When Amber Burr graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2005 with a degree in Management, she had no way of knowing that twenty years later, syrup would be the key to sticky-sweet success.
This small business origin story begins west of Denver in the quaint mountain community of Evergreen, Colorado, and at its heart lurks something unexpected: arthritis. Burr’s husband, Dannie (“Daddy”) Burr and his mother live with multiple types of arthritis. Motivated to take control of their health, Amber and Dannie co-founded Daddy’s Homemade Syrup.
Launched at the start of 2020, the creativity of the burgeoning business balanced out the stress of Burr’s job in the transportation industry during the pandemic. After being laid off in 2022, the mother of three jumped into syrup-making full-time; the award-winning product has been featured on the local news and is available in local markets, coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
Burr has also stayed connected to the University, participating in networking events, working with Entrepreneurial students, taking part in the free business startup workshop, Launch Denver, and more.
MSU Denver Alumni Relations recently caught up with Burr to learn what it’s like to live la dolce vita.
Where did the idea for Daddy’s Homemade Syrup come from?
It was kind of by accident.
We’re a big breakfast family – a lot of pancakes, waffles and French toast – and we’d buy giant bottles of syrup. Because of my husband’s health issues, we started examining the ingredients in our food. One day, he happened to be looking at syrup. Realizing how much high fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients it had, he said, “Nope, not doing it anymore.”
Then, he found his grandma’s syrup recipe and started with vanilla and maple. He made it for friends and family for over two years before they convinced us to share it with more people. We ordered six little jars and sold them at a garage sale. Our oldest daughter hand-drew our original labels – a picture of our three kids.
How did the business develop from there?
After proving the concept by selling at farmers’ markets and online, we started experimenting and had a “lightbulb” moment. Not only was it great on breakfast foods, but also in coffee and cocktails, and on top of ice cream. My kids love to help and taste test; we’ve put it on popcorn, chicken nuggets, meat, vegetables – you name it.
My husband is very much the wizard behind the curtain; he didn’t realize what he was getting himself into. But it’s been incredible because we just had our fifth anniversary. It’s proof and validation that people love what we’re doing.
What words of inspiration do you have for other Roadrunners who are considering starting a small business?
First, don’t expect it to happen overnight – it’s a process.
Next, asking for help is critical because you can tap into others’ expertise and passion. Counting on other people has been huge for me.
Finally, find your big “WHY.” It’s hard to wake up every day, do the necessary things consistently and not give up – you need a real reason to be doing what you’re doing. Because if it were just about selling syrup, I would have been done several years ago.
What has this experience been like for you?
This is where I found my passion. When we started, it was about selling syrup that everybody loved. Somewhere along the way, it became a mission to share with others and give them options they can feel good about.
We’ve heard from customers about how friends and family are coming together for breakfast or coffee or a cocktail, and they’re talking about the syrup, creating new recipes and having fun tapping into nostalgia and memories. Finding that connection with people – that togetherness and inclusion, regardless of everything else going on in the world – is my mission.
What’s next for Daddy’s Homemade Syrup?
This year, we’ve formed Team Daddy’s Homemade for the Colorado Walk to Cure Arthritis with the Arthritis Foundation. We’re walking for Dannie, his mom and the nearly 60 million Americans living with arthritis.
We’d love the Roadrunner community to come out and join us on Saturday, June 7, at Hudson Gardens in Littleton, Colorado. Whether folks walk with us, make a gift or simply help spread the word, every action brings us closer to better treatments, better awareness and – one day – a cure.
This Q&A has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Are you interested in sharing your alumni story? Email Lynne Winter ([email protected]), associate director of advancement communications, to be considered for an Alumni Q&A.