Get teeth that look, feel, and work like teeth with a Renew implant supported anchored smile.
Sunday | Closed |
Monday | 7 AM - 5 PM |
Tuesday | 7 AM - 5 PM |
Wednesday | 7 AM - 5 PM |
Thursday | 7 AM - 5 PM |
Friday | Closed |
Saturday | Closed |
Monday - Friday: 6:00am to 7:30pm MST
Saturday - Sunday: 7:30am to 5:30pm MST
Facing life with a smile is hard when you're missing some or all of your teeth. Dental implants are an advanced, reliable, tooth replacement solution to help you chew better, feel better, and live healthier - all on your terms.
Our teeth play a major role in our daily lives. We use them to break pieces of food apart so that we can digest meals properly. They allow us to speak and communicate effectively by helping us form sounds and words. From an appearance standpoint, they help define how we smile, express emotion, and interact with people. But our teeth also affect our health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a range of diseases and other concerns. In essence, our teeth are paramount to our emotional, physical, and social well-being.
It makes sense, then, that life gets harder when some or all of your teeth are missing. Unfortunately, missing teeth is a common issue in the United States. Almost one-third of Americans are missing teeth. In the next 15 years, half a billion Americans will need new pearly whites.
Whether due to genetics, accidents, or neglect, losing your teeth hurts - both emotionally and physically. And, up until now, it was unbelievably expensive to have them replaced.
Fortunately, with Renew's state-of-the-art dental implants in Colorado Springs, CO, you can get a new set of teeth easier, faster, and healthier than ever before. The best part? You don't have to spend sports-car levels of money to get the full set of teeth you need.
Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth. Unlike some dental clinics that require multiple procedures, Renew's tooth replacement systems require just one surgical appointment. With regular care and professional cleaning from your dentist, your implants can last for the rest of your life.
Dental implants are often the preferred choice for people considering total mouth restoration. Unlike temporary options, dental implants give you a permanent solution for preventing bone loss and renewing your smile. They're created using a small, threaded post that conforms to your jawbone over time. This fusion creates a double-strong anchor that secures your new teeth. Though dentures have a reputation for slipping and sliding in your mouth, dental implants always stay put. If you've been missing out on delicious flavor profiles or the chance to speak confidently, dental implants can be life-changing.
You can think of this titanium screw as a new root for your teeth. It's anchored to your jaw during dental implant surgery.
An abutment is a small connector prosthetic that connects your dental implants and false teeth. You can think of an abutment as the foundation for your new teeth.
The crown of your new tooth is the visible part that you and others see in your mouth. Crowns are made using gorgeous materials and function just like other healthy teeth in your mouth.
Dental implants can all but eliminate the need for repetitive dental work and dealing with missing teeth. Since they act like natural teeth roots, they stimulate your jaw, which prevents it from deteriorating. Plus, dental implants are placed with extreme care by experts, so you don't have to worry about damaging any healthy teeth. It's pretty clear that dental implants are great - but when do you need to get them? Here are a few common signs that you may be a good candidate.
One of the top reasons why people choose dental implants is that they're missing several or all of their teeth. Missing teeth can cause issues with self-consciousness and make it difficult to eat in general. Because dental implants replicate your natural teeth, they can help restore confidence and make eating easier and more enjoyable.
Some people who have dentures, partials, or bridges still feel insecure about their smiles. And that's a shame because nobody should be embarrassed by their smile. If you feel that way, know this: You deserve to feel proud about your smile. Fortunately, dental implants can help. Dental implants can take your confidence to a whole new level. Those days and nights you spent refusing to smile for pictures... Forget about them. Better days are ahead when you have dental implants.
When you have missing teeth, it can be hard to indulge in your favorite foods. It seems like you're constantly on edge due to the pain and inconvenience. When you have dentures, you have to avoid a whole range of foods, like grilled meats and more. With dental implants from Renew you can have your steak and (literally) eat it, too.
