How did your business start?

Our business started with the notion that the Roaring Fork Valley did not need just another liquor store; it needed a warehouse style liquor store like the one attached to Costco in Gypsum. That retail model did not exist in this area. We watched how well their liquor store was doing and thought that we can offer the same model right here in Glenwood Springs.

What do you sell?

Beer, wine and liquor.

Why do you like what you do?

We like what we do because it gives us the opportunity to engage with members of the community and to provide them a similar offering to what they receive elsewhere in the area but to offer it in such a way that puts more money back in their pocket. And working for yourself isn’t too bad, either!

What strategy do you use to hire good people?

We haven’t hired anyone just yet but when we do, we’ll be seeking people that are engaging and spirited and who enjoy interacting with the various types of folks that we meet each and every day.

What is your strategy for growth in the next year?

In addition to increasing foot traffic into our store, we are going to focus on delivery, catering assistance and private events. Our desire to serve the Roaring Fork Valley has given us a great deal of creative ideas on ways that we can make working with 82 Liquors easy and enjoyable.

What is the best thing about running a business here?

Being that we are not from Colorado, we would have to say the people, the lifestyle and the vistas. There is such a variety of people from different places that we hardly feel like newcomers. The connection this area has to the outdoors helps to center (most) people’s priorities on how to balance their lives. The vistas are unlike those that we see coming from the midwest. Our store looks right out towards Mount Sopris, which is a view that we cannot get enough of.