3 Y E AR
ANNIVERSA
RY
2026
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2026
Publisher’s Letter
Founder & Executive Publisher Dirk R. Hobbs Managing Editor Lee Harper Senior Copy Editors Jeanne Davant Rhonda Van Pelt Director of Operations Francis J. Zankowski Creative Director Geraldine Villanueva Digital Director Sean Cassady Best in Business Event Coordinator Amberly Brown Soapbox Marketing Media Sales & Partnerships Kerri Blanco
Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest’s Best in Business 2026 is published by and is the exclusive property of Colorado Media Group, LLC- A registered C-Corp in the state of Colorado. All photographs in this publication were submitted by or are published courtesy of, the individual companies and individual, unless otherwise noted. Corrections, Questions, or General inquiries for the Editor or Publisher, email: info@coloradomediagroup.com | 719-330-7448 - Advertising or Press Release: kblanco@coloradomediagroup. com - Offices: 6385 Corporate Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80919 Mail: P.O. Box 13395 Voyager Parkway, Ste 130-PMB #746, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Copyright © 2026 Colorado Media Group All Rights Reserved.
Excellence as a Regional Asset
E
ach year, the Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest presents Best in Business for a purpose greater than recognition alone: to identify the organizations helping Southern Colorado compete, grow and prosper. A strong regional economy is built by businesses that perform consistently, lead responsibly, serve customers well, invest in their people and communities and adapt when conditions change. Best in Business brings those qualities into public view. It provides participating organizations an opportunity to measure their performance against meaningful standards, strengthen their reputations and demonstrate why they have earned the confidence of customers, employees and community partners. The value extends beyond the companies recognized. Business leaders, investors and site selectors evaluating Southern Colorado need credible evidence of a capable and connected business community. They want to know that the region has the professional services, suppliers, workforce, leadership and institutional strength necessary to support long-term investment. Best in Business helps answer those questions by highlighting organizations across the industries and disciplines that power our regional economy. Recognition, however, is not the finish line. It is both an affirmation and a challenge. Excellence requires continual improvement, principled leadership and a willingness to contribute to something larger than any single enterprise.
We invite every organization to participate, not simply to pursue an award, but to help define the standard by which Southern Colorado does business. Nominate deserving companies. Cast an informed vote. Support the finalists. Build relationships across industries. Learn from those who lead well. When more of us actively pursue excellence, the entire region becomes stronger, more competitive and more attractive to those considering Southern Colorado as a place to invest, expand, employ and build for the future.
Dirk R. Hobbs Founder & Executive Publisher Colorado Media Group, Inc.
The Business Intelligence Southern Colorado Runs On. Scan QR Code to subscribe to So. Colorado Business Digest & Forum
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 3
Table of
Contents 8
Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing
13
Aerospace, Defense, Technology & National Security
3-D/Additive Manufacturing........................................ 8 Aerospace & Defense Components........................... 8 Commercial: General Contractor/ Construction Company............................................... 8 Commercial: Specialty Construction Company..... 8 Fabricated Metals............................................................ 9 Food/Beverage Manufacturing................................... 9 Hardware Manufacturing.............................................. 9 Industrial Machinery....................................................... 9 Manufactured/Modular Housing/Buildings........... 10 Medical Device................................................................. 10 Residential Home Builders: Affordable Housing........ 10 Residential Home Builders: Full Custom.................. 10 Residential Home Builders: Production/ Semi-Custom.................................................................. 10 Robotics.............................................................................. 11 Semiconductors & Electronics.................................... 11 Traditional Heavy Manufacturing............................... 11
AI Support, R&D for National Security..................... 13 Aerospace Commercial Contractor........................... 13 Aerospace/Defense Contractor Prime..................... 13 Aerospace/Defense Subcontractor Tier 1............... 13 Aerospace/Defense Subcontractor Tier 2............... 14 Commercial Items and COTS Vendors...................... 14 Cybersecurity Services for National Defense........ 14 Data Analytics & Intelligence....................................... 14 Quantum Technology/Computing............................. 14 Research and Development & Engineering Services..................................................... 15 Threat Detection & Response..................................... 15
4 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
16
Professional Service Providers & Business Ops & Support
23
Agriculture
Accounting Services........................................................ 16 Artificial Intelligence Implementation/Tools........ 16 Business Banking Services............................................. 16 Business Insurance/D&O/General Liability............. 16 Business Law...................................................................... 17 Business Litigation........................................................... 17 Civil Engineering............................................................... 17 Commercial Engineering................................................ 17 Commercial Lending....................................................... 17 Commercial Property Management.......................... 18 Commercial Real Estate Firm....................................... 18 Commercial/Industrial Architecture......................... 18 Creative Agency............................................................... 18 HR & Labor Law................................................................ 19 Intellectual Property Law............................................. 19 Managed IT Services - Enterprise Business Category.... 20 Managed IT Services - Small Business Category............. 20 Mergers & Acquisitions.................................................. 20 Office Equipment/Support.......................................... 20 Office Furnishings/Fixtures........................................... 21 Podcast Development/Production........................... 21 Private Equity Groups..................................................... 21 Residential Mortgages................................................... 22 Retail Banking Services.................................................. 22 Strategic Marketing Firm............................................... 22 Supply Chain & Logistics............................................... 22 Website & Mobile App Development...................... 22
Ag-Tech/Software........................................................... 23 Agricultural Input & Supply.......................................... 23 Agro-Processing................................................................ 23 Distribution....................................................................... 23 Primary Production......................................................... 24 Storage................................................................................ 24
26
Healthcare
28
Retail Services
33
Trades
36
Land Development, Infrastructure & Energy
Ambulatory Surgical Center......................................... 26 Behavioral/Mental Health Services........................... 26 Emergency Services......................................................... 26 Large Health System....................................................... 26 Medical Primary Care Services.................................... 26 Medical Specialty Non-Surgical.................................. 27 Medical Specialty Surgical............................................ 27 Urgent Care Services...................................................... 27
Business Insurance........................................................... 28 Cellular Services............................................................... 28 Class A Office Space....................................................... 28 Co-Working Office Space.............................................. 28 Commercial Cleaning...................................................... 29 Commercial Fleet Management.................................. 29 Commercial Landscape Maintenance....................... 29 Commercial Painting....................................................... 29 Commercial Renovation................................................ 30 Corporate Apparel........................................................... 30 Drone Services.................................................................. 30 Employee Insurance........................................................ 30 Small Equipment Rental................................................ 31 Fleet Automotive............................................................ 31 Office Equipment............................................................. 31 Office Technology......................................................................31 Outdoor Marketing Solutions..................................... 32 Print Solutions.................................................................. 32
Commercial Electrical..................................................... 33 Commercial HVAC Building Systems/Plumbing....... 33 Commercial Landscaping.............................................. 33 Commercial Security Systems..................................... 33 Construction Equipment Leasing............................... 34 Residential Electrical...................................................... 34 Residential HVAC Building Systems/Plumbing......... 34
38
Workforce Development & Support
41
Community Choice Awards
Executive Recruitment................................................... 38 Industry/Trades Training Program.............................. 38 Outsourced Payroll & HR Services............................. 38 Professional Recruitment.............................................. 38 Temp, Part Time & Full Time Staffing Agencies........ 39 Unemployment Assistance Program......................... 39 Workforce Preparation Services................................... 39
Best Early Stage Venture Capital Firm....................... 42 Best Business Air Travel Support................................ 42 Best Business Startup Resource.................................. 42 Best Business Support Organization......................... 42 Best Business Travel/Airline Program/Service........ 42 Best Career/Technical Education Program.............. 42 Best Conference, Expo or Meeting Facility............. 42 Best Degree Program for Advanced Careers.......... 42 Best Degree Program for Business............................. 43 Best Early Stage Incubator/Accelerator Program for Advanced Industry.............................. 43 Best Education/Training Program for Trades.......... 43 Best Emerging Tech Start-Up....................................... 43 Best Family-Owned Business....................................... 43 Best Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program........ 43 Best Large Employer....................................................... 43 Best Manufacturer.......................................................... 43 Best Mid-Size Employer................................................. 44 Best Networking Event.................................................. 44 Best Non-Tech Business Start-Up............................... 44 Best Place for Entertainment....................................... 44 Best Prep STEM (K-12) Program.................................... 44 Best Private Equity Group............................................. 44 Best Small Business Employer..................................... 44 Best Stage II Company................................................... 44 Best Veteran-Owned Business.................................... 45 Best Way to Learn/Implement AI in Business & Industry........................................................................ 45 Best Workplace for Veterans....................................... 45 Rising Young Executive Leader of the Year............. 46 CEO of the Year............................................................... 46
Excellence in Commercial Development................. 36 Excellence in Industrial/Manufacturing................... 36 Excellence in Residential Development................... 36 High Speed Internet Service Provider...................... 36 Renewable Energy Services/Infrastructure............. 37 Roadways, Rail.................................................................. 37 Utility Services & Infrastructure................................. 37
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Thank You
TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsor
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Bronze Sponsors
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Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing 3-D/Additive Manufacturing
Aerospace & Defense Components
Springs Fabrication
InnovaFlex® Foundry
Springs Fabrication has made its mark with projects like the Julie Penrose Fountain in America the Beautiful Park and the Epicenter Sculpture at Weidner Field. The company partners with a wide variety of clients to design and manufacture products ranging from industrial piping to complex installations for the aerospace and defense industries.
InnovaFlex® Foundry is a nontraditional semiconductor design and manufacturer that creates a variety of electronics on both glass and flexible substrates. InnovaFlex® provides the foundation for innovative solutions in the military, medical, industrial and security imaging businesses. The company is a world-leading manufacturer of highly specialized sensor arrays.
SILVER: Colorado School of Mines/ Additive Programs additive.mines.edu BRONZE: 3D Printing Colorado
SILVER: Bal Seal Engineering balseal.com BRONZE: Keysight Technologies keysight.com
Commercial: General Contractor/Construction Company
Commercial: Specialty Construction Company
Bryan Construction
GH Phipps
This 100% employee-owned company serves as commercial and Federal general contractor for jobs from small renovations to commercial development and projects for Federal agencies. In business for more than four decades, the company has worked on more than 3,000 projects in nearly 70 U.S. locations and eight countries.
Founded in 1952, this company is recognized for its projects in the healthcare, education, high-tech, commercial and municipal arenas. In addition to general contracting, it offers pre-construction, turnkey concrete, digital modeling and special project services. Founder Gerald H. Phipps’ passion for philanthropy and civic involvement still shapes its core values.
SILVER: Nunn Construction nunnconstruction.com BRONZE: iiCON Construction iiconcc.com
SILVER: Murphy Constructors murphyconstructors.com BRONZE: Bryan Construction, Inc. bryanconstruction.com
springsfab.com
bryanconstruction.com
8 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
innovaflexusa.com
ghphipps.com
Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing Fabricated Metals
Food/Beverage Manufacturing (Not Farms)
Springs Fabrication
Culinova Premium Foods
springsfab.com
culinova.com
SILVER: Jaxon Engineering & Maintenance jaxon-em.com BRONZE: Rusin Concrete Construction rusinconcrete.com
Hardware Manufacturing
Bal Seal Engineering balseal.com
Culinova’s state-of-the-art facility prepares food products for customers in more than 8,000 stores in 48 states, combining classic cooking techniques and cutting-edge technology. According to its website, the company is “not simply making better prepared foods. We are redefining what prepared foods can be.”
SILVER: Red Leg Brewing redlegbrewing.com BRONZE: Bristol Brewing Company bristolbrewing.com Bal Seal’s core product lines include spring-energized seals, canted coil springs, and electrical connectors. The company delivers complete solutions with advanced technology for critical applications across the aerospace and defense, medical, transportation, robotics, energy and industrial arenas, partnering with clients to design and engineer custom seals, springs and contacts with missioncritical reliability.
SILVER: Keysight Technologies keysight.com BRONZE: Micro Metals micrometalsinc.com
Industrial Machinery
Springs Fabrication springsfab.com
SILVER: Jaxon Engineering & Maintenance jaxon-em.com BRONZE: Trane Technologies tranetechnologies.com
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 9
Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing Manufactured/Modular Housing/Buildings
Medical Device
Oakwood Homes
InnovaFlex® Foundry
oakwoodhomesco.com
innovaflexusa.com
SILVER: Bal Seal Engineering balseal.com BRONZE: Springs Fabrication springsfab.com
Oakwood Homes has pioneered efficient home construction methods for more than three decades. The company’s mission is to build homes that offer value, accessibility and personalization at every budget, for homebuyers in every stage of life, including attainable homes with smart spaces and stylish, high-quality finishes.
Residential Home Builders: Full Custom
Classic Homes classichomes.com
SILVER: Champion Homes championhomes.com BRONZE: Clayton Homes claytonhomes.com
Residential Home Builders: Affordable Housing
Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity pikespeakhabitat.org
A Best of winner over multiple years, Classic is a locally owned home builder with a mission to build the finest homes at the best prices. Among its neighborhoods are Flying Horse, Flying Horse North, Wolf Ranch, Greenways at Sand Creek, Monument Junction, Percheron, Prairie Ridge, Sterling and Timber Ridge.
SILVER: Comito Custom Homes comitodesignbuild.com BRONZE: All About Home Design allabouthomedesign.com
Pikes Peak Habitat helps families build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Habitat partners with families to construct or improve their own homes alongside volunteers. Celebrating its 40th year, the organization has served more than 400 families with new builds and critical home repairs and built more than 170 homes in El Paso County.
SILVER: Classic Homes classichomes.com BRONZE: Empire Homes (formerly Covington Homes) empirehomes.com/us/colorado 10 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
Residential Home Builders: Production/Semi-Custom
Classic Homes classichomes.com
SILVER: Saddletree Homes saddletreehomes.com BRONZE: Campbell Homes campbellhomes.com
Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing Robotics
Traditional Heavy Manufacturing
Sierra Space
Rocky Mountain Steel Mills
sierraspace.com
(formerly EVRAZ Steel Mill) rockymountainsteelmills.com
Sierra Space has a legacy of nearly 30 years as a leading defense tech company designing, manufacturing and delivering satellite systems, components and on-orbit spacecraft. Products include reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. The company’s parts, technology or hardware have flown on more than 500 missions to space.
Rocky Mountain Steel Mills is a component company of Orion Steel Companies, formed after the acquisition in 2025 of the former EVRAZ Steel Mill in Pueblo. Continuing a 150-year steelmaking legacy, the company manufactures standard and premium rail, wire rod and rebar and seamless pipe and connections for oil, gas and geothermal drilling environments.
SILVER: Agile Space Industries agilespaceindustries.com BRONZE: IP Automation ipautomationinc.com
SILVER: Trane Technologies trane.com BRONZE: CS Wind cswind.com
Semiconductors & Electronics
InnovaFlex® Foundry innovaflexusa.com
SILVER: Keysight Technologies keysight.com BRONZE: Entegris entegris.com
HERE'S TO
COS
Best in Business TAKE THE SAVVION STRESS TEST
EVERY BUSINESS HAS A FEW BLIND SPOTS.
2026 G OLD
HR &
Payro
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Find yours before they out of control. HR
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Our people make the work happen.
Thank you to our employee-owners for making us Best in Business.
Aerospace, Defense, Technology & National Security AI Support, R&D for National Security
Aerospace Commercial Contractor
Bluestaq
Keysight Technologies
Bluestaq builds enterprise software ecosystems that connect, integrate, catalog, govern and unearth the potential of clients’ data. Founded on the belief that data is an organization’s most valuable asset, the company developed an initial prototype to support the U.S. Space Force’s Space Domain Awareness mission. It now serves diverse range of organizations across the private and public sectors.
Keysight develops ecosystem solutions that harness the power of digital twins, artificial intelligence and automation to streamline workflows, break down silos and accelerate test cycles, enabling aerospace and defense innovators to move forward faster with space and satellite projects. The company also serves a range of industries from communications and automotive to digital healthcare, quantum, education and semiconductors.
SILVER: Booz Allen Hamilton boozallen.com BRONZE: KBR kbr.com
SILVER: Entegris entegris.com BRONZE: Bal Seal Engineering balseal.com
Aerospace/Defense Contractor Prime
Aerospace/Defense Subcontractor Tier 1
Lockheed Martin
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
bluestaq.com
lockheedmartin.com
keysight.com
kratosdefense.com
Lockheed Martin engineers products from security and simulation to combat aircraft and spacecraft that have landed on Mars, flown past Pluto and explored the Kuiper Belt, the farthest any space vehicle has traveled. Its Colorado Springs facilities support the U.S. Space Force focusing on military space operations, software simulations, cyber defense, and research.
Kratos develops and deploys national security technology and systems focused on space, unmanned systems, hypersonics, propulsion and microwave electronics. Working with proven, leading-edge technology, the company reduces cost and risk and delivers readiness and security for the United States and its allies.
SILVER: Northrup Grumman northropgrumman.com BRONZE: ITS, LLC itsaerospace.com
SILVER: Booz Allen Hamilton boozallen.com BRONZE: Auria Space auria.space socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 13
Aerospace, Defense, Technology & National Security Aerospace/Defense Subcontractor Tier 2
Cybersecurity Services for National Defense
Bluestaq
Booz Allen Hamilton
bluestaq.com
boozallen.com
SILVER: Infinity Systems Engineering infinity.aero BRONZE: ITS, LLC itsaerospace.com
Commercial Items and COTS Vendors
Keysight Technologies keysight.com
SILVER: Dell Technologies dell.com BRONZE: Carahsoft Technology Corp. carahsoft.com
Booz Allen develops advanced cyber technology to support government and