Issuu

SEPTEMBER 2020

CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

SMALL BIZ

SEPTEMBER

SUNDAE, SLOPE & HATCH, AND MORE ON BUSINESS SURVIVAL DURING A PANDEMIC

MARISSA LINS PILATES OPENS IN BASALT

A NEW COWORKING SPACE FOR THE MIDVALLEY

Our family is here for your family. Primary care for your kids and entire family. Our providers offer both in person and VirtualCare visits with expanded safety measures to protect you. From pediatric care and women's health to annual physicals and disease management, we are here for you. PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS: Eagle Valley Family Practice | Internal Medicine | Pediatric Partners Roaring Fork Family Practice | Silt Family Practice Learn how we make your safety our priority at VVH.org/Safety.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

SEPTEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Rick French | rfrench@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Caitlin Causey | caitlin.causey@lifestylepubs.com

Roaring Fork Resilient HOW’S EVERYONE HOLDING UP? It’s September, and we’re now about six

AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER

Dani Moore

months deep with this coronavirus situation. During any other year, we’d all be plan-

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ning leaf-peeping trips and getting back into the usual routines of work or school

Derek Bray, Caitlin Causey, Mike Mercatoris

right now. But this September? Not so much. We’re all wondering when and how life might ever return to “normal.” The best we

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Hefferon, Estate Photo Video

can do, it seems, since there is no clear answer yet, is to simply keep on keeping on. This is the lesson I learned from several local business owners I spoke with for our September issue. Their determination to continue serving our community in the face of such adversity is truly admirable. So this month, Roaring Fork Lifestyle is celebrating that perseverance by spotlighting stories from within a variety of business sectors across our valley, from restaurants to real estate to the little Pilates studio with a big heart in Basalt. It’s also worth noting here that the magazine you’re holding is a small local business itself, owned by publisher Rick French of Glenwood Springs. Without the support

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

of our loyal advertisers in these pages, we wouldn’t be able to bring these stories

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

to your mailbox every month. We are filled with gratitude that we, too, have been

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

able to survive the recent crisis—so if you like what you read, please patronize the numerous businesses you see here.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Tell them we sent you!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

Proverbs 3:5-6 Roaring Fork Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Roaring Fork areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Roaring Fork Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2020

FEATURES 8 The Scoop on Sundae Sundae is on a Mission to Make the Roaring Fork Valley Even Sweeter

12 Blessing in Disguise A Basalt Pilates Instructor Launches Her New Studio—Just as Covid-19 was Shutting Down the Valley

18 We’ll Be Here Chef/Owner Derek Bray of Slope & Hatch Shares Why Not Even a Global Pandemic Can Dampen His Love of the Business

28 From Chaos, Opportunity One of the Valley’s Leading Entrepreneurial Real Estate Experts on

8 18

Why Now is the Time to Take a Chance on the Post-Coronavirus World

28 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Local Limelight

Hot Spot

Food & Wine

24 City Scene 28 Locals Only 34 Parting Thoughts

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

The Sundae Scoop INTERVIEW CAITLIN CAUSEY PHOTOGRAPHY ESTATEPHOTOVIDEO.COM - MICHAEL HEFFERON

WITH NEW LOCATIONS IN GLENWOOD SPRINGS AND SNOWMASS BASE VILLAGE, SUNDAE IS ON A MISSION TO MAKE THE ROARING FORK VALLEY EVEN SWEETER ICE CREAM. Is there any more charming treat? Dress it up with sprinkles, nuts, and candy, or keep it classic with only a cup and spoon. When the flavors are as rich and enticing as Sundae’s, either way is a win. It’s best to just surrender and let your sweet tooth be your guide. So what’s the story behind the cream? General manager Ashlyn Streetz recently filled us in—and let’s just say that we’re now hankering for a raspberry cone, big time. 8

