Business connect July 2017

July 2017

Family ties

help this Greeley operation move ahead pg. 12 Wholly Stromboli Brings Italian family values to rural Colorado pg. 18

pg. 4

New Businesses in downtown Greeley

pg. 7

Who’s Next: Art Honorees

pg. 16

Best in banking`

I M P O RTA N T NPPOO I C ENN ! TT M OTRTA RTA IIM OWN AT BUSINESS? N O N O T II C CEE!!

OWN A BUSINESS? BUSINESS? YOU MUST OBTAIN A OWN A YOU MUST OBTAIN A NEW BUSINESS YOU NEW MUST OBTAIN A BUINESS LICENSE NEW BUINESS LICENCE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2017, EVERY PERSON/ LICENCE COMPANY DOING BUSINESS IN THE CITY OF

AS OF JANUARY 1, 2017, EVERYAPERSON/ GREELEY IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN BUSINESS COMPANY DOING BUSINESS IN THE CITY OF LICENSE. THIS LICENSE REPLACES THE CURRENT SALES TAX LICENSE WHICH IS NO GREELEY IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A BUSINESS LONGER VALID IN THE CITY OF GREELEY. LICENSE. THIS LICENSE REPLACES THE of Greeley CURRENT SALESCity TAX LICENSE WHICH IS NO 970-350-9733 • Email: greeleysalestax@greeleygov.com LONGER VALID IN THE CITY OF GREELEY. www.greeleygov.com/government/finance/business

City of Greeley

State of Colorado 970-350-9733 • Email: greeleysalestax@greeleygov.com 303-238-SERV (7378) • www.colorado.gov/pacific/tax

www.greeleygov.com/government/finance/business

Greeley Finance | Sales Tax State of• Colorado 1000 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80631 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

303-238-SERV (7378) • www.colorado.gov/pacific/tax 970-350-9733 tel • 970-350-9736 fax • greeleysalestax@greeleygov.com

Greeley Finance | Sales Tax 1000 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80631 • Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

970-350-9733 tel • 970-350-9736 fax • greeleysalestax@greeleygov.com

2 I Business Connect I July 2017

Features

PG. 12

PG. 18

Family ties help this Greeley operation move ahead

Wholly Stromboli: Bringing Italian family values to rural Colorado

PG. 4

PG. 16

PG. 7

PG. 20

PG. 10

human connection

New business openings

Winner: Best in Banking

Who’s Next: Art Honorees

What we stand to lose: Spelling and the

July - August Calendar of Events

PG. 15

Pg. 21

On the move

Yolk no more - new name is Eggonomics PUBLISHER Bryce Jacobson EDITOR Randy Bangert CREATIVE MANAGER Kyle Knoop BUSINESS MANAGER Doug Binder MANAGING EDITOR Sharon Dunn ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bruce Dennis

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Darian Armer Danny Bishop Katie Loehrke Sales MANAGER Stephanie Mighell

BUSINESS CONNECT 501 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631 P.O. Box 1690 For all editorial, advertising, subscription and circulation inquiries, call (970) 352-0211.

Send editorial-related comments and story ideas to: rbangert@greeleytribune.com

Creative supervisor For display advertising inquiries, contact: Amy Mayer bdennis@greeleytribune.com Lead Designer Nichole Mathiason

2017, July, Issue 5.

Published by: Greeley Publishing Co., publisher of The Greeley Tribune, Windsor Now, the Fence Post, Tri-State Livestock News, and Energy Pipeline

July 2017 I Business Connect I 3

New business openings Following is a list of new businesses that opened since March:

Roots Coffee Shop

808 22nd St. Greeley

Hours are 6 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays.

Locally owned by Tony and Yvette Rivera.

Patrons may notice an oriental feel with some of the Roots offerings, such as their blooming flower teas or black herb jelly in coconut milk, coffee and sandwiches. Go to www. rootscoffeeshop.com, or call (970) 515-6170.

BaskinRobbins

2030 35th Ave. Greeley’s newest Baskin-Robbins opened in midApril, and its lobby and drive through is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

It is located directly east of Hunan in the Westlake Village Shopping Center, and it is locally owned by Andrea Jensen-Bunce and her husband, Chris Bunce, bought in with Steve and Alison Thomas, who own three franchises in Longmont, Loveland and Wheat Ridge.

4 I Business Connect I July 2017

The Crooked Cup

1399 Water Valley Parkway, Windsor Gabriel Armstrong opened The Crooked Cup coffee shop opened on April 17 at 1399 Water Valley Parkway in Windsor — the former location of Bungalow Ice Cream and Coffee.

Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays — some events may result in later hours during select summer weekends.

Call (970) 545-0148 or go to www.thecrookedcup.com

NoCo Coffee Company NoCo Coffee Company, will sell Malawian coffee online, owned

by Ib Meyer and Chris Bashkov.

The company won’t initially have a storefront — hopefully one day they’ll grow to that — but their products will be sold at the Greeley Farmer’s Market starting in May. He’ll also be spreading the word and selling to businesses around town that want the African-bean coffee.

Bashkov roasts the coffee beans himself with the company’s one machine — it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to do. To prepare for his May sales, he roasted up about 4,000 pounds of coffee beans. His machine can do about

four pounds of beans per batch. At that rate, he guesses he could take on making about 140 pounds per day, if needed. The profits from the coffee will go to both NoCo Coffee Company as well as the farmers in Africa who are providing the coffee beans.

