Working dogs that serve your security needs.
K9 Protection Dogs in Colorado Springs, CO
Imagine this: You and your family are walking downtown enjoying nice spring weather and looking for your favorite ice cream place. The sun is shining, and your small town is peaceful with spring flowers and trees in full bloom. Your children are ahead excited and laughing. Suddenly, you notice a quick movement of a man wearing a hooded shirt and sunglasses towards your daughter. He seems to carry a shiny object in his hand and screaming something strange. You are stunned at first, feeling powerless as you are unarmed and may not reach your daughter in time. But your loyal family guardian is already ready to act - all you must do is let go of the leash. In a second Rocky closes the distance between you and the crazy assailant, he attacks with speed and determination. The assailant does not have time to react to your K9 charging at 30 miles per hour. The assailant was neutralized, and you and your kids are safe!
Situations like these may seem far-fetched to some, but the reality is that we live in a time where our security is never guaranteed - even in relatively safe suburban and rural settings. That's why more and more families are looking for personal protection dogs for sale in Colorado Springs, CO. Protection K9s help solidify safety, protect peace of mind, and provide lasting relationships with your family.
The issue, though, is that finding great protection dogs for sale can be difficult, especially if you don't know where to start. If you're in a similar position, or don't trust the providers in your area, working with a company like K9 Technology could be the solution you need.
- Keep Your Family Safe and Secure with a K9 Protection Dog
- Family Protection Dogs for Sale in Colorado Springs, CO.
- What is a K9 Protection Dog?
- How We Choose Our Personal Protection Dogs for Sale in Colorado Springs, CO
- How to Choose the Best Family Protection Dog for Your Household
- Top 3 Family Protection Dogs for Sale in Colorado Springs, CO
- The K9 Technology Difference
- K9 Technology: Safety and Security Epitomized
What is a K9 Protection Dog?
A personal protection dog is a trained protection K9 that will become a member of your family. These amazing dogs are well balanced and calm in your home and on the street, but at the same time be able to defend against any threat on a moment notice and on command. What was once considered a luxury is now increasingly viewed as a practical, mobile security solution for those who cannot afford to take chances.
K9 Tech Security dogs aren't just security tools-they're family members who happen to be trained at the highest level. They provide peace of mind not just through protection, but through presence. They're always with you and your family, always aware, and always ready.
At K9 Tech Security, our dogs are not only house-trained but also exhibit a calm demeanor when you need them to be and can switch to a playful spirit when it's time to have fun. They won't chew up your furniture or dig up your yard.
How We Choose Our Personal Protection Dogs for Sale in Colorado Springs, CO
The first requirement for any dog we deem worthy of our protection canine program is that it must be bred to be a working dog.
Working Dogs 101
In the United States, the term "K9" has become the standard way to refer to working dogs. This abbreviation originated from police departments that started using "K9" to describe their police dogs, with K9 simply being a shorthand version of the word "canine," which refers to the family of animals that includes all dogs. As a result, K9 has become a common term for working police dogs.
But what exactly is a working dog? There are several types of working dogs. For instance, dogs that assist with hunting are considered working dogs, as well as those that are trained to pull carts to market. Generally, when we talk about working dogs, we refer to dogs that perform important tasks in police and military settings.
Our Family Protection Dog Selection Process
We select mature dogs aged 1.5 to 2.0 years, ideally with some basic training in working dog sports like KNPV, Schutzhund/IGP, or Mondioring. This allows us to assess their working character, training, health, and suitability for your needs.
After selection, we focus on training the dogs to meet our customers' specific requirements. These dogs must maintain a high level of obedience while also being prepared to respond to potential threats on command. Often, we train them to use a "hold and bark" technique, where the dog barks to warn of a threat when the owner gives a guard command. The dog will only bite if the person attacks or approaches the owner.
Our personal protection dogs can be trained and sold anywhere in the USA. Clients often refer their friends and family members to K9 Technology because:
- We Utilize an Effective Four-Step Selling Process
- Every Do is Selected to Meet Your Unique Needs
- Every Family Protection Dog is Trained with Your Family in Mind
- We Select Dogs from the Best Breeders in the World
- Exclusive Training from Professional Protection Dog Trainers
Family Protection Dogs for Sale in Colorado Springs, CO Tailored to Your Needs
While there are certain essential traits that all K9 dogs we select must have, we also take into account the unique needs and preferences of each customer. We start that process by conducting a thorough interview to understand your situation and engage with each adult family member. We then visit your home and property, paying close attention to your living arrangements and specific circumstances. We'll ask you questions such as:
- Do you have children and their ages?