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

RFL: WHAT’S THE SUNDAE STORY? Streetz: “We were born a bit over three years ago in Eagle County, with shops in Edwards and Vail. The owner [Kent Beidel] wanted to offer an all-natural product, done well—ice cream that’s amazingly good but without any artificial ingredients. It turned out that our customers wanted the same because soon after opening, it exploded in popularity. Pretty soon we were looking to expand.” SO THAT’S HOW SUNDAE CAME TO THE ROARING FORK VALLEY. WHY DOWNTOWN GLENWOOD AND SNOWMASS BASE VILLAGE? Streetz: “We were looking everywhere, scouting in Denver and the front range. But at the end of the day, we decided that we really love being a mountain town brand. It has been wonderful to be in small towns where having a really great ice cream shop can become an asset to the community. So far, business has been amazing, even considering the conditions we opened under, with Covid going on. Glenwood opened June 1, and Snowmass July 27.” HOW HAS IT BEEN TO NAVIGATE BUSINESS DURING THE PANDEMIC? Streetz: “There have been so many challenges that have come with this. Safety precautions, rules enforced with customers, special sanitation guidelines...it’s been a lot. But we decided to push forward with the openings despite these challenges. We had stayed open in Vail and Edwards during the toughest part of lockdown this spring, and what we got was incredible support from the community. Our hope was that we could provide a little happiness and relief from all the chaos of the world in the form of ice cream cones, so we’ve continued to adapt and keep our doors open to be able to do that.” NOW, TELL US ABOUT ALL THAT GLORIOUS ICE CREAM. AND THE CONES. Streetz: “To begin with, we set out with the idea that if we can’t make the best vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream you’ve ever had, then we should just quit. [Laughs.] We focused on the basics first, because we want to appeal to people who love the classics. Building on that, we do have fun with other flavors like our s’mores or salted cookies and cream, which is really popular, and some dairy-free flavors as well. All the ice cream is made in-house, except for our smaller Snowmass shop which is made in Glenwood and brought in. We start with milk, cream, eggs, and sugar, and then build all the flavors naturally from there. All the cones are made in-house at all four locations, every day, and they are guaranteed fresh. We make classic waffle cones and add chocolate and toppings, because why not make something that’s already fun even better? How can a giant sprinkled cone with your favorite ice cream not make your day? We also do grab-and-go ice cream sandwiches and pints, and our ice cream cakes come ready-made or custom if you call ahead.” WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FLAVOR? Streetz: “That’s the hardest decision. I like to keep it simple for sure. I think my all-time favorite that we make is our raspberry ice cream. I would do a dark chocolate-dipped cone with almond toffee and a scoop of raspberry. But just a single scoop—which would leave room for another one later!”

CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

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HOT SPOT

Blessing in Disguise

ARTICLE CAITLIN CAUSEY PHOTOGRAPHY ESTATEPHOTOVIDEO.COM MICHAEL HEFFERON LIKE JUST ABOUT EVERYONE ACROSS AMERICA, MARISSA LINS REMEMBERS MONDAY, MARCH 16 QUITE WELL. As she says, “That day the whole world started shutting down.” As fear gripped the valley under the threat of Covid-19 this spring, Lins keenly felt the crunch of uncertainty in the community. The sudden isolation was jarring; after all, as an accomplished Pilates instructor, close personal interaction is integral to her line of work. She stopped seeing clients indefinitely, and like so many across the nation, wondered when life might return to normal. Lins had also, not incidentally, just taken one of the biggest professional leaps of her career. Armed with a long-held dream of operating her own studio in the valley, she had just gone under contract to purchase a commercial space in Basalt. “In January of this year I started looking around at real estate, and then this listing showed up. It had already been built out as a Pilates and bodywork studio a long time ago but had been sitting empty for about three years,” Lins recalls. “Everything seemed so perfect.” Closing was set for May 1. A grand opening was planned for May 11. Lins could see her dream unfolding. “But then, March 16. The momentum completely stopped,” she says. “At that point, we truly weren’t sure what was going to happen or how we would be able to continue. No one knew how long quarantine was going to last.” Despite the world seemingly falling apart at her feet, Lins was determined to make the best of a distressing situation. She isolated with her partner Mark and their children, and simply got to work.

A BASALT PILATES INSTRUCTOR LAUNCHES HER NEW STUDIO—JUST AS COVID-19 WAS SHUTTING DOWN THE VALLEY

“I knew I wanted to keep going. To be honest, I started to see that time as an opportunity to get my ducks in a row,” she says. “It was such a heartbreaking time, but on the other hand, I was able to really stop and put together a business plan, order equipment, and get ready to open someday. We knew we would be able to when the time was right. My investors and I never wavered on whether to open or not.”

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

+ ABOUT

+ SAFETY

Lins created a specific Covid-19

cleaning and sanitation plan for the studio before opening in May. Marissa Lins has been practicing

and teaching Pilates for 20 years. She owned/operated Madison

Clients are encouraged to take every precaution in order to feel safe while working out.

Pilates, INC for a decade in Wisconsin, her home state, and founded the Midwest Pilates Institute Teacher Training Program, which she licensed as the first post-secondary Pilates school in the state and third in the nation. Lins is also the author of a 300+ page Pilates teaching guide, and has helped studios set up their own teacher training programs across the U.S., U.K., and China.

+ MASK UP

Instructor

Elly Harder leads an appropriately distanced class with masked clients. Lins says her clientele is incredibly active, and that she is equipped to train a broad spectrum of individuals including children, elite athletes, new mothers, people with chronic pain or disease, and seniors. As a classical and contemporary

+ GET FIT

Pilates studio, instructors are able to do modifications for clients with limitations.

CONTINUED >

The studio

is outfitted with equipment that was madeto-order in Sacramento, CA. Lins and her partner put the studio together during quarantine earlier this spring, including Pilates apparatuses called The Reformer, Wunda Chair, Cadillac, and Spine Corrector. The studio offers group classes, specialty lessons, private and semi-private training, and more. CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)

Instructor Elly Harder works out on The Cadillac.

In addition to the general preparations that come with opening a new business, Lins and her partner took special care in establishing a health safety protocol for the studio.

hadn’t been able to do their usual physical therapy appointments or do any kind of core work or stretching for several weeks.” Since opening, Lins reports that her client base has grown steadily.

“We did a lot of research on proper sanitation and distancing

She has been keeping busy with private training and small group

that’s appropriate for a small studio,” she notes. “It’s really important

classes in the studio, which she describes as “a clean, safe place

to me that my clients feel safe and that they understand I’m compli-

of comfort—very open, with plenty of light and a breeze that comes

ant with all the guidelines from Pitkin County, the town of Basalt, and

through. It overlooks the Roaring Fork River, which my clients love.”

the state of Colorado.”

Lins’s tenacious positivity is also something her clients love. Her

As quarantine pressed on through the spring, Lins saw her original

following in the valley is loyal, supportive, and growing. As she looks

grand opening date draw closer. And then, a break in the clouds: Under

back on the unusual circumstances under which she opened her

the state’s transition to the “Safer at Home” period around the beginning

business, she says that the unfortunate timing was transformed into

of May, her studio would be permitted to open. Right on schedule.

something of a blessing in disguise.

“I was able to stay on my original timeline through the hardest part

“It was such a strange time, and still is in many ways,” Lins says.

of quarantine,” Lins says. “We officially opened May 17, and it’s been

“But for me, it all unfolded so well. I am sincerely grateful for the way

wonderful ever since. People are so excited to come and have a

things have turned out.”

place to work out since gyms and health clubs were closed during lockdown. Many people were feeling stiff, especially the ones who 14

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

Find Marissa Lins Pilates on Facebook and Instagram or at MarissaLinsPilates.com.

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FOOD & WINE ARTICLE DEREK BRAY PHOTOGRAPHY ESTATEPHOTOVIDEO.COM - MICHAEL HEFFERON

L WE’ L BE HERE IT’S BEEN A ROUGH YEAR FOR THE VALLEY’S RESTAURANT COMMUNITY. CHEF/OWNER DEREK BRAY OF SLOPE & HATCH SHARES WHAT THOSE EARLY DAYS OF QUARANTINE WERE LIKE—AND WHY NOT EVEN A GLOBAL PANDEMIC CAN DAMPEN HIS LOVE OF THE BUSINESS

WITH TWO CHILDREN UNDER THREE YEARS OLD, AND NO

closing on an unusually quiet Monday evening vent their concerns to a

FAMILY FOR NEARLY A THOUSAND MILES IN ANY DIRECTION

fresh pair of ears. After all, they had earned it, and everyone was nervous.

TO HELP CARE FOR THEM, THE ODDS OF SEEING MY WIFE

States and cities on both coasts and in between had imposed varying

OR ME IN OUR RESTAURANT MUCH LATER THAN HAPPY

degrees of social restrictions, the news was pretty scary out of Asia and

HOUR ARE USUALLY SLIM TO NONE. Nonetheless, around 9:30

Europe, sanitizer and toilet paper were flying off the shelves. Trying to

p.m. on Monday, March 16, I found myself shuffling down 7th Street

balance the fear of a new, enigmatic virus, along with what is traditionally

in Glenwood, headed to Slope & Hatch. The overall energy of the

peak Spring Break season, had left everyone’s heads spinning.

cantina/eatery had been understandably “off” as of late.

