Marc Kopelman, partner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: (Partner Paul Saueracker) started selling bike gear out of his garage on eBay. It was the classic example of looking to clear out space in the house and pocket some cash. The business quickly expanded and the house filled up with new, high-quality cycling apparel, components and gear from companies and sales reps looking to sell their overstock or prior season items. I partnered with Paul when he realized that it was time to take the next step after his lovely wife stated she planned on parking the car in the garage during the winter and the inventory would have to find a new home.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We offer new and pre-owned outdoor gear that is difficult to find in the local community of Evergreen and Conifer at competitive prices. If we can help someone avoid the drive down “the hill” and save on the item, people are happy. We get even bigger smiles when we mention our trade-up program. If they buy a new item, we can help offset the cost of that item with other gear they may want to sell through the consignment trade-up program offered at the shop. We also offer reservations for stand-up paddleboard rentals seven days a week. This allows people who may want to purchase one of our boards the opportunity to give them a try for a few hours or days and not have to worry if the destination lake is “sold out” as often happens because of the sport’s explosive growth.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Introducing families and people who enjoy the outdoors to stand-up paddleboarding has been rewarding.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: We are always searching for products and services in the outdoor gear market that our local customers need. We have already expanded beyond the core business selling cycling apparel and gear (by moving into) paddleboards, Garmin devices, SPOT Global satellite emergency devices and product lines. We also plan to offer bike repair and maintenance for people in Evergreen South and Conifer where none currently exists.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: People are always surprised to learn that the business has existed for almost 10 years online. It is the retail side of the business that we only started just about a year ago. We love it when people see our paddleboards on the road and stop in. Then jaws drop when they realize they are inflatable and can be easily transported in the hatch or trunk of the car and even taken on vacation when traveling out of state on the plane.
Profile
Business: Evergreen Mountain Sports
Address: 6949 Jefferson County 73, Suite ME-3, Evergreen (in Marshdale, behind the Den Restaurant)
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and seasonal hours
Founded: 2006
Contact:303-674-5100;
Employees: 3