One of the biggest downfalls of dental solutions like dentures is that they don't stimulate your jawbone. When your jawbone isn't stimulated correctly, you will eventually suffer from bone loss. This bone loss can create a sunken-in facial appearance. Dental implants fuse with your jawbone, providing the much-needed stimulus that prevents this from happening.
If you or someone you know has had dentures, you know that using them and keeping them clean can be a hassle. After eating, you've got to take them out to be cleaned. Sometimes, you've got to apply denture adhesives to keep them in place. For most people, denture care is messy and monotonous. If you're sick of dealing with sticky adhesives and loose dentures in your mouth, you may want to consider dental implants.
One of the biggest reasons why people choose dental implants is that they look, feel, and work like natural teeth. Dental implants provide several other benefits, including:
If you've lost some or all of your teeth, you're missing out on a slew of functions that make life easier. With dental implants, you benefit from the same functionality as natural teeth.
You can bite into and chew tougher foods that you love, since your bite force is restored.
Dental implants fill in for missing molars, which helps you digest food better.
Dental Implant full mouth restoration options include both fixed removable and non-removable options. In both instances, you can brush just as you would with your natural teeth. With fixed removable solutions, the teeth can come out for extra cleaning and snap right back in. With fixed non-removable options, the teeth stay put and can not be removed, other than by a dental professional for deep cleaning.
Dental implants eliminate one of the biggest concerns that denture-wearers have: their teeth slipping out of their mouth accidentally in public. Unlike dentures, implants are placed securely in your jaw. That means you can eat, talk, smile, and laugh without having to be nervous.
Some dental solutions for missing teeth only last for a few years. When cared for properly, dental implants can last for the rest of your life. Dental implants in Colorado Springs, CO from Renew can cost up to 60% less than other dental implant options and come with a Lifetime Guarantee, making them an outstanding value.
When there are gaps in the jawbone due to missing teeth, the bone in those areas can start to weaken from lack of stimulation. If the empty space isn't addressed quickly, the bone can lose up to 25% of its volume and will continue to deteriorate over time. Dental implants stimulate your jaw again, which strengthens your jawbone and prevents it from deteriorating.
When your jawbone starts to deteriorate, the lower third part of your face can begin to sag or look sunken in due to bone loss. Because dental implants integrate with your jawbone and stimulate it daily, you can avoid a sunken facial appearance.
Renew has transformed our members' lives with quality dental implants at prices far below the national average. That's because we believe smiles should be accessible to all. Renew doctors examine the oral health of every new patient who walks through our doors. We then develop a customized dental implant treatment plan to meet their needs. This allows our experts to provide pricing that is upfront, fixed, and affordable. No hidden costs, ever.
We're able to provide outstanding value on your new teeth because we pass our savings along to you. Here's how:
Renew is so committed to bringing back your smile that we created the Renew Patient Financing Program. When you sign up, you can find low monthly payment options with higher approval rates. Bad credit? No problem. Renew works with you to build a plan that's right for you and your budget.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are often considered the "gold standard" solution. That's because they feel, function, and look like actual teeth. Because they replicate natural teeth, you can feast on your favorite foods. You can talk to strangers with confidence. Perhaps most importantly, you can flash that beautiful smile again without feeling embarrassed. Unlike Renew's full mouth reconstruction, traditional dentures limit your food choices, have to be replaced, and are generally more difficult to wear.
A full mouth restoration, as the name suggests, involves rebuilding or replacing every tooth in your mouth. This procedure combines elements of dentistry and cosmetic surgery to restore both the function and structure of your teeth.
Your teeth are responsible for more than making your smile unique. They help you eat and communicate, too. When you lose your teeth, life changes. It's just that simple. Factors like poor dental care or mouth injuries can cause partial or complete tooth loss. In such situations, a dentist's goal is to restore your oral health and bring back your smile. At Renew, we do full dental replacements. They're not for everyone, but for those who need them, they're a great solution. But what does full mouth reconstruction entail? Let's dig in and find out.