McCarty’s

37661 Weld County Road 39, Eaton McCarty’s restaurant at the Eaton Country Club, 37661 Weld County Road 39. Call (970) 454-2106.

Fuzzy’s Tacos

4365 Centerplace Ave., Greeley Fuzzy’s Tacos is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday and Monday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

The store features 29 TVs and has a bar area with more than 20 plug-ins, adding a modern touch to the restaurant, Lundgren said.

He said the store was designed to facilitate movement, meaning there is more space around the bar and seating area than is seen in other Fuzzy’s locations.

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

Johnstown

A chef-driven, full-service restaurant opened in Johnstown in the new Johnstown Plaza off Interstate 25 and U.S. 34 near the upcoming Scheels.

This is the 11th Bad Daddy’s location in Colorado. Bad Daddy’s is operated by the Good Times Burger franchise.

The new location will feature menu items including its popular gourmet burgers, such as the Bacon Cheeseburger on Steroids and the Bad Ass Burger, as well as specialty sides and appetizers, according to a news release. Additionally, the restaurant offers a full gluten-friendly menu and regional chef specials that incorporate local flavors and ingredients, the release stated.

For more information, go to www. baddaddysburgerbar.com.

Technical Framework

1120 38th Ave., Greeley

Technical Framework is an information technology consulting business. Call (970) 372-4940 or go to Tech-Framework.com.

Gold Care LLC

2015 9th St., Greeley A hemp-only shop open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Customers must be 18 years or older to purchase any product. Gold Care, owned

by Matthew Aguiar, sells a variety of hemp products, such as cannabidiol droppers and vape pens, lotions, dog treats, coffee, honey, candies and more.

For more information, call (970) 786-0900 or go search for Gold Care LLC on Facebook.

Azúcar Espresso Bar

731 10th St., Greeley

For more information: (970) 673-7005; www. facebook.com/azucarespressobar.

Mainstay Physical Therapy

815 9th St., Greeley

Owned by Jessica Malouf. Her area of expertise is treating dizziness and vertigo in children and adults. For more information: (970) 818-0235; http://www.mainstaypt.com

The Golden Tree

920 9th Ave., Greeley

The store, owned by Salah and Danielle Mahdaoui, sells handmade imports from Morrocco. Leather goos, ceramics, lanterns, paintings, candles, Argan oil and more.

For more information: (970) 576-4280; www. thegoldentreeimports.com

July 2017 I Business Connect I 5

Aunt Helen’s Coffee House

800 8th Ave. Suite 101., Greeley Hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information: (970) 775-3462; www.aunthelenscoffeehouse.com.

Owned locally by Bob and Aimee Hutson.

The shop sells coffees and breakfast items.

Mystical Threads

910 9th Ave., Greeley Locally owned

by Debbie Casdorph, a Greeley resident of 25 years. Her shop is a combination costume studio and alteration shop. She creates custom costumes — think cosplay or Halloween — by hand, and she can alter pretty much any piece of clothing for her customers. For more information: (970) 702-2327; http://www.mystical-threads.com/

Fusion Light and Design

425 Main St., Windsor.

Owned by Kristen Bland.

The business offers lighting design and specification to purchasing for residential and commercial projects. She works with private clients, architects and designers and helps them figure out the right lighting and designs for their projects. The location also will showcase select pieces of furniture from Rustic Trades Furniture, which builds custom rustic wood furniture.

The store will be Monday through Saturday.

Go to www.fusionlightandesign.com.

6 I Business Connect I July 2017

Greeley PC Repair

2530 11th Ave., Greeley

It is owned by Gary Mintz.

Greeley PC Repair specializes in virus removal, computer repair, data recovery and laptop repair services. He said he’ll be doing some computer retail, but that it wouldn’t be the “bread and butter” of his business.

It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays. For more information, call (970) 289-1001, email info@greeleypcrepair.com or go to http:// greeleypcrepair.com.

Power To Play Sports

5699 Crooked Stick Drive, Windsor Power to Play Sports is located on the east side of Larimer County Road 5, across the street from Budweiser Events Center.

Its address is 5699 Crooked Stick Drive in Windsor. The complex is open from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, for “pick-up”, “drop-in” and “open gym” time.

This includes volleyball and basketball. For more information, call (970) 800-3035, email info@powertoplaysports.com, or go to http:// www.powertoplaysports.com/.

Robin’s Nest

430 Main St., Windsor.

Severance resident Robin Netzel opened the bakery with promises of coffee, ice cream, pies and cakes. The store is open 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays; 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursdays and Fridays, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturdays. Call 970) 460-7165.

The arts The Greeley Tribune and Business Connect are highlighting the up-and-coming leaders across Weld County as part of a new series called Who’s Next. The goal of the Who’s Next series is to honor some of the most dedicated young people working to shape our cities in Weld County every day. The honorees you see on the following pages were nominated by their peers for the outstanding work they are doing in art, and were celebrated at our fourth Who’s Next event on June 29.

View more online at www.greeleytribune.com/whos-next-honoringart

Abigail (Abby) Knoll

Hair Stylist at Salon de chelle Age: 20

From styling her Barbie’s hair and playing with her mom’s box dye to starting her hair stylist career in high school, Abby Knoll has known she wanted to do hair since before she can remember. “I’ve never wanted to be anything else!” She began her career at a tech school in high school and worked at a highend salon as an intern in Boulder, Colo., working and learning her craft. She works at Salon de chelle in Fort Collins and does hair for family and friends at her home in Greeley. “I think hair styling is an art because I have to think. I can’t just do the same haircut or color on everyone. I have to look at the tone in their skin and their facial structure. Hair is my passion; I would do it for free if I needed to. I literally have the best, most creative job ever.”

