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

Hi Jeff, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
We recognize that Starting a business is a full family decision. The risks, the time commitment and the priorities that have to shift impact everyone in our family. A big driver for us starting Colorado Railbike Adventures was to create a business that aligned with our values and supports a learning environment for our kids. We want them to see hard work and the power of bringing dreams to life. We want them to learn key life and business skills that will shape them whether they become entrepreneurs or work a career.

What should our readers know about your business?
We like to think that our differentiators are storytelling and hospitality. We run a Railbike tour business but it is so much more. We get to share the stories of our town and state’s history, share our story and add to our guests stories and memories. We really created a site that is comfortable and where everyone can feel welcome. Bringing so many people from outside of Erie to Erie is a big responsibility and we try hard to be a multiplier for the other businesses in our town. We want to be known as a business that has helped build other businesses here in Erie. We’re also excited to build further on this concept both here in Erie and across the state. We believe the lessons we’ve learned and our approach is a differentiation that can scale and grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, it would definitely invoked a Railbike adventure! Beyond that, we love all the bike trails here in Erie spanning easy bike paths to single track. We would get out and explore and then enjoy ice cream at Sweets and dinner and drinks at one of the many great restaurants downtown. Getting outside of Erie there’s so much fun to have in Colorado and we love it all!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This dream took so many people. My dad was the originator of this idea and was really instrumental in the technical requirements for the business. We wouldn’t be here without him. The three of us, my wife Rachel and my dad all bring unique skills that have complemented each other and carried different parts of our story. Outside of our team, so many of our friends stepped up to get our site ready for opening and listened to us over the past three years and helped shape the concept.

Website: https://ColoradoRailbikeAdventures.com

Instagram: @GoRailbike

Facebook: @GoRailbike

Image Credits
Brandon Baxley

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.