The saying “Be the rising tide that lifts all boats” seems to fit the small business tribe of Windsor impeccably. Rallying with one another and supporting each other through the hard times and the good has become the norm for this community. They have learned that success is not just about them, but about lifting those around them up and reaching their goals together, as a team. When you look at the partnerships and friendships that can develop because of this mentality, you see bonds form that can help weather any storm. This kind of mentality, one of connection and empowerment not only encourages growth, but it breeds a space for amazing things to blossom out of that foundation and supports the well-being of our communities.
A few relationships that have become a pillar of this example include run. Windsor, Peculier Ales, and Gourmet Grub. All three businesses have a unique story, heart, and background that make them exceptional all on their own, but together they have created a support system that they continue to weave other businesses, charities, and events into.
Peculier is a hub in the downtown community, where people may enter as a stranger, but always leave with a new friend or connection. They opened their doors in August of 2020 during what most people considered a difficult time, but they have thrived because of the community surrounding them, the people working for them, and the support they have given back in return. Gourmet Grub (whom many of you know from their insanely delicious dishes from Peculier and their previous Greeley location) are becoming more and more involved within the community and are associated with multiple upcoming projects. Chef Justin Brown brings his extensive experience and delectable plates into the Peculier atmosphere, offering up a whole new meaning to food truck fare. Mandy Mullen of run.Windsor has always tried to include a stop at a local establishment or a collaboration in all her races or group runs, to support business owners and to help connect others within the community. With a downtown location right by the lake, Peculier and Gourmet Grub have become a central part of that tradition. “Runners love a place to hang out, to socialize, to drink beer, and for us, it was like we just became friends and family with the Peculier team and loved showing up here to socialize and bringing our families in for dinner and beer, or whatever it was, and it just grew from there,” shares Mandy.
Their most recent collaboration for the Weld Your Mettle race, however, is something special. This race, created in October of 2020 as a nod to surviving hardships in life, is aimed at celebrating the strength, grit, and determination it takes to get through the tough times and to persevere even when the odds are difficult. That is where the name originated from, “Weld (for Weld County) your Mettle.” When the team from run.Windsor and Peculier sat down to discuss the race, they decided to create a special beer for the race and its attendees, including a label featuring the runners.
Wanting everyone to thrive and come together as a collective has changed the way Windsor small businesses interact with not only their customer base but with one another as well. Having a local family you can count on is real, and not only has it strengthened the community and boosted its morale, it has provided an infrastructure that helps the entire town flourish.
“As independent as we can all be, we still need a community to thrive and that is what we really love here and being able to push that community drive and have our local family.”
~Kurt Kandler - Head Brewer of Peculier Ales