PHOTOS (Above): interior and
exterior shots of Mountain
McGyver Antiques located at 879
W. Agate Avenue in Granby


PHOTO (Above): interior and exterior photos of The Junk Trunk, located at 209 Central Avenue in Kremmling

How do you distinguish between junk and treasure? Two of our local antique shops participating in the Touchstone Energy® Co-op Connections SM program, host a wealth of antiques, collectibles (rare and uncommon), junk to some but treasures to others, will tell you there is a history behind every item, a story that unfolds memories and a true appreciation for its worth.

New to the Co-op Connections SM program, Dave Carver, owner of Mountain McGyver, is a young entrepreneur who always wanted his own business ever since the days when he worked in his uncle’s toy shop as a teen. “While working there, I could honestly say that I was tantalized with the notion of owning my own business some day”, Dave said. Mountain McGyver’s doors first opened in the fall of 2006—not a very long time ago. “I went to school for marketing in Greeley but found out you had to be a third level junior to get anywhere. I took business administration courses in Steamboat for two years before settling in Grand County. I gave myself until I was 25 years old to own my own business. Over the years, I worked several jobs and learned that if you had a good work ethic and were sober that you could stay on at job. I always felt that I made a positive contribution to the businesses.

One day while killing some time for an appointment, I stopped by the antique shop then know as ‘Now ‘n Then’. The owner was just finishing a phone call. As it turned out, it was about the sale of the business and the sale fell through.” This was the opportunity Dave was looking for. “I couldn’t help feel this was somewhat spiritual. I always liked digging around in junkyards, finding 50-year old pieces that meant nothing to someone throwing it away. For me, I appreciated its age and the history behind it. So this was my hobby turned business and it’s worked out very well for me. I still have a lot to learn and in this business there’s never an end – I finally found my niche!” Mountain McGyver is located in Granby at 879 W. Agate Avenue – Open daily from 10 a.m-5 p.m.

The Junk Trunk is one of the first local businesses to participate in the Co-op Connections SM program. Celebrating its eighth year, owner Marcia Blevins has lived in the county for over twenty years and first lived in the Fraser Valley. Marcia and her husband David moved to Kremmling in 1999. David is a carpenter by trade and helps Marcia load and set up heavy antique pieces.

Growing up in southern California, Marcia learned the art of collectibles from her Mom who collected Carnival glass. In her teens, Marcia’s family moved to Branson, Missouri where her mother had an antique store. “I always loved junk and I absorbed everything—you learn from your parents. In this business, you learn everyday and continue to evolve. I think that it is important in life.

“The program the cooperative offers to local businesses is really a great thing for local retail businesses. We’re very happy to participate and hope other local businesses take advantage and hope that our friends and neighbors use their discount cards. Anything that will help our local businesses economically thrive is a wonderful thing!” The Junk Trunk is located at 209 Central Avenue in Kremmling and is open Mondays – Saturdays 10-ish to 4:30-ish.

Click here for a list of participating Co-op Connections SM businesses. If you own a business and are interested in participating (there are no fees and the advertising is free on our website and nationwide), contact Rob Taylor at 970-887-3378. If you lost your card, stop by our office or give us a call and we’ll send you a new one.