KidSpace

To say that Roger and Meghan Stockman have somewhat of a diverse background and childhood would be an understatement. Megan is a Kansas native raised in rural northern Kansas, served in the military and retired with the rank of Major. Roger, whose Father was with the State Department, was born in Singapore…lived in Africa, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and Ireland…finally landing in Kansas City. Roger’s initial career was in Law Enforcement, serving with agencies in Lawrence, Kansas and finally in Westminster, Colorado. Meghan on the other hand, followed her education in space science and was employed by NOAA in Boulder, Colorado studying and documenting various solar activities.

Over time and raising their family, Roger and Meghan noticed that their children’s energy level far exceeded the process of walking throughout a museum and getting something educationally out of it. So with that in mind and with Meghan’s space background and Roger’s fascination with space travel, they decided to design and build a place that encouraged a unique learning process while allowing kids to have fun and be rowdy. They met with an SBDC Consultant, discussed their idea, developed a solid Business Plan and thus KidSpace was born. Meghan said that part of the design process was to catch and enhance the imaginations of children that don’t get the concepts when reading, but by allowing them to touch and feel the concepts of physics or the laws of motion, might give them a better understanding. The design and operational purpose of KidSpace is to bring the science of gravity, friction, fluid dynamics, magnetism and angular momentum to life, making words that might sound scary and complicated, much more accessible and understandable to both children and parents.

The actual facility encompasses 9,650 square feet with party rooms and an array of educational science and space areas that kids can play on and learn from.One unique item is an actual Gyroscope Machine, similar to the one astronauts train on, that the kids can ride and control. There is a darkened Planetarium in which movies are shown about outer space. A unique “Ball Machine” is available that illustrates the six simple machine factors of engineering. Roger was able to obtain a full size replica of an Astronaut’s Space Suit which is displayed, so that photos of the kids can be taken standing next to it. KidSpace also offers a snack bar serving an array of items that fit the desire of both young and old. KidSpace is very proud of their Cafe that features Kaladi Coffee from Denver, another local small business that is veteran owned.

The business has continued to grow and enjoy profitable success. KidSpace has been featured on local TV Stations and has received interest from outside areas, which has encouraged Roger and Meghan to begin evaluating opening a second location. Meghan stated that the help of the SBDC has been invaluable and they plan to continue the relationship as KidSpace continues to grow.

(303) 386-4287
6805 W 88th Ave, Westminster CO 80021
Roger & Meghan Stockman
Ron O'Herron
https://www.kidspacefec.com/

Black Hound Design Company

Black Hound…a name one would at first think was associated to a dog training business or a hunting operation; however, the reality is that it belongs to a custom furniture design and manufacturing business…Black Hound Custom Furniture and Design. In 2013, the owners, James and Kate Hixson, had an idea…a vision that would expand and enhance James’s college education in sculpturing. What started as a wood sculpture for a friend, evolved into a prosperous and

Rheinlander Bakery Success Story

Ed Dimner started glazing doughnuts in his parent’s bakery at the age of nine. The Dimner family started Rheinlander’s German Bakery in 1963 and Ed and his twin brother helped in the shop throughout their childhood growing alongside the bakery. Ed’s parents retired in the mid-1980s while Ed was still in College. After graduation Ed considered his options and realized that he really wanted to go back in the baking business by re-opening in the

Watchdog Cleaning Solutions USA

Back in 1979, The Village People recorded the song, “IN THE NAVY”, and that is where the founder and owner of Watchdog Cleaning Solutions USA, Tasia Brick, spent four years of her life on active duty. Tasia served across the globe in various ports and duty assignments. During her enlistment she was able to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Columbia College. Upon leaving active duty she was afforded the opportunity to transfer

Core Progression Elite Personal Training

In 2006, Jon Cerf was graduating from Baylor University, working part time at a fitness center and had plans to go on to Med-School. He had done some work in the landscaping industry when he was in high school and had somewhat developed a fondness for the freedom of being involved independently in business. But something happened while working in the fitness world. The bright light of inspiration went off and he kept wondering how,

Denver Escape Room

For many businesses, being first to market is essential to their success. When owner Brian Lacertosa of the Denver Escape Room began planning his venture, there was nothing like it in the state of Colorado, but by the time he launched he was third to market in Denver. That didn’t stop his momentum though; just a year after opening his first location he has already opened a second location in Phoenix, Arizona, and by the

4th Kind Entertainment

In the age of YouTube and smartphones, how does a small video production company distinguish themselves from anyone who can hold a camera? In the words of 4th Kind Entertainment’s owners and founders, Curt Donohue and Jason Graisa: empathy mapping and humor. “We spend a lot of time with our clients to find out who their clients are,” says Curt. 4th Kind Entertainment, a Denver area video production company, specializes on customer discovery and injecting