Pikes Peak Makerspace - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2016, with a core mission to empower a collaborative community of hobbyists and early-stage entrepreneurs. It provides access to essential tools, resources, and knowledge, enabling individuals to confidently design, develop, and create their ideas into reality. The vision for PPM is to be the premier destination for makers in the Pikes Peak Region, serving as a catalyst for positive change, economic growth, and social progress through individual empowerment. The organization plays a significant role as a hub for builders, tinkerers, engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, designers, and educators, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment within the Colorado Springs area.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Pikes Peak Makerspace's primary objectives revolve around promoting, supporting, and advancing technical, scientific, and artistic skills within its community. This includes fostering innovation through both individual and collaborative projects. A key goal is to provide a dedicated facility with shared space and equipment for both educational and recreational creative endeavors.

Specialization Areas

The makerspace specializes in offering access to a diverse array of advanced manufacturing and creative tools, coupled with comprehensive training and certification programs. Its unique value proposition lies in creating a supportive and inclusive community that specifically caters to cooperative hobbyists and early-stage entrepreneurs, enabling them to bring their ideas to fruition.

Target Markets

PPM primarily targets individuals within the Pikes Peak Region who are builders, tinkerers, engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, designers, and educators. It specifically appeals to those seeking a collaborative environment and access to specialized tools and knowledge for developing their technical, scientific, and artistic skills. The organization also aims to support the local startup community.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Pikes Peak Makerspace relies heavily on donations and the efforts of dedicated volunteers for its operational funding. In 2024, the organization reported a total revenue of $104,000 against expenses of $91,000, indicating sustainable operations for the period. The organization held total assets of $78,300, with total liabilities amounting to $14,400. Donations of materials and equipment are also welcomed to support its ongoing operations and asset expansion.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Pikes Peak Makerspace provides a comprehensive suite of services centered on access, education, and community:

Tool and Equipment Access: Members gain access to a wide range of advanced manufacturing and creative tools, including 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC machines, woodworking equipment, metal shop tools, and electronics workstations. This access is foundational to enabling creative and entrepreneurial projects.
Training and Certification Programs: The makerspace offers structured training and certification courses on complex machinery such as CNC routers, Boss Lasers, FDM 3D printing, SLA 3D printing, and woodshop tools. These programs ensure members can safely and proficiently utilize the available equipment.
Design Software Knowledge: Members are supported in acquiring knowledge of design software, including CAD and VCarve, which are integral for optimizing the use of CNC routing and other digital fabrication tools. Access to a shared network drive further facilitates project management.
Collaborative Community and Resources: PPM fosters a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment, acting as a hub where members can network, share ideas, receive peer support, and engage in collective learning. This community aspect is a key offering for hobbyists and entrepreneurs.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Pikes Peak Makerspace boasts a diverse and robust array of advanced manufacturing and creative technologies:
Digital Fabrication: This includes a comprehensive suite of 3D printers (FDM and SLA technologies), laser engraving and cutting machines, and various CNC machines, notably a 4ft x 8ft capacity CNC router and a miniature CNC for precision tasks.
Traditional Craftsmanship: The makerspace is equipped with a full woodworking shop, featuring tools such as chop saws, jointers, planers, and lathes, alongside a metal shop for fabrication and finishing.
Electronics and textiles: Dedicated electronics workstations support circuit design and rapid prototyping, while sewing machines and vinyl die cutters cater to textile and graphic design projects, complemented by button makers for custom accessories.
Software and Infrastructure: Members have access to design software knowledge like CAD and VCarve for CNC routing. A shared network drive is provided to facilitate project organization and collaboration.

Proprietary Developments

The makerspace actively utilizes its own equipment and capabilities for internal development, such as reproducing its logo using various machines to demonstrate the versatility and quality of its technological offerings. This showcases the practical application of its resources.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Pikes Peak Makerspace is guided by a Board of Directors and led by an Executive Director. The key leadership members include:
Nick Gaston - Executive Director (Appointed: August 12, 2025)
Joey Buchschacher - President (Elected: June 11, 2025)
Joshua Harlow - Secretary (Elected: March 25, 2025; assumed Secretary role: August 12, 2025)
Art Hunt - Treasurer (Elected: March 25, 2025)
Melanie McKee - Board Member (Elected: March 25, 2025)
John Norton - Board Member (Elected: March 25, 2025)
Kevin Wiley - Board Member (Elected: March 25, 2025)

Recent Leadership Changes

Significant leadership appointments occurred in 2025, with Nick Gaston assuming the role of Executive Director on August 12, 2025. Concurrently, Joshua Harlow transitioned to the position of Secretary on the same date, having initially been elected as a Board Member earlier in the year.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

Pikes Peak Makerspace is actively focused on strengthening its leadership and operational capacity, evidenced by a job posting for an Executive Director in April 2025. This critical role entails strategic leadership, community engagement, fundraising, and the development of a comprehensive business plan to secure a permanent location. This recruitment signifies a strong commitment to long-term sustainability and expanding the organization's regional influence. The organization currently operates as a small entity. Broader regional trends also indicate a demand for makerspace expertise, with positions like Senior Librarian - Makerspace & Studio being sought by the Pikes Peak Library District in December 2024, highlighting the growing significance of makerspace skills in the area.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

Pikes Peak Makerspace maintains an active and engaging digital presence across key social media channels, including Facebook and Meetup. Their website encourages community members to follow these platforms for updates and engagement. The organization's Meetup group is particularly robust, boasting over 2,400 members, and serves as a primary channel for announcing classes, events, and important operational updates.