July 2017 I Business Connect I 7

Kati Brown

Entrepreneur Age: 32

It started in college as a way for Kati Brown to keep her hands busy during lectures. Crocheting was more productive than today’s fidget spinners and when she became a mom she found herself making her two boys stuffed animals from Star Wars and their favorite children’s books. She now runs an Etsy shop that sells patterns and custom orders. She also sells her patterns through online and print magazines and databases. Brown also teaches crocheting out of her home and occasionally at libraries. She displays her creations at the Greeley Arts Picnic and offers sign ups for her classes. Brown has six designs coming out in the next seven months in various magazines and online. “I love seeing how artistic this community has gotten and how creative. There are murals all over downtown and beautiful sculptures,” she said. “It’s really neat to be part of such an artistic community and know an art form doesn’t have to be on paper or a painting. Yarn can be an art medium, not just something grannies do in their spare time.”

Wendy Sosa Klein

Dance Instructor Age: 41

Wendy Klein has been a staple in dance in the Greeley area for many years. She wound up in Greeley after transferring from school in Arizona when she heard the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) had a great dance program. “I had an audition and fell in love with the dance program.” You can find her at The Garage Creative Co-op downtown at 1100 8th Ave., or teaching at Aims Community College helping to start the dance program. “Greeley is a big city with a small town feel and a sense of community,” she said. Klein sits on the Greeley Creative District Board. “I am extremely grateful for the nomination. I am very lucky to be able to do what I do and be involved in people’s lives. I wouldn’t be me without them.”

Armando Silva

ARTMANDO Age: 30

You may not know his name, but it’s likely you know his work. Armando Silva’s murals decorate Greeley and inspire the community to embrace its creativity. An immigrant from Mexico, Silva grew up in Greeley and studied art at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), after switching from his business major. “I was good at my business classes, but I wanted to do something that involved more risk,” he said. Silva has occupied a studio downtown for about a year. Silva recently collaborated with fellow artist Wes Sam-Bruce for a mural titled, “Courage Takes Heart,” on the Northeast side of 8th Avenue and 7th Street next to the old Armory building. “I love the ability to shape our community as a creative.”

8 I Business Connect I July 2017

Jamie Thornton

Communications Specialist/Artist in Residence Cornerstone Community Church | Age: 39 Jamie Thornton grew up with a dad who was a children’s book illustrator, exposing her to art from an early age. “I discovered art was a great way for me, a fairly introverted child, to express what I thought and felt about the world and my place in it,” she said. Thornton currently serves as the communications specialist/artist in residence at Cornerstone Community Church in Greeley. “I’ve done things like interior decorating, painting murals in the church, making our Celebration Center look like ancient Rome for Vacation Bible School, and painting while the pastor preached to visually illustrate the sermon. I also design promotional materials for the various ministries of the church,” she said. “My vision is to expand the art ministry of Cornerstone, creating an Art and Faith Institute that will help people discover and develop their creative gifts and use them to communicate God’s message of reconciliation—here in Greeley and throughout the world.”

The arts A comfort zone is a beautiful place... but nothing ever grows there.

The Tribune Marketing team is here to get you out of your comfort zone.

Let us help you grow your business with full marketing agency services and expertise to take you to the next level.

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Contact Bruce Dennis to get started with a no obligation, no pressure, free needs analysis of your business. You will receive a free digital audit, online reputation report, and a marketing overview of your business category in Weld County, all with no strings attached.

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July 2017 I Business Connect I 9

JUly - August 2017 July 6 GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, leads group, 7:30 a.m., at the Chamber, 902 7th Ave., Greeley. This group meets every Thursday morning to share and create business leads for our group’s members.

Details: (970) 352-3566.

July 12 GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, business before hours, 7-8:30 a.m., Good Samaritan Society – Fox Run, 1720 60th Ave., Greeley. Enjoy a delightful breakfast and networking with other Chamber investors. Everyone in attendance gets a 15 second commercial on who they are and what they do. Details: (970) 352-3566.

July 13 GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, leads group, 7:30 a.m., at the Chamber, 902 7th Ave., Greeley. This group meets every Thursday morning to share and create business leads for our group’s members.

Details: (970) 352-3566.

July 20 GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, leads group, 7:30 a.m., at the Chamber, 902 7th Ave., Greeley.

This group meets every Thursday morning to share and create business leads for our group’s members. Details: (970) 352-3566.

EVANS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, business after hours, 5-7 p.m., Red Wing Shoe Store, 3133 10th St., Greeley. Details: (970) 330-4204.

10 I Business Connect I July 2017

July 27 GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, leads group, 7:30 a.m., at the Chamber, 902 7th Ave., Greeley. This group meets every Thursday morning to share and create business leads for our group’s members. Details: (970) 352-3566.

GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, business after hours, 5-7 p.m., the Lundvall Building, 2015 Clubhouse Drive, No. 100, Greeley. This event happens every fourth Thursday. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and network with other Greeley Chamber investors. You can also win door prizes. Free to members; $20 nonmembers. Details: (970) 352-3566.

Aug. 3 GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, leads group, 7:30 a.m., at the Chamber, 902 7th Ave., Greeley.

This group meets every Thursday morning to share and create business leads for our group’s members. Details: (970) 352-3566.

GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Young Professionals, 5:30-7 p.m., Autotailor, 1011 16th St., Greeley. Greeley Young Professionals is our 21-39 networking event.

Come and join us and meet other young professional in the Greeley area and build business relationships! Details: (970) 352-3566.

To feature your business event here, contact Bruce Dennis at 970-392-4429 or bdennis@greeleytribune.com

7 Events Calendar Aug. 9 GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Biz @ lunch. 11:30-1 p.m., Rudy’s Texas Bar-B-Q, 2473 28th St., Greeley. Join the Greeley Chamber for BIZ @ Lunch for networking, a delicious lunch, and a short webinar. Any business can benefit from this informative program – not to mention the new connections you can make with other Chamber investors. $20, members; $30 nonmembers. Details: (970) 352-3566.

Aug. 10 GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, leads group, 7:30 a.m., at the Chamber, 902 7th Ave., Greeley. This group meets every Thursday morning to share and create business leads for our group’s members. Details: (970) 352-3566.

Aug. 17

Aug. 26 EVANS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, business after hours, 5-7 p.m., Butters, 2170 35th Ave., Greeley.

Details: (970) 330-4204.

Aug. 31 GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, leads group, 7:30 a.m., at the Chamber, 902 7th Ave., Greeley. This group meets every Thursday morning to share and create business leads for our group’s members. Details: (970) 352-3566.

To include your business news in the Business Connect sections, contact Sharon Dunn at sdunn@greeleytribune. com or call (970) 392-4439.

Outgrowing Your Space?

GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, leads group, 7:30 a.m., at the Chamber, 902 7th Ave., Greeley. This group meets every Thursday morning to share and create business leads for our group’s members. Details: (970) 352-3566.

Aug. 24 GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, leads group, 7:30 a.m., at the Chamber, 902 7th Ave., Greeley. This group meets every Thursday morning to share and create business leads for our group’s members. Details: (970) 352-3566.

GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, business after hours, 5-7 p.m. Nottingham Stadium, UNC Athletics, 1700 Reservoir Road, Greeley. This event happens every fourth Thursday. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and network with other Greeley Chamber investors. You can also win door prizes. Free to members; $20 nonmembers. Details: (970) 352-3566.

Let me help find you the perfect building for your growing business

Jim Neufeld Commercial Broker 970-506-2941 jneufeld@remax.net July 2017 I Business Connect I 11

Family ties

help this Greeley operation mo

By Danny Bishop For Business Connect

T

here is no big secret to the success of Colorado Premium — just hard work and maintaining family values.

Colorado Premium is a high volume meat manufacturer in Greeley that specializes in various fresh, frozen and consumer-ready products. Founder Kevin LaFleur said there is no trick to the 20 percent growth they have seen over the last decade. He attributes the success of the business to the dedication of the employees.

“We are privately owned, so as long as we keep doing business the right way we will see growth,” LaFleur said. “We will keep putting one foot in front of another.”

12 I Business Connect I July 2017

LaFleur, a former Monfort executive, started the business in 1998 with partner Don Babcock. At the inception of the business, both LaFleur and Babcok enlisted help from family to get Colorado Premium off the ground. Today, both of LaFleur’s sons, Dan and Kevin Michael, work at Colorado Premium.

“Having family around can be a two-edged sword,” LaFleur said. “But it’s great to have somebody close to the business that takes our mission to heart.”

Dan LaFleur, vice president of business management, said family bonds in business helps erase professional boundaries. He said working with family allows them to push the envelope in a way only relatives can, and this enables growth.

“Family values drive this business,” Dan said.

ove ahead “We were raised to work hard. When hiring we look for employees with the same family values as us.”

In January, LaFleur announced two Colorado Premium expansions — a 20,000 squarefoot addition to the Greeley location and a $150 million Georgia plant. LaFleur said the Carlton, Ga., location will become the flagship operation.

The Greeley expansion is intended to streamline production and increase cold storage space, according to LaFleur. It will be completed at the end of July.

Colorado Premium produces products like steaks, corned beefs, ground beefs and cooked meats, and has partnerships with Paddy O’Neills and Tapatio Meats.

With locations on both sides of the country, the LaFleurs are starting to set their sights on the international market.

Founder, Kevin LaFleur with his sons Dan, left, and Kevin Michael.

“Ninety percent of protein is consumed outside of the U.S., so there is a lot of runway in front of us as soon as we put our products into the international scene,” LaFleur said. “We have tackled a small percentage of the market, and we see real opportunity to increase our presence.”

In January, Colorado Premium hired Mark Gustafson, another former Monfort employee, to focus on an international presence.

According to LaFleur, Gustafson is an industry veteran when it comes to international markets.

Gustafson said Colorado Premium fills a niche of customer-friendly, added-value cuts that have not been introduced to international markets yet. He said they plan to focus on Mexico, Canada, Asia and the Middle East.

July 2017 I Business Connect I 13

Dan LaFleur blurs as he walks through the halls of the Colorado Premium on Monday in Greeley.

Photo by Josh Polson jpolson@greeleytribune.com.

“I commend the foresight of the ownership at Colorado Premium for seeing the opportunity in international markets,” Gustafson said.

“There is a strong demand for U.S. high quality meat proteins internationally, and the vision is to expand our domestic footprint into bigger markets.”

