In a world where businesses often focus solely on their bottom line, there are several shining examples of entrepreneurs in Parker who are deeply committed to giving back to the community that has embraced and supported them. In this article, we delve into their stories and explore how these businesses choose which causes to support, the impact of their philanthropy efforts on their own business, and how you can help. Let these inspiring stories serve as a testament to the profound differences small businesses can make when they put their community at the heart of everything they do.
Ritchie Jones, owner/CEO of The Gritty
Ritchie Jones makes it his mission to give back to his community through his mobile auto detailing business, The Gritty. As a veteran, Ritchie is committed to helping those in need. “Our philanthropy originated from simply wanting to offer assistance to less fortunate families and individuals,” he shares. And in an effort to live up to its motto—Solutions that fit your lifestyle—The Gritty aims to pay it forward whenever possible. For example The Gritty helped a single mom who needed her car detailed but couldn’t afford a deep cleaning. The Gritty did the job anyway! “Not only was she surprised,” Ritchie recalls, “but she was very thankful—and very emotional behind our gesture.”
Ritchie believes the keys to helping those in need are to show them respect, using tact and professionalism, while also maintaining a high quality of service. “Tight-knit communities thrive on trust, reliability, and being relatable,” he says. “Reliability is the cornerstone of our business; a community needs to know that our business will be punctual, prepared to execute the services requested, and . . . easily contacted with clear, concise communication.”
When choosing which community groups or causes to support, Ritchie says that all come from “great minds and honest origins.” But it’s the values, goals, and ideals that differ, he suggests. “We need to investigate a group’s core values from inception to meeting to discovering if our business is a good fit. And, most importantly, if they’re excited to have us as a resource.”
One organization excited to partner with The Gritty is Parker-based Be One of the Good Ones. “This organization actually reached out to our business in an effort to help in charitable efforts with struggling families,” shares Ritchie. “So, a few major charity events are happening soon, and we are going to provide free detailing services at these events. We’re very excited to introduce our mobile detailing business to the Parker community. We’ve quickly realized that in order for us to thrive and grow for years to come, we must be a reliable resource, a pillar to the community.”
Ritchie’s advice for other entrepreneurs looking to contribute? “Develop a sustainable core of values, stick by your mission statement, and find community outreach groups/programs that fit your business model,” he says. “And make sure that your business can provide a solution or assist with a positive outcome that can garner immediate results, which has a noticeable impact on the community. Once that happens, your business will instantly grow with a larger customer/client base because your business aligns with their values and [helps solve] their community issues.”
The Gritty can be reached at (720) 901-8686 or contactgritty@thegrittyco.com. You can also visit their current location at 3657 South Cathay Circle, Aurora, CO 80013.
Mike and Susan Bertocchi, owners of Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream
Susan and Mike Bertocchi’s journey to Parker, Colorado began in 2007 when they traded the bustling streets of New York City for the charm of a small town. “We moved, not knowing what to expect,” shares Susan. But Parker welcomed them with open arms, and in return, Mike and Susan made it their mission to be a force for good in Parker. “We have owned a number of businesses here,” shares Susan, “and each one has been successful.” Today, the Bertocchis own Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream in Parker, and Susan says they couldn’t be happier.
“Parker is a very generous community,” Sharon says. “We see where there is a need and seek ways to fill [it]. That’s not something that only our business does. I’ve seen many businesses and non-profit organizations do this. Seeking out ways to help our community is the least we could do to return the many ways we have been blessed by moving here.”
Recently Kilwins was asked to host a school supply drive with Be The Good Ones. “We said yes without hesitation,” shares Susan. “Alex parked his Jeep outside of Kilwins, and the Jeep overflowed with school supplies. It was truly a sight to see! I got so emotional because my heart was warmed by such generosity. People came from Parker and neighboring communities, in the pouring rain, to fill the van. I can’t imagine how many teachers and students were helped that day.”
Kilwins also partners with Parker Task Force, where Susan volunteered as a client advocate. “I know the way that place works,” she says, “and I know they are good stewards of the donations they receive. At Parker Task Force, they truly valued and served our seniors (65+) . . . I will never say no to our seniors. They are valued and an integral part of our community.”
Parker events like the Parker Hometown Carriage Parade and the Brewfest are also supported by Kilwins. “That’s just the way it’s done,” shares Susan. “And one business or organization can’t do it all. We need to lean on each other. Look around Parker. You will see the efforts of everyone who cares about our beautiful town.”
For those looking to give back, Susan suggests networking with local small businesses and organizations. “If you love to help those in need, seek out one of our food banks,” she shares, “and offer your team to collect food at a food drive. If you love gathering with like-minded folks who want to put service above self, join one of Parker’s Rotary Clubs. If you love Parker traditions, join the Downtown Business Alliance and support events by planning or sponsoring. There are so many opportunities. Call me if you need a suggestion."
