Member Spotlight

In 2004, Dr. Sarah Mann (PT, DPT, MBA, NSCA-CPT) was working as a personal trainer in the Denver Tech Center when a family asked if she could work with their son, a 40-year-old with Down syndrome. Through a shared love of Arnold Schwarzenegger and the golden age of bodybuilding, Dr. Mann quickly found that this was her favorite client to work with. Soon after, she went back to get her doctorate in physical therapy (PT) and started a clinic with an all-star team to provide pediatric and orthopedic PT plus occupational therapy (OT) for teenagers and adults with Down syndrome. In 2015, a connection with Jack’s and Steamers led Dr. Mann to move Mann Method PT and Fitness to The Village of Five Parks in northwest Arvada. “This was such an amazing, natural fit because people with developmental disabilities are embraced and accepted in this community,” said Dr. Mann.

Mike Solis recently celebrated 10 years owning Arvada German Garage and 35 years working in the automotive business. It’s a career that’s taken Mike from automotive school to a crew member for Michael Andretti’s IndyCar team. He then grew his garage of one into a team of ten that has earned a glowing reputation in Arvada—and beyond.

Before Jack and Athan Miller got into the restaurant business, he was an Olympic skier and she worked with the developmentally disabled as a social worker. Now, for over a decade, the Millers have operated Jack’s Bar and Grill & Steamers Coffeehouse with the mission of hiring and training special needs individuals. Located in the Village at Five Parks, the restaurant has expanded numerous times, including a 1,300-square-foot commercial prep kitchen across the street. This growth and introduction of new training programs has allowed the business to employ over 90 individuals with developmental disabilities at one time. Learn how Athan and Jack serve up delicious, fresh ways to change lives in Arvada and influence inclusive employment opportunities across the country.

Best On The Block Salsa first became popular in classrooms. A teacher in Jefferson County for 24 years, John Johnson officially launched his salsa company in Arvada in 2016.

In the last year, Dwayne Cameron says the Arvada Chamber has been a key to connect with the Arvada community and contribute to his business success. In fact, in 2018, Dwayne counted 65 invoices totaling over $10,000 that he could attribute to Chamber leads. Dwayne explains how he used his Chamber membership as a catalyst for business growth in a crowded market.

Bridget Sheils is the co-owner of Arvada American Shaman, which opened in Arvada on January 19th. The shop is the first CBD products retailer to open in Arvada and the first of the CBD American Shaman brand in Colorado.