The jump from a local, Colorado market to

international presence can be attributed to the family atmosphere of the business, according to Dan. “We are close-knit here,” Dan said. “With one sole owner, and maintaining founding principles, we have seen great success. We look out for each other here, and that has made a difference in our business.”

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14 I Business Connect I July 2017

Yolk no more —

downtown Greeley business owner must change breakfast eatery’s name

By Sharon Dunn sdunn@greeleytribune.com

I

t didn’t take long for the word to spread about Yolk in downtown Greeley.

In fact, a few weeks after the downtown breakfast eatery opened in December, someone else was coveting the Yolk name.

“I started getting Facebook messages from a guy who said, ‘I own the name Yolk, you need to stop immediately,’ ” said Tim Veldhuizen, who owns the relatively new breakfast stop at 801 9th St. He originally opened the restaurant in 2013 as a lunch and dinner venue, but sales slumped on the weekdays. He opted to move to a breakfast format to boost business. That has been working fine.

“Breakfast restaurants have their own individual sets of challenges, especially how fast-paced everything is, but I’m glad we made the change,” he said.

But now, there’s the matter of this name.

“I thought it was a scam. I mean, who would send stuff like that over Facebook?”

Veldhuizen said of the social media blitz.

“Over a couple of weeks, the messages kept coming and started to get more threatening, like, ‘Our team is standing by to fly in there.’ ” Veldhuizen hired an attorney to do the research, and, in fact, this person owned the rights to the name Yolk. The company’s website states it, too. It is a specialty breakfast place started in 2006. It has three locations in Chicago.

So, now it’s time for a switcheroo.

Veldhuizen has settled on Eggonomics as the new name for the eatery — a name he thoroughly vetted for trademark infringements. Yolk was cleared through the Colorado Secretary of State’s office, but Veldhuizen at the time didn’t think to check federal trademarks.

In the coming weeks, the new logo will be plastered on the doors, on the staff’s T-shirts and menus. It’s a move that will likely cost him between $8,000 and $10,000, Veldhuizen said.

It’s also a perfect time to tweak some items on the menu, he said. Customer feedback, for example, was not so favorable on the restaurant’s contemporary take on green chili.

“Customers said that was too far over the edge, and they want something more down to earth,” he said.

That will change, along with the additions of eggs Benedict and some pancakes, as well as some other offerings.

Veldhuizen said frustration levels are high, but he wants to hit a high note.

“That’s the nature of business in today’s world,” he said. “We need to make the move and let people know that we continue to try to build business, and having to rebrand is not pleasant, but that’s the nature of it. ... We have to do it as positively as possible.”

July 2017 I Business Connect I 15

W INNER

Best in Banking

By Darian armer For Business Connect Bank of Colorado operates each branch like a small, independent bank with the backing, power, products and services of a big bank, says Lonnie Ochsner, market president for the Greeley and Weld County area.

“The interesting part about our bank is that each of our branches are run like an independent bank, yet we have all the size and resources of big banks like Wells Fargo and Chase,” said Ochsner. “We have an extensive online banking system and mobile banking, but our biggest drawing card is the fact that we have that personal touch.

“All of our phones are answered locally at each branch. When you come in to a branch the decisions are made in the branch. We don’t send a loan request to Denver or Minneapolis or elsewhere for approval.”

Ochsner said he has very stable staff with many of his bankers exceeding 10 years with him as a result of each branch’s autonomous abilities. He credits happy employees with the ability to serve customers at a high level.

“When you have happy employees they are happy to take care of customers,” Ochsner said.

“We’ve had customers we’ve dealt with for more than 25 years who love banking with Bank of Colorado. If I could narrow our success down to one thing it clearly would be the outstanding team of employees that I get the privilege to work with.”

Bank of Colorado remains family owned by the Dinsdale family that started the bank back in the 1930s.

16 I Business Connect I July 2017

“They have created this sense of family,” Ochsner said. “The owners are very active. They know most employees by name and attend many of the local meetings.”

Bank of Colorado operates under the umbrella of Pinnacle Banks, with the total company approaching the $10 billion mark.

Bank of Colorado gives back to the community through education. Ochsner does so personally by frequently speaking at the University of Northern Colorado.

“We try to expose UNC students to what banking is about,” he said. “I try to explain to students coming out of college what options they have in a banking career and also give them the basics of how the banking environment works.”

The bank also sponsors a program called Bonzai, which is targeted at elementary and junior high school students. It’s a financial game they have implemented in a couple schools so far.

Ochsner said the bank also educates customers.

“We have some small business owners come into the bank and they understand business really well but might not understand finances so well,” Ochsner said. “That’s why having an experienced staff is so important. We want to help our customers to know and understand the key elements in acquiring a loan and ultimately help them become a better business.”

Ochsner said he enjoys his ability to help people start a business and watch them grow it from a small business into a big one.

“You don’t get that opportunity as much in great big cities. What’s cool about Greeley and Weld County is that it’s still a rural-flavored community and that makes all the difference in the world,” he said. “Bank of Colorado has over 40 locations in Colorado and has all of the products and service of the big banks. However, being family owned allows each of the locations to operate like a small independent bank. That’s a recipe for success because we can take care of our customers at the local level. We tailor our products and services to the community we live in.”

Runner up: Great Western Bank Great Western Bank specializes in serving personal, business and agribusiness customers with a mission statement that states “Make life great by taking outstanding care of our customers and creating long-term relationships.”

Great Western Bank is a $12 billion regional bank with long-time Greeley bankers in the Greeley branch.

