BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Eldorado Trading Company has announced the retirement of Dennis Jones after 44 years with the company.
Jones joined Eldorado on April 1, 1976 as a sales representative; at the time Eldorado distributed smoking accessories. Jones eventually transitioned to the purchasing department as the buyer and served as the only buyer for a while. Then in the 1980s, as the government started closing down the smoking accessory industry, Jones worked closely with Eldorado’s owner, Larry Garland, to find a better distribution niche.
“I am very grateful for the long career Eldorado has provided me,” Jones said. “I feel fortunate for the opportunity to have worked for the same company for over 40 years. Being a pleasure products buyer for one of the leading wholesale distributors in the U.S. has provided me a chance to establish numerous business contacts, many which have turned to lifelong friendships. I will certainly miss all the experiences this industry has offered me over the years.”
"Dennis and I have been through many changes together as Eldorado has evolved over the last 44 years,” Eldorado CEO Wanda Garland said. “I was 19, and he was in his early 20s when we each first started with Eldorado over 40 years ago. Dennis is a character and I appreciate his fun personality that has made all of us laugh over the years. In 2003, he was instrumental in helping Eldorado relocate our inventory when we moved from Boulder to Broomfield. Dennis has always been such a loyal, dedicated friend and coworker; we could not ask for a better employee.”
According to the company, Jones gave his boss Eldorado Purchasing Director John Vogt notice of his impending retirement 36 months ago, and proceeded to keep track of his remaining time with a homemade countdown calendar kept on the wall in Jones’ office.
Vogt says he enjoyed his time working alongside Jones for the last nine years, admitting that aside from the laughs and inside jokes they often enjoyed together, Vogt will miss Jones’ advice and counsel most.
Vogt explains, “Dennis is a man of integrity. He was always looking out for what is best for Eldorado. It was never about taking shortcuts or doing what would meet with least resistance. He was always looking to make us stronger as a company.”
Eldorado employees were sad Jones’ retirement occurred during the global pandemic, the company says, lamenting they could not gather one last time to celebrate Jones’ invaluable tenure. Still, Jones maintains his upbeat attitude, reassuring others along the way.
“I would like to wish good health and prosperity to Wanda and the Garland family, and say thank you to the entire Eldorado team as I ride off in to another beautiful Colorado sunset,” Jones said.
Eldorado says its entire team wishes Dennis Jones all the best in his retirement.
