Success Story _ Tad's Dad's Chili
Tad's Dad's Chili | Longmont, CO
Tad Tandler is the proud owner of Tad’s Dad’s Chili in Longmont, CO. Tad came to the Colorado SBDC Serving Boulder County in 2018 with an idea and a delicious family recipe. “Through ongoing guidance from Colorado SBDC advisors, including financial strategy and one-on-one operational support, we were able to turn a deeply personal idea into a credible, expanding business positioned for regional growth in 2026.”
“The Boulder Small Business Development Center provided critical guidance and structure at every stage of building Tad’s Dad’s Chili, beginning when we were still in the earliest concept phase. In 2018, we began working with Chuck Hunker for financial guidance, helping us understand what it would take to build a viable business model, assess risk, and plan for long-term growth. That early financial foundation proved essential as the company evolved.
As the business developed, we also worked closely with Colorado SBDC advisor Arron Mansika ...His support extended across nearly every operational area, including business planning, branding strategy, pricing and margin analysis, manufacturing considerations, and go-to-market planning. Having consistent access to experienced guidance allowed us to make informed decisions rather than reactive ones.
The Colorado SBDC helped us break down what initially felt overwhelming into manageable, actionable steps. Advisors provided practical frameworks for moving from idea to execution, helping us prioritize tasks, build timelines, and identify the right partners and resources. They also served as a sounding board as we navigated unfamiliar territory, from food industry regulations to scaling considerations.
Perhaps most importantly, the Colorado SBDC offered steady, long-term support rather than one-time advice. That continuity allowed us to adapt as the business grew, refine our strategy as new opportunities emerged, and move forward with confidence. "Their guidance played a key role in helping Tad’s Dad’s Chili progress from a concept to a funded, contract-backed business positioned for significant expansion in 2026.” -Tad Tandler
If you haven’t tried it yet, please check out Tad’s Dad’s Chili (website) to try their delicious chili today!
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The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is Colorado’s most trusted business resource. We empower businesses to launch, advance, and thrive, ultimately fueling innovation, strengthening local economies, and driving economic vitality across the state. Since 1987, the Colorado SBDC has been the state's only nationally accredited, go-to resource for entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage. With 14 Service Centers, over 25 Satellite Centers, and a network of approximately 300 business experts, the Colorado SBDC delivers no-cost, confidential one-on-one advising, essential training, and vital connections to community partners.
The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Colorado SBDC is a partnership between the State of Colorado, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Small Business Administration (SBA), Colorado’s institutions of higher education, local economic development organizations and local chambers of commerce.
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