This year’s Small Business Week kicked off with a bash at Boot Barn Hall and the announcement of the winners of the Small Business Week Awards. Among those honored were Von Kessel & Partners of iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Colorado Springs, who were named Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year.
Von Kessel & Partners opened in March 2022 and is located in the Polaris Pointe retail center on the far north side of Colorado Springs. The facility was founded by three retired Air Force Academy colonels – Omar Bradley, Joel Maynard, and Korky von Kessel. This indoor diving venue is a unique experience for thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush.
Another award that was handed out during the ceremony was Family-Owned Small Business of the Year, which went to Behr and Behr of Platinum Group Realtors. The team, led by owner and founding partner Ed Behr, also includes brokers Renee, Brandon, Leah, and Erik Behr. They have been serving their community for over two decades and continue to provide exceptional service to their clients.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year went to Jackie Lujan, founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Early Care and Education. Her day care center focuses on providing a learning environment for children from ages six months to five years old. She has been able to make a positive impact on her community by offering high-quality care at an affordable price point.
Zachary Barker was named Small Business Champion of the Year for his work in building entrepreneurship ecosystems through his Startup Support Center. He has dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs succeed by providing them with resources and support from start to finish. His efforts have helped many businesses get off the ground and achieve success in their respective industries.
Finally, Sevan Stryker was named Small Business Person of the Year for her role as general manager at Bob Penkhus Motor Co., one of Colorado Springs’ oldest car dealerships. Under her leadership, Bob Penkhus Motor Co., has seen significant growth in sales and customer satisfaction ratings. She continues to be committed to providing excellent service to her customers while also driving innovation within the industry.
Small Business Week will continue through Friday with virtual workshops, a marketing panel, and more activities all under this year’s theme “The Year of A.I (Action & Innovation).” For more information about these events or any other details regarding small business week visit pikespeaksbdc