About 150 years ago Denver was saved and the Chamber was born. A group of business leaders got together to fund and build a rail spur that connected our region to the transcontinental railroad. That group formed the Denver Board of Trade and set high expectations for this organization and our business community. And in doing so, they changed the course of Denver’s history.
As time has gone on, we’ve seen business leaders continue that legacy, stepping forward to create great businesses, collaborating with competitors, supporting philanthropy and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Since 1990, we’ve worked with Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain to honor legends in the business world who have made remarkable strides not only in their careers but also in the community by inducting them into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame.
There’s so much to be learned from all of those in the Hall of Fame. Here are a few lessons we’ve taken from this year’s inductees, who we will recognize on Thursday, Jan. 29.
Go all in. I can’t think of anyone who has brought more passion to his work than Pat Bowlen. He IS the Denver Broncos. He’s fearlessly led the Broncos for 30 years and to two Super Bowl championships—making our team America’s team. And, as head of the Denver Broncos Charities, over $25 million has been donated to charitable organizations throughout the metro area.
That leads right to my next lesson: Pay it forward. Dairyman H. Brown Cannon spearheaded the launch of the Denver Convention and Visitors Bureau and Presbyterian Hospital. He taught his sons the values of civic engagement, too. Brown W. Cannon helped start the Colorado Outward Bound school and George R. Cannon sat on boards for the Kent School and Children’s Hospital Colorado. They all invested their time and energy to ensure our metro area would continue to be a great place to visit and to live.
Follow your passion. As a 3-year-old, Klaus Obermeyer no doubt surprised his mother when he took his good buckle shoes and fashioned them, with some crate boards, into skis. But, it wouldn’t be the last time he’d tinker and create something he could use to explore the outdoors.
From down parkas to mirrored sunglasses, Obermeyer has made our skiing experience more enjoyable and, yes, we all look better doing it because of him.
Be patient. Tom Petrie has been an adviser on more than $200 billion of energy-related mergers and acquisitions. He told the Denver Business Journal that “the markets work, but they take time.” Sometimes being willing to wait or taking the time to guide and nurture a project can be frustrating, but Tom can tell you that patience can definitely pay off. He also led the endowment campaign for the Institute of Western American Art at the Denver Art Museum, which curates art and supports research and events that celebrate our Western heritage.
There will be obstacles. Be persistent. During World War II, Bob Sakata was held at a relocation camp in Utah. Despite that injustice, Bob and his wife Joanna continued forward with their dream to start a farm. Settling in Brighton, they started raising vegetables in 1944 on 40 acres. Today, they farm some 3,200 acres of vegetables, including 25 million ears of sweet corn. Bob is a co-founder of the Brighton Community Hospital, and Joanna sits on its board of directors. That’s the thing about Colorado; once you find a place, it’s easy to build connections and get invested in your community.
Each of these laureates depicts our values as a business community and sends a powerful message about what we each are capable of accomplishing.
Don’t forget to reserve your table or tickets for the Colorado Business Hall of Fame! Not only do we get to learn from these great leaders, but proceeds from the event support the work of this Chamber and of Junior Achievement to ensure our next generation is just as successful. For details about this event or to purchase a table or tickets, please contact Shawna Robbins at 303-260-6286.
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
[Photo by Abigail Keenan]