I think everyone realizes at some level how important it is to support small business in a general sense; but it is worth bringing it to the top of the conversation here. I want to expand on our support and appreciation for the small business operators all over the country particularly in our own Front Range areas of Colorado. 2020 beat the dickens out of many of us and many might not make it, certainly not without a lot of regrouping.

Having been a part of Corporate America myself for years, several decades back, I know many of them took a beating as well.  My transition to small business operations and ownership came with a steep and healthy learning curve. It made me realize how incredibly difficult it is to not only own and operate a small business in today’s environment but how much effort it takes of everybody involved to make it work successfully.



Success is driven by people on both sides up the sales counter whether in person or on the line, it’s all about people. For us success has always been centered around having a great team of people with you on that small business journey because overall that is the most critical piece to have to achieve your goals, long-term viability, personally and professionally. And that’s another reason 2020 was painful for many small owner operators because they do care , they love what they do, they have invested their blood, sweat and tears into building something they believe in. They know they play an important role in supporting their local communities and have often spent every nickel they have to exist within their communities in the first place.

Small business, in its essence, tends to bring innovation and competition to the street at all levels. Some of the most personalized and innovative products and approaches to services are generated within the small business community.

Along with their ability to be innovative and quick on their feet, small businesses put their focus on customer service and ensuring people want to come back to them and their business. It is all about that first impression and giving people a pleasant experience right out of the gate. Small businesses are all about customer care and a relationship-based culture that many large corporations find it tough to consistently tough to deliver consistently. Small business operators know that providing the best quality product or service available to the general public is critical to their success. And to that end, the vast majority of small business owners work long hours, under enormously stressful conditions and with a lot of personal sacrifice. The ‘buck’ stops with them and they know it. In the end, they do it because they love what they do and love the team they’ve created.

Our local communities, our neighborhoods, the areas in which we all work and live are supported by small businesses of all types, sizes, and talents. They support the local schools, they support the extracurricular activities, they donate their money & time to make the community better. That is not to say that large businesses or national chains don’t do the same, but their involvement in local communities is NOT their focus. They generally focus on revenues and growth at all cost…not relationships and community. There is a difference.



Obviously, every business, large and small, brings something of value to the consumer in today’s marketplace; or they wouldn’t last long. We’ve all seen them come and go. BUT trust me when I say, given the statistics I quoted above, supporting the small businesses in your neighborhood and community as often as we can is critical to our survival. And, honestly, it sustains and perpetuates the national heritage that has made America a great country. Today, more than ever, we need that small business energy and focus.



So, whenever possible, wonder down the street and shop and buy local whenever you can and when it makes sense. You’re doing the right thing.

Stay safe out here and have a great 2021!

Al Pridemore, CEO, CMO, Co-owner

PRIDE AUTO CARE—Full Service Tire & Auto

“Happy Customers Driving 30 Years of Local Pride.” 

Debbie Jackson & Darrell Pridemore
Memorial Scholarship Foundation (a 501c3 org.)

“Helping High School Students with Their Future”

www.DarrellPridemore.org     www.DebbieJackson.org

Due to the increasing global concern of COVID-19 Pride Auto Care is taking every precaution necessary to maintain a sanitary and contact-free service experience for all of our clients.

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Please feel free to request either at your leisure and let us continue to take care of any and all of your vehicle maintenance needs, worry-free!

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