“Commercially, we provide comprehensive banking services that help our customers succeed,” said Bryan Guest, market president for Greeley/Loveland. “This includes development financing, construction financing, real estate loans (both owner occupied and nonowner occupied), equipment financing and working capital lines of credit.”

Great Western Bank offers a full suite of consumer related banking services such as online banking, mobile banking, overdraft protection, checking and savings accounts. They also offer cash management and wealth management for both business and consumer clients.

When it comes to financial education Great Western Bank gives Bank at Work presentations to its business customers and their employees, as well as bank employees who volunteer for Junior Achievement. Junior Achievement provides financial education to school age children in northern Colorado.

“A bank is a direct beneficiary of the community it does business in. As a result, I believe it is our responsibility (as does GWB) to give back to the community in which we work and live in. Great Western Bank does this both financially, with donations and sponsorships of local non-profit agencies and events, as well as through employee volunteerism.”

Guest is the board chair-elect for the United Way of Weld County and has been involved with United Way since 1992. Several other employees are on other boards such as Kiwanis Club of the Rockies, North Range Behavioral Health and Weld’s Way Home. Corporately, Great Western Bank donated $10,000 to the United Way of Weld County to benefit the Cold Weather Shelter.

July 2017 I Business Connect I 17

Wholly Stromboli

brings Italian family values to rural Colorado By danny bishop For Business Connect

T

hese everyone is overworked, so inevitably stress accumulates, hair is pulled out, and meals are skipped. Yet, for Fort Lupton restaurant owners Melissa and Eric Rickman, dinner is non-negotiable.

Growing up on the East Coast, family meals were an important chance to connect — not a quick bite before nightly TV or replying to emails, Melissa said. Instead, her mom’s signature stromboli dinners were a necessary part of the family dynamic. It was the one time during the day the family put life on hold to be together.

It might sound cheesy, but cheese defined this New Jersey family. As a result of fond family memories, Melissa and her husband set out to share this defining sensibility with Colorado when they opened Wholly Stromboli six years ago.

“Everyone thought we were nuts to open an Italian restaurant in a rural town,” Melissa said.

She is not wrong to feel like an outcast.

Surrounded by small-town aesthetic, Wholly Stromboli seems a little bit like a mirage.

18 I Business Connect I July 2017

The location is one of many elements that make the restaurant unique. The restaurant is located in the 103-year-old, historic Edgar St. John building in downtown Fort Lupton.

They gutted the building and spent long days crafting it into a restaurant while still preserving its historic roots.

Friends and family were concerned if a sit-down stromboli business was sustainable in a town of only 8,000 residents, but the Rickmans would not budge on the location — they did not want to uproot their kids.

Plus, there had always been a demand for a family dinner destination in Fort Lupton — no one had quite tapped into it yet, according to Melissa.

Flash forward to this year, Wholly Stromboli won first place for Denver’s A List Best Italian. Melissa said they were in the running four years in a row, and this year they were selected out of 97 restaurants. Melissa said they were honored to be selected — especially since they are not even in Denver.

“I’m a city girl, so when we came here there was nowhere for a Friday night date,” Melissa said.

Despite the clashing identities of Fort Lupton and the restaurant, Wholly Stromboli never would have existed without the support of a rural community. Melissa said they

got their start in a uniquely small-town way.

“We had people knocking on our door to lend a hand,” Melissa said. “We had a city council member washing dishes. ... People really wanted this restaurant to succeed.

That wouldn’t have happened in a large community. As a result, we feel committed and want to give back.”

Waitress and manager Kelce Romero said the Rickmans value community over everything. This quality inspired her to work at Wholly Stromboli.

“Melissa and Eric are very into giving back to the community,” Romero said. “We do what we do because we want to. They want to keep this thing growing, and establish a local community — like a family — and show what true hospitality is.”

Before she worked at Wholly Stromboli, Romero would come in as a customer for the food and familiar faces.

“There are not many restaurants in Fort Lupton, and I used to come here all the time before I started working here.” Romero said.

“I wanted to be a part of this team because they were so welcoming.”

One way the Rickmans give back is through various community events such as a school supply drive, or helping to organize a trickor-treat street for local children. According to Fort Lupton Fire Department Lieutenant Kenny Rosales, the Rickmans often drop off food for the firefighters. As a result, the fire department, which is located only a few buildings away, visit for lunch regularly.

“They get a lot of support because they support the community,” Rosales said.

“Their food is unique to anything around here, and they bring a lot of people to Fort Lupton.”

According to Rosales, the eclectic menu is what made the fire department regular customers. In addition to traditional strombolis, Wholly Stromboli offers the “Hyperbole” which includes locally grown green chilies, jalapeños, ham, cream cheese and their secret diablo sauce. Other unique items include a PB&J stromboli, Philly cheesesteak stromboli or the “Hulapeño,” a Hawaiian inspired dish which is qualified with “trust us” in the menu description.

It all started with one recipe. Melissa’s mom used to make what can now be found on the menu as “The Original.” Melissa said she remembers trying to convince her mom to sell the strombolis, which had been so crucial to family bonding, but her mom figured there wasn’t a market for them. At a young age, Melissa decided she would open a restaurant, and that motivation stuck with her through various middle management jobs, until she and Eric moved to Colorado and started planning their dream in 2007.

“Since I was 20 I had the name for the restaurant picked out,” Melissa said. “I would dream about it at night. I would imagine what this place looked like. A couple decades later and here we are.”

