Meet Caitlin Nelson | Owner

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

Hi Caitlin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I decided to start my own business, it was in tandem with my brother who also wanted to start a business. We both had lost our jobs during COVID, and had a little money saved up. Being able to invest in our futures was ideal. We were amazing friends, and figured “we can do this”. We decided to do some more research. After visiting a rage room in Denver, we felt invested emotionally. It was so fun, interesting, and unique. What a great way to get out frustrations after this crazy year (2020). We knew this business could be a great starting point for us. Neither of us had run a business before, so starting something smaller helped us to learn thru trials and errors with little consequence.

What should our readers know about your business?
Shatter is small. Like, really small. What I love about this place, is when customers are here smashing things, they are in a completely different world. They don’t see the tiny concrete block building. They see a place to express themselves with a variety of emotions. The world is crazy, and can be unforgiving. This space is safe for those who need to let out the feelings of rage, anxiety or sadness. In contrast, people also see their friends, family and co-workers showing a side of themselves that is usually hidden. I bet you never knew your grandma could smash a plate like that! And Betty from HR is super reserved, until you give her a bat to swing at a TV! Your first smashed item has so many mixed feelings in a matter of seconds – anticipation, surprise, fear that your parents will yell at you for breaking that -relief that they didn’t- joy, sheer joy, and then something that can only be described as giddiness, or “the giggles”. They laugh with each other or at each other or both, but the amount of happiness can be heard and felt out in the lobby. A feeling of “pride” wells up in me when they laugh and cheer, and my heart sings, “They smashed it! They really, really smashed it.” When people are here, this place feels huge. Like it holds the whole world of emotion inside this little box. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have a glimpse of this side of humanity. It sounds silly putting it like that sometimes… the general concept of what we do is create trash. But we have curbed our footprint by collecting and recycling the metals and green boards used in the space. We fill in a strange “gap” in this all-consuming economy: The items that largely get ignored on the shelves at your local thrift store, find new life here and “go out with a bang”. That flat screen TV that you can’t get rid of because it costs money to recycle it? Bring it here for donation, or smash it yourself. You can show that TV how you really feel, and we will recycle the rest. People often say, “You are doing a great service here.” While I am grateful for that sentiment, truly – Shatter customers are providing the service. They bring these items back to life, they fill the building with a world of emotions, and they help us recycle items normally collecting dust all over the community. So thank you! One thousand thanks to you all for sharing a piece of yourself, and helping my business to thrive!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I have people visiting from out of town, I generally head North. Fort Collins has no shortage of fun activities, people to meet, and food to eat. Really I think it is one of the most “foodie” cities in NoCo… And it has a university so of course the night life is “popping” almost every night, and is open minded and diverse. The Comedy Fort in Fort Collins hosts some AMAZING comedians and local shows, like drag and burlesque. These shows, such as the ones put on by Bluestocking Burlesque, always offer a variety of acts from the comical, to the alluring, to the downright entertaining. I can always promise a guest a laugh-out-loud and provocative night at these shows. In my hometown of Loveland, we visit the Flipside which is mainly a pin-ball arcade but also has a bar. I treat my guests to Thai Thai’m when dining in Loveland. Hell, we treat ourselves to Thai Thai’m as often as possible. The food is astounding, the drinks are unique, and the service is great.

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?
I cannot express enough gratitude for my wife’s help and support. Corina has not only been supportive emotionally, but she puts in extra hours to help the shop when she is already working a full-time job. Without question, she is the greatest support of me and this business. Her positive attitude, helpful nature, and ability to plan ahead has ensured my success. My brother, who helped me start this business, encouraged that I was capable of creating this dream and making it happen. All of my family has been supportive, which I am so grateful for as well! I could not be here without all of them. Thank you all from the depths of my heart.

Website: www.shatterfoco.com

Instagram: @shatterrageroom

Facebook: @shatterfortcollins

Youtube: @Shatter Fort Collins

Other: TikTok – @shatter_rageroom