Montrose Manor B & B

Freddie and Tom Hancock took one look at their new home in Montrose and saw something beyond a magnificent house. Their dream was to transform it into a bed and breakfast, plus a base for their not for profit animal rescue operation. Familiar with SBDC consulting services in Arizona where they had moved from, the Hancocks contacted the SBDC for assistance in achieving their dream.

Freddie gave the SBDC consultant a tour of the 12,500 square foot home and surrounding acreage, detailing her and her husband’s ultimate vision of the property. Returning a few days later, the consultant discussed a strategic plan for creating their vision. She recommended specific marketing strategies, promotional venues and also provided Freddie with names and phone numbers of contacts that she needed to complete the plan. As Freddie and Tom were new to Montrose, the consultant suggested many critical vendors to launch their plan.

Reviewing their five-year financial forecast, the SBDC consultant provided instruction in Excel so that Freddie could complete her application for a bank loan. The loan was approved and they moved forward and opened.

When it came time for their first magazine ad to be designed, they sought the input of their SBDC consultant for coaching on ad content, photographs and layout. Two different sales brochures were recommended – one for the B & B and one for special events. After reviewing their drafts, the SBDC consultant helped them target their message. Planning for their first overnight guest was again supported by the consultant as she is a trained chef and has B & B experience. On top of this, she provided comments on their sign-in forms plus recipes and food plating tips. Needless to say, the Hancocks were thrilled with the ultimate outcome. With their sign hung on the street and their doors officially open, the Montrose Manor B & B has hosted two successful community events and several overnight guests.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the competent help and support from our local SBDC consultant. We are living our dream,” said Freddie.

970-240-6960
60169 LaSalle Road, Montrose CO 81401
http://www.montrosemanorbandb.com/

Heartsong’s Caribbean Crunchies

Sometimes a little bit of capital – somewhere in the range of $2,500 to $3,500 – is all a business owner needs to get started or to make a small change. This capital can help build a website, buy equipment, or – as the story of Ron Edwards will show you – open a quaint, Caribbean-themed café in Crested Butte. Born in New York, Edwards’ journey to Western Colorado is a story of resiliency. He

Yoga for the Peaceful

As a child, Brittany Phelps always dreamed of owning a yoga studio. As she grew, she gained more knowledge around the art of yoga and became an instructor. Eight months ago, that dream became a reality. Not one to take risks, she took a risk when she took over ownership of Yoga for the Peaceful in Crested Butte, Colorado. Early on, Brittany experienced difficulty deciphering business documents. Another challenge she faced was learning how to

A&Y Design Gallery

The smells of fresh roasted coffee and other pleasant scents waft through the air as you enter A&Y Design Gallery in downtown Montrose. Adam & Yesenia Duncan opened A&Y Design Gallery in 2013. The original concept was a gallery that displayed and sold local artisans work and Adam’s hand-made wood furniture. Although the business had been profitable since opening their doors, Yesenia and Adam aspired for more. A friend recommended they contact the SBDC. Discussing

Mochas! Drive-Thru Coffee House

Barb Carroll opened Mochas in May of 1997, after about 5 months of research and planning. The first location was a 120 square foot building. After 3 years at that location, Mochas relocated to a larger building (750 square feet) and expanded the menu to include smoothies, sandwiches, and ice cream, as well as inside seating for 16. In January of 2007, Mochas expanded again by leasing the neighboring unit and removing a large wall.

D’Medici

When D’Medici Footwear opened this spring, Susan Bony saw the need to introduce Debbie Tenaglia to Jim Sigle. As a counselor for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Susan works with a variety of businesses and non-profits throughout the Montrose area helping them prosper. Susan knew both Debbie and Jim, but why introduce these two people? Debbie owns D’Medici Footwear in Montrose and Jim Sigle is a custom boot maker from Delta. Susan saw the

Montrose Eagle Taxi Service

Disabled veteran John Casedy doesn’t drink alcohol; however, he enjoys the social part of going to the local bars. Recently, one night he stayed until the bar closed. He noticed that everyone left and drove home – sober or not. He offered to take several folks home who clearly shouldn’t have driven. During the drive, they discussed the need for a taxi service from the bars. John saw this business opportunity. The next day, he