THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE THE JOB
he idea for Grand Rental Station began over three years ago when partner, Scott Sandlin, also owner of Trinidad Builder's Supply, was asked for the umpteenth time, 
"Why don't you rent tools to contractors?" The building industry in Trinidad was going strong and brother-in-law, Cal Sandbeck, was looking for a new business challenge, so the two put their heads together, and along with Cal's, wife Karen, formed Becklin Corp. That started a long process of researching franchise information, putting together a business plan, pro formas, cash flows, attending rental industry seminars, as well as working with local architect, Dino Sporacco, on modifying the franchise blueprints to fit Trinidad's architectural landscape. The property was owned by Scott and Karen's parents, Ed and Joan Sandlin, Trinidad business owners and advisors to the project.


Carol, Karen, Cal, David, Mary,
 Allison, Scott, and Joe

The Sandlins enlisted the help of Van Staveren Construction to serve as general contractor on the project and broke ground for the new building in February 2000. By late May, Grand Rental Station was up and running with 5 employees and a building full of new equipment ready to rent.

Grand Rental Station specializes in putting the customer together with the right piece of equipment for the job. "Our personnel all have construction or equipment backgrounds and can offer suggestions to make the job easier," says GRS manager, Cal Sandbeck. "We can provide the customer with knowledge to operate each piece of equipment, then let them decide what will work best." Scott's new wife, Allison, is already making plans to expand their party and wedding rental department, and Karen is busy setting up a lawn & garden accessories area just in time for spring gardeners next year. Cal adds, "Even though our primary customer is the building contractor, we want to be more than just a rental store and incorporate retail items into our inventory mix that will appeal to homeowners as well. Come in and let us show you around!"

 

BEFORE MY THYME
fter more than five years of wishful thinking and careful planning, Carol Blattel and daughter, Rhonda, made some big changes in their lives and opened the antique & gift store, Before My Thyme, in Walsenburg.
"I had started the antique business as 'Before My Time' in my home in Rochester, New York during the early 1990s," says owner Carol Blattel, "but because of moves associated with my real job I wasn't able to continue selling antiques." So when the opportunity arose to start a business in Walsenburg, Carol created the type of shop she would like to spend time in. Her husband, Ron, joined the start-up activity which included many of his finds over 25 years, and helped get everything ready for the shop's opening last May.

There's a wide variety of antiques and gifts such as old oil lamps, depression glass, kitchen collectibles and furniture, as well as handmade Colorado gifts, such as incense and walking sticks, but their specialty is primitives and the country look with a western mountain flair. Other gifts items include handmade soaps, candles, craft items, and candle accessories, all in a reasonable price range. There's also original ceramics and handmade stamped items from local artists who will take special orders, as well as metal art from Idaho and Iowa. Stop by to see the interesting turtles and mushrooms art made from retired farm implements.

Christmas items are arriving daily along with other types of new stuff. Additionally, there's space available for dealers and consignment merchandise. Carol and Rhonda are pleased with the reception they've been receiving from customers and local businesses. Stop by and see for yourself.