Our Story

How a Local Movement Was Reborn

The Douglas County Local Business Alliance™ was founded in 2025 by small business advocate Sean Hakes. Years earlier, Sean launched the Castle Rock Local Business Alliance™, which thrived under the leadership of Gary Godfrey until his tragic passing during the early days of COVID. With Sean living out of state, the original movement faded—leaving a noticeable void in local business representation.

In 2024, after relocating back to Douglas County, Sean met with dozens of local business owners and heard a common theme: small businesses were underserved and overlooked. The need for bold, independent advocacy was clearer than ever. That’s when the Douglas County Local Business Alliance™ was born—a revitalized, grassroots movement built on the same mission: protect, promote, and empower local independent businesses.

Why We Exist

Supporting Douglas County’s Economic Backbone

We believe the strength of Douglas County lies in its local businesses—the coffee shops, contractors, retailers, and service providers who reinvest in our community every single day. The Douglas County Local Business Alliance™ exists to amplify their voices, defend their interests, and educate the public on why buying local isn’t just a feel-good gesture—it’s an economic necessity.

Who We Serve

Locally Owned. Locally Invested.

Our members are independently owned businesses with deep roots in Douglas County. These aren’t franchises with corporate safety nets—they’re the small shops, sole proprietors, family-run businesses, and homegrown startups that keep most of their earnings right here at home. If you’re building something from scratch, fighting for market share, and believe in community over conglomerates—you’re exactly who we serve.

Our Structure

Privately Owned. Purpose Driven.

The Douglas County Local Business Alliance™ is proudly operated by AAERO, LLC, a Castle Rock–based small business advocacy group. We are a for-profit organization by design. Why? Because we refuse to allow government funding or nonprofit restrictions to influence our mission. We are entirely self-sustained, beholden only to our members and the community we serve.

Submitting an Anonymous Complaint

Accountability Matters

If an LBA Member is in violation of our Code of Conduct, you may file an anonymous complaint using our secure form: Submit a Complaint.

While we will not share your identity, the specific details of your complaint may be communicated to the parties involved to ensure the matter is addressed directly. Please note that in isolated cases, it may be possible for individuals to infer the source of the complaint.

LBA vs. Chamber of Commerce — What’s the Difference?

While both organizations support local business, they serve different roles. The Chamber supports broad economic growth, while the Local Business Alliance™ focuses specifically on empowering independent, locally owned businesses with hands-on advocacy and support.

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the Alliance

Independent businesses are locally owned, privately operated, and not backed by national corporate chains, investors, or franchise headquarters. These businesses are deeply connected to the community and retain full control over their decisions, operations, and brand.
No. We’re operated by AAERO, LLC—a Castle Rock-based small business advocacy group. We intentionally chose a for-profit structure to remain agile, transparent, and accountable only to our members and mission.
No. We do not accept government grants, municipal funds, or public money. This preserves our independence and allows us to challenge local policy without political entanglements.
Membership is available by application and review. We welcome independently owned businesses and select franchisees who meet our independence standards and actively support local-first values. Visit our eligibility page to learn more.
Standard corporate franchises are not eligible. However, locally owned franchisees who fully control their pricing, operations, staffing, and community engagement may qualify for membership. These businesses must meet all our independence criteria and apply through our independent franchise review process.
Members receive access to advocacy tools, educational workshops, shop-local campaigns, networking events, promotional opportunities, and a growing network of values-aligned local businesses.
Yes. We regularly speak at town council meetings, advocate on behalf of small businesses, and help shape local policy through grassroots mobilization and strategic partnerships.
No. While our roots are in Castle Rock, the Local Business Alliance™ proudly serves independent businesses throughout Douglas County, including Parker, Highlands Ranch, Sedalia, Larkspur, and beyond.