- Do you prefer the dog(s) to live inside or outside the house?
- Do you want a family dog that will spend time with you and your family or a protection dog that would focus on its primary task?
- Do you need a protection dog that you can take with you outside your property to provide protection?
- What are your security concerns, and what are the security risks you seek protection from?
- How large is your property, and what is the local weather?
The Importance of Dog Traits
Dogs, even those of the same breed and from the same litter, can have very different personalities. Some dogs are naturally more family-oriented and exhibit patience around small children, while others may not have that same temperament. Certain dogs are highly energetic and may not be suitable for living indoors with someone who lacks experience in handling working dogs.
Some dogs also possess strong prey and defensive instincts, showcasing a higher degree of aggression that can be valuable for addressing potential intruders. Conversely, there are also dogs that are more balanced and easygoing, yet still fully capable of dealing with your average criminal threat.
Selecting the right personal protection dog for your needs takes many years of experience and knowledge of dog behavior. That's why, at K9 Technology, we've assembled a world-class team for exactly this purpose.
Top 3 Family Protection Dogs for Sale in Colorado Springs, CO
At K9 Technology, one of the most common questions we get often revolves around what the best K9 protection dogs are. That's a difficult question to answer because every breed is different, and every family and individual will have different needs and goals with their protection dog. However, generally speaking, working dogs like the following breeds are often the best.
German Shepards
German Shepherds are commonly chosen to work alongside police officers for a good reason. They are courageous animals, displaying both confidence and boldness. Their high intelligence and ability to learn commands quickly make them a popular choice among individuals and families. When they join a household, they tend to have a calm demeanor and are very affectionate. However, don't be fooled; if their home is threatened, they will respond swiftly to protect their loved ones.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a highly energetic breed that possesses the strength and vigor of a large dog, all while maintaining a lighter frame. Similar to Dobermans, Malinois are exceptionally intelligent and alert. Like many protective breeds, they require regular physical activity and mental challenges to truly thrive.
Dutch Shepherds
If you're looking for a versatile and highly intelligent protection dog, the Dutch Shepherd is an outstanding choice. Originally developed in the Netherlands for herding and guarding duties, this breed is known for its incredible work ethic, adaptability, and loyalty. Dutch Shepherds are extremely trainable, making them ideal for both personal and family protection.
The K9 Technology Difference
Investing in one or more K9 protection dogs for sale in Colorado Springs, CO, is a significant decision for you and your family. You're not just bringing home a new family member; you're also gaining a crucial ally who can help safeguard your lives. At K9 Technology, we prioritize the selection and seamless integration of this dog into your home, ensuring a smooth transition and a strong bond with your loved ones.
Our Selling Process Explained
Our four-step selling process is very thorough and is tailored to your needs, schedule, and family life. It includes:
Meet - Let's Get to Know Each Other
When our customers reach out, our first priority is to understand their security concerns. We want to know why you're considering a personal protection dog and what experiences led you here. Are you worried about being assaulted and sent to Winslow Court Assisted Senior Living near Colorado Springs, CO? Are you looking for a loyal companion to protect your family? Do you expect the dog to guard you at home, at work, while traveling, or all of the above?
Next, it's crucial to understand your lifestyle. Are you active? Do you have young children? Are you often on the go, and do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural setting? We also want to know your preferences for the personal protection dog (PPD). While some clients care less about appearance, others have specific ideas about size, coat type, and ear shape. It's important that you and your family feel comfortable with your new .
As we learn about you, we make it a point to be transparent about our philosophy. We aim to present the facts clearly to avoid any unrealistic expectations.
Search - We Find the Perfect Family Protection Dog for You
Once we get comfortable with each other, we can begin the search for a personal protection dog. While there might be one available immediately, this is quite rare. Keep in mind that no company can offer a wide variety of sizes, looks, and training levels. Be wary of vendors claiming otherwise, as those with large inventories often focus on selling what they have rather than what you truly need.
At K9 Technology, we tap into an extensive network of top kennels and trainers in the US and Europe. If we don't have a suitable dog available, we'll reach out within our network to find the right match for you
Train - K9 Technology Trains Your Personal Protection Dog
We typically select dogs aged 1.5 to 3 years with some basic training, ensuring they have the necessary obedience and drive. Each dog, even the best trained, undergoes a thorough evaluation and training period with our staff, which can last from 1 to 5 months. We assess what additional training is needed to meet your specific requirements.
