RANGELY | In the heart of Rangely, Colorado, a small town rich in history and community spirit, the Nielsen family has become a cornerstone of local business. Bart and Sarah Nielsen, owners of the Conoco service station on Main Street, exemplify the commitment and dedication that small-town businesses bring to their communities. Their story is one of deep roots, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to the town that has shaped their lives and their business.
Bart Nielsen’s connection to Rangely dates back to his infancy. Although born in Lakewood, New Jersey, where his father was stationed in the Navy, Bart’s family moved back to Rangely when he was just nine months old. The journey from New Jersey to Rangely was made in a 1968 Dodge Power Wagon—a vehicle that Bart’s father still owns today. From that point on, Rangely became Bart’s home. He grew up in the town, attending school from kindergarten through 12th grade, and graduated from Rangely High School in 1985. His fondest memories include the close-knit friendships formed during those years and the playful tales told by the school’s janitor, like the one about the “chocolate cow” being stuck across the river.
Sarah Nielsen’s story is similarly intertwined with Rangely. Born and raised in the town, Sarah has never left. She graduated from Rangely High School in 2000, cherishing the lifelong friendships she built and her involvement in school activities like drama and marching band. Despite the opportunities that might have taken her elsewhere, Sarah’s commitment to her hometown never wavered. The ties she formed with her peers, many of whom she still calls friends today, reflect the unique bond that small towns like Rangely foster—where generations of families grow up together, becoming almost like extended family members.
The Nielsens’ deep roots in Rangely extend beyond their own lifetimes. Both Bart and Sarah come from families with long histories in the town. Bart’s parents moved to Rangely when they were very young, and his grandparents were involved in sheep and cattle farming in the area. Many of Bart’s uncles graduated from Rangely High School and served in the military, with some being drafted during the Vietnam War. Sarah’s family history is equally rich. Her father was born in Rangely, and her grandparents moved to the area in the late 1940s, establishing a trucking business and working in the local gilsonite industry. Her mother’s family moved to Rangely from Las Vegas when her mom was in eighth grade, drawn by the booming oilfield activity.
The influence of their grandparents and parents is evident in Bart and Sarah’s approach to business. Both were raised in families that valued hard work, customer service, and the importance of community. Bart recalls growing up working in his parents’ businesses on Main Street, learning from a young age that running a small business means eating, sleeping, and breathing it. The lessons of hard work and dedication were not just taught by his parents but also by his aunts, uncles, and grandparents, who were all involved in the family business. Sarah echoes this sentiment, remembering how her father would work from dawn until late at night, delivering ice and water. If she wanted to spend time with her grandparents, she had to work alongside them—instilling in her the value of hard work and the importance of customer care.
In 1995, Bart took the entrepreneurial leap, starting Poor Boy Garage with a small set of tools after leaving his job at the coal mine. Two years later, in 1997, he bought the Conoco service station, a decision driven by the desire to bring his business onto Main Street. Sarah joined the business in 2001, and together, they have navigated the challenges of running a small, independent business in a rural town.
One of the biggest challenges the Nielsens have faced is the lack of buying power compared to larger chains. Some vendors have even refused to supply them because they couldn’t purchase in large enough quantities. Despite these obstacles, Bart and Sarah have found ways to keep their business thriving, often getting creative to make it work. Their persistence and dedication have kept the Conoco station not only open but also a vital part of the community.
The Nielsens’ commitment to Rangely goes beyond running a business. They are deeply involved in the community, constantly finding ways to give back. From donating to the Booster Club, the local college, and various fundraisers, to buying scoreboards and signs for the schools, their contributions are numerous. Bart and Sarah have also served on local boards—Sarah has been a member of the Rangely Development Agency (RDA) and the Rangely Development Corporation (RDC) for 17 years, and Sarah is currently serving her second term on the school board while Bart is currently serving on the Rangely District College Board.
Perhaps most importantly, Bart and Sarah understand the significance of supporting local businesses in a small town. They emphasize that no one cares for Rangely like a local business does. Local businesses are the ones that put in the time, effort, and resources to keep the town alive. Bart points out that when a local business donates money or time, it comes directly out of their pocket. Unlike large corporations, where donations are a small part of a much larger budget, every dollar given by a local business is a personal sacrifice. It’s this kind of commitment that keeps the local economy moving and ensures that the community remains strong and vibrant.
Bart and Sarah also want to express their gratitude to the community: “A big thank you for the loyalty and patriotism from all the other local businesses, small and big, individuals and families in the community to our humble family business. We wouldn’t have made it this long without you.”
Bart and Sarah Nielsen’s story is a testament to the importance of local businesses in rural towns like Rangely. Their dedication to their business, their community, and their family is a shining example of why it’s so important to support local businesses. These are the businesses that know your name, care about your well-being, and go the extra mile to make sure their community thrives. As Bart wisely advises young people aspiring to start their own business: to be successful, you need to love what you’re doing, because running a business is a 24/7 commitment. The Nielsens have proven that with love, dedication, and hard work, a small-town business can make a big impact on its community.