A full-mouth reconstruction - also called a total or full-mouth restoration begins with extracting any remaining teeth before restoration can begin. If you have many missing teeth or your teeth are severely damaged or worn down, you may want to consider this procedure.
You may also want to think about full mouth restoration if you have specific dental conditions. For instance, amelogenesis, a disorder that causes teeth to develop in unusual shapes, and ectodermal dysplasia, which affects both skin and teeth, may require comprehensive reconstruction as you get older.
Dental implants can fully restore your mouth without needing to rely on dentures or bridges. As we covered above, dental implants consist of a titanium post that is implanted into your jawbone. As the process of osseointegration progresses, the surrounding wound heals, firmly anchoring the post in place. Teeth are attached to the implants, restoring both the appearance and function.
Did you know that one-tenth of people in the United States are missing all of their teeth? One of the most common reasons for missing teeth is tooth decay, a problem that affects many individuals, not just those who have lost teeth. While some of us may have had more dental fillings than others, we all continually battle against tooth decay.
Bacteria naturally inhabit our mouths, and when they feast on the sugars and starches from our food, they produce an acid that can harm our teeth. This acid gradually erodes the protective layer known as enamel. Once the enamel is compromised, the inner structures of our teeth can begin to decay. Keep an eye out for these signs of tooth decay:
When left untreated, tooth decay can rot your teeth and cause them to fall out. Along with tooth decay, be aware of these additional risk factors that cause your teeth to fall out.
Gum disease and tooth loss often go hand-in-hand. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that can result in serious health problems. If the infection progresses, it can damage the bone that supports your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. You might notice swelling or redness in your gums, but often, the condition isn't painful, which means you might have it without even realizing it. If left untreated, gum disease can not only cause your teeth to fall out but also allow the infection to spread to other areas of your body.
A big cause of gum disease is from plaque accumulating on your teeth. Other factors that increase the likelihood of gum disease include:
Losing your teeth due to an injury is a fairly common occurrence, especially for MMA fighters and boxers. But you don't have to be a combat sports athlete to lose your teeth. It can happen due to an injury, car accidents, accidents at work, or just getting hit in the face with a ball really hard, it doesn't take that much force to damage teeth and ruin someone's smile.
Missing teeth impact your oral health, but they also take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being. Ask yourself these questions:
Renew's full mouth restoration can be the solution you've been searching for.
Have you ever wondered what's involved in a dental implant procedure and how long it takes? In the past, dental implant procedures were often considered long and painful. Today, dental implant surgeries are streamlined and tailored to your unique dental needs. At Renew, you can have new dental implants with a single surgery.
No, we're not pulling your leg. All it takes is one surgical appointment to get dental implants that feel, look, and function like natural teeth. By fixing your teeth on the same day as your surgery, treatment and recovery times are reduced. When your implant procedure is finished and you're fully healed, the sparkling-white teeth of your dreams become a reality. That crispy, juicy apple that's been calling your name? Go ahead and dig in. It's time to savor the flavor of life.
To help you make a more informed decision about dental implants in Colorado Springs, CO, let's explore more about the treatment process.
Having your teeth replaced involves an initial consultation with our experienced Dental Team and Education Consultant. You'll receive a free 3-D CAT Scan, which will allow our doctors to see your mouth in three dimensions. We develop your custom treatment plan using this advanced technology. During your free consultation, our dental implant experts will meet with you to talk about your needs. We'll also chat about any concerns you have. Once we determine you're a great candidate for Renew, we can schedule your single-day surgery.
The day you've been waiting for is finally here. Renew's dental implant procedure should only take a few hours. Once we're ready, our doctors use advanced surgical guides and scans to meticulously place your implants. Once your implants are placed, we attach new teeth. This allows you to speak, eat, and smile with confidence as you heal. And, since this is a medical procedure, IV sedation is used to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Once your procedure is over, it's time to heal. We'll provide you with helpful information on how to manage pain, should you experience any soreness. Healing varies from person to person, but you should expect some mild discomfort and swelling.