Once our trainers are confident in the protection dog's skills, we place the dog with a staff member for a final evaluation, handling it as you would. When we believe the dog is ready for your home, we proceed to the next essential phase of our process.
Delivery - Enjoy Life with Enhanced Peace of Mind
This training course typically lasts from three days to over a week, depending on your experience and comfort level. You will practice real-life scenarios to learn how to instruct your dog to protect you. Throughout this process, we will spend time in your community and accompany you to ensure you feel comfortable taking on the role of handler with your new dog.
Remember, you are not just getting a pet; you are welcoming a trained working dog into your home. We will make sure you understand the basics of handling a working dog, including issuing commands and managing challenging situations.
For those with dog handling experience, we offer less guidance, while beginners receive the support they need to feel confident. We provide essential supplies, including leashes, collars, crates, and enough food and supplements for the first few weeks. We also assist you in finding local veterinarians and health professionals to keep your dog healthy
We visit the homes of all our customers to ensure everything is ready for their new family member. This visit may take place before introducing the dog or be combined with the introduction itself, depending on your preferences.
K9 Technology: Safety and Security Epitomized
At K9 Technology, your safety is our top priority. That's why we are committed to offering our dogs at the most affordable prices-because everyone deserves protection. We take pride in tailoring each dog to meet the unique needs and lifestyles of our clients, ensuring a perfect match every time.
If you're ready to protect your family, your assets, and your peace of mind, we're ready to find a family protection dog you'll love. Contact us today to get started.
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Best Internet Providers in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Hedy Phillipshttps://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-colorado-springs-co/
What is the best internet provider in Colorado Springs?Xfinity is the best internet service provider in Colorado Springs, thanks to its broad coverage throughout the area, high download speeds and low prices. If Xfinity isn't available at your address, ...
What is the best internet provider in Colorado Springs?
Xfinity is the best internet service provider in Colorado Springs, thanks to its broad coverage throughout the area, high download speeds and low prices. If Xfinity isn't available at your address, Quantum Fiber, T-Mobile and Rise Broadband are all worth considering.
Plus, Xfinity offers the most affordable plan, with rapid and reliable service. What's more, it provides download speeds of up to 150 megabits per second for just $20 a month for customers in their first year of service. And if you're looking for speed, Xfinity's Gigabit X2 plan is the fastest -- and widely available -- for $115 monthly. In some areas, you can expect download speeds of up to 8 gigs with Quantum Fiber, priced at $165 per month.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available internet providers in Colorado Springs
Cheap internet options in Colorado Springs
You'll find decent deals on your internet in Colorado Springs. Based on our calculations, the average starting price is about $44 per month, with a couple of providers offering plans starting even lower. Xfinity clocks in with the lowest price available at $20 per month (plus, it's a good value when looking at price per Mbps), but some internet service providers may offer an even better deal.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Colorado Springs
The best internet deals and top promotions in Colorado Springs depend on what discounts are available during a given period. Most deals are short-lived, but we check frequently for the latest offers.
Colorado Springs internet providers, such as Xfinity and Rise Broadband, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many providers, including Quantum Fiber, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide to the best internet deals.
How fast is Colorado Springs broadband?
Xfinity has the fourth-fastest median download speed nationwide, so it's no surprise it's the fastest internet service provider you can get in Colorado Springs. Most internet speeds in this area are under 100Mbps, especially if you're on a budget. You'll find download speeds up to 2,000Mbps with Xfinity if you want to spend more money.
Colorado Springs isn't exactly known for its superfast internet speeds; only a few internet service providers offer speeds over 940Mbps. The prices are moderate for these fast speeds.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the Federal Communication Commission. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Colorado Springs
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
The answers to those questions are often layered and complex, but the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.).
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What's the final word on internet providers in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs offers a wide variety of internet options, whether you're living in a rural area and need a satellite provider or are located downtown looking for a fiber connection. With prices starting at just $20 per month, there's a little something for everyone. Xfinity offers the widest variety with the lowest prices and highest speeds, but local companies like PCI Broadband or Stratus IQ are hanging in there as contenders.