Today, Wholly Stromboli is driven by the same family values that led to its inception. Melissa said all the food is made from scratch, and the ingredients come from local vendors. In pursuit of the best quality food, dough at Wholly Stromboli is aged for 48 hours. The restaurant also features only local microbreweries on tap.

“It’s important to us that we support small business,” Melissa said. “There are so many people that have a dream like mine, and the only way that works is if we support each other.”

Melissa said the key to small business success is being present — both in the restaurant and with the customers. She said they treat their guests like family, and the hospitality they offer keeps people coming back.

“We stand out because we care,” Melissa said.

“We’re not just slinging food. You can taste the love. When people leave here with a full tummy and a happy heart my life is complete.”

July 2017 I Business Connect I 19

What we stand to lose:

Spelling and the human connection

By Katie Loehrke For Business Connect

I used to be an excellent speller. Today, I write for a living, so while it may seem that spelling should have remained a strength, spell check’s autocorrect feature has made me lazy. The spellings of words I don’t use frequently don’t come to me as easily as they once did.

But autocorrect can’t catch everything.

Homonyms (tale and tail; their and there, for example) may be spelled correctly but still used incorrectly; the tool isn’t much help when typos are actual words.

THE VALUE WE ADD Anyone who has sent a text message with an embarrassingly modified meaning courtesy of autocorrect knows the danger of removing the human element from the writing process.

We must use our incredibly capable brains to distinguish the subtle nuances of language or risk embarrassing mistakes. In short, the human element is necessary.

IT’S NOT JUST AUTOCORRECT Autocorrect is far from the only modern convenience that may be doing some harm, even amid the benefits it presents. We rely on other tools such as email and instant messenger for efficiency and convenience. But as with autocorrect, it’s not the use, but the overreliance on these tools that can actually do us more harm than good.

RESIST ‘AUTOCONNECTING’ So, what’s lost with these conveniences, which also partially remove the human element? A certain level of connection.

By texting instead of calling, or using instant message in place of a face-to-face

20 I Business Connect I July 2017

conversation, we stand to misinterpret meaning or intentions from time to time. If you’ve ever had a misunderstanding using these means, you know how easily texts and IMs can interfere with intended tone.

In these more abbreviated modes of conversation, we may also neglect to tailor conversations to the recipient – something people are more naturally inclined to do in person.

We also may miss opportunities to create deeper connections. While the quick and often limited nature of these modes is what may make them appealing, they do have a way of limiting conversation.

Anyone who’s ever had a spontaneous hallway conversation that led to an “Aha!” moment knows that there can be something almost magical about connecting in person. Whether you stop to mull over a work problem with a fellow employee, or have a personal chat that lifts your spirits, think about how much less successful such interactions may have been via text or IM. EMPLOY CONVENIENCES THOUGHTFULLY Modern conveniences are certainly handy – until they’re not. It’s important to at least occasionally consider both what we’re gaining with them and also what we stand to lose.

The balance of these factors should guide us to the appropriate frequency of us.

— Katie Loehrke is a certified Professional in Human Resources and an editor with J. J. Keller & Associates, a nationally recognized compliance resource firm. The company offers a diverse line of products and services to address the broad range of responsibilities held by HR and corporate professionals. Loehrke specializes in employment law topics such as discrimination, privacy and social media, and affirmative action. She is the editor of J. J. Keller’s Employment Law Today newsletter and its Essentials of Employment Law manual. For more information, visit www.jjkeller.com/hr.

On the

Move

Tyler Gurnee

has joined Professional Finance Company as an associate attorney for the PFC legal team.

Gurnee was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Va., and graduated from the University of Virginia in 2012 with a double major in history and classics.

Before attending law school, Gurnee was a lease administrator for a Fortune 500 specialty retailer headquartered in Chesapeake, Va. While pursuing his Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Colorado Law School, Gurnee worked as a law clerk for a construction litigation and real estate firm and then as an associate attorney at a corporate and securities law firm in Louisville, after graduating in 2016. Gurnee passed the Colorado Bar exam in 2016 and plans to sit for the Nevada Bar exam in July 2017.

Dr. Phillip Kick

has joined the UCHealth Urology Clinic team and will care for patients at 5881 16th St., Suite D, in Greeley and 3520 E. 15th St., Suite 201, in Loveland.

He focuses on providing compassionate urologic care and putting the patient’s needs at the center of his practice.

Kick works with general urology conditions, urologic oncology, kidney stones, prostate conditions, urinary incontinence and sexual function conditions.

He earned a medical degree from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He also completed a general surgery residency and a urology residency through Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

To schedule an appointment or for more information about UCHealth’s urology services in northern Colorado, call (970) 350-2491.

Katie Butler

has joined the litigation team of Otis, Bedingfield & Peters, LLC. Butler worked as a law

clerk for the firm for about a year and she recently has been admitted to practice law in Colorado. Butler graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and English from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Before joining Otis, Bedingfield & Peters, she was in-house counsel for CrossFit, Inc., managing an international trademark portfolio and navigating the company’s business issues. While in law school, Butler worked as a student attorney for the Transactional Clinic, aiding nonprofit businesses with organizational legal issues. She volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club of Weld County.

Jennifer Jones

a nurse practitioner, joined the team at Banner Health Clinic, 2001 70th Ave. Jones will specialize in gynecology and obstetrics at the clinic. She’s board certified by the National Certification Corporation and specializes in women’s health, specifically wellwoman exams, menopause, infertility, routine pregnancy and contraception.

