As the shelves became increasingly empty at local food banks throughout Northwest Colorado this fall, the Conrado family of Meeker, owners of MSG Ready Mix, took action with a $30,000 donation to three regional food banks, providing critical support at a time of growing need and shrinking resources.

The gift was made through the Conrado Family Fund, a donor-advised fund established in 2009 and administered through the Western Colorado Community Foundation. The donation will help Love INC of the Yampa Valley in Craig, the Meeker Community Food Bank and LIFT-UP in Rifle restock their supplies and meet the needs of residents across Northwest Colorado, especially amid the government shutdown and uncertain distribution of SNAP benefits.

“When we heard about the demand on these food banks right now, it was an easy decision,” said co-owner Katie Conrado. “These organizations work tirelessly to feed our communities. We’re really proud to be able to offer this kind of assistance and we hope it will make a big impact.”

For the Conrados, generosity is not a marketing decision but a continuation of family tradition. What began as a small concrete company in Meeker more than four decades ago has grown into one of Western Colorado’s most respected family-run businesses serving communities from the Yampa Valley to the Colorado River Valley.

For more than four decades, the Conrado family business, MSG Ready Mix, has been proudly providing quality concrete and aggregate products to Northwest Colorado through plants in Meeker, Rangely and Craig. In 2024, the company opened its fourth plant in Rifle, extending its reach. Founded by Joe and Kelly Conrado, the business has been carried forward by their children, Katie and Dan, who now own and operate the company.

The company celebrated its 45th year in business as one of the few remaining locally owned and operated ready-mix producers based in the region.

“I never pictured myself coming back to the family business, but I absolutely love it,” said co-owner Dan Conrado. “It’s a privilege to live and work here and to raise our kids in these small communities. We’re thankful for the employees and customers who make our dreams possible.”

The company’s history traces back to the early 1980s when Joe and Kelly purchased Highland West Industries in Meeker and gradually built what would become MSG Ready Mix. Through years of hard work, the family has added plants, employees and partnerships that continue to keep the business local. Despite what Dan described as major corporate consolidation in the concrete industry, MSG remains rooted in family and community values.

That same local focus inspired the creation of the Conrado Family Fund. Over the last 15 years, the fund has donated $243,000, with every dollar staying in Western Colorado.

Designed to provide long-term stability for charitable giving, the Conrado Family Fund is administered by the Western Colorado Community Foundation. The fund’s assets are invested to generate an annual grantmaking capacity of about $85,000 each year, which is in turn distributed to nonprofits that meet WCCF’s standards.

“My dad was approached by trustees from the foundation, and they pitched the idea of setting up a family fund,” Dan said. “It’s an amazing tool that lets us make a thoughtful impact on bigger projects. Even if one year isn’t great business wise, the fund still allows us to make consistent annual donations to meet community needs.”

Over the years, the fund has supported a wide range of local causes including youth programs, community recreation centers, law enforcement and health care. Recipients have included the Meeker Community Food Bank, HopeWest, Memorial Regional Health, the Boys & Girls Club, the Moffat and Garfield County fairs, Meeker High School, New Castle Trails and the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office.

Other contributions have supported the Meeker and Rifle mountain bike associations, local parks and recreation departments, and community celebrations such as Range Call and the annual Holiday Feast hosted by the City of Rifle.

The recent food bank donation, Dan explained, came after the family read a story about shortages at the Meeker Community Food Bank.

“The family immediately said, ‘We’ve got to help,'” Dan stated. “Our communities bless us, and this was a very clear call to action.”

The fund has also become a bridge between business success and personal purpose, as Dan sees the company’s community work as a vital part of ethical business practice.

“It really helped us put that fourth leg under the chair,” he said. “It’s fulfilling to know that what we’re doing is helping our neighbors. It goes beyond just sponsoring sports teams or events. We’re trying to make a lasting difference.”

The family’s approach remains practical, and while MSG doesn’t build a donation percentage into its contracts, giving back has become a consistent end-of-year tradition.

“It’s not something we factor into pricing,” Dan said. “It’s just a bonus at the end of the year, a way to give back. Writing that check or answering a call to help is an added blessing.”

The Conrados’ philosophy of neighbor helping neighbor reflects the character of Northwest Colorado, he added.

“What’s more impressive than what we’re doing is what people in Northwest Colorado do for each other,” he said. “When there’s a fire or a disaster, people come to action. That’s the real story.”

And for the entire Conrado family, the most meaningful moments come not from headlines but from quiet thank-yous.

“The messages we get are amazing,” he said. “Just knowing it made a difference, even if it’s a simple note saying thank you, that’s the best part.”

In today’s economy, where inflation and uncertainty affect both families and nonprofits, Dan believes funds like theirs are more important than ever.

“I think it’s essential,” he said. “We’re learning we can’t always rely on government support. Family funds like ours make it possible to step in quickly when needs arise.”

As the next generation prepares to take part in both the business and the fund, the Conrados remain committed to the values that shaped their family’s story, including hard work, gratitude and service.

“It’s humbling,” Dan said. “We’re just thankful to live here and to be able to give back. If we can inspire even one other business to do the same, then it’s all worth it.”