Internet providers in Colorado Springs FAQs
Semiconductor company announces expansion in Colorado Springs
Lauren Watsonhttps://www.kktv.com/2025/05/20/semiconductor-company-announces-expansion-colorado-springs/
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Okika Devices, a chip and software production company, is relocating its headquarters and research and development operations to Colorado Springs.Governor Jared Polis and the state’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) made the announcement of the company’s move on Tuesday, highlighting the state and local area’s growth in the semiconductor industry.According to a news release, Okika Devices develops “Field Programmable Analog Array (FPAA) integ...
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Okika Devices, a chip and software production company, is relocating its headquarters and research and development operations to Colorado Springs.
Governor Jared Polis and the state’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) made the announcement of the company’s move on Tuesday, highlighting the state and local area’s growth in the semiconductor industry.
According to a news release, Okika Devices develops “Field Programmable Analog Array (FPAA) integrated circuit products to deliver state-of-the-art analog integrated circuit solutions that address complex challenges from sensor processing to machine learning.”
State officials said the company is set to create 20 new jobs with an average annual wage of $104,250.
The company, previously headquartered in California, also considered areas in California and Arizona for expansion. According to a news release, the company currently has six employees, one of whom is in Colorado.
Officials said hiring for Okika was underway as of Tuesday for applications and quality engineers, sales, and procurement.
“Relocating Okika’s headquarters to Colorado Springs marks an exciting new chapter for our company,” Okika’s Chairman and CEO William Staunton said. “The business-friendly environment, along with the unwavering support from the city, county, and state—who truly bent over backwards to make this transition seamless—made our decision an easy one. Colorado Springs offers a rich pool of talented and committed professionals, and we’re proud to join a community known for innovation and excellence. Many of our senior executives, formerly of Ramtron, are thrilled to return and help launch Okika in a place that feels like home. We are looking forward to being back.”
“Okika Device’s dedication to cutting-edge analog solutions and commitment to innovation will undoubtedly strengthen and advance our state’s growing semiconductor ecosystem, further solidifying Colorado’s position as a leader in the advanced industries, technology and strategic economic development,” OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman said.
Copyright 2025 KKTV. All rights reserved.
Best public high schools in the Colorado Springs metro area
Stackerhttps://www.gjsentinel.com/news/colorado/best-public-high-schools-in-the-colorado-springs-metro-area/article_36ddb4bd-e400-5973-958e-5c70f30aab9c.html
Best public high schools in the Colorado Springs metro areaStacker compiled a list of the best public high schools in the Colorado Springs metro area using data from the Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and sur...
Best public high schools in the Colorado Springs metro area
Stacker compiled a list of the best public high schools in the Colorado Springs metro area using data from the Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and surveys of parents, teachers, and students.
#25. Calhan Secondary School
- Location: Calhan School District No. RJ1, CO
- Enrollment: 223 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
#24. Atlas Preparatory High School
- Location: Harrison School District No. 2, CO
- Enrollment: 479 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
#23. Civa Charter Academy
- Location: Colorado Springs School District No. 11, CO
- Enrollment: 194 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
#22. Fountain-Fort Carson High School
- Location: Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, CO
- Enrollment: 2,040 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
#21. Doherty High School
- Location: Colorado Springs School District No. 11, CO
- Enrollment: 1,832 (22:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
#20. Palmer High School
- Location: Colorado Springs School District No. 11, CO
- Enrollment: 1,384 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
#19. Colorado Early Colleges Colorado Springs
- Location: Colorado Charter School Institute, CO
- Enrollment: 642 (21:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
#18. Colorado Military Academy
- Location: Colorado Charter School Institute, CO
- Enrollment: 807 (22:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
#17. Coronado High School
- Location: Colorado Springs School District No. 11, CO
- Enrollment: 1,305 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B+
#16. Liberty High School
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 1,647 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B+
#15. James Irwin Charter High School
- Location: Harrison School District No. 2, CO
- Enrollment: 403 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B+
#14. Banning Lewis Academy
- Location: District 49, CO
- Enrollment: 1,600 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B+
#13. Manitou Springs High School
- Location: Manitou Springs School District, CO
- Enrollment: 381 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B+
#12. Rampart High School
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 1,454 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-
#11. Thomas MacLaren School
- Location: Colorado Charter School Institute, CO
- Enrollment: 984 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-
#10. Discover Canyon Campus High School
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 1,087 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-
#9. Lewis-Palmer High School
- Location: Lewis-Palmer School District 38, CO
- Enrollment: 1,181 (22:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-
#8. Village High School
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 447 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-
#7. Air Academy High School
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 1,329 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A
#6. Palmer Ridge High School
- Location: Lewis-Palmer School District 38, CO
- Enrollment: 1,094 (20:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A
#5. Pine Creek High School
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 1,815 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A
#4. Odyssey Early College and Career Options
- Location: Colorado Springs School District No. 11, CO
- Enrollment: 316 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A
#3. Classical Academy High School
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 547 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A
#2. The Vanguard School Senior High
- Location: Harrison School District No. 2, CO
- Enrollment: 321 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A
#1. Cheyenne Mountain High School
- Location: Cheyenne Mountain School District No. 12, CO
- Enrollment: 1,241 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+
This story features data reporting by Rob Powell and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 97 metros.
