Mountain High Appliance

4 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10 MOUNTA IN HIGH APPL I ANCE President Brad Barnett founded Mountain High by selling used appliances out of his garage 30 years ago. Over the decades, he expanded to the current five locations in Colorado Springs, Glenwood Springs, Littleton, its flagship store in Louisville, and a clearance center with hundreds of live appliances for a true “try before you buy experience.” Roughly 60 percent of Mountain High’s current business comes from contract sales, or builders, with another 40 percent direct from consumers. According to Mountain High Marketing Manager Maureen Ledwell, “No matter who our customers are, people like to touch, feel and see the product before they buy. Many appliances are a major investment so there’s no substitute for seeing it in person.” Given its size and customer base, Mountain High Appliances has access to more than 60 name brand appliance OEMs but concentrates on consistently offering about 10 of the most recognizable high-end brands. From kitchen to utility room appliances, Mountain High’s employees are highly trained and experienced. They are always cognizant of the need to provide appliances that fit customer needs and budgets. “Appliances have changed so much in the last 30 years, it’s almost unrecognizable,” says Ledwell. Adapting to the New Normal March 2020 marked a turning point for many businesses, and while Mountain High had to adapt to short-term closures and the lack of in-store foot traffic, the company and its professionals quickly adapted. Team members provided virtual tours on tablets and mobile phone options for customers unable or unwilling to visit a showroom. Sales Manager Jared Parr recalls, “Once we started opening back up a little in May 2020 and over the summer, volume really skyrocketed and it has never slowed down since.” Mountain High staff still meet with customers remotely and even though the company does