Guyer happy to call a piece of Ridgway her own
When people grow up and leave a small town to go to the other side of the country, most would describe that they don’t envision themselves going back there investing in the community at large.
For Rachel Guyer, making an impact on her hometown of Ridgway was still very much in her plans. Guyer graduated from RHS in 2015, attended St. Bonaventure University, and moved out West to pursue a job in the business field.
Not too long ago, Guyer bought the building that used to be the old Ridgway Light & Heat Co. on North Broad, and she is excited about the possibilities for the things that it can be turned into.
Guyer, who now lives in Bozeman, Montana and works as a Senior Accountant at Kroenke Ranches, is thrilled to give back to the community she called home growing up.
“I love Ridgway, and Ridgway will always have a special place in my heart,” Guyer said. It is such a special small town with so much beauty and history, and I’m excited to do my part in restoring downtown to what it once was.”
Guyer worked at Two Scoops through high school and was attracted to the passion that the small business owners displayed in town. She observed that these people were hard at work to continually make Ridgway a better place, and she was inspired by their efforts.
“I have seen all of the work that goes into making Ridgway what it is today and I wanted to be a part of that, even if it meant doing it from across the country with the help of my family.”
She is in the process of renovating the upstairs apartments, which haven’t been touched in decades and still had wallpaper and other fixtures from the seventies, according to Guyer.
“My goal is to restore them to their original state as much as possible while incorporating as much history of the town as possible,” Guyer said. In the near future, my goal is to turn one of the apartments into an Airbnb. When the guests walk in, I want them to feel like they are stepping back in time to the historical, booming town of Ridgway.”
She added that when
guests leave, she wants them to feel a connection to this quaint and peaceful town that is Ridgway.
Guyer offered some advice for young professionals who are looking to take a similar venture like hers, especially those who are looking to give back to their hometown.
“Just go for it, because the community has your back. They know who you are, have watched you grow up, and are rooting for your success.”
Guyer is very grateful for the help and support from her family, especially her parents, Todd and Mary Beth Guyer. Rachel noted that this endeavor would not be possible without them.
If anyone is looking for a storefront to rent or has questions about the process she went through, the Ridgway native would love to get in touch with them and help get them on their way.
Young professionals like Rachel should inspire our community because her investment and belief in our town will make a lasting impact. This reinforces the fact Ridgway is a special place.