It wasn’t until I glanced over my shoulder and spotted the sign

The previous week was stressful; everyone knew Spring Break

on a neighboring restaurant’s door that I realized Spring Break had

was underperforming. All Colorado ski resorts had just recently been

definitely flatlined. While my wife, Alex, and I had spent the last few

ordered to close, and while I knew I didn’t have much to offer as far as

hours preparing and serving dinner, cleaning and wrestling our two

advice or knowledge about how we would proceed, the least I could

small boys into their beds for the night, Governor Polis had finally

do to help temper my restaurant family’s apprehension was to show

issued an order that all restaurants stop “dine-in” service for the next

up, pour a few margaritas, and let what remained of my staff after

30 days. The optimist in me thought 30 days wouldn’t be so bad CONTINUED >

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

Derek Bray with wife Alex and sons Henry and Noah.

CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

Due to its limited capacity, the Slope & Hatch dining room has been closed since March. The restaurant's takeout business, however, has remained strong.

(albeit less than ideal timing), while the realist knew, deep down, it

there was only one approach that would work. We had to get everyone

was going to be longer—and that we could be in big, big trouble.

paid, discuss plans with our vendors and loan officers, and promptly close

With the absence of the traditional Spring Break cash influx, it

down and apply for whatever loans/grants were available.

would be problematic to weather the next couple of months. One

In all, we were closed for around a month. But all was not lost.

of the multitudes of economic and societal flaws this pandemic has

With enough funds in the bank (loaned/granted through the Federal

put on public display, is how glaringly tight profit margins are in the

Paycheck Protection Program) to make a sluggish month or two less

restaurant world. So for us, even coming off a wonderful summer,

terrifying, our staff showed up—generous unemployment checks be

an above-average fall, and a perfectly nice holiday season in 2019,

damned. And my wife’s heart, as well as my own, melted.

losing Spring Break 2020 meant that money was tight.

Everything has been a struggle since March. But even in the shadow

Despite all the uncertainty, we did at least understand where our

of a growing pandemic, it has become apparent that our little business

priorities should lay. After all, since our restaurant’s inception, with

has done a few things right. Namely, our employees. Without them, our

our crew at our side, we have weathered economic downturns, crip-

restaurant couldn’t have survived the seemingly never-ending obsta-

pling construction projects, natural disasters, and an array of massive

cles the universe has thrown our way this year. I have always believed

equipment and infrastructure failures. All of which seemed devastat-

that the key to any successful business begins and ends with not only

ing at their respective times. But none of which were even a drop in

a great concept, but with kind, conscientious, and patient employees.

the proverbial bucket compared to what was coming with Covid-19.

As we approach our seventh anniversary at Slope & Hatch this

Our crew had always shown us great empathy and patience. The least

autumn, my wife and I can take solace that together, along with our

we could do was reciprocate, and do our best to keep them safe, informed,

quirky little restaurant family, we will at least not be alone. We will

and reassured that together we would get through this. Somehow.

be here. Our crew will be here. Not because anyone is getting rich,

If we wanted to ensure we could safely open the doors again by

or because anything about this industry is easy. The pandemic has

Memorial Day—the giant travel weekend which generally marks the

taught us that we’ll be here because we love what we do, we love our

kick-off to the summer season when town overflows with tourists—

guests, our food, our town, and maybe, when we get a few seconds

we would have to crunch numbers based off the limited information

to catch our breath, we can even learn to love whatever lies ahead.

we had, in combination with our “best guess” forecasts of how much business we could generate in a town that was virtually empty. It

Derek Bray is a native of Alpena, MI who graduated with a B.A. in

didn’t take long to decide.

English with specializations in Film and Political Science from Michi-

To safeguard the nominal amount of cash we had in our reserves while also attempting to keep our employees as safe as possible, we decided 20

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

gan State University in 2004. He hated every office job thereafter and decided cooking was the only thing that kept him sane.

