About Representative Jim Welker:

Those who know Jim Welker the best, respect and trust him the most. At a recent meeting at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce some of them explained why. These were some of their comments:

-"He's a man of his word."
-"He's a careful, considerate gentleman."
-"He adapted to being a legislator quickly."
-"He has respect on both sides of the aisle."
-"He has a quiet power."

Jim's leadership skills were forged in his career as a retail troubleshooter. He had the formidable task of taking over the management of large chain stores that were on the brink of failure, cleaning up their operations, restoring employee morale, and making the stores profitable again. He often told his employees: "Look for a reason for me to give you a raise," and "work hard even when nobody's watching."

It is clear from Jim's life that he took his own advice. By hard work, creative persistence, and faith in God, Jim rose from humble beginnings in a small town in rural Montana to his current position as State House Representative for District 51 at the Colorado Capitol. This business owner is comfortable in blue jeans, cleaning a retail stock room or vaccinating a herd of 400 calves. He is also at home in a three-piece suit, shaking hands with Republican and Democratic leaders and working to promote the interests of this District. He has earned the right to lead, and he takes his duties very seriously.

Early years

Jim grew up in a small town north of Great Falls, Montana. He first showed his talent for political leadership in high school. While president of the "Teenage Republican Club" he took 14 of his classmates to Helena for the State Convention. As a sophomore he met the love of his life, Claudia. "She was the cutest cheerleader on the freshmen squad," related Jim. "I was into sports. Her parents weren't too sure about me. I was kind of wild back then. I mean, we didn't hurt anyonebut we were very active!"

The two went separate ways when they left for college: Jim to Montana State University in Bozeman and Claudia to the University of Montana in Missoula. Claudia became a teacher and Jim studied math and science. He was the president of the College Republicans at MSU. After graduation, Jim was hired to teach all of the math and physics courses at a small high school in Superior, Montana. Jim and Claudia married on June 20, 1970.


The young schoolteacher then decided to pursue a career in business. He began working for an hourly wage at a new K-Mart in Billings. He was soon training to be an assistant manager. "My departments included the garden area and pets," he said. "I was anxious to impress and we increased our sales 96% within a year. It was like a zoo back there, with macaws, a boa constrictor--even a piranha. We made the front page of the Billings Gazette."


A Career in Retail

Jim's ambition and hard work led to a promotion to top management and the beginning of his career fixing ailing stores. He moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. The years ahead would be filled with many changes in location, and many opportunities to hone his leadership skills.

Jim and Claudia became the proud parents of two children. Claudette was first, and her brother Craig followed two years later. Early in their marriage the young couple converted to the Christian faith. They have done their best to conduct their private and professional lives by Biblical principles; their faith is very important to them.

Jim worked a total of 16 years for K-Mart and a total of four years for Sam's Club. As a manager he was always focused on the needs of his customer. "I insisted that customers not be kept waiting in line," he said. "And I made sure that the stores stocked their requests." His diligence was noticed. "I remember an executive visiting one of my stores. He could not find one thing wrong."

Later, in his four years with Sam's Club, Jim had some very memorable moments. One day Sam Walton flew into town unannounced, and Jim was asked to pick him up at the airport and spend the day with him. "He was very warm and charismatic, a real people person," said Jim. "As I drove him around, he picked my mind. He asked me a lot of questions about local, and even national, business concerns." Jim offered his candid opinions. "Walton listened to me," said Jim. "Within 60 days he had made most of the changes I recommended."

During a Sam's Club grand opening Jim was invited to get up on stage and sing "God Bless America" with Waltonin front of an audience of 3000 people. "I did my best to sing with gusto and heart," said Jim. "But there was one problem; I did not know the words!" Jim stumbled through somehow. He smiles when he shows his photographs of that night.

New Beginnings

By 1989 Jim decided he was no longer willing to spend the long hours and make the frequent moves that were required of him in his retail career. He wanted to keep the profits of his labor. He settled in Loveland and began his own business. He is President of Universal Communications Company. His business provides specialized communication services to businesses throughout North America. Clients include insurance companies, marketing firms, and the federal government. He currently provides jobs for 14 people.

Jim's wife, Claudia, has stood beside him for 34 years. Their daughter, Claudette, is now 32 years old and is herself the mother of two daughters. Amber is four years old and Hannah was born in early June of 2004. Claudette and her husband live in Colorado Springs. Craig is 30, unmarried, and lives in Loveland. Jim is pleased that his children and grandchildren live nearby.

For 12 years Jim has been active in the Larimer County Republican Party. He supported candidates, volunteered at events, and proved his leadership at a grass-roots level. He was a member of the Larimer County Executive Committee. When Representative Tim Fritz vacated the District 51 seat at the State House in the summer of 2003, Jim's phone began ringing immediately. A number of notable Republican public servants urged him to run for the office. "It was a difficult decision," said Jim. "I knew that to do this job right, it would require a lot of work. I don't care about power or position. But I do enjoy challenges, and problem-solving. I finally decided that it was my time to do thisto be Loveland's voice in the State House." Jim was elected on the first ballot and was sworn in on July 18, 2003.

As a Representative of all the people of Loveland, Jim has adapted well to his duties. In his first session, in 2004, he sponsored five bills that were signed into law, which is quite a feat for a freshman legislator. In addition, one joint resolution passed. One of the reasons is his skill in working with opposing parties to negotiate sensible solutions to common needs. Veteran lawmakers have praised him for his mediation abilities. Democrats in the House affectionately lampooned him during a traditional send-off at the end of the session. They called him the "Soul Man." One seasoned Democrat on the transportation committee commented, "Jim, I like how you analyze bills; you ask the hard questions."

Jim's "quiet power" in leadership has been forged through a lifetime of facing difficult challenges. While he works to find creative and sensible solutions to the problems that confront us, he honors the dignity and contributions of all parties involved. Jim Welker has proven leadership for all of Loveland.