Every January for 28 years, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement—Rocky Mountain have honored a group of exceptional business leaders. Over those years, 160 laureates have been inducted in the Colorado Business Hall of Fame, and these people are legends. These leaders have not only achieved incredible success in their business ventures and careers but they have also given back to their communities in meaningful and impactful ways.
It’s hard to thank role models who have literally helped build the foundation of our state, but we hope you consider joining us to celebrate their contributions as we recognize past honorees and induct the 2018 class into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame on Thursday, Jan. 25.
Here’s this year’s laureates:
- Barb Grogan
- Gil (1933-2000) and Jim Johnson
- William B. Pauls
- Richard “Dick” Saunders
- Joseph Kernan Weckbaugh (1908-1988)
- Philip (1826-1898) and Adolph J. Zang (1856-1916)
There’s so much to be learned from all those in the Colorado Business Hall of Fame.
Chart your own course. You will see many of these leaders took on challenges in their day that paved the way for many to follow -- Barbara Grogan is a perfect example of just that. She is a trailblazer in the male-dominated construction industry and the first woman to chair the Chamber’s board of directors.
Build on your strengths. Jim Johnson has built on his father’s legacy, not just followed it, taking G.E. Johnson into its 50th year in business building our state – literally.
Establish your values, and lead by them. Dick Saunders’ values infiltrated his company and they were clear from the start: honesty, performance and accountability. Those values created a culture that instilled pride and ownership for team at Saunders Construction which is still alive and strong today.
Work in Construction. ? As evidenced by this year’s class, construction is an industry that gives back to the communities in which they work.
Study hard and be smart. William B. Pauls success in accounting led him to acquire the Denver Technological Center (our DTC), a hub for commerce and business to thrive.
Focus on the future. Joseph Kernan Weckbaugh was one of our state’s greatest boosters. He was very successful in the banking industry forming the first bank holding company in the 10th Federal Reserve District, but he’s also known for his efforts to attract an airline to do business in Colorado and to found Junior Achievement in Colorado.
Respect your place. Every leader in our Hall of Fame excelled at business and shared a commitment to ensure a strong and thriving community, including frontiersmen like Philip and Adolph J. Zang, whose many successful ventures came from the land – brewing beer, operating mines and owning real estate.
And, thanks to the Zangs, we’re still raising a pint to toast special occasions like this. Join us in congratulating each of the laureates later this month at Hall of Fame.
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber