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COMPANION CARE SERVICES • • • • •

Bathing, Dressing, and A ssist ance with Personal Hygiene G roce r y S hopping ; M e al Pre par at ion and S e r ving G e ne r al E r r and s and Light H ou se Wor k A s sis t ance wit h S oci al E ng age me nt s and Ac t ivit ie s Tr anspor t at ion t o and f rom A ppoint me nt s

TA I LO R E D C A R E

P O S T O P E R AT I V E S E RV I C E S • • • • • •

Tr anspor t at ion t o and f rom Pl ace of Proce dure A s sis t ance wit h Re h abilit at ive St re t c he s and E xe rcise s A nt i - I nf l amm at or y N u t r it ion al Pl ans Pe r son al Che f O pt ions 24 - hour A s sis t ance w it h O ve r night Che c k- ins L i aison B e t we e n M e dic al Pe r sonne l and Pat ie nt

TR AVEL COMPANION S • 24 - H our C are and Companionship for Tr ip D ur at ion • Wheelchair, Bathroom, Grooming and Dressing Assistance • A s sis t ance wit h B ag g age , Che c k- ins , S e cur it y and S pe ci al M e dic al N e e d s • Detailed Communication and Coordination with Families

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WE’RE HERE FOR THE ONES WITH THEIR HANDS FULL

These are the ones who get things done, even when faced with what’s in front of us. We’re proud to be the community bank standing behind them for over 40 years. We’re not just a bank in Colorado, we’re Bank of Colorado. Discover Colorado banking at BankOfColorado.com

GLENWOOD SPRINGS 901 Grand Ave., 970.945.7422 RIFLE 1200 Railroad Ave., 970.625.1266 BASALT 655 E. Valley Rd., 970.704.1144

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

Love your smile! We can customize a cosmetic treatment plan just for you. Book a new patient exam and receive complimentary teeth whitening. Give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our services and practice. 970.945.2313

| urnisedentistry.com

CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

CITY SCENE

COWORKING AT THE CONFLUENCE NO OFFICE? No problem. Basalt’s new Hack & Grind coworking space has you covered. With more entrepreneurs, micro business owners, gig workers, and remote employees fueling our local economy than ever before, the timing couldn’t be better. The economic hub is managed as a program of the Basalt Chamber of Commerce, and is poised to fill a critical need for many area professionals. “Hack & Grind provides an avenue for us to achieve greater economic vitality for the midvalley area,” says Chamber executive director Kris Mattera, who has envisioned bringing a coworking space to Basalt since moving to the Roaring Fork Valley from Boston nearly four years ago. “We see this as a place that’s conducive for gatherings, to create that ‘living room’ environment for the local business community. Our hope is to be able to foster creative collisions between individuals working in a variety of sectors. And especially with Covid, we’re already seeing an extraordinary amount of collaboration; this is just a place to bring it all together.” Whether you are starting a new business venture from scratch and need affordable resources, or you’ve been working remotely and just want to escape the house for a few hours each week, Hack & Grind is uniquely designed to meet a spectrum of needs. The Chamber plans to scale up operations over time, adjusting course as locals’ business needs come further into focus. “There are so many advantages with this type of work environment. 2020 has become the year that we’re really seeing just how much the workforce is changing,” Mattera says. “It’s just a matter of momentum now.” 24

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

ARTICLE CAITLIN CAUSEY

AT A GLANCE

HACK & GRIND AIMS TO HELP PROFESSIONALS THRIVE THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND

$17 DROP-INS

1 EVENT

RENTAL SPACE Host your next gathering of up to 25 guests (when

Hack & Grind’s low daily drop-in rate (with the purchase of a 10-day punch pass) has been made intentionally economical. Wifi and access to office resources are included. “This space is intended to serve locals and visitors alike, so our vision was to create a place that offers a lot of flexibility for an affordable price,” Mattera says.

Covid-19 health guidelines permit), or make use of the eight-seat conference room for smaller meetings. Other member amenities include a communal kitchen, business delivery address, a printer/ scanner, and more.

300+ SPACES IN-NETWORK

Heading out of town? One major perk of a membership is the access it provides to hundreds of other coworking venues across the country. As part of The Proximity Network, Hack & Grind allows members to drop in to spaces as far-flung as San Diego, New York, Miami, Salt Lake, and Seattle. There are also dozens of network locations throughout Colorado.

