This October we celebrated LGBT History Month because inclusivity strengthens our business community, our teams and our 3,000 plus Chamber members – having all voices represented and at the table.
We’d like to highlight some of our members who celebrate LGBT History Month and make our community stronger: Bespoke Events and Contract Furnishing Inc.
Bespoke Events is a one-of-a-kind corporate event company based in Denver that manages all sizes of events and incentive programs.
“LGBT History Month is unique as is celebrates not just a cause, but leaders. Leaders who have been willing to serve from where they are, across all backgrounds and disciplines. From politics to media and education to the arts, individual leaders and icons move the needle in visibility, civil rights and equality for LGBTQ people around the world,” Justin Ball, president of Bespoke Events said.
Ball first engaged with the Chamber when he was the site selector for a major technology consulting company. Working closely with the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, he was able to articulate to his leadership team all that Denver had to offer in terms of real estate, workforce, economy and more. Justin later started his own small business, Bespoke Event Group.
“The Chamber was my go to place to build a solid foundation for my business,” Ball said. “From Denver Metro SBDC trainings and workshops to Chamber leadership seminars to networking with civic-minded professionals at the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, the Chamber and its affiliates provided the access to all the tools I needed to start and grow my business.”
Small business owners know it takes the hard work, rolling up your sleeves and plenty of enthusiasm to keep your business growing. As we help small businesses grow we like to help provide connections, resources and support.
Christopher Leach at Contract Furnishings shared his introduction to the Chamber and Denver Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
“Kelly Brough came to speak at the LGBT Community Center of Colorado’s Annual Board Retreat years ago. Her passion, enthusiasm and support of the LGBT Community inspired me to check out the Chamber since I was just starting my company at the time,” Leach said. “Five years ago, Abram Sloss and I connected about the SBDC and I was hooked into the Chamber even further. And, I’ve served on the SBDC Advisory Board for the last four years. The relationships we’ve made at the Chamber have been very meaningful to Contract Furnishings.”
Leach started his company in 2002 after working in engineering for nuclear facilities and the Department of Defense. After a friend approached him about expanding the company from Kansas City into Denver, Leach took the leap and quit his job that following Monday. Contract Furnishings works locally and nationally to design commercial environments.
Here he is today with an exceptional business model, great team and projects all over the country. Plus, he gets to take his dog to work – doesn’t get better than that!
We are proud to have been a part of each businesses journey to success. No matter who you are, we’re excited to work with you.
Leah Parsons is the human resources director for the Denver Metro Chamber.