Jones attended the University of Iowa and received her master’s degree in nursing at the University of Colorado.

The Banner Health Clinic includes a variety of services including prenatal care, postpartum care, labor, delivery and preventative screenings. To make an appointment with Jones at the Greeley clinic, call (970) 810-6353.

Celeste Ewert

has joined Envision as the organization’s new executive director.

Envision serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or delays. Ewert took charge on June 1, and replaces Mary Lu Walton, who led the organization for more 20 years and who retired May 31.

Ewert is a graduate of Aims Community College and the University of Northern Colorado. She also served in volunteer roles at Union Colony Children’s Music Academy, Birchwood Manor, Micah Respite House, University Schools and the city of Greeley.

In 2013, she was selected to participate in the Leadership Weld County Program.

July 2017 I Business Connect I 21

Andy Warner

has joined Connecting Point as a business consultant. He is a 2005 Colorado State University graduate, receiving degrees in finance and accounting.

Following graduation, he worked at Price Waterhouse Coopers accounting firm in Denver and earned his CPA designation.

Warner joins family members Ted and Scott Warner at the firm. Connecting Point has been in business in Greeley for 32 years.

Brandy Natalzia

an attorney with Otis, Bedingfield & Peters, has been promoted to senior associate. She is a member of the firm’s business and transaction team. She graduated cum laude form Florida Coastal School of Law, where she received class book awards fr her work on trusts and estates and transactional drafting. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications, cum laude, from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. She is admitted to practice in Colorado and Florida.

Natalzia focuses on all areas of real estate and business transactions, including entity formation and contract drafting, review and negotiations.

Todd Andre has joined his father’s firm, Investment Centers of America in Greeley, as an investment representative.

He graduated from the University of Northern with a business degree.

He has worked for State Farm the past 15 years. In his new role, Andrew will assist people in preparing for their future and managing their retirement needs. His office is located at 1120 38th Ave., Suite 1, Greeley.

Doc Jarnagin has joined Townsquare Media-Northern Colorado as an on-air host and as a member of the programming team.

Jarnagin will be the new morning show host for classic hits KTRR-FM (TRI 102.5) 22 I Business Connect I July 2017

and midday host for alternative KMAXFM (94.3 The X) with both stations serving all of northern Colorado. Jarnagin was previously the brand manager/afternoon drive personality for KPAW-FM (107.9 The Bear) for many years.

Doc Jarnagin’s first day on the air for KTRRFM and KMAX-FM will be July 5.

Shelby TaylorThorn, who hosts the

afternoon drive on KMAXFM, took on midday duties on country cluster mate KUAD-FM, May 30.

Thorn has been with the Townsquare-Northern Colorado cluster since 2014, starting on the air on alternative KMAXFM when the station launched in August 2015.

She will continue to host afternoon drive on KMAX-FM.

Buddy Truesdell

of Greeley-based B&G Equipment, has been named to the Kubota Tractor Corportion National Dealer Advisory Board to represent its division board for agriculture. Truesdell was elected by his peers in his respective regional division to serve for a two-year term.

B&G Equipment has been a Kubota dealer for 15 years in Greeley. Truesdell’s position on the National Dealer Advisory Board will bring local needs and ideas to the corporate level directly influencing and enhancing product development, parts and service, according to a news release.

Kubota created the 14-member board two years ago, to give the company a direct link to its geographic customer base, the release stated.

The board is comprised of elected dealer representatives from all nine of the company’s geographic districts, including presidents from the company’s equipment division advisory boards. The division boards cover four core market segments: agriculture equipment, construction equipment, utility vehicle/ turf equipment and product support.

To include your business moves in Business Connect, contact Sharon Dunn at sdunn@greeleytribune.com or call (970) 392-4439.

WHO’S NEXT

2017

SPONSOR

WHO’S NEXT EVENTS Who’s Next is a program that recognizes up-and-coming professionals in Greeley and Weld County.

Using both a mass and targeted approach, the Greeley Tribune will honor millennials (under 40) in our community by highlighting their story and achievements in print, digital and at a live-event.

Each month, we will host a networking event for the Who’s Next honorees to meet and interact. This event will appeal to Greeley and Weld County millennials, offering honor and pride for what the honorees have accomplished and what they are doing to improve our community and their business.

Be a part of these great events by sponsoring WHO’S NEXT Today.

Contact Bruce Dennis at 970-392-4429 or bdennis@greeleytribune.com July 2017 I Business Connect I 23

“We have the Advantage.

Do you?”

The Funkwerks team at their Fort Collins brewery.

“Our brewery grew by 70% last year, that wouldn’t have been possible without Advantage Bank. From taking the time to understand our business to the local decision making and excellent customer service, Advantage Bank offers everything a small business like ours needs to succeed.”

- Brad Lincoln, Co-Founder of Funkwerks Brewery in Fort Collins, CO.

At Advantage Bank, we are dedicated to serving Northern Colorado’s small businesses like Funkwerks Brewery in Fort Collins. We get to know you and your business so that, together, we can find the best financial solutions at the right time. Let us show you the Advantage of working with a locally owned community bank that believes in building lasting customer relationships.

advantagebanks.com Loveland Branch 1475 N. Denver Ave. Loveland, CO 80538 970-613-1982 Member FDIC

24 I Business Connect I July 2017

Greeley Branch 1801 59th Ave. Greeley, CO 80634 970-353-0047

Fort Collins Branch 4532 McMurry Ave. Ste. 100 Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-204-0450