At Fixture Studio, we design, renovate, and build exceptional spaces. But if we’re being honest, that’s not the only reason we show up every day. We believe the best companies – no matter their size or industry – should be more than engines of productivity and profit. They should also be instruments of social purpose.
That phrase might sound lofty (and like something you’d hear at a TED Talk after your third espresso), but for us, it’s actually pretty simple:
Do great work.
Be great to work for.
And do some good along the way.
What Happens in Vegas… Inspires a Movement in the Grand Valley?
True story: Our Head of Business Development, Karrie (Kuklish) Gutzwiller, and I were at a Colorado builders’ social event during the 2024 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. These events are always a fun mix of elbow-rubbing, idea-sharing, and industry war stories – but this one turned out to be serendipitous.
Karrie happened to run into a former boss from her Front Range days (George Hess – Vantage Homes). As it turns out, this boss was one of the founders, and current chairman, of Careers in Construction Colorado (CICC) – a program that introduces high school students to skilled trades and real career opportunities in construction.
During their catch-up, George threw out a thought: “CICC really needs to expand to the Western Slope.”
That idea could’ve easily evaporated in the buzz of a Vegas evening. But Karrie doesn’t work that way.
Back home, she brought the idea to the Western Colorado Housing & Building Association, where she serves on the board. The group voted yes. The catch? Someone had to lead the charge.
Enter Karrie.
She went to work – and fast. Thanks to her persistence and leadership, Palisade High School became the first CICC school on the Western Slope. (Fun fact: Palisade also happens to be Karrie’s alma mater, which made the kickoff event feel more like a homecoming than a launch. We’ve got the photos to prove it.)
Since then, the program has taken off. During the 2024–25 school year, CICC expanded to Olathe H.S. and Montrose H.S. By the 2025–26 school year, CICC will also be offered at Grand Junction H.S., The Career Center, and Fruita Monument H.S. Plans are already in the works to include Central H.S. during the 2026–27 school year.
Huge kudos go to the Western Colorado HBA for embracing the vision. But it’s also safe to say: without Karrie, this never would’ve left the idea stage.
Of course, that’s just who she is. Karrie grew up right here in the Valley, the daughter of a plumbing contractor. She’s not just connected – she’s rooted. And she’s not just from here – she’s friends with everyone. Wherever we go, we half-joke that she should run for mayor… but honestly, she’d probably win.
What This Has to Do With Fixture Studio
Everything.
We’re proud of the work we do. But we’re just as proud of the work we support. Our belief has always been that businesses should contribute more than just product or service—they should contribute to the fabric of the community.
We want to live in a place where students discover passions and paths they never imagined. Where skilled trades are honored and accessible. Where great careers don’t require leaving town. And where the business community rolls up its sleeves to make things happen—not for headlines, but for impact.
That’s what social purpose means to us.
It’s not an initiative. It’s a mindset.
It’s not a donation. It’s participation.
It’s not a distraction from the “real” work. It IS the work.
Why We Drink
We raise a glass to celebrate:
– A conversation at a Vegas happy hour that sparked a movement
– A high school student discovering a future they never imagined
– A teammate whose love for her community is contagious
– A company culture that believes doing good is part of doing business
Because at the end of the day, we want to build a company – and a community – that we can all be proud to raise our glasses to.
