In a small workplace, employees often work directly with owners and learn several parts of the business. That can mean moving between kitchen and counter duties, developing specialized product knowledge or building technical skills in the trades. The businesses recognized in the fewer-than-20-employees workplace category of the Best of Grand contest reflect that variety across Grand County. Their teams support local dining, retail and property services in Grand Lake, Granby and Fraser.
Employees at Bob Scott’s Authentic Indian Jewelry work closely with owner Bob Scott in a specialized retail setting on Grand Lake’s historic boardwalk. Daily responsibilities center on customer service and knowledge of handcrafted Native American jewelry, sterling silver, turquoise and collectibles. Scott directly oversees operations, merchandise selection and staff, emphasizing cultural respect and relationships with Indigenous artisans.
Cross-training gives Debbie’s Drive In employees experience in food preparation, order fulfillment and counter service. The locally owned Granby diner operates with a compact crew, preparing made-to-order burgers, milkshakes, drive-in classics and gluten-free specialties. Hands-on management emphasizes kitchen efficiency and skill development, while flexible employment opportunities serve local residents and young workers.
Year-round plumbing, heating, indoor air quality and water treatment work provides employment for field technicians and office staff at Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating. President Travis Appelhans and Operations Manager Melissa Appelhans lead the family-owned company, with attention to safety, continuing trade certification and work-life balance. Employee training and compensation support a team handling emergency repairs, installations, preventive maintenance and mountain property winterization.
Food preparation, customer interaction and outdoor patio service shape the workday at Colorado Corndog & Burger Company behind Camber Brewing in Fraser. The small crew prepares hand-dipped corndogs, burgers, specialty cheese treats and other casual food under the direction of hands-on founders. Owners manage menu development, kitchen operations and event scheduling, maintaining an adaptable, collaborative workplace within the local mobile food scene.
Serving Grand Lake residents, cabin owners and seasonal visitors puts customer relationships at the center of work at Mountain Market. The independent grocery store carries produce, meats, pantry staples, baked goods and daily essentials, with local management overseeing inventory, merchandising and service. Flexible scheduling and a supportive team environment help staff respond to the changing seasonal pace of the resort community.
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