Get to know Boulder Chamber Ambassador Rebekah Hartman with Ozo Coffee Company
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was five, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian. Flash forward to my very first job in High School at 15 and I was so excited to work at a veterinarian hospital. All of my dreams were going to come true... until the Doctor asked me to assist her with a euthanasia on a dog that had nothing wrong with it. The owner was planning on moving out of state and didn't want to take the dog with him. He demanded that the doc put the dog down. I was devastated. Who would even think to allow this to happen. Right then and there I knew this profession was not for me.
What do you love most about being an Ambassador?
I loI thoroughly enjoy networking with fellow business owners and leaders through my commitment with the Boulder Chamber. Making connections and growing our Business culture here in Boulder County is one of my deepest passions.
What is one thing many people don't know about you that you would like to share?
Many people don't know that my first language is dance. That's right. I am dancing with life, every step of the way.
What is one service or product that your company offers that you want to tell the community about?
Weekly small batch Roasted, Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified coffee, sourced directly with farmers across the globe. The coffee on our shelves at Ozo Coffee Company is the freshest and each bag has a roast date tagged on the bottom. We also just launched our reusable canister program with the intention to lessen our footprint and ditch the bag entirely.
Why did you join the Boulder Chamber?
We are stronger together. Local, independent businesses need each other more than ever and we can navigate together much easier than alone.
What is your favorite Boulder Chamber story or experience?
There are so many wonderful memories. My most recent experience happened at the Boulder Chamber's first in- person Happy Hour at DV8 Distillery on Wednesday, June 23rd. We all wore a different color bracelet, (red: stay 6 feet please, yellow: Cool with elbow bumps and green: hug away), mingled the night away in a welcoming environment and life finally felt somewhat relaxing again. Needless to say, it felt so great to Hug Away with so many people that I have gotten to know over the years, and new members that I had only met virtually.
How else do you like to stay engaged or advance equity in the local community?
I am the current Chair of KGNU Community Radio's Board of Directors. We are committed to researching, learning and updating our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion responsibility. In the fall, I am embarking on a CSR- Corporate Social Responsibility Certification at the University of Colorado, Boulder- LEEDS School of Business with the intention to strengthen OZO Coffee's CSR and become a coach for other organizations.
What is one way you can help out another member?
Introduce them to other business leaders.
What is one way another member could help you out?
Brainstorm and collaborate in marketing strategies.