Originally published on stacker.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Despite tariff pause, this Colorado bike company has hit the end of the trail
Andrea Dukakishttps://www.cpr.org/2025/05/13/borealis-fat-bikes-goes-out-of-business-trump-tariffs/
It’s not hard to figure out what inspires Steve Kaczmarek, who founded Borealis Fat Bikes in Colorado Springs 12 years ago. Just consider the names of a few of his bikes: Kaczmarek’s first bike was “The Yampa.” There’s “The Crestone,” and the electric bike is “The Keystone.”“Everything we do has a Colorado theme,” said Kaczmarek. “All of our bikes have the Colorado flag on them. We just have great fun being from Colorado.”Specialty bikes known as &ldq...
It’s not hard to figure out what inspires Steve Kaczmarek, who founded Borealis Fat Bikes in Colorado Springs 12 years ago. Just consider the names of a few of his bikes: Kaczmarek’s first bike was “The Yampa.” There’s “The Crestone,” and the electric bike is “The Keystone.”
“Everything we do has a Colorado theme,” said Kaczmarek. “All of our bikes have the Colorado flag on them. We just have great fun being from Colorado.”
Specialty bikes known as “fat bikes” took off right around the time Kaczmarek was starting the company. He describes their design, including larger tires, as ideal for off-road terrain and riding on snow, mud and loose gravel since they have a wider footprint and are more stable.
“You don't have to worry about going over whatever [terrain],” said Kaczmarek, as he pointed out some of the bikes at the company’s current headquarters. “Your eyes are up, you're enjoying, having a good time. They're just fun bikes.”
Kaczmarek has had some ups and downs since he founded the company in 2013, but he said the on-again-off-again tariffs on Chinese goods is a deal-breaker for the business. Borealis designs and assembles its bikes in Colorado Springs, but 80 percent of the parts come from China. Back in 2018, during Trump’s first term as president, Kaczmarek said the 25 percent tariffs Trump imposed and which President Joe Biden maintained cost the company $300,000.
The pandemic, on the other hand, was a boon for the outdoor industry business as people were able to take advantage of the extra time to recreate and started buying up more gear, including campers, outdoor gear and Kaczmarek’s fat bikes.
But when the pandemic ended, business slowed for the industry, something Kaczmarek describes as the “Corona hangover.” Kaczmarek had to let go of about half of his 12-person staff, so the company was still able to make a profit.
Then, in July of last year, Kaczmarek started planning for what he saw as the worst-case scenario: more tariffs that he figured could be as high as 50 percent.
“In July of last year, Trump was gaining speed in the polls, and I said, ‘I've got to move to a place where I have options,’” said Kaczmarek. “ I wanted a one-year lease, which was hard to find, and in the event things went bad, I needed to be able to either pivot or shut down.”
Kaczmarek moved from his 10,000-foot location to a 3,000-foot space and cut more staff, leaving him with three full-time and one part-time employees. Then came the election and the expected imposition of big tariffs on China. Kaczmarek decided he’d have to shut his doors this summer.
“We would've had to have placed orders in February because of the lead time from our suppliers, predominantly in China and then they go on the ocean for a month and then we get them and then we start building,” said Kaczmarek, noting it was just too risky to order more inventory without knowing how much it would cost.
It turned out the tariffs announced on China in April were much higher than Kaczmarek anticipated, so shutting down made sense. And Kaczmarek said even the recent pause in the trade war between the US and China won’t change his plans. There’s just too much uncertainty.
“We're down to our last 200 bikes. We're going to build those while I still have my staff,” Kaczmarek said. “We're exiting this facility at the end of July, and unfortunately, we're letting everybody go.”
Kaczmarek said he’s going to move any remaining inventory to his house and stay on the sidelines to see how the tariff negotiations play out in the long run.
