Chillco’s story started on an ordinary day in Denver in 2021—but nothing about what followed was ordinary. In a serendipitous moment, Ashley and Derek—lifelong dreamers with entrepreneurial spirits—set something special into motion. From their home, where big ideas met even bigger ambition, they launched the first chapter of Chillco: a frozen fantasy came to life, and the realization of a calling they’d felt for years. 

They had always been searching for something more—something they could build together, pour their hearts and energy into, and grow alongside a team of amazing people who could thrive, grow, and shine in their individual strengths.

Frozen drinks? That was never part of the plan... until suddenly, it was. The spark was lit when a friend approached Ashley to design a logo for her upcoming business venture.

Derek came from a healthcare background, leading radiology departments in hospitals and clinics. Ashley, armed with a degree in Graphic Design, had worn many hats in small business settings—often taking on far more than her title suggested. Their paths may have been unconventional, but together they had the perfect mix of vision, grit, and operational savvy to bring Chillco to life. Their combined experiences turned out to be the perfect foundation for launching and running a business.

As of April 2025, Derek remains in healthcare, but the vision is clear: a full-time leap into Chillco when the time is right.

Their journey together actually started long before the business. Both Iowa natives, Ashley and Derek went to the same high school—but didn’t reconnect until a decade after graduation. A few years, a couple of kids, and a leap of faith later, they found themselves in Denver, with no idea what was around the corner.

Today, with a team nearly 100 strong, Chillco delivers a high-quality, high-margin product to venues that might not have the capacity to manage equipment, staffing, and operations on their own. With six locations already up and running across the Denver area—and more on the way—this once-unexpected idea is turning into something much bigger than they ever imagined.