Interview with Harold Kiefer, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My dad owned Denver Trailer Supply from 1969-1980. Then the oil embargo hit and nobody was traveling and his business died. So he went to work for someone else until the end of 1989. He and I spoke and we decided to start the Hitch Corner in 1990. I was just graduating from college and had a chance to start a software development firm. So I stayed a silent partner until 1994 until our software firm was not as productive as it had been in the previous years. I have been full time with the Hitch Corner ever since.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We always give the customer what he or she needs. Moreover, we have become a true one-stop shop. We carry everything you can think of to utilize a trailer hitch — bike rack, ski rack, cargo carrier, hitch step, ball mount, etc. We carry a full line of roof racks for vehicles as well — luggage carriers, bike racks, ski racks & cargo boxes. Further, we provide everything needed to tow, either light duty or heavy duty, like a gooseneck or fifth wheel trailer. We can wire your vehicle for any trailer need. Also, if you need to be able to tow your car behind a motorhome, we offer a full line of base plates, towbars and even tow dollies. We also carry a full line of RV accessories, trailer accessories and truck accessories. Finally, we do this in a professional manner and we are always here to answer questions. We pride ourselves on our service.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I like to be able to allow customers to take any and all of their “toys” with them when they travel. I want to allow our customers to have the most fun possible by taking their bikes, skis, boat, utility trailer, camping trailer, car or whatever “toys” they want and need. I love the look of customers when they enter our store and are amazed at how large and extensive our inventory is. It is an adult toy store, and I like to see our customer’s needs resolved.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: The biggest challenge is to get customers into our store. We are off the beaten path, so drive-by traffic is limited. Once I get the customer in the store, they are amazed to see we can resolve all their needs. Another challenge is to make sure we ask our customers all the necessary questions to make sure we are satisfying all their needs. Finally, it is difficult to find good employees to do this, so I always tell people if they know someone who would be a good employee, either for the showroom or for installs, send them my way.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Everyone is always surprised to know we have been in business for 25 years. They are even more surprised to learn we have been in the same location for 18 years.
Profile
Business: Hitch Corner
Address: 10677 W. Centennial Road, Unit 103, Littleton
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday
Founded: 1990
Contact: 303-904-1558; ; @hitchcorner
Employees: 3
