Six Entrepreneurs Honored at Pikes Peak Small Business Week Awards Celebration

Entrepreneurship

Six Colorado Springs small businesses and entrepreneurs were recognized in front of their peers May 4 at the Small Business BASH and Awards Celebration held at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — the official kickoff to Pikes Peak Small Business Week.

Small Business Person of the Year

Jackie Lujan

The Lighthouse Early Care and Education

Just over three years after founding The Lighthouse Early Care and Education, Lujan and her staff now serve more than 80 children ages 2–12, with plans to expand to a second facility. In a county with a deficit of 18,000 childcare slots, Lujan felt called to help bridge the gap in a particularly underserved area — Southeast Colorado Springs.

“If it does take a village to raise a child, then it truly does take a community to build a business. And we’re not done yet. Colorado Springs is a community of action. … When we see a problem, we step in, we solve it.”

— Jackie Lujan

Small Business Champion of the Year

Beth Taylor

Colorado APEX Accelerator

The Colorado APEX Accelerator provides consultation services to companies seeking to find, bid on and win government contracts. Taylor received the award for her commitment to advancing small business opportunities and her work as an advocate, connector and trusted resource across both Colorado and the Pikes Peak region.

“I love our community and this award means a lot. Ninety-five percent of our businesses are small, and I adore every single small business in this community.”

— Beth Taylor

Microbusiness of the Year

Financial Talent Group

Founded by Melissa Scruggs

Financial Talent Group is a boutique staffing firm specializing in accounting, finance, banking, human resources and executive placements across the Front Range. Founder Melissa Scruggs built the company around a human-centric approach, drawing on 25 years of leadership experience to help businesses find the right talent while helping professionals build meaningful careers.

“Small business is not for the faint of heart. It’s a lot of work. Those of you that have your own business know, you have good days and bad days, but it’s amazing.”

— Melissa Scruggs

Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year

Valor Archery Challenge

Founded by Sam Westfall, U.S. Army Veteran

Valor Archery Challenge is a traveling 3D archery event company dedicated to serving military personnel, veterans and the public through the therapeutic power of archery. The company was recognized for building camaraderie, strengthening bonds and promoting well-being for those who serve — and for its commitment to supporting other veteran-owned businesses.

“Thank you all for coming out and slinging some arrows with me down the road.”

— Sam Westfall

Family-Owned Small Business of the Year

Bob Penkhus Motor Co.

A fixture of the Colorado Springs community for 75 years, Bob Penkhus Motor Co. has grown from a used car lot in downtown Colorado Springs into a trusted, family-owned dealership group with four locations known for customer service, quality vehicles and community connection.

“This is a huge year for us at Penkhus — our 75th year serving the Colorado Springs market. It was Bob Sr. who started it all 75 years ago as a simple used car lot in the middle of downtown Colorado Springs. And now we have four vibrant dealerships that serve various parts of the Colorado Springs community.”

— [Stryker — identify for editor], Bob Penkhus Motor Co.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Logan Bryson

LINE-X of Colorado Springs

Logan Bryson owns the local franchise of LINE-X, building a business known for truck bed liners, protective coatings and accessories. He was praised at the ceremony for bringing grit, energy and an entrepreneurial spirit as a young leader in locally owned business.

“It’s a blessing to be here. Everybody that surrounds me — my family, friends, beautiful wife, my 11-month-old daughter — made it even more special.”

— Logan Bryson