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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The Olkowski family wasn’t looking to start up a new business when they rented a trailer in Denver a few years ago.
But since they had to go all the way to Denver to find the trailer they needed, the manufacturer suggested they open an H and H Trailer dealership in Grand Junction.
Leslie Olkowski and her mother-in-law, Mary Olkowski, opened Roadhouse Equipment in 2006, selling and renting trailers ranging from utility/all-terrain-vehicle trailers to big equipment-type trailers. Roadhouse also sells propane and trailer accessories.
Before opening the business the Olkowski women consulted the Business Incubator Center, a nonprofit that provides low-cost business classes and free consulting to new and expanding Mesa County businesses.
“We wanted to make sure we were following the right steps,” Leslie Olkowski said.
The women met with retired businessmen who volunteer at the Incubator to discuss advertising.
“That was good to sit down with them and learn what worked well for them,” Olkowski said.
After renting a place on 25 Road for a year, the Olkowskis bought land and built their current shop at 2381 F Road.
Although business slowed in November and December, generally business has been good, Olkowski said.
Both Olkowski’s husband and father-in-law help with the business, and a nephew works there five days a week.
“What’s cool, it used to be one person could run everything. Now we need two people,” Olkowski said. “Since the day we opened, it’s been growing monthly.”
Their customers include construction businesses, ATV users, people who need cargo trailers, and oil and gas workers. They also sell a lot of custom trailers.
Inside the showroom is a shiny red ATV sitting atop one of the trailers for sale or rent. Roadhouse partners with Grand Valley Power Sports, who sends customers their way. In exchange, Roadhouse showcases one of their ATVs.
As the business expands, Olkowski said they’ll likely call on the Incubator again.
“It’s nice to have them there for their advice and experience,” she said.
Reach Sharon Sullivan at ssullivan@gjfreepress.com.
But since they had to go all the way to Denver to find the trailer they needed, the manufacturer suggested they open an H and H Trailer dealership in Grand Junction.
Leslie Olkowski and her mother-in-law, Mary Olkowski, opened Roadhouse Equipment in 2006, selling and renting trailers ranging from utility/all-terrain-vehicle trailers to big equipment-type trailers. Roadhouse also sells propane and trailer accessories.
Before opening the business the Olkowski women consulted the Business Incubator Center, a nonprofit that provides low-cost business classes and free consulting to new and expanding Mesa County businesses.
“We wanted to make sure we were following the right steps,” Leslie Olkowski said.
The women met with retired businessmen who volunteer at the Incubator to discuss advertising.
“That was good to sit down with them and learn what worked well for them,” Olkowski said.
After renting a place on 25 Road for a year, the Olkowskis bought land and built their current shop at 2381 F Road.
Although business slowed in November and December, generally business has been good, Olkowski said.
Both Olkowski’s husband and father-in-law help with the business, and a nephew works there five days a week.
“What’s cool, it used to be one person could run everything. Now we need two people,” Olkowski said. “Since the day we opened, it’s been growing monthly.”
Their customers include construction businesses, ATV users, people who need cargo trailers, and oil and gas workers. They also sell a lot of custom trailers.
Inside the showroom is a shiny red ATV sitting atop one of the trailers for sale or rent. Roadhouse partners with Grand Valley Power Sports, who sends customers their way. In exchange, Roadhouse showcases one of their ATVs.
As the business expands, Olkowski said they’ll likely call on the Incubator again.
“It’s nice to have them there for their advice and experience,” she said.
Reach Sharon Sullivan at ssullivan@gjfreepress.com.
