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Reality business 101

Fort Lewis students hear that path to success rocky, but it still exists

It might be a good time for business start-ups, according to a congressman and other savvy business owners.

U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, paid a visit to eager Fort Lewis College students to discuss the importance of small businesses and entrepreneurship.

Enthusiastic to be back at his alma matter, he encouraged students to follow their dreams. He also touted FLC’s history of spawning congressmen and various successful business owners.

Many local entrepreneurs were there to share their success stories.

Those in attendance where: Kris Oyler, CEO and co-founder of Peak Brewing Co.; Christy Cooke, co-owner of Freenotes Harmony Park; and John Wolgamott, founder of StoneAge Inc.

The entrepreneurs, alongside Tipton and Joe Keck, director of Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center, gave advice and answered students’ questions.

Many forum speakers, including Tipton, had something in common: They were first-generation college graduates with thriving local companies.

A majority of students was curious about obtaining capital to fund a start-up.

Oyler, whose company oversees Steamworks Brewing Co. and El Moro Spirits and Tavern, was fortunate to initially start debt free, he said, because of his connections and investors. He also grew up in the restaurant business, which added to his knowledge, he said.

However, when Oyler and his business partner, Brian McEachron, opened El Moro, they accrued some debt.

Sometimes, you need a loan.

Tipton got a $10,000 loan to start his business, Mesa Verde Indian Pottery.

“If you’re able to stay afloat for five years, you’re probably going to make it,” he said.

Wolgamott, who is also a mentor for the Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs, joked about not being able to spell the word “entrepreneur” and opted to get a degree in engineering because of his distaste for writing. StoneAge Inc. creates various waterblast tools and sells them worldwide.

“How you plan your life and how it actually goes can be very different,” he said.

He also discussed the importance of receiving an education.

One of the companies currently participating in SCAPE and under the guidance of Wolgamott, Ruff Puppies Collars, was there to show support.

Cooke’s company, Freenotes Harmony Park, promotes outdoor activities by bringing music to various parks. The firm provides musical instruments to outdoor parks, hospitals, private yards, playgrounds, museums and other public spaces.

“We’re not high-tech. We’re not sexy like beer,” Cooke joked, presenting her company’s story after Oyler.

Cooke motivated students by telling how Freenotes Harmony survived the economic crisis. She didn’t feel outdoor musical instruments were going to be essential, yet the power of music was greater than the recession, she said. “We hit oil.”

Several students attended, mostly accounting majors, in hope of learning valuable practical information.

“I thought it was really interesting to listen to people’s local success stories,” said Cody Wolff, an accounting major.

Audry Smith, also an accounting major, was thrilled with the presentation. She hopes to one day own her a fitness gym and was curious about getting capital, she said.

“Every business needs an accountant,” she said.

Presenters didn’t sugarcoat the difficulties facing small-business owners.

As a business owner, you can’t expect to make profit right away or for the work to be easy.

“I was the last one to be paid, and the last one out the door, Tipton said.

He said he was fighting congressional challenges that impede small businesses.

The top three issues harming small businesses are overregulation, cost concerns as a result of the Affordable Care Act and instability in the market, he said.

He also offered advice for those who may be struggling with business endeavors. “If it’s not working, fix it; and if you can’t fix it, ditch it,” she said.

Tipton expressed confidence in the generation now in college.

“You’re going to be the members of Congress, you’re going to be the entrepreneurs and you’re going to be the corporate heads,” he told the students.

vguthrie@durangoherald.com



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