The annual Small Business Week kicked off with a bash at Boot Barn Hall and the announcement of the winners of the Small Business Week Awards. This year’s honorees include Von Kessel & Partners of iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Colorado Springs, Behr and Behr of the Platinum Group Realtors, Jackie Lujan, the founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Early Care and Education, Zachary Barker, a certified economic developer and founder of the Startup Support Center, and Sevan Stryker, the general manager of Bob Penkhus Motor Co.
Von Kessel & Partners is a veteran-owned small business that opened its doors in March 2022 at the Polaris Pointe retail center on Colorado Springs’ north side. Founded by three retired Air Force Academy colonels – Omar Bradley, Joel Maynard, and Korky von Kessel – this indoor diving venue has quickly become a popular destination for thrill-seekers looking to experience the excitement of skydiving without leaving the comfort of an indoor setting.
Behr and Behr is a family-owned small business led by owner and founding partner Ed Behr. The team includes brokers Renee, Brandon, Leah, and Erik Behr. They have been providing exceptional real estate services to clients in Colorado Springs for over two decades. Their commitment to excellence has earned them recognition as this year’s Family-Owned Small Business of the Year.
Jackie Lujan is a young entrepreneur who founded The Lighthouse Early Care and Education in 2019. This learning-focused day care provides quality care for children aged six months to five years old. Lujan’s passion for early childhood education has made her stand out as this year’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Zachary Barker is a certified economic developer who founded the Startup Support Center in 2015. His work in building entrepreneurship ecosystems has had a significant impact on Colorado Springs’ startup community. Barker’s dedication to supporting entrepreneurs has earned him recognition as this year’s Small Business Champion of the Year.
Sevan Stryker is the general manager of Bob Penkhus Motor Co., which was established in 1967 by Bob Penkhus Sr., his father-in-law, John Duffield Jr., his brother-in-law, John Duffield III