Business Briefs

The Business Times august 25-sePtember 14, 2022 n GRAND VALLEY COUPLE PURCHASES FRANCHISE

TO BRING KONA ICE TO MESA COUNTY

Kona Ice, a franchise combining shaved ice with entertainment and fund-raising, has come to the Grand Valley. Felix and Synde Villarreal own the local franchise along with a truck and self-service dispensing system. “Felix and Synde share our core values and commitment to giving back,” said Tony Lamb, founder and president of Kona Ice. “They have always been very passionate about their community and want to have a positive influence in the community, whether it’s new textbooks, sports uniforms or, simply, a smile. We are proud to have them on board.”

Felix Villarreal said the couple bring to their venture his military background and her experience in the food industry. “Together we have the skills, mindset and ability to accomplish anything,” he said. “Kona Ice presented us with the perfect opportunity to own a business while also allowing us to give back to our community. And we’re proud that we will be able to leave a legacy for our son and his family.”

Synde Villarreal said Kona Ice is not only a business, but also a way to help people. “Even if that means simply putting a smile on someone’s face, it’s all worth it if we’re serving our community. We love that Kona enables us to be actively involved with our community and to give back to our neighbors and friends.”

Kona Ice trucks feature the Flavorwave self-service dispensing system offering guests the option to choose from more than 20 flavors and 500 different combinations. Since its founding in Kentucky in 2007, the franchise has grown to a total of more than 1,400 trucks in 49 states.

Kona Ice franchisees donate a portion of proceeds from each event they host, contributing thousands of dollars each year to local school groups and teams and community organizations. Kona Ice has raised more than $100 million in total donations since 2007.

For more information about Kona Ice, contact the Villarreals at (970) 314-7569 or villarreal@kona-ice.com or visit the website at www.kona-ice.com n REAL ESTATE FIRM PRESENTS $4,000 CHECK

AFTER FUND-RAISER PHOTO CONTEST

Ronin Real Estate Professionals in Grand Junction presented a check for $4,000 to Mesa County Partners, proceeds from an annual fund-raiser.

Participants bought Ronin rally towels for a minimum donation of $5 to $6. They took photos with the towels depicting interesting activities or locations and posted the photos on social media.

Five photos were posted on the Ronin Facebook page. The winner was selected by voting, and the entrant received a total of $500 in gift cards to local businesses.

Mesa County Partners provides a range of services to youth, including mentoring and restitution programs. Mesa County Partners also operates the Western Colorado Conservation Corps, which provides training and employment opportunities for youth and young adults.

Ronin Real Estate Professionals operates offices at 715 Horizon Drive, No 380. For more information, call 549-1052 or visit the website at https://www.ronin-rep.com.

Opinion Business Briefs

Business PeopleSHARE YOUR NEWS The Business Times welcomes submissions for Almanac NOTEWORTHY free publication in Business Briefs. Email items to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com. n GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS SCHEDULES

COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST PREP COURSES

A Grand Junction business offering services to help students prepare for college admission tests has scheduled in-person courses for the fall. ACT/SAT Prep has scheduled courses starting Sept. 6, Oct. 3 and Nov. 1. The courses will cover content skills, timing, strategies and other tips intended to increase scores on ACT and SAT tests. Suzanne Bergen started ACT/SAT Prep nine years ago to help students raise their test scores and in turn benefit from college admission and scholarship opportunities. She brings to her venture experience as an instructor at Colorado Mesa University and Fruita Monument High School. She also worked in career services at CMU, helping students write cover letters and build resumes. Prior to teaching, she directed a public relations department for an integrated marketing firm and worked as a newspaper writer and photographer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Colorado State University and master’s degree in secondary education from Regis University. For additional information about ACT/SAT Prep and upcoming in-person courses, contact Bergen at suzanne.testprep@gmail.com or (970) 433-3473. n PILLAR PROPERTY SERVICES SELECTED

TO MANAGE GRAND JUNCTION APARTMENTS

Pillar Property Services has been hired to manage the Courtyard Apartments and Lincoln Apartments in Grand Junction. The Situs Group and Headwaters Housing Partners real estate investment firms selected Pillar Property Services to manage the properties. Pillar Property Services is the property management arm of Rocky Mountain Communities, a nonprofit affordable housing organization that owns nearly 1,200 units and manages an additional 344 units in Colorado. “As an organization whose mission is to build brighter futures and inspire hope by providing affordable housing and residentfocused services, we are proud to work with the Situs Group to manage the day-to-day operations at Courtyard and Lincoln Apartments,” said Dontae Latson, chief executive officer of Rocky Mountain Communities. “We manage affordable housing properties for many other communities across Colorado, and we look forward to serving the residents of these properties, too.” Located at 2910 Bunting Ave., Courtyard Apartments offers 27 units, an onsite laundry and playground surrounded by mature landscaping. Located at 1303 N. 15th St., Lincoln Apartments offers 12 units and an onsite laundry. For more information, visit https://pillar.biz/property-management F A Grand Junction-based insurance company and real estate firm rank among the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, according to the latest list compiled for a national publication. Rocky Mountain West Insurance moved up 189 spots Tomy Lamb to 566th in the Inc. magazine 5000 for 2022. Conklin & Co. ranked 4,314th. “Our company strives for excellence, innovation and to offer services Suzanne Bergen that go above and beyond what our clients expect. This continued Todd Conklin recognition is proof that we are holding ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to what we do,” said Todd Conklin, chairman of Conklin & Co. “Our inclusion on this list highlights the hard work and dedication of each of our agents and staff.” Inc. compiles its list based on the percentage of revenue growth over the previous three years. The 2022 list is based on the percentage of revenue growth from 2018 to 2021. A retail insurance agency with branch agencies across the country, Rocky Mountain West Insurance reported 1,115 percent growth between 2018 and 2021. Conklin & Co., which operates Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties and Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, reported 105 percent growth. The firm has made the Inc. 5000 list for seven years. For more information about Rocky Mountain West Insurance, visit www.rockyquote.com. For more information about Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties, visit www.cbdistinctive.com. For more about Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, log on https://cbc-prime.com.