8 MEMBERSHIP

208 MIDLAND

OPTIONS

AVENUE

“We’ve designed these to be sort of like ‘choose your own

Hack & Grind is located in the heart of old town Basalt, steps

adventure’ with different price points and levels of com-

from restaurants, retail shops, and numerous other businesses.

mitment along the way,” Mattera notes. From one-time

Walk or bike to work and then stroll downtown for a bite to eat

visits to the monthly student flex pass to a private office

with the creative minds you’ve met at the office.

with 24/7 access, there’s an option for everyone. CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

C SE NO L R O IEN VI W N T NG IA S IN

WATER RIGHTS • BUSINESS • REAL ESTATE

by mary noone

THE NOONE LAW FIRM

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Since 1982

CLAIRE M NOONE, ESQ NooneCM@gmail.com

www.NooneLaw.com • 970 945-4500 1001 Grand Av. Suite 207, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 • Se Habla Espaňol 26

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

WOOD FLOORS

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LOCALS ONLY

932 Cooper Avenue in Glenwood Springs. This downtown beauty is zoned for commercial, residential, or both and is currently listed at $1,620,000. Photo: Capture Grand Valley

ONE OF THE VALLEYâ€™S LEADING ENTREPRENEURIAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTS ON WHY NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE A CHANCE ON THE POST-CORONAVIRUS WORLD, BEFORE IT EVEN GETS HERE

F R O M C H AO S , OPPORTUNIT Y ARTICLE MIKE MERCATORIS PHOTOGRAPHY ESTATEPHOTOVIDEO.COM - MICHAEL HEFFERON

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

Bella Mia in El Jebel is one of the longest-running restaurants in the valley, under the same ownership for 28 years. It is turn-key and seeking its next generation owner with a listing price of $525,000.

The UPS Store in El Jebel, a classic franchise business, has been under the same ownership for 23 years and is now under contract with the next generation.

Broker Mike Mercatoris.

LET’S TALK ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN OUR VALLEY. My specialty is in commercial and entrepreneurial real estate, and I personally fell into this entrepreneur lifestyle after I moved out here. Like many of us, I came for the winter and stayed for the summer. Working in restaurants at night and skiing and boarding all day. For me, restaurants became what I knew—and at one point I was an operating partner in four different locations, had 90 employees, and was doing consulting for restaurants up and down the valley. Entrepreneurship is strong here, and it always has been. The generations that came before us did not come out here with any guarantees. They came here decades ago to start businesses, start families, and if they were smart (and maybe a little bit lucky), they invested in property. Those people are now getting to the point where they want to retire. They would like to pass these successful businesses on to the next generation. This is the first of two major shifts we are currently experiencing in commercial/ entrepreneurial real estate in our valley.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

LOCALS ONLY (CONTINUED)

818 Grand Avenue in Glenwood Springs is a charming property which sold in April during the height of quarantine for $720,000.

As with any generation, the youth coming in behind them

sustainable existence here. Covid-19 has created the

have new ideas and a fresh perspective. If we can match these

turmoil that is accelerating the changing nature of local

two generations, we really have the formula for a great future

business ownership, but through that chaos comes an

in our community. There are so many successful businesses

opportunity to do great things for our valley. As long as

here and many more to come. Right now is a great time to be

we all continue to work together to use our powers for

thinking about the not-too-distant future. I know that Covid-19

the benefit of the community, we can and will accom-

has caused a lot of chaos in our business community, but that

plish amazing things.

is ok. Just like any time in the past, out of chaos comes opportunity. Those who embrace it will be successful. The second shift we are experiencing is something very new. As a result of the coronavirus, we are seeing more people coming to the valley and a lot of second homeowners making our area their permanent residence. This is also a result of entrepreneurship and the flexibility the

If you are looking for a new opportunity, please contact a Slifer Smith & Frampton Commercial-Entrepreneurial Division Broker below or visit SSFCommercial.com.

+ Mike Mercatoris 970.618.7092 + Bob Langley 970.948.0001 + Shilo Bartlett 970.319.0064 + Mike Eaton 970.274.4239

lifestyle offers. Many of those who own second homes in the valley made their money through entrepreneurial

Before launching the Slifer Smith & Frampton Commer-

ventures. These people are realizing that they can work

cial-Entrepreneurial Division, Mike Mercatoris was in the

from home, so they’re spending a lot more time here than

business of restaurants in the Roaring Fork Valley. Concepts

they usually do. They want to contribute to the community.

he developed with his partners include GRIND, Zheng Asian

They are actively looking for opportunities.

