The Heartbeat of a Community

Every now and then you come across a company that carries out its vision so well that one might believe it’s easy. You may have already heard of one of them: Red Leg Brewing.

Todd Baldwin, President and founder of Red Leg Brewing, has been laser focused on creating and growing a business that exemplifies its mission: “Where community and culture meet.” It’s a theme that repeats often in any conversation about his business, Colorado Springs, and community.

Community. Culture. Family. Service. These are the pillars that have helped Red Leg Brewing not only succeed, but to grow from taproom to destination venue in their beloved Colorado Springs. When Todd had the opportunity to start over after he retired from the military, his wife was the one to suggest Colorado. They love the outdoors and were ready for a complete change of scenery. Colorado Springs attracted them with its beauty, outdoorsy lifestyle, and opportunity. Todd had already decided that a brewery was his next gig, and Colorado Springs offered a great marketplace for craft beer. When traditional financing didn’t pan out, he got creative with credit cards. On July 4, 2013, Red Leg Brewing launched.

Red Leg quickly grew a following for its award-winning beer and great atmosphere. Todd credits the customers and the community of Colorado Springs for embracing them as a young business. Launching a small business is never a certainty. Add society’s attachment to corporate chains and you have a challenging road. Success comes with tons of work both in the business and the community.

Todd embraced that challenge and has worked extensively with the city, the small business development center (SBDC) and the Chamber of Commerce to not only carve out a place for his business, but to also pave a path for other small businesses. But he hasn’t stopped there. “Community and culture is created and defined by its local small businesses,” he said. From the beginning, he has focused on creating culture around community. From the company name to the beers themselves, they are honoring veterans and creating a culture of gratitude and appreciation. Red Leg is a reference to artillery soldiers in the civil war who wore a red stripe down their pant leg. Many of their beer names also give nods to military names or Colorado Springs itself.

They have focused on being a part of the community by sponsoring and organizing events, donating extensively—both time and money—to local charities, and being involved in the local veteran community. Todd even founded the Veterans Beer Alliance to support other veterans and their breweries.

After years of growing success in the taproom, Todd attended a craft brewers conference in Washington, DC. One of the speakers dropped a reality check: there was now more fermentation space than demand for product. He realized they had a decision to make: renew the lease and keep going to see how long it would last or pivot and leap.

They leapt to a bigger vision. They secured a $10 million loan, bought 2.5 acres, and created a multiplex destination venue. Todd stated, “To my knowledge, this is the largest single investment by a small business in Colorado Springs.” The result is a stunning outdoor event center featuring an expanded 14,000 sq ft taproom and brewing facility, rooftop patio with unbeatable Colorado Springs’ views, five different food vendors, a play area, picnic tables, and a bike shop. Going back to their values, they’ve created a family-friendly venue that embodies their commitment to culture, community, and service. And highlights their love of the outdoors.

“You have to decide what is important as a business owner,” Todd explained. What is important for Red Leg Brewing? Their community. The family of customers and supporters. The family of employees. The family of the other businesses who chose to be a part of the venue. And the vitality of Colorado Springs.

Red Leg Brewing employs up to 40 Colorado Springs locals in the winter, and that number increases to almost 60 during the summer season. Considering the six other businesses in the multiplex that employ locals, this is a great option for job seekers. This is revenue that feeds the Colorado Springs’ economy.

One of Todd’s favorite parts of their Red Leg Brewing multiplex is the multitude of sensory experiences people can have there. “We wanted to create a sensory experience with the culinary blending. Just walking in ignites the senses.” Todd sites the aromas coming from the restaurants on site, the sounds from the play area, and the cookies.

Red Leg hosts regular events including live music, movie nights, holiday specific events like Trunk or Treat, parties, bingo nights, trivia nights, makers markets, and seasonally themed activities. They have two heated tents so you don’t have to miss out just because it’s a little cold.

Todd loves that they have created a space where families come to play because family is one of their pillars. When not working, they “…love coaching their kids’ soccer teams, being outside in Garden of the Gods, Blodgett, and Ute Valley Parks.” Not only do they host all sorts of events for adults, but kids are even choosing the venue for birthday parties. There is enough variety of food and beverages, and plenty of non-alcoholic options and activities, that the whole family can enjoy their visit. Intentionally family friendly until 8pm, the venue becomes adult only after 8pm.

The vision for the future includes adding more vendors within the center as well as adding to the culinary imprint as Colorado Springs adds “hot culinary scene” to its list of attractions. “We are interested in what our community of customers would like to have as a part of any expansion,” he said.

Todd is passionate about encouraging small businesses and would love to see more entrepreneurs being supported to make their mark, and be offered the same incentives, entitlements, or tax breaks that large corporate chains receive to open in communities. He would love to see small businesses recognized for the value they bring to the table. “Small businesses are the heartbeat of a community,” he explained. “Small businesses invest and reinvest in their community, and the revenue stays there.” This passion has led him to not only be active with the SBDC and local organizations, but also be nominated to a three year term to the National Small Business Board where he is one of 25-30 members that speak and help guide regulation on a national level.

It seems the secret to success is, in fact, a lot of hard work and determination. Todd has been determined from the beginning to create culture and community by leading the charge. “Our community here in Colorado Springs, has been amazing. We are so grateful for the support of our customers and greater community.” Todd has made sure that the support goes both ways. From cleaning up parks and building houses, hosting the annual Angel Run, and partnering with local businesses and sports teams, they have shown their commitment and love of Colorado Springs.

What can you expect on a visit to Red Leg Brewing? Award winning beer, excellent service, great food options, bike rentals (for those very nearby bike trails), and a culture of fun and community.