In a small shop in Cahone, a big idea was born, and it recently got the attention of Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper.
During his State of the State speech Jan. 15, Hickenlooper praised River Rim Teardrops, a camp-trailer company owned by Peggy and Tim Rossiter.
The couple's start-up business was one of two highlighted in the speech, and they were invited to attend the speech, meet the Guv, and tour the Statehouse.
"We were surprised and overwhelmed," said Tim Rossiter. "Peggy and I are country people, and we were guests in the governor's mansion."
But they felt welcome and connected with the famously easy-going Hickenlooper. During a one-on-one meeting with him, they discussed the challenges of creating a business from scratch, just as Hickenlooper did when he started one of the first breweries in Colorado in the 1980s.
"We had a ball and made a lot of good contacts," Rossiter said. "Our website has seen quite a spike in traffic since he mentioned us as a success story in his speech."
The Rossiters had an epiphany a few years back, and began designing camping trailers that have a sleek, tear-drop profile.
The stylish, retro-looking units contain a spacious sleeping area, significant storage, and a cooking area with counters and custom cabinetry. Modern outlets allow for computers and appliances to be plugged in. There is a built-in battery, a connection for solar charging, LED lighting, weather-proof shell, and heavy-duty trailer frame and axle.
"You don't need a huge truck to pull them a Subaru tows them just fine," Rossiter said. "They store easily, and at $13,000 they are more affordable than full-size campers."
He has built nine so far, has two more are in the works, and inquiries are coming in. The initial success created the problem every start-up business wants: the need to expand production to meet growing demand.
"We work out of a small shop, building one at a time," Rossiter says. "I am planning to build a warehouse, ramp up production and provide jobs for Dolores county workers."
Rossiter and Hickenlooper both credited the Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center for guidance, financing assistance and marketing. During their meeting, the two discussed some of the bureaucratic hurdles small businesses face.
"We had to hire a lawyer and pay a lot of money to gain a manufacturing license. It took six months and involved several state and federal agencies," Rossiter said. "The governor was sincerely concerned, and wants to streamline the process so it is easier for small businesses."
Hickenlooper was impressed by their company motto: "We build them the old way, because the old ones are still around."
"That's the sort of sound, sturdy motto that rings true to Coloradans," Hickenlooper said in his speech. "Our state was founded by pioneers who packed wagons and dared to head into unmapped territory. With their trailers, Tim and Peg remind us that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and vital to the DNA of Colorado."
Check out the Dolores County business at riverrimteardrops.com
