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If I had a dollar for every time someone has asked me why I am working at a retail shop, I would probably be a very wealthy woman by now. I pondered this question as I surveyed the increasingly barren store last night. Why am I at Brownfield’s? I am glad you asked. It isn’t because of the insane hours we keep during the season. It isn’t because of the many different hats I get to wear in any given day. It isn’t because of the thousands of shirts I fold or garments I price. It isn’t because of the...

One month ago today, Estes Park experienced a deluge of enormous proportions.  Nearly two and half weeks later, the crown jewel of Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, was closed.  Despite these two devastating blows, this resilient town has stood strong.  It is truly the tenacious mountain spirit that has overcome these giant obstacles.  Brownfield's has been blessed with incredible support from locals, front range folks, and out-of-town friends.  The amount of people who have proudly proclaimed their support of Estes Park has been inspiring.  We are extraordinarily grateful for all of those who have traveled near and far to visit...

Three Floods Later and Brownfield's is still here.  We have survived the floods of 1976, 1982, and now 2013.  The store re-opened on Friday, September 20, 2013.  We were able to open because of the tireless efforts of many friends. A special thanks to Kenny, Scott, Dragan, Marina, Susie, Annette, Pam, Don, Karl, Raven, Gary, Tim, Gayle, Richard, Nick, Ray, Dan, Teri, and Rich.  Thank you!We were able to get a great deal accomplished in a week.  We removed all of the mud and water from the lower level of the store.  The crawl space was emptied of nearly three...

I have heard that any organization’s impact is measured by the loss a community feels in its absence. One week ago today, a deluge descended upon Estes Park and wreaked havoc in this beautiful town. It is through events such as this that one pauses to think about the bigger picture. We at Brownfield’s long to be more than “just a store.” We want to be an identifying factor in the great experience people call “being in Estes Park.” What I learned this week is that people near and far hold this mountain town close to their hearts. If an...

Technology started buzzing and beeping with flood warnings shortly after midnight the morning of September 12, 2013.  Though it was raining, and had been for many days prior to this, the imminent danger was not fully understood.  Around 1:30am, Don walked to the confluence of the Big Thompson River and Fall River.  The rivers were raging, yet they appeared to be well-contained within their banks.  Employees at the store began removing low-laying merchandise from the backroom, just in case the river flooded.  After putting the store to bed, we all went home prepared to do business as usual the following...