Colorado Business HOF Honors 2025 Icons of Innovation
Colorado Business Hall of Fame event planners annually put together all the right ingredients for a posh, fun and memorable evening, as evidenced by its latest event to induct six accomplished individuals into the fold. Area business stars were out in force Thursday night, all shining brightly, some with addition of a little extra sparkle in the form of the golden stole worn by previous CBHOF inductees.
(l to r): Kenneth Floyd, committee member Rose Andom, Leslie Spencer
On Thursday, Feb. 6, the evening began with a special reception for this year’s laureates, followed up by a larger pre-dinner gathering outside the Centennial Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. A live performance by dynamic Groove Machine had everyone bouncing as guests made their way to their dinner seats. The dinner program was emceed by Lisa Hidalgo, Denver7’s weekday morning meteorologist, and began with the energetic Laureate Procession. Speaking to the crowd: Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s President & CEO J.J. Ament and board chair Maureen Tarrant; Jeffrey Lenches, from sponsor UMB Bank; and Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain’s President & CEO Robin Wise and board chair Darrin Foster. Post-program, guests caught up with friends at the dessert reception.
2025 laureate Charlie and Judy McNeil
2025 Laureates:
Walter Isenberg, CEO of Sage Hospitality
Kim Jordan, Co-Founder of Belgium Brewing Company
Charles (Charlie) S. McNeil, CEO of NexGen Resources
Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald, Founder/CEO of MegaStar Financial Corp
Earl Wright, CEO/Board Chairman of AMG (Asset Management Group)
Winfield Scott Stratton, (Pioneer Laureate), first millionaire of the Cripple Creek Gold Rush in 1891
Junior Ambassadors helped greet guests.
Since 1990, Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce have paid tribute to Colorado’s most distinguished business leaders of yesterday and today for their commitment to and investment in the community. The Colorado Business Hall of Fame laureates are part of a league of outstanding individuals who have made legendary contributions to the free enterprise system. They have experienced a lifetime of business success and have set powerful examples for others to follow. To learn more, go to: https://www.coloradobusinesshalloffame.org/ .
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- Pat and Larry Kendall
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- Matthew Crabtree (left) and Dean Willis
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- Daniel and Sandy O’Rear
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- (l to r): Kenneth Floyd, committee member Rose Andom, Leslie Spencer
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- Sharon and Jerry Linhart (left), with Molly Broenen
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- 2025 laureate Kim Jordan
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- 2025 laureate Charlie and Judy McNeil
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- Lance and Debbie Sherwood
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- Norm Franklin (left) and Josh Hanfling
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- (l to r): Brian Wolf, Steve Fechheimer, Dick Cantwell
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- (l to r): Jim Vaughn, Meg Duke and Jamie Duke
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- The Kinsley family
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- (l to r); Dave Tabor, Janine Davidson, Norm Franke
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- Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain board (l to r): Keith Dennis, Paul Thompson, Steve Kinsley, Darrin Foster (board president)
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- Jake Jabs and Rene Green
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- 2025 laureate Earl Wright (third from left), with family and friends
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- (l to r): Kathy Schunk, Steve Schuck, Dave Schuck
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- Mike and Patti Imhoff (left) with William Hybl
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- Pete and Marilyn Coors, with granddaughter Catherine Tynan
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- Carrie Tynan (left), Catherine Tynan and Pete Coors
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- Junior Ambassadors, front and center
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- Junior Ambassadors helped greet guests.
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- The Hyatt knows how to entice hungry guests.
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- Christian Melendez and Mary Beth Younger
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- Maj. (ret.) Peter and Kim Almirez
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- (l to r): Akasha Absher, Jandel Allen-Davis, Theron Skidmore, Todd Munson
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- Brother-sister duo Cody and Stacey Stambaugh
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- Nan and Hugh Williamson
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- Darrell and Shawnee Anderson
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- (l to r): Louis Martin, Scott Roberts, Dominic DiSanti
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- Scarlat and Aaron Brewer
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- Jean Wang (left) and Scarlat Brewer
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- Debbie and Mayor George Lantz (Greenwood Village)
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- Danny and Susan Moore
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- Nolan and Danielle Gentry
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- Groove Machine entertains.
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- Checking out the evening’s program.
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- Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers from Colorado School of Mines on hand to support Charlie McNeil
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- Sage business partners Zack Neumeyer and 2025 laureate Walter Isenberg (right)
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- Greeting friends before dinner
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- 2025 laureate Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald with husband Gene
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- Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald, 2025 laureate (far right)
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- Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald (center) with more friends and supporters.
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- Gene and 2025 laureate Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald (left) and friends
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- Color guard from Denver’s North High School
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- Guests settle in for dinner and the program.
