasting - as a business, a marketing channel for your business, or an advertising opportunity. Meet Laura Krantz of the podcast, Kristin Carpenter of and the , and Curt Linville of .
info_outlineEagle County recently received an exemption to the new Safer at Home Order and is laying out a tiered approach to reopening. We chat with the county's emergency manager, as well as business owners who are implementing health and safety protocols to keep their employees and customers safe. For other counties developing their reopening strategies, Eagle County can provide some solid advice.
Features:
Birch Barron, Emergency Manager of Eagle County
Scott Robinson, Business Operations Manager of Mountain Recreation
Mike Brumbaugh, Owner of Venture Sports
Photo of Avon, Colorado by Jeff Dzadon