Four months after surgery, you receive a set of permanent, strong teeth that are attached and fixed for the non-removable option, or teeth that snap securely in place for the removable tooth replacement option.
You want your teeth to stay fresh and clean as time goes by. That's why the last stage of your dental implant procedure is maintenance. By practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups, the smile of your dreams can last a lifetime.
Dental implants are one of the most popular restoration options for people who have lost several teeth or have had to have many teeth extracted. They've got an incredible long-term success rate, but to keep them looking and feeling like your natural teeth, you've got to care for them like your natural teeth. Here are a few tips on how to do just that.
Renew was founded with one goal in mind: To make beautiful, strong teeth accessible to all. So, along with a team of scientists and doctors, Founder Dr. Don Miloni developed a new way to do teeth. Over 100 million dollars have been invested in crafting strong, hardy, healthy teeth. To date, we are backed by over 80 patents. We've achieved a shorter surgery time, which means a faster recovery. And we have changed countless of people's mouths (and lives). All for a fraction of traditional costs. Because everyone deserves to smile. It's the reason we get up every single day.
At this point, we know you may have questions. It would be our pleasure to help answer them. If there's one thing you can count on, it's that our team is here for you when you need us most. From our customer service team to our experienced staff of doctors and expert technicians, you can expect comprehensive care along every step of your dental implant journey. Contact Renew today. After your free consultation, you can look forward to a better tomorrow.
What is the best internet provider in Colorado Springs?Xfinity is the best internet service provider in Colorado Springs, thanks to its broad coverage throughout the area, high download speeds and low prices. If Xfinity isn't available at your address, ...
Xfinity is the best internet service provider in Colorado Springs, thanks to its broad coverage throughout the area, high download speeds and low prices. If Xfinity isn't available at your address, Quantum Fiber, T-Mobile and Rise Broadband are all worth considering.
Plus, Xfinity offers the most affordable plan, with rapid and reliable service. What's more, it provides download speeds of up to 150 megabits per second for just $20 a month for customers in their first year of service. And if you're looking for speed, Xfinity's Gigabit X2 plan is the fastest -- and widely available -- for $115 monthly. In some areas, you can expect download speeds of up to 8 gigs with Quantum Fiber, priced at $165 per month.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
You'll find decent deals on your internet in Colorado Springs. Based on our calculations, the average starting price is about $44 per month, with a couple of providers offering plans starting even lower. Xfinity clocks in with the lowest price available at $20 per month (plus, it's a good value when looking at price per Mbps), but some internet service providers may offer an even better deal.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
The best internet deals and top promotions in Colorado Springs depend on what discounts are available during a given period. Most deals are short-lived, but we check frequently for the latest offers.
Colorado Springs internet providers, such as Xfinity and Rise Broadband, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many providers, including Quantum Fiber, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide to the best internet deals.
Xfinity has the fourth-fastest median download speed nationwide, so it's no surprise it's the fastest internet service provider you can get in Colorado Springs. Most internet speeds in this area are under 100Mbps, especially if you're on a budget. You'll find download speeds up to 2,000Mbps with Xfinity if you want to spend more money.
Colorado Springs isn't exactly known for its superfast internet speeds; only a few internet service providers offer speeds over 940Mbps. The prices are moderate for these fast speeds.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the Federal Communication Commission. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
The answers to those questions are often layered and complex, but the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.).
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Colorado Springs offers a wide variety of internet options, whether you're living in a rural area and need a satellite provider or are located downtown looking for a fiber connection. With prices starting at just $20 per month, there's a little something for everyone. Xfinity offers the widest variety with the lowest prices and highest speeds, but local companies like PCI Broadband or Stratus IQ are hanging in there as contenders.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Okika Devices, a chip and software production company, is relocating its headquarters and research and development operations to Colorado Springs.Governor Jared Polis and the state’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) made the announcement of the company’s move on Tuesday, highlighting the state and local area’s growth in the semiconductor industry.According to a news release, Okika Devices develops “Field Programmable Analog Array (FPAA) integ...
