In this episode of Greeley Business Beat, we sit down with Don Newvahner, owner of Colorado Cornhole Connection, to hear how he left his corporate job and turned a side hobby into a thriving business. What started as building cornhole boards in his garage has now grown into a 12,000-square-foot venue in Greeley, complete with a bar, retail store, and cornhole tournaments. With Don managing production and his wife handling graphic design, customer service, and the front of the house, their teamwork has been the foundation of their success. Don shares their journey into entrepreneurship, the challenges of growing a business, and why Greeley has been the perfect place to plant roots.

Key Highlights: 

  • [00:02:33] Taking the Leap: From Corporate Job to Cornhole Business
    After years of balancing a full-time job and building cornhole boards in his garage, Don decided to quit his corporate job—even while his wife was six months pregnant. Despite the risks, they went all in.

  • [00:03:42] From Garage to 12,000 Square Feet
    Starting in a small condo in Denver, Don and his wife moved to Greeley and expanded their business into a massive cornhole venue that now includes a bar, retail shop, and event space for leagues and tournaments.

  • [00:06:32] The Secret to a Perfect Cornhole Board
    Not all boards are created equal! Don explains why Baltic Birch is the gold standard in professional cornhole, ensuring durability and precision for competitive play.

  • [00:08:26] Custom Boards: The Most Unique Requests
    From company logos to a cat in a sombrero, Don shares some of the strangest and most memorable custom board designs they’ve ever created.

  • [00:11:56] Growth & International Reach
    Colorado Cornhole Connection ships 1,500 cornhole sets per year, with boards now being used as far away as Australia, Japan, and the Middle East.

  • [00:12:31] Evolving with the Industry
    Cornhole is bigger than ever, but Don and his wife aren’t stopping there. Future expansion plans include adding pickleball courts to their venue to keep up with growing sports trends.

  • [00:15:32] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
    Don’s biggest takeaway? “Don’t fear failure.” He encourages others to take risks, step out of their comfort zones, and pursue what they love—just like he and his wife did when they built their business from scratch.

Rapid Fire Questions: 

  • Fall or Spring? Fall

  • Coffee or Tea? Neither—Beer instead!

  • Morning Bird or Night Owl? Morning bird, up at 5 AM daily.

  • Favorite Place in Greeley? The Colorado Cornhole Connection—because it’s the ultimate man cave with cornhole, a bar, pool tables, and a giant projection screen.

About The Colorado Cornhole Connection: 
Located in Greeley, Colorado Cornhole Connection is the only dedicated cornhole venue in Colorado. Don and his wife have built a business that blends craftsmanship, competition, and community. From casual games to pro tournaments, custom board production, and a full-service bar, it’s a one-stop shop for cornhole enthusiasts.

Learn more: Visit Colorado Cornhole Connection to check out their boards, leagues, and events.

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The Greeley Business Beat is brought to you by the City of Greeley in collaboration with 1K Creative. Learn more about what makes Greeley a vibrant and welcoming community at VisitGreeley.com. 

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