As tariffs take effect, a new struggle for small town newspapers arises – the cost of paper
Others in the industry said they may be forced to sit on the sidelines as well, like Matt Reichel of Boreas Campers in Pueblo, which makes campers built to go off-road and off-grid.
Reichel said the RV industry has declined significantly since its peak in COVID, and his company is running at 50 percent of what it was in 2022. He said the supply chain issues that started during the pandemic have never fully recovered and the company’s future is uncertain.
“It’s just whiplash for everyone,” he said.
He said the company, which also depends on parts from China, had been able to manage the 25 percent tariffs imposed in 2018, but 145 percent is a different ballgame.
Trump hopes that restricting American access to overseas products, especially from China, will incentivize manufacturers to start producing parts in the United States and create more jobs. But Reichel said even if tariffs were to stay at 145 percent, it will still be more expensive to buy his supplies in the U.S.
Borealis’ Steve Kaczmarek agrees. He said he doesn’t think anything he needs could be manufactured cost-competitively in the U.S. compared to China.
“I understand that we're trying to bring jobs back to the US,’ said Kaczmarek. “That's great. I fully support that, but not everything can be brought back.”
Kaczmarek doesn’t see the tires he depends on ever being made in the U.S. He said he looked into bike frames when he started the company and they were five times the cost of what they pay for bike frames in China. He said people just aren't going to spend what it would cost to buy a bike with US parts. One example is the carbon bikes he sells that run from $2,000-$3,000. He predicted a carbon bike with U.S. parts would cost about $10,000.
Kaczmarek said he worries how his employees will make ends meet. Dakota Mossbrook is one of the remaining three full-time workers. Kaczmarek calls him a superstar.
“We've got a really good group and it takes years to get a good group,” Kaczmarek said. But I can't keep paying them. There's just no way to do that.”
Mossbrook, who assembles the bikes, said he’d like to continue doing what he does, but the future doesn’t look good for the industry.
“What's happening to us is kind of happening to the entire industry,” he said. “So options are slim.”
Mossbrook is now looking for a job, but he said for him, the future looks bleak. And Kaczmarek will say goodbye to a business he created from the ground up.
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Portugal family circus coming to Colorado Springs for May
Kelly Hayeshttps://gazette.com/arts-entertainment/newsletter-go/portugal-family-circus-coming-to-colorado-springs-for-may/article_8699319e-abef-4b28-889b-0cd0e90075fd.html
For five generations, the Portugal family has entertained audiences with acrobatic spectacles and amusing stunts.Starting with a small tent in Mexico during the 1950s, the family-run circus grew over the next few decades, eventually traveling to perform around the country. In 2014, the show went international, starting in El Salvador with a Central America tour. By 2019, the family was planning performances across the U.S.The Do Portugal Circus family will be flipping and flying here in Colorado Springs. The family-friendly cir...
For five generations, the Portugal family has entertained audiences with acrobatic spectacles and amusing stunts.
Starting with a small tent in Mexico during the 1950s, the family-run circus grew over the next few decades, eventually traveling to perform around the country. In 2014, the show went international, starting in El Salvador with a Central America tour. By 2019, the family was planning performances across the U.S.
The Do Portugal Circus family will be flipping and flying here in Colorado Springs. The family-friendly circus, set under a big top, will perform throughout May.
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“We have a whole new show this season — completely new tricks, the lighting is better, the equipment is better,” said ringmaster Aldo Portugal, who also dabbles in trapeze. “We’re always trying to improve. I love this show so dearly. I love being in it. I love being part of it. We are always try to make it better and trying to make it bigger and trying to make it as good as it possibly can be.”
The animal-free circus features acts like juggling, aerial silks, hand balancing, magic, trapeze and the globe of death. There will also, of course, be clowns at the show.
The artists — especially the clowns — are very interactive with the audience, Portugal said, in hopes of immersing viewers into the show. That’s part of what makes the Do Portugal Circus unique, he said.
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“There’s never a dull moment during the show,” Portugal said. “We just don’t want the audience to come and sit and watch the show. We want the audience to be part of the show. I always say it’s like a dance, it takes two to tango.”
The performances are always evolving, Portugal said. For those who might be going for the first time, Portugal says to expect the unexpected. Even with all his experience, he often finds himself captivated by the artistry.
“I know it sounds so cliche, but the performances that we have are so unique, the performers have such personalities, I’m really proud of this show we have the season,” Portugal said.
“Be ready to be a little scared — the performers, they are fearless.”
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