Real Talk with Real Owners: Rex Schweers of Loveland, CO

Although Loveland and Fort Collins, Colorado are very close geographically, they are completely different communities where Rex Schweers owns and operates two Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations. Rex has integrated into both communities using tried and true community marketing tools and good, old fashioned quality food.

 

Having worked in marketing and sales for barbecue smokers, Rex brought quite a bit of expertise into the barbecue business, although he had never worked in a restaurant prior to opening his franchises. When he and his wife Brenda, formerly a healthcare professional, decided to start their own business, they went with a brand that has over 70 years of experience in a proven business model. The brand’s experience not only with its signature slow-smoked flavor, but marketing and training models, attracted Rex and Brenda to Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.

 

Now that the Schweerses have two successful restaurants in Larimer County, they have increased community awareness by connecting with local nonprofit organizations. They support Community Kitchen, a local food bank, by providing free food for volunteers. They have also recently began hosting luncheons that benefit Realities for Children, a nonprofit that provides resources for children who are abused, neglected or at risk. The Schweerses have partnered with other local business owners to create a network that pays for the nonprofit’s administrative costs, ensuring that all donations go directly toward its beneficiaries.

 

Through community marketing, catering and ongoing support and training, Rex and Brenda have successfully built solid communities around both their stores. In just over two years, they have developed first-name relationships with many regular guests. One gentlemen visits the Loveland store four times per week. “My favorite part of this business is the guests,” Rex says. “When people leave happy, promising to be back soon, it’s like music to my ears.”