Visit Kilwins at 19501 East Mainstreet, Suite #104, Parker. Contact them at (720) 638-0941 or parker@kilwins.com.
Meghan Mitchell and Madison Mitchell, sister–founders of Deja Brew
For the owners of Deja Brew in Parker, their philanthropic journey to making a positive community impact began with a heartfelt response to a crisis thousands of miles away. When wildfires ravaged Maui, the Mitchell sisters felt a deep connection to a local coffee business there, and they were moved to help in any way they could. “We felt motivated to help our fellow baristas and friends who are owners of a local coffee business in Maui after the tragic fires started and they lost everything,” shares Meghan. “When we saw the reports, we thought [that] we would wish . . . someone would help us in the same way to support us as we navigated through an unexpected and challenging situation.”
This act of compassion set the stage for a remarkable journey of community involvement for Madison and Meghan, which continues to reflect the core values that make Deja Brew a beloved establishment in Parker. “We are a very community-centered shop,” shares Meghan. “We try to create personal friendships with the customers and locals who are in our small little local shop and provide something that is consistent for them to continue to return to,” shares Meghan. “We have built quite the ‘Deja Family,’ and that is what, in return, helped us be able to give back and donate to our friends in Maui. Our customers really rallied and helped us pull off a great donation of $1,250 in the matter of four days’ time.”
Because they run a small, newer business, Meghan and Madison are selective when donating their time, efforts, and money. “Our staff joins together to collaborate and brainstorm where and how we would like to donate back to the community,” shares Meghan. “We all value different groups or people or causes, as individuals, so it helps to be a part of a group that comes together to support our community. We also try our best to support our fellow small businesses that support us.”
When considering philanthropy, the sisters suggest seeking opportunities you feel passionate about. But Meghan cautions not to let yourself get burnt out on too many things at once. “Pick a community involvement that you feel drawn to,” she says. “Pour into that one, then onto the next.”
Deja Brew is located at 11881 South Parker Rd., Ste. #3, Parker. Reach them at (720) 336-8382 or store@dejabrewco.com.
Laticia Lewis and Family, owners of TNT Pizza and Wings
Laticia Lewis and her children Terrell, Naynay, and Tyrese—the TNT in TNT Pizza and Wings (although Terrell and Tyrese argue whose T is first)—are not just entrepreneurs; they are dedicated Parker community builders on a mission. And (fun fact!) they own the first black-owned pizza shop in the state of Colorado.
Laticia and her children share a commitment to giving back to the Parker community. Laticia is a foster mom who taught all of her children—foster, adopted, and biological—that anything is possible. “We love to give back to the community,” she shares. “We love that we help with school events, sports teams, foster parents, and homeless. And, of course, our frontline workers.
Laticia and her children teach their own kids how to continue in life—and to thrive for things they want. “We teach them stability... how family helps one another and supports one another,” shares Laticia. “My heart definitely pours out to foster families. I’ve given discounts and donations to foster homes and group homes, as well as schools and sports teams.”
Laticia says she and her family are supported by the community too. “We get a lot of thanks and support,” she shares. “We have a lot of customers that come in and admire what we do as a family—they definitely give us praise and that’s what keeps us going. It’s a great feeling to see the smiles on people’s faces, and [to] know you are a part of it.”
TNT Pizza and Wings is located at 17860 Cottonwood Dr., Parker. Reach them at (303) 524-9838 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tntsdpizza.
Shawn Johnson, owner of Orangetheory Fitness Parker
Shawn Johnson isn't just in the business of fitness; he's also in the business of community care. In the past nine years, Orangetheory Fitness Parker members have raised more than a quarter million dollars for local and national charities.
“Recently we helped a local community member get a new athletic prosthetic leg,” Shawn shares. “[Our] members thought they were just going to get one, but I put them together with a non-profit called Move for Jen, where we donated the money to her organization, and we were able to provide six total prosthetic legs to people in need."
Shawn continues, "Our members came together to support a local mom that has a child that is non-verbal, non-motive. We were able to buy them an adaptive bicycle that he's been able to enjoy since then.” Orangetheory Fitness has also helped their local schools with treadmills, offered support at the children’s hospital, and fundraised for national campaigns like Augie's Quest.
Finding the right causes can sometimes be a challenge, but Shawn says he first looks to his members to see who can use help. “Take care of your own—your neighbors,” he shares, “and watch the ripple effect in your community.
Orangetheory Fitness locations: 17051 Lincoln Ave., Parker (720) 636-8606 and 12227 Pine Bluffs Way, Suite 205, Parker (720) 600-4711.