LOVE THE LOCALS
What a delight to meet Alison Steele, Co-owner of Niwot Market during this holiday season. One of the few locally owned markets in Colorado, Niwot Market is a special place.
The Heart of the Community
Meet The Family
https://niwotmarket.com/meet-our-family
Niwot Market was founded by the legendary and beloved late Robert “Bert” Steele in 2002. Bert was recently selected as a member of the Boulder County Business Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The Steele family recently accepted the award on behalf of their father, honoring his commitment and dedication to family, the local business community, service and generosity to all who knew him.
Carrying the Torch
Alison shares ownership with her co-manager Seth, and sisters Emily Dunn, and Sara Wollesen. Following her graduation from CU, Alison taught for a brief period before returning to Niwot Market where she has been ever since. She and Seth share the values that were instilled by their father. Alison loves interfacing with customers and forming partnerships with local vendors, farmers, artisans and the best in their craft.
Seth’s generosity and caring shines through in all that he does. Alison believes Seth is a lot like their Dad- he is there for their customers and will lend a hand when needed. As chef and manager of the deli Seth supports Alison on the big decisions and direction of the market. Alison relies on Seth’s insight and judgment in making hard decisions. Seth’s Friday night dinners, complete with a live band and performers are a favorite local offering.
Growth and Future Direction
According to Alison, the family vision for Niwot Market is to exude quality through organic, farm raised produce. Niwot Market serves as a local hub and is home to Red Truck Coffee, Belle Terre Floral, The Nook, Pebble Art Jewelry, Babettes Artisan Bakery, NoCo Sourdough Bread, and Cheese Importers.
Family Friendly
Alison and Seth seek to make Niwot Market inviting for children with an upcoming plan for a playground area. Alison loves that her daughter Elizabeth can experience the same upbringing she enjoyed as a child. This is a great place for her teens as well.
Balancing Work and Family
Like most family business owners, the intersection of family and business is always a challenge. Alison and Seth value having a close family who believe in effective communication which makes managing the store so much easier. They believe “It takes a team to create success”. Juggling the needs between the store, personal and family time are a challenge. Luckily, the family and all involved partners recognize the hard work and importance of having the market come first in many instances.
Teamwork
Alison speaks highly of the great team they have at Niwot Market. Built on trust, they are comforted by reaching out and coming together in good times and hard times. By all accounts, Niwot Market team is a family, and the team members know they are there for them. They extend their appreciation for the ongoing relationships they have had, many over many years. Loyalty and care create a collaborative supportive environment they are committed to.
Modern Day Challenges
Competing with the “big guys”, the rising cost of goods, and the digital evolution create challenges in their ongoing effort to stay competitive. Alison grew quiet as she recalled favorite businesses that closed due to increased real estate costs and soaring prices for the products they offer to their customers. Alison and Seth are determined to weather these business challenges believing they are better when joined by their fellow business vendors.
Advice for Fellow Family Business Owners
Alison and Seth make effective communication a top priority. They have developed ways of communicating that are helpful for them. On a scale of 1 – 10, they rate communication a “10” and give it the time and space it needs.
They seek outside support and have great relationships with the professionals in the community. Family support is equally important. Alison believes it takes a special kind of family to understand the needs and demands of running a family business. The Niwot Market team believe the needs of the market come first. They greatly value trust, teamwork and the work ethic that is the foundation of the market’s legacy.
Vision and Hope for The Future
Alison hopes their small-town values will endure. In their quest to stay fresh they are open to future creative partnering and innovative ways to remain relevant while maintaining the highest quality and standards that will keep Niwot Market alive and thriving far into the future.
It is quite refreshing to share the appreciation of small-town values and role the Niwot Market has in the community. Please come and visit: Niwot Market.
303-652-0919
Sharla Macy is the founder and CEO of Sharla Macy Consulting, We specialize in offering the relational, leadership, and business expertise to inspire, engage, and grow your team for success. We specialize and have a special affinity for family and couple owned businesses.
Contact sharlamacyconsulting@gmail.com to learn more or to submit the name of a family business you wish to highlight.
