Shannon Peter shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Shannon, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
We (husband and I) have property in SD, and I have been spending a lot of time there. We built a small house (360 sq ft), and I handled all the wiring, and it was signed off on the first time the inspector was here, same with the plumbing, while my husband took care of the plumbing. We built the walls and put them up, we drywalled, mud and tape, and textured. I tiled the walk-in shower and the backsplash in the kitchen. Neither of us has ever done anything like this before, and to put our time and blood (literally), sweat, and tears into this project and now have it done is so amazing, and I look at this house and say, “We did that”.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
“I’m a self-taught business professional who learned by doing — not by sitting in a classroom. We opened in October of 2006; at that time, we were a franchisee. In 2008, the franchisor went bankrupt. I’m proud of how I’ve kept the business thriving through the highs and lows, including being sued as a business owner, but emerging stronger and on the other side. The experience taught me resilience, accountability, and the importance of running a business with integrity and strong relationships.” Inta Juice has been around for over 23 years. We pride ourselves on offering healthy options, high-quality ingredients, consistency, cleanliness, and exceptional customer service. We use only the best products, including 100% fruit juice with no high-fructose corn syrup. That was a must when we won the lawsuit; we wanted to set our business to higher standards.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I was brought up to be a hard worker, responsible, and loyal. My dad owned his automotive shop in Boulder, and he was always working. He was the one who taught me that hard work pays off. Then, when I was 15, my parents told me that I couldn’t get my driver’s license until I had a job and paid for my gas and insurance. My mom drove me around to fill out applications. My first job was working at Wendy’s, where I was responsible for the salad bar and fry station. Yes, they used to have a salad bar, and boy, they were messy. And then, going home smelling of grease, I decided I would never work in a fast-food restaurant again. I then went to work at Kmart after that job.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Often. However, no matter what life throws at me, I dig in my heels and push through it. You have to be resilient as a business owner. If not, you will be walked on and told to give it up; you aren’t a good person, you aren’t a college graduate (what does that mean, and who cares)? That would be crushing to many people, and it still gets under my skin at times, but I have a successful business in Greeley. We were told that it would never work, so you should consider going to Denver. I didn’t back down, and have been in Greeley now since 2006.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
My daughter. She is so smart and really understands the business. She has stepped up and now runs the Greeley store for me, allowing me to spend more time in SD. She has a lot of amazing ideas, and was the one who pushed us to make the change from Square to Toast (Our Point of Sales system). I’m glad she did, as we were able to pivot when COVID hit and offer online ordering with text messaging when the order was ready, eliminating a lot of people in the lobby at the same time and with the 6′ distance requirement back then.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
My presence in the store. I have gained so many friends from being a business owner. I have kids having kids, getting married—customers who, to this day, text to say hi. Yes, many of my customers have my cell phone number, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want every customer to come into my store, leave happy, and enjoy their smoothie, bowl, or veggie. If they didn’t have that experience, I want to do whatever I can to make it right. I hate Google reviews, especially those that, when I reach out, don’t give me a chance to understand and hopefully make it right. I’m a perfectionist, and I know that I can’t make everyone happy, but I’ll try.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://intajuice.com
- Instagram: intajuicegco
