November.
In 2007, Laura and Bill Pettett purchased their second home in Kremmling on the Gore Lakes after hunting in the area. “It was perfect. We could fish all summer, hunt in the fall and snowmobile all winter,” said Laura of her and Bill’s initial love of Kremmling and what it offered them, and as Michigan natives, the Kremmling winter was not intimidating.Fast forward almost a decade and that love continues with their purchase of West End Liquors, now Kremmling West End Liquors.
“We have always loved this liquor store – everything from the flag, to its location,” said Laura who said there are not a lot of major changes on the horizon for the store.
“We want to bring in more fun items and gifts, but don’t want to make a lot of changes. We will definitely keep the flag.”Laura leaped at the opportunity to be her own boss and reinvent herself after being in the corporate world as a product manager in a software company.
She is currently living in Kremmling with their 7-year old black lab.Bill, on the other hand, will continue to work as a senior consultant at Microsoft and will stock the coolers and help as needed on his days off. The couple will keep their home in Parker, CO for the time being.
“We are hoping to help Kremmling keep their economy strong and keep the jobs,” Bill said of their new business.Laura acknowledged how wonderful it has been to have seasoned employees and the help of previous owners, Max and Bonnie Basemann,
“They have been super helpful and incredible with the transferring the business to us.” Max and Bonnie recently returned to their home state of Iowa.“We have also had the support of my family,” said Laura whose father owns an electrical store and a sister who owns a children’s wear boutique.
“They understand the challenges we are facing.” Laura admits that her and Bill did not ever plan to own a liquor store, but early experiences in their life might have suggested it was a possibility. Bill worked for the Coors Distributor when they first moved to Colorado, and Laura once did a stint as a bartender.
“I mostly drink whiskey and wine, and Bill primarily sticks to beer, but we are enjoying some of the unique drinks we have in here,” said Laura.Long-time employee, Lisa Campbell commented that Bonnie and Max did a great job of choosing Laura and Bill to be their successors at West End Liquors.
Kremmling West End Liquors is located on the west end of town at 200 Park Avenue. Their phone number is 970-724-3564.
