What was your first job?My first official job that I got paid for (as opposed to getting an allowance for) was as a dishwasher at Cedar Point Grille in Cedar Crest.How did you get started in this business?I turned 21 and heard the tips were nice. I started as a barback.Why did you choose this business?First, it worked pretty well with going to college. Second, the money and third, I am naturally introverted—this business allowed me to develop and become more well-rounded socially. What is your business philosophy?Be a good person to each individual you come across. Do not cut corners. Be clean and organized. Do all the little things thoroughly and precisely, and eventually you will have a big thing that is shiny and beautiful. What is your educational background?I graduated from UNM in 2011 with a BS in Biological Anthropology and Psychology.What is your or your company’s greatest asset?Our staff. They are fighters. They work hard. They are willing to get their hands dirty, and they take a lot of pride in their space. There is a genuine warmness going on with the personalities around here.What are your strongest business traits?We’re calm and collected in a storm. I whimper and bawl behind closed doors where no one can see. Why did you choose to do business in Albuquerque?That’s just how it worked out.What motivates you to succeed besides the desire to make money?My family and friends. I am super proud of them. They go out each day and work their asses off in attempts to enrich their livelihoods. It’s a sweet circle and there exists a really strong work ethic within . . . I just want to stay in the circle!How is operating your own business different than you expected?I think I expected it to be nonstop but wow! It really is nonstop. I have achieved a bit more clarity on the definition of that word.What significant changes have you implemented recently?We have built an entertainment lounge with booth seating, a 120" projection screen and a stage. We have completely renovated the building and the bar. Warm colors and lights have been added to really create a chill ambiance. We have also hired a high-grade chef, Mr. John Fabry, to elevate our menu. We are set up to be the ideal spot for a nice, relaxing evening of great food and fine entertainment.What successes in the past year are you most proud of accomplishing?We came across and made some great friends.What do you offer that the competition doesn’t?We have eight Diamond pool tables, two shuffle boards, 14 flat screens, a 120" movie projector, live music and other entertainment, a chef inspired menu, local craft beers and fine wines, a full bar with a collection of specialty cocktails, chill music and an amazingly informed and personable staff.How do you maintain your competitive edge?Hard work and smart business. Of course, we will need to make the rounds to the other awesome, successful businesses in Albuquerque, enjoy their offerings and possibly take a note or two on what it is that makes them uniquely tick.How would you define your position within the marketplace or within your market segment?We are our own special little dragon. We have taken certain pieces that we like from the breweries, the restaurants, the sports bars, the entertainment venues and the pool halls and are morphing them all in to this thing called Krypton Blue.What do you think is the biggest obstacle in operating a successful business?Initially, getting that customer to walk in the door for the first time.What was your best business decision?Stay true to your vision. Embrace the change. What was your biggest missed opportunity?Puberty hit me late, all the football scouts seemed to have missed the 135 pound, somewhat slow, "catch anything that was in my vicinity" athlete with potential to take it to the "Bigs" in high school.What are your growth goals?I want to continue to be a good person. To pass no judgement and give everyone a chance. We want to work with our New Mexican community to improve the lives of people and animals.How has the internet affected your business and how do you think it might affect your business in the future?Social media/internet is the future of business.If you had to choose another career or start another business what would it be?I’d like to be a lumberjack or physical trainer, something that would allow me to stay physical.What words of wisdom would you offer to someone starting their own business?Make lots of short term goals. Accomplish one, move to the next.What’s your favorite saying or quotation?"The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows . . . its about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward . . . That’s how winning is done." Rocky Balboa.If there was one thing about Albuquerque or New Mexico that you could change, what would it be?There is, to a degree, a lack of education and parenting that, if done more hands on, I think would instill a better work ethic and a more natural respect in our youngsters for fellow human beings. What do you look for in prospective employees?Someone who asks questions, knows their value, smiles and makes eye contact.What inspires you?Family, friends and Gladiator.Three passions outside of work?Yoga, snowy mountains and food.
This Is Albuquerque: Krypton Blue
Alibi
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5 min read
