It has been just over 10 years ago that Ralph and Sherrie Antes, along with Karen Combs, opened School Crossing in Colorado Springs, CO.  Being teachers who had formally lived in large cities, both Karen and Sherrie had definite ideas about what a teacher supply store should offer its customers. As the two teachers became teammates, more and more discussions took place about the need for an additional teacher store in the growing Colorado Springs area. At the same time, Ralph was growing weary of his career as an electrical engineer and was determined to have his own business.  Ralph, Sherrie and Karen then spent endless hours researching the idea of being small business owners.  Although the odds did not seem favorable the three decided to jump hook, line and sinker into the world of retail.  Karen, who had previously lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, spent some time with the owners of The Appletree.  The ladies (as they affectionately became known to the trio) were instrumental in guiding the team to many of the decisions made in regard to the opening of School Crossing.  Many thanks to Jane and Suzanne!!

  When School Crossing opened its doors in May of 1996, the store encompassed 2000 square feet in a strip mall on one of the busiest streets in the northern part of Colorado Springs.  Ralph left his engineering position to be at School Crossing full-time.  Both Karen and Sherrie continued to teach full-time.  Ralph immediately took on the responsibilities of inventory control, managing all the paperwork and bills as well as waiting on the customers.  Sherrie concentrated mainly on the task of ordering and store design while Karen trained employees, taught classes, decorated the store, and handled customer service issues.  The learning curve for all three proved to be tremendous as the team came together with no experience in the business world.

  Word traveled quickly about the "New Educational Source" in Colorado Springs and School Crossing has been blessed with success since the doors opened.  The success of School Crossing has been realized because of a combination of factors.  Being a teacher store "owned and operated by teachers" accounts for the superb mix of educational materials, toys, and gift items carried at School Crossing.  Karen and Sherrie instinctively knew the market because they were part of the market.  Ralph, being a detail-oriented, has served as the rudder in keeping the business sailing in the right direction.  From the beginning, School Crossing has had an awesome staff is are willing to go the extra mile to make sure the customers get the best service possible.  Karen, Sherrie, and Ralph also have countless friends and family members who have been extremely supportive and helpful as School Crossing has grown.  They feel very thankful for all their NSSEA friends as well, who have offered advice and support.  As the team worked harder than they ever thought possible, they all would agree the biggest factor in their success is simply the Lord has blessed it.

  As the School Crossing business was continuing to increase, both Karen and Sherrie were finding it to be increasingly difficult to maintain their full-time teaching positions while being so involved with School Crossing and its demands.  In mid 1998, after many agonizing thoughts, Karen decided her true love and calling was teaching.  She sold her portion of the business to Ralph and Sherrie who continue to own and operate it.  Soon after, Ralph and Sherrie became more and more aware of how 2000 square feet was not enough room to have the kind of store they wanted for their customers.  Discussions started taking place about enlarging and the search began for a new location.  As word traveled that School Crossing was in need of more space, heaven began to orchestrate an unbelievable project.  A Colorado Springs realtor and developer, Steve Price, approached Ralph and Sherrie about a piece of property that he thought would prove to be a great location for them.  The acre of property was located just south of the city's very popular East Branch Library and only about a mile away from School Crossing's orginal location. It seemed too good to be true.  Steve also knew a builder, Mitch Christiansen, who turned out to be the perfect match for Sherrie and Ralph.  The initial planning began immediately.  Ralph and Sherrie also knew they wanted not just a larger location, but a place where their customers would feel comfortable and at home.  They also knew the design would have to be simple in order to make it affordable.  After many meetings, lunches, and telephone calls, the 1st step was completed.  Sherrie and Ralph would then embark on delay after delay until the project was finally completed in July of 2000.  Although the project took almost two years to complete, both Ralph and Sherrie would agree it was well worth it...and so would their customers.

  School Crossing now resides at 5540 Library Lane in Colorado Springs.  The new building has nearly 5000 square feet of retail space.  There is a full basement comprised of a storage area and a classroom that is available for workshops and other special events.  As customers enter the spacious parking lot, they can't help to notice the bell tower on top of the stucco and rock building.  The eight large windows look inviting as they are covered with Battanberg Lace valance type curtains.  Upon entering the building, your eye will first be drawn to the large redwood grid that is suspended from the 16 foot vaulted ceiling.  This grid houses the spotlights that shine upon the hexagonally shaped counter.  Customers enjoy the light and airy design as they peruse the store.  A feeling of home emerges as many of the products are displayed in homemade oak shelving.  The Anteses look forward to the challenges that lie before them because of the increased space.  Their hope is as they travel on to this next learning curve, the business will continue to increase and they can learn to share and delegate the work load.  And...just in case things really go well for this Mom and Pop business...they have purchased enough land to expand once again.