Meet Alex Cannon | Owner-Operator of DTC Nutrition (Healthy Shakes and Energy Drinks)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Cannon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Exemplary customer service. When you patronize a food business, even if it’s a quick service restaurant, you’re coming for more than just a meal. You’re coming for an experience – to be acknowledged, prioritized, and treated with care. We all know the feeling of entering a busy business and failing to hear, “Welcome in! I’ll be with you as soon as I can.” Those five seconds can make all the difference as to whether a guest feels valued and is eager to return. Of course, the items you purchase should be consistent, too – it shouldn’t matter who’s working that day, whether it’s an employee or the owner – customer service is always #1.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I love our business model because it serves both customers and my staff on several levels. Most customers come in for an individual healthy shake and/or energy drink, made to order. However, some customers also purchase our products to use at home (we also ship cross-country) to work on a personal health result like losing weight or building muscle.  My staff can earn extra income by earning their own clients, selling the products, and providing basic nutrition coaching.  Lastly, the shop as a whole is intended to duplicate itself – without franchise fees.  A few weeks ago, a customer came in and said “I want to own one of these one day,” so I hired him and am showing him the ropes!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I’m still exploring Colorado myself, but assuming we’re talking summer, here are a few things we’d do: 

-Catch a concert at Red Rocks, Fiddlers Green, or Ball Arena

-Take a soak in hot springs (Strawberry Park, Steamboat, etc.)
-Hike the Manitou Incline west of Colorado Springs
-Hike in Boulder, Aspen, Vail, or up in Rocky Mountain National Park
-Toss a frisbee on the “beach” at the Cherry Creek Reservoir, or mountain bike on the High Line Canal Trail in Cherry Hills
-Go to a quirky Coloradan festival like Chicken Fight or Goldens in Golden.
-Spend a day riding horses and relaxing at the C Lazy U guest ranch up in Granby.
-Explore the Denver food scene.  My customer’s restaurant, Jack’s on Pearl, just won the People’s Choice award at the Denver Steak Championship. Some other gems in the city are Somebody People (vegan), Sushi Den or Matsuhisa (sushi), Number 38 (beers from multiple breweries with volleyball courts, outdoor seating, and live music), Little Man Ice Cream, or a meal from the kiosks at the Milk Market in the Dairy Block neighborhood of Downtown Denver. (You can see why I’m lucky to work with healthy shakes – I’m my own customer.)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

There are many people who mentored me, but two people immediately come to mind. First, my uncle built the foundations of the business on which I now stand.  Second, the previous owner gave me the opportunity to take over and make it my own. I moved here from Scottsdale to explore this opportunity, and it is thanks to her willingness to teach, endless patience, and great relationships with the community that I received a warm welcome here.

I am also beyond grateful for my customers. They are the reason I get up each morning to open the door. When we get busy, they’re patient and appreciative. When it’s calmer, I get to know them better and have spent time with several of them outside of the shop.

Website: dtcnutrition.club

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtcnutrition/