From the radio show archives, here’s Nick’s & Johnny’s interview with Wende Curtis from Comedy Works.
If you’ve lived in Denver for any amount of time, you know Comedy Works. It has been a staple in downtown Denver for over 25 years. Not only does Wende own Comedy Works, but she books all the talent, answers emails, and waits tables. There is nothing beneath her. She is a very active and engaged business owner. Many today love to talk about working on their business, and not IN their business. Wende does a great job of doing both. This is PROOF that the experts and the consultants are not always right. We like to look at the really successful owners like Wende to see what it actually takes to be successful. FULL engagement is what it takes.
While Wende did not start the Comedy Works, she did save it from dieing. Wende started working in college as a cocktail waitress. Eventually bought into the company that had a few partners, and when things started to go bad financially, bought everyone out. She bought into an existing business, and eventually bought out all of her partners. Because of this experience, she is fairly firm on never having another business partner.
Most people are very familiar with the downtown Denver location, about 4 years ago, Wende decided to expand, and in the worst banking environment our generation has seen, Wende borrowed money to build a Greenwood Village location that houses the Comedy Works club, a martini bar, and an event center. Quite the accomplishment.
Wende is not only a fantastic club owner, she manages the carriers of several comics, and consults other would-be club owners. Wende is truly one of Denver’s best and most successful entrepreneurs. Find out more about Comedy Works
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