Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Curtis Halbach, Owner of Mountain Man Nut & Fruit, located in Northglenn, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is called Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Co, and it's a Colorado company that's been around since 1977. My personal store is a retail franchise of the company, and we sell everything from candy and popcorn, nuts and trail mixes, to chocolate and Colorado gifts and so much more. We also specialize in gift baskets for any occasion. We call them the gift that never gets re-gifted. Most of our customers are Colorado natives and range in age from 30 to 90. People who have lived here a long time know about the company and consider it a Colorado staple.
Tell us about yourself
Almost ten years ago, I was working in downtown Denver at a restaurant as a server, but I also did some marketing and event coordinating for them. One day, my mom was in our current store before we owned it, doing some shopping for her favorite treats, and the owners told her that they were looking to sell and retire. She immediately called me, and the next thing I knew, we were going into business together.
It's so special when working with your mom, and we try everything we can to make sure business is good and we keep things new and fresh. We constantly bring in new local products from an array of local vendors. We really encourage people to shop for local small businesses. I guess our motivation is that this is something that we have built together, and honestly, you can't beat working for yourself. Yeah, it may be stressful at times, but it truly beats working for someone else.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'd say my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is not only being able to double the store's revenue in the time that I've had it but also being able to give back to the community. We are always donating gift baskets to silent auctions for local charities, and we also donate leftover-themed holiday products from each and every holiday to churches and food shares in the area.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is that you're always on the clock. Even when you're not physically in the store. My mom and I are constantly texting each other updates or questions when one of us isn't there. You really have to learn to shut it off sometimes, and do you. That's what vacations are for, right?
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I suppose my top three tips for someone looking to start and run a business of their own would be patience, resilience, and knowing that it's okay to ask for help.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.coloradogiftbaskets.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MountainmanNutFruitCo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountain_man_northglenn/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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