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Okika Devices, a chip and software production company, is relocating its headquarters and research and development operations to Colorado Springs.
Governor Jared Polis and the state’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) made the announcement of the company’s move on Tuesday, highlighting the state and local area’s growth in the semiconductor industry.
According to a news release, Okika Devices develops “Field Programmable Analog Array (FPAA) integrated circuit products to deliver state-of-the-art analog integrated circuit solutions that address complex challenges from sensor processing to machine learning.”
State officials said the company is set to create 20 new jobs with an average annual wage of $104,250.
The company, previously headquartered in California, also considered areas in California and Arizona for expansion. According to a news release, the company currently has six employees, one of whom is in Colorado.
Officials said hiring for Okika was underway as of Tuesday for applications and quality engineers, sales, and procurement.
“Relocating Okika’s headquarters to Colorado Springs marks an exciting new chapter for our company,” Okika’s Chairman and CEO William Staunton said. “The business-friendly environment, along with the unwavering support from the city, county, and state—who truly bent over backwards to make this transition seamless—made our decision an easy one. Colorado Springs offers a rich pool of talented and committed professionals, and we’re proud to join a community known for innovation and excellence. Many of our senior executives, formerly of Ramtron, are thrilled to return and help launch Okika in a place that feels like home. We are looking forward to being back.”
“Okika Device’s dedication to cutting-edge analog solutions and commitment to innovation will undoubtedly strengthen and advance our state’s growing semiconductor ecosystem, further solidifying Colorado’s position as a leader in the advanced industries, technology and strategic economic development,” OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman said.
Copyright 2025 KKTV. All rights reserved.
Best public high schools in the Colorado Springs metro areaStacker compiled a list of the best public high schools in the Colorado Springs metro area using data from the Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and sur...
Stacker compiled a list of the best public high schools in the Colorado Springs metro area using data from the Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and surveys of parents, teachers, and students.
- Location: Calhan School District No. RJ1, CO
- Enrollment: 223 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
- Location: Harrison School District No. 2, CO
- Enrollment: 479 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
- Location: Colorado Springs School District No. 11, CO
- Enrollment: 194 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
- Location: Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, CO
- Enrollment: 2,040 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
- Location: Colorado Springs School District No. 11, CO
- Enrollment: 1,832 (22:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
- Location: Colorado Springs School District No. 11, CO
- Enrollment: 1,384 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
- Location: Colorado Charter School Institute, CO
- Enrollment: 642 (21:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
- Location: Colorado Charter School Institute, CO
- Enrollment: 807 (22:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B
- Location: Colorado Springs School District No. 11, CO
- Enrollment: 1,305 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B+
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 1,647 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B+
- Location: Harrison School District No. 2, CO
- Enrollment: 403 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B+
- Location: District 49, CO
- Enrollment: 1,600 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B+
- Location: Manitou Springs School District, CO
- Enrollment: 381 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: B+
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 1,454 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-
- Location: Colorado Charter School Institute, CO
- Enrollment: 984 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 1,087 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-
- Location: Lewis-Palmer School District 38, CO
- Enrollment: 1,181 (22:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 447 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 1,329 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A
- Location: Lewis-Palmer School District 38, CO
- Enrollment: 1,094 (20:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 1,815 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A
- Location: Colorado Springs School District No. 11, CO
- Enrollment: 316 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A
- Location: Academy School District No. 20, CO
- Enrollment: 547 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A
- Location: Harrison School District No. 2, CO
- Enrollment: 321 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A
- Location: Cheyenne Mountain School District No. 12, CO
- Enrollment: 1,241 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+
This story features data reporting by Rob Powell and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 97 metros.
