High Point Creamery, the brainchild of Erika Thomas and Chad Stutz, has firmly established itself as a Colorado staple, marking a decade of serving uniquely crafted ice cream to the Denver community. Since its inception, this dynamic duo has infused each batch of ice cream with unmatched culinary expertise, drawing from their diverse backgrounds in acting and production to create an extraordinary ice cream experience. As recent recipients of our Energize Community Program loan, they’ve been able to further solidify their impact, making Denver a much sweeter place to be. Discover the story of High Point Creamery’s decade-long journey of growth and success in their case study.
What is your name? And what is the name of your business?
Erika Thomas and Chad Stutz – High Point Creamery
How long have you been in operation? And what services/products do you provide?
10 years. Ice cream!
What has been the driving force behind your business? And in what ways are you hoping to grow in the future?
Coming to ice cream from very different industries, it was our goal to nurture a business that creates joy… our mission is to use happy ingredients, to make happy ice cream, while developing happy employees, in order to make you a happy customer. That’s our “why.”
As an entrepreneur what is one challenge you’ve faced in the past? And how did you overcome it?
As an entrepreneur, one significant challenge we faced in the past was scaling up our production capacity while maintaining the integrity of our product. It required a delicate balance between increasing efficiency and preserving the artisanal quality that our customers love. We overcame this challenge by investing in our production facility and technology and streamlining our processes while staying true to our core values of craftsmanship and excellence.
How was your overall experience working with Energize Colorado? What solution did Energize Colorado provide? And how did/will the solution benefit you and your business?
Our experience working with Energize Colorado was incredibly positive. They provided us with the financial support needed to realize our expansion plans. The solution provided by Energize Colorado not only injected vital funds into our business but also gave us the confidence and resources to execute our growth strategy effectively.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone with aspirations to start a business of their own?
For aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice would be to stay true to your vision and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Building a successful business takes time, dedication, and resilience. Be prepared to face challenges along the way, but always remain focused on your goals and never lose sight of what inspired you to start your journey in the first place. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, advisors, and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement when needed. And remember, every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and learning. Trust in yourself and your abilities, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks to turn your dreams into reality.