An Open Letter to Stephen Tebo

Dear Mr Tebo,

I wanted to thank you for your inspiration to young entrepreneurs and your contributions to the Boulder business community. I have heard your story told at so many functions from Boulder Chamber events, to award functions where you were being honored for a philanthropic effort or a general Boulder stimulus recognition. As a young professional looking forward to a career of growth and achievement your example has been one to study.

My question to you is concerning the current state of the Boulder business climate. In attending networking events and conversing with a variety of local Boulder business owners I have seen a disturbing number of people talk about how close to the line they are riding, even when producing a consistent and significant revenue stream. That the cost of their space is such an inordinately high percentage of their overhead they they are often barely breaking even. Many times they are not, evidenced by the more and more "Tebo Space for Lease" signs that we all see appearing around Boulder. I am wondering what your plans are to help with this situation? How many businesses need to close their doors for you to notice? After so much attention for your work in stimulating the Boulder economy, why not reduce your rates? Why not give some of the other businesses an opportunity to flourish as you have?

You have been honored and awarded for your work. You have accumulated an incredible amount of the commercial property in Boulder. When do you think you will have enough? When can the prices be made reasonable again so that small businesses trying to start with a new idea, or existing businesses that produce regular revenue are actually able to show a profit instead of closing their doors because of high rent. I plan to open a store, but will be looking in Louisville or Lafayette because the space in Boulder is just too costly to even consider. How many other businesses are driven away from Boulder because of this?

You have the power and the responsibility to help. Please do so. Thank you.