Originally published on stacker.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
It’s not hard to figure out what inspires Steve Kaczmarek, who founded Borealis Fat Bikes in Colorado Springs 12 years ago. Just consider the names of a few of his bikes: Kaczmarek’s first bike was “The Yampa.” There’s “The Crestone,” and the electric bike is “The Keystone.”“Everything we do has a Colorado theme,” said Kaczmarek. “All of our bikes have the Colorado flag on them. We just have great fun being from Colorado.”Specialty bikes known as &ldq...
It’s not hard to figure out what inspires Steve Kaczmarek, who founded Borealis Fat Bikes in Colorado Springs 12 years ago. Just consider the names of a few of his bikes: Kaczmarek’s first bike was “The Yampa.” There’s “The Crestone,” and the electric bike is “The Keystone.”
“Everything we do has a Colorado theme,” said Kaczmarek. “All of our bikes have the Colorado flag on them. We just have great fun being from Colorado.”
Specialty bikes known as “fat bikes” took off right around the time Kaczmarek was starting the company. He describes their design, including larger tires, as ideal for off-road terrain and riding on snow, mud and loose gravel since they have a wider footprint and are more stable.
“You don't have to worry about going over whatever [terrain],” said Kaczmarek, as he pointed out some of the bikes at the company’s current headquarters. “Your eyes are up, you're enjoying, having a good time. They're just fun bikes.”
Kaczmarek has had some ups and downs since he founded the company in 2013, but he said the on-again-off-again tariffs on Chinese goods is a deal-breaker for the business. Borealis designs and assembles its bikes in Colorado Springs, but 80 percent of the parts come from China. Back in 2018, during Trump’s first term as president, Kaczmarek said the 25 percent tariffs Trump imposed and which President Joe Biden maintained cost the company $300,000.
The pandemic, on the other hand, was a boon for the outdoor industry business as people were able to take advantage of the extra time to recreate and started buying up more gear, including campers, outdoor gear and Kaczmarek’s fat bikes.
But when the pandemic ended, business slowed for the industry, something Kaczmarek describes as the “Corona hangover.” Kaczmarek had to let go of about half of his 12-person staff, so the company was still able to make a profit.
Then, in July of last year, Kaczmarek started planning for what he saw as the worst-case scenario: more tariffs that he figured could be as high as 50 percent.
“In July of last year, Trump was gaining speed in the polls, and I said, ‘I've got to move to a place where I have options,’” said Kaczmarek. “ I wanted a one-year lease, which was hard to find, and in the event things went bad, I needed to be able to either pivot or shut down.”
Kaczmarek moved from his 10,000-foot location to a 3,000-foot space and cut more staff, leaving him with three full-time and one part-time employees. Then came the election and the expected imposition of big tariffs on China. Kaczmarek decided he’d have to shut his doors this summer.
“We would've had to have placed orders in February because of the lead time from our suppliers, predominantly in China and then they go on the ocean for a month and then we get them and then we start building,” said Kaczmarek, noting it was just too risky to order more inventory without knowing how much it would cost.
It turned out the tariffs announced on China in April were much higher than Kaczmarek anticipated, so shutting down made sense. And Kaczmarek said even the recent pause in the trade war between the US and China won’t change his plans. There’s just too much uncertainty.
“We're down to our last 200 bikes. We're going to build those while I still have my staff,” Kaczmarek said. “We're exiting this facility at the end of July, and unfortunately, we're letting everybody go.”
Kaczmarek said he’s going to move any remaining inventory to his house and stay on the sidelines to see how the tariff negotiations play out in the long run.
As tariffs take effect, a new struggle for small town newspapers arises – the cost of paper
Others in the industry said they may be forced to sit on the sidelines as well, like Matt Reichel of Boreas Campers in Pueblo, which makes campers built to go off-road and off-grid.