Brand messaging consistently emphasizes creativity and craftsmanship, frequently showcasing "Member-Made Masterpieces" to highlight the diverse projects and achievements of its members. Recent communications, such as an October 2025 update on Meetup, informed members about the transition of class registration to their new website, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance the member experience and streamline digital operations.

8. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

In the Colorado Springs area, Pikes Peak Makerspace operates within a competitive landscape that includes both public institutions and other community-based initiatives. Key competitors include:

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) Makerspaces: Located at multiple branches, including East, Library 21c, and Sand Creek, PPLD makerspaces offer public access to equipment such as 3D printers, laser engravers, sewing machines, vinyl die cutters, and button makers. They also provide introductory classes and a badging system for equipment use. These library-based makerspaces tend to focus on broad public accessibility and basic skill development.
Colorado Maker Hub Directory Entities: Beyond Colorado Springs, the broader Colorado region features other shared creative spaces. Examples include Processus in Denver, known for its creative technologies, and other unnamed makerspaces in Loveland listed in the Colorado Maker Hub directory, which offer diverse technologies spanning 3D printing, CNC, art, and woodworking.

Pikes Peak Makerspace distinguishes itself by fostering a community specifically aimed at cooperative hobbyists and early-stage entrepreneurs. While public library makerspaces offer accessible entry points, PPM provides a potentially more in-depth and entrepreneurial focus, offering a wider range of industrial-grade equipment and specialized training targeted at developing more advanced skills and supporting business creation.

9. Market Analysis

Market Overview

The makerspace services market is experiencing significant expansion, driven by increasing public interest in do-it-yourself (DIY) culture, rapid technological advancements, and the growing emphasis on educational initiatives like STEM programs. The global makerspace services market was valued at USD 10.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 21.5 billion by 2031, demonstrating a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. Similarly, the K-12 makerspace materials market is expected to reach $1.53 billion by 2029 with an 8.4% CAGR, attributed to a rising demand for online education, parental involvement, a focus on sustainability, and the integration of makerspaces into formal educational curricula. Key market trends include the increasing integration of EdTech solutions, virtual and augmented reality applications, and continuous advancements in 3D printing technologies. The market maintains a moderate level of concentration, with innovation largely fueled by the evolution of digital fabrication tools and the proliferation of open-source hardware.

10. Strategic Partnerships

Pikes Peak Makerspace plays a supportive role within the Colorado Springs startup ecosystem, serving as a valuable resource and hub for early-stage entrepreneurs by providing access to tools and expertise critical for prototyping and product development. The organization's mission to cultivate technical skills and foster innovation aligns closely with broader regional initiatives focused on workforce development and talent pipelines. For instance, the "Innovate Pikes Peak" initiative, a collaborative effort between the Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation and Peak Education, focuses on creating career pathways for students in high-demand industries such as cybersecurity, software, and advanced manufacturing. While not explicitly listed as a direct partner in this specific initiative, Pikes Peak Makerspace's core activities directly contribute to achieving the goals of such regional economic development and talent cultivation programs.

11. Operational Insights

Pikes Peak Makerspace serves as a central hub for creation and learning in the Colorado Springs area, establishing a distinct competitive advantage through its comprehensive suite of shared tools and specialized training programs. The organization prioritizes a supportive and inclusive community environment, which is fundamental for attracting and retaining a diverse membership, from casual hobbyists to burgeoning entrepreneurs. Its membership-based operational model secures a dedicated user base, while a strong emphasis on safety and certification for advanced machinery underscores responsible and professional operation. By offering an extensive selection of equipment, spanning traditional woodworking to advanced CNC and 3D printing, PPM differentiates itself as a highly versatile resource capable of supporting a wide array of projects and various levels of skill development.

12. Future Outlook

Strategic Roadmap

Pikes Peak Makerspace's strategic roadmap is focused on solidifying its position as the premier makerspace in the Pikes Peak Region. Key planned initiatives include:
Asset and Capability Expansion: Continuously expanding its inventory of tools and enhancing its operational capabilities to meet the evolving requirements of its members.
Securing a Permanent Home: Developing a comprehensive business plan that includes a feasibility study aimed at establishing a permanent facility for the makerspace, ensuring long-term stability and growth.
Sustainable Funding: Driving intensive fundraising efforts through a diverse approach, including grants, corporate sponsorships, and community events, alongside creating a robust sustainability plan to ensure financial viability.
* Enhanced Public Profile: Actively working to enhance its public image and serve as the recognizable face of PPM, promoting its mission and programs to a broader audience to attract new members and support.

Growth opportunities are centered on cultivating a robust and inclusive community, as well as fostering strong engagement with local businesses and community leaders to forge strategic partnerships that benefit both the makerspace and the wider region.