New Helen's Liquors Owner Lloyd Neal

Helen's Liquors in Antonito, Colorado has a new owner, but the owner isn't new to the area. Loyde Neal, who grew up in Antonito, graduated from Antonito High School in 1992 and latter attended Adams State College. He had been living in Oregon for the last 12 years where he worked in manufacturing, for the Oberto Sausage Company, and later for ATI - Absorbent Technologies Research and Development. He has learned a lot about Lean Manufacturing and Efficiency which he hopes to apply to his new venture. Buying Helen's Liquors has proven to be an excellent opportunity for him to move back to Antonito to be closer to his family. Opening a retail store is a whole new business venture for this entrepreneur, and couldn't have done it without a little help. "Isaac Vigil, the former owner of Helen's Liquor, was a big help in teaching me about the industry, Everyone I have come into contact with has been a big help, from the Town Board to other liquor store owners in the Valley who offered advice and helped to show me the ropes, and my family who have been very supportive," said Loyde.

While seeking guidance from the local authorities, Linda from the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend that he contact Donna Wehe at the Small Business Development Center, who helped Loyde in getting organized. Currently Loyde is receiving assistance from Bernie van de Boogaard, who just joined the business counseling team for the SLV Small Business Development Center. Loyde hopes to get more involved in the community and has plans to expand and remodel his newly acquired building. The business itself is one of the oldest, continuous operating buildings in Conejos County, located on the west side of US Highway 285 as you go through town. His hours are 8:00am - Midnight, Monday-Saturday, and Sundays 9:30 am until 8:00pm. To contact the SLV SBDC for free and confidential business assistance, call 587-5151 or go to the web site coloradosbdc.org and request counseling.