John Beeble is no stranger to hard work.
Spending more than 30 years in the Denver metro area’s construction world, Beeble is chairman and CEO of Saunders Construction. With that experience in hand, Beeble was instrumental in leading the Chamber through its recent remodel. He has served as chair of the Chamber board of directors and the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation’s executive committee. During the Challenge Campaign, a fundraiser benefitting the Chamber, he was the top salesman.
Because of his dedication to the Chamber, Beeble is our fall Chamber Champion. We caught up with him to find out what he’s learned from his decades of experience.
Kathryn Goggin: What’s the most important business lesson you’ve learned?
John Beeble: Leadership isn’t granted or given; it is earned through one’s actions—especially when things are tough.
KG: What’s your favorite thing you’ve been doing off the clock?
JB: Currently, it is learning to navigate the rivers of Colorado as I attempt to master floating and fly fishing.
KG: Who has been your most important mentor?
JB: I have been very fortunate to have had many mentors throughout my life and business career. Even to this day there are many in my life who play that role. One of these stands out among the crowd and that is Dick Saunders. He has taught me the meaning
of integrity, compassion and, perhaps most important, when to just follow your instincts.
KG: Do you have a hidden talent?
JB: I have a silly little ability to remember numbers. I don’t remember what I had for breakfast, but I can tell you my fifth-grade
girlfriend’s phone number.
KG: What advice would you give to someone starting his or her career?
JB: Say yes a lot.
KG: Tell us about a cherished Chamber memory.
JB: I would have to say being a part of the inaugural flight to Tokyo. The 27-year journey that the region undertook to make it a reality made it a very special trip and time. I was extremely proud to have been a part of the team representing the Chamber.
KG: What career would you have if you didn’t work in the construction industry?
JB: I’d be an insurance guy or a banker. They all seem to be very good at golf.
KG: What advice would you give to a new Chamber member?
JB: Don’t be shy. Your chamber welcomes any and all comers and you have talents and abilities to contribute. Figure out where that is, where the fit is and jump in.
KG: What’s your idea of a great night out?
JB: Margs and Mexican at Lola in LoHi or The Rio downtown, catch a Rockies game (I know that someday it will get better) and dessert at D Bar. If we’re really lucky, my son’s band will have a show downtown and we’ll catch them going onstage around 10 or 11, then Uber it home.
KG: How has the Chamber impacted you and your career?
JB: The Chamber has taught me what it really means to be a part of the community and what it takes to make a strong and healthy community. Being a small part of that has enhanced every part of my journey in business and as a citizen.
Kathryn Goggin is an events specialist for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
[Photo by: Jonathan Goforth]