Reichel said the RV industry has declined significantly since its peak in COVID, and his company is running at 50 percent of what it was in 2022. He said the supply chain issues that started during the pandemic have never fully recovered and the company’s future is uncertain.
“It’s just whiplash for everyone,” he said.
He said the company, which also depends on parts from China, had been able to manage the 25 percent tariffs imposed in 2018, but 145 percent is a different ballgame.
Trump hopes that restricting American access to overseas products, especially from China, will incentivize manufacturers to start producing parts in the United States and create more jobs. But Reichel said even if tariffs were to stay at 145 percent, it will still be more expensive to buy his supplies in the U.S.
Borealis’ Steve Kaczmarek agrees. He said he doesn’t think anything he needs could be manufactured cost-competitively in the U.S. compared to China.
“I understand that we're trying to bring jobs back to the US,’ said Kaczmarek. “That's great. I fully support that, but not everything can be brought back.”
Kaczmarek doesn’t see the tires he depends on ever being made in the U.S. He said he looked into bike frames when he started the company and they were five times the cost of what they pay for bike frames in China. He said people just aren't going to spend what it would cost to buy a bike with US parts. One example is the carbon bikes he sells that run from $2,000-$3,000. He predicted a carbon bike with U.S. parts would cost about $10,000.
Kaczmarek said he worries how his employees will make ends meet. Dakota Mossbrook is one of the remaining three full-time workers. Kaczmarek calls him a superstar.
“We've got a really good group and it takes years to get a good group,” Kaczmarek said. But I can't keep paying them. There's just no way to do that.”
Mossbrook, who assembles the bikes, said he’d like to continue doing what he does, but the future doesn’t look good for the industry.
“What's happening to us is kind of happening to the entire industry,” he said. “So options are slim.”
Mossbrook is now looking for a job, but he said for him, the future looks bleak. And Kaczmarek will say goodbye to a business he created from the ground up.
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For five generations, the Portugal family has entertained audiences with acrobatic spectacles and amusing stunts.Starting with a small tent in Mexico during the 1950s, the family-run circus grew over the next few decades, eventually traveling to perform around the country. In 2014, the show went international, starting in El Salvador with a Central America tour. By 2019, the family was planning performances across the U.S.The Do Portugal Circus family will be flipping and flying here in Colorado Springs. The family-friendly cir...
For five generations, the Portugal family has entertained audiences with acrobatic spectacles and amusing stunts.
Starting with a small tent in Mexico during the 1950s, the family-run circus grew over the next few decades, eventually traveling to perform around the country. In 2014, the show went international, starting in El Salvador with a Central America tour. By 2019, the family was planning performances across the U.S.
The Do Portugal Circus family will be flipping and flying here in Colorado Springs. The family-friendly circus, set under a big top, will perform throughout May.
“We have a whole new show this season — completely new tricks, the lighting is better, the equipment is better,” said ringmaster Aldo Portugal, who also dabbles in trapeze. “We’re always trying to improve. I love this show so dearly. I love being in it. I love being part of it. We are always try to make it better and trying to make it bigger and trying to make it as good as it possibly can be.”
The animal-free circus features acts like juggling, aerial silks, hand balancing, magic, trapeze and the globe of death. There will also, of course, be clowns at the show.
The artists — especially the clowns — are very interactive with the audience, Portugal said, in hopes of immersing viewers into the show. That’s part of what makes the Do Portugal Circus unique, he said.
“There’s never a dull moment during the show,” Portugal said. “We just don’t want the audience to come and sit and watch the show. We want the audience to be part of the show. I always say it’s like a dance, it takes two to tango.”
The performances are always evolving, Portugal said. For those who might be going for the first time, Portugal says to expect the unexpected. Even with all his experience, he often finds himself captivated by the artistry.
“I know it sounds so cliche, but the performances that we have are so unique, the performers have such personalities, I’m really proud of this show we have the season,” Portugal said.
“Be ready to be a little scared — the performers, they are fearless.”