On a summer evening marked by hail pounding sidewalks and windows, something unexpected happened in Greeley. While the storm rolled through, more than 20 people walked into Top Notch Plumbing, where students, professionals, public servants, and neighbors gathered—ready to speak, listen, and grow. That night marked the beginning of Salud! Toastmasters, a new group built on confidence, connection, and the belief that strong communication should feel accessible, not intimidating.
The club was founded by Adrian Vigil, a local business owner and president of Top Notch Plumbing, Heating & Air. Earlier this year, Vigil began looking for an affordable way to sharpen his own communication skills. That search led him to Toastmasters—and to the realization that Greeley had an opportunity to create something that truly reflected its people.
“I saw a chance to build something that felt modern and welcoming,” Vigil says, especially for those who may not see themselves in traditional professional spaces. With Greeley continuing to grow and diversify, the timing felt right to create a place where people could build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and support one another along the way.
That vision was confirmed on night one. Nearly 50 people expressed interest ahead of the first meeting, many connecting through LinkedIn. Despite the hailstorm, more than 20 still showed up in person. “The storm outside didn’t stop anyone,” Vigil recalls. “The energy in the room said everything.”
Inside a typical Salud! Toastmasters meeting, that energy continues. A plumber may sit beside a banker, a nonprofit leader next to a college student. Members span generations and professions, learning together rather than separately. While Toastmasters as an organization is more than 100 years old, this club reflects today’s pace and tools—digital calendars, email communication, and a meeting space equipped with microphones, a projector, and seating for more than 30 people.
Salud! Toastmasters is guided by a dedicated executive team, including Vice President of Education Arron Kunkel, Vice President of Membership Rigo Rangel, Vice President of Public Relations Andrew Sanchez, Secretary Erik Briles, Treasurer Tucker Myers, and Sergeant at Arms Harold Pacheco. Together, they help shape the club’s learning experience, culture, and long-term growth.
Vigil’s leadership style mirrors his own path as a business owner. Building Top Notch Plumbing in Greeley meant learning through real-world experience—growing from tradesman to owner and navigating both wins and missteps along the way. That perspective shapes the club’s approach to leadership: show up, learn, and keep improving.
Looking ahead, Vigil hopes Salud! Toastmasters becomes a steady launching point for confident voices across Greeley—members stepping into leadership roles in workplaces, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations. Whether those paths stay local or reach far beyond it, the goal remains the same: confident communicators who carry their skills, courage, and connection to Greeley wherever they go.
Salud! Toastmasters meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the LINC Library in Greeley. Meet-and-greet begins at 4:00 pm, with the meeting starting promptly at 4:15 pm. Visitors are always welcome—come see how you can grow your communication and leadership skills.