Bistro, and The Riviera Supper Club. He has since gone on

Putting the ideas of these individuals together with those of

to do restaurant consulting and has helped negotiate and

our next generation in the Roaring Fork Valley has the poten-

sign over 20 leases for his own businesses and consulted

tial to do an amazing amount of good, whether it is desperate-

on over 30 more leases across the valley. Now as a bro-

ly-needed affordable housing or legacy-style amenities in our

ker he uses his extensive knowledge to help bridge the gap

valley that will serve the community for generations to come.

between tenant-entrepreneurs and landlord-entrepreneurs,

Our valley has always been attractive because of the lifestyle, but it can be challenging to create a 30

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

current building owners and future investors, and current business owners and the next generation.

Thundercat Loves

the

Cat Only Most Kitties are not a huge fan of car rides, travel kennels, or visiting the Vet…

Room!

Thankfully, we have a dedicated “No Dogs Allowed ” exam room in a quiet corner to provide your feline pal with the most peaceful expuurrrrience.

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CONTACT

970-456-1060

stacy.networkinteriors@gmail.com CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

Safeguard Your Skin

Schedule an Appointment

(970) 930-6490 w w w . g l e n w o o d d e r m a t o l o g y. c o m

Behind every great planner, caterer, production Company or private party, there needs to be a great rental company, and “Bethel Party Rentals” is that company. Call us for your 15% discount now till May 30th 2017. 5447 County Rd 154• Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

877-777-2744 • bethelpartyrentals.com

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

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www.EstatePhotoVideo.com CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork 33

PARTING THOUGHTS

Silver Linings STAYING POSITIVE DURING HARD TIMES IS KEY FOR RETAIL SHOP OWNERS STEVE AND TRICIA PITTMAN “OUR SILVER LINING FROM THE PANDEMIC HAS BEEN SEEING THAT WE HAVE BUILT SUCH TRUSTED AND TRUE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR CUSTOMERS. We pulled through having our doors physically closed for three months because of

those thoughtful and loyal customers. We relied on many different avenues of communication to keep in touch with our customers from emails, contact forms on our website, facebook, the phone, and making appointments. We’ve pulled through because even

Covid-19 can’t stop those special moments, like birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, weddings, and engagements in people’s lives from happening. We are just doing it a bit differently. We are still in business because our unique jewelry and collectables create memories to be cherished with family and friends. Even behind a mask you can see someone’s eyes light up. We thank you all for your support, kindness, and patronage.”

PHOTOGRAPHY FINE THINGS JEWELRY 1. The Pittmans of Fine Things in downtown Glenwood. | 2. 14K ruby pendant and earring set with diamond accents. | 3. 14K peridot ring with diamond accents. | 4. 14K Mt. Sopris pendant with diamond.

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | September 2020

Ingrid Wussow Integrity, Honesty, Warmth

where

BIG PICTURE meets

Ingrid Wussow is an expert on land use and construction and is a big-picture thinker. While you’re just enjoying the view, she’s busy envisioning a property’s potential. You can count on her to tell you straight up what’s in your best interest – today and years down the road. As a fourthgeneration native of the Roaring Fork Valley, Ingrid loves it when her clients put down roots here too. 970.928.9000 | cbmasonmorse.com

Virtual Golf Tournament | Online Auction | Live Online Event

SEPTEMBER

18-30

Legacy Patron Presenting Sponsor

Partners in Comfort

VIRTUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

GET OUTSIDE, PLAY GOLF September 18 through 30 Choose your tee time at a Roaring Fork Valley or Vail Valley course Stats on our leaderboard $225 per person, Includes access to LIVE event.

ONLINE AUCTION

GET ONLINE, FIND TREASURES AND ADVENTURES September 18 through 30

Compassionate Friends Joan Bemis Leslieann Gallagher Barbara & Peter Guy Laura & Stan Kornasiewicz

LIVE ONLINE EVENT

CELEBRATE TOGETHER, during the online LIVE event, September 30 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $100 per viewing party.

All proceeds support hospice care, grief and bereavement support.

www.hchotv.org/events

Helping Hands Kathleen & Jack Eck Chinook Foundation