Meet Gretchen Bartek: Founder and CEO of Adelska

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

Hi Gretchen, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Especially given the last year. I have a really hard time doing anything half way. When the kids were put out of school, that was really tough for me to balance. Nothing got my full attention or best effort. I was trying to work all day and help my kids with their remote learning – it nearly broke me. I was watching them struggle and get depressed and in the meantime, my company was taking new blows everyday. I think the most important things I learned was to prioritize and be present. When I’m with my kids, I try to be 100 % present for them. I need to be all in for them in order to be patient and encouraging, which they needed this year more than ever. Work had to come second, but I found ways to make it happen. I’d get up early so I could get a few hours in and then go back to work once their schooling was done and my husband came home from work. This is not to say I had it harder than anyone else. The challenges parents faced this year were unlike any other, and I am constantly blown away by the resiliency and creativity I hear from other parents. I have a stronger community now than ever before and I am so thankful for that.

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 founded Adelska in 2017. Adelska, which means “to love” in Icelandic – where I have dual citizenship, provides experiences, both virtual and in person, to groups creating meaningful connections and sincere conversations long after the Adelska experience is over. In the virtual space, Adelska creates experiential kits for corporations, small businesses, nonprofits and personal gatherings of 10 or more. These kits include snacks, drinks, swag, and everything needed to execute an engaging virtual experience. Previous kits have included a meal from a local Hawaiian restaurant, an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage from a tiki bar, a Zoom ukulele lesson and a mahogany ukulele to keep. Shipping is available nationwide.

As for the in-person experiences, we really pride ourselves on executing client visions in the most thoughtful and creative ways. We can take pieces of the company culture and make it come alive. Every attendee can feel the touch points and how personal they are along the way. We strive to ensure that every experience is unlike anything they’ve been to before.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re visiting Colorado, the hot springs are a must. I love Mt Princeton for the simple fact that it feels the least touristy to me. We would stay at The Palace Hotel in Salida, the sweetest B&B/hotel I’ve ever been to. The chef even knocks on your door in the morning with breakfast in bed. Next, we’d visit the mountains, of course. My first choice would be Devil’s Thumb Ranch and Resort. If it’s winter, we’d go cross country skiing during the day, follow that up with spa treatments, then head for a steak dinner at the Ranch House and end the night with a cocktail in the hot tub – heaven. In Denver, I would want to show them so much, from the sweet streets of downtown Littleton to the colorful nightlife of RiNo. Union station would be a must, so iconic, and we could follow that with a walk through Tattered Cover. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, that couldn’t be more true. There are so many people who have been a source of support and mentorship. First and foremost: my husband. He has supported me unconditionally, while I killed myself to build a business. It takes a special partner who can help pick up the pieces at home while I’m putting in the hours and not bringing home a paycheck. He is the encouraging voice in my ear telling me that giving up is never an option. Second would be my Dad. He is a fellow entrepreneur himself so he understands the highs and lows. He’s the first call I make when I hit those peaks and valleys, always ready with words of encouragement, helpful advice, and pushing me to do better. Third would be my number 1 mentor, Matt Talbot. He’s the former CEO and founder of GoSpotCheck, which he recently sold along with his partners. Through all the iterations of this company, his support and faith in me has never waivered. No matter how busy, he finds the time to dig into financials, marketing plans, hiring strategies – whatever I need to get to that next level.

Website: https://www.adelska.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelska_experiences
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/denver-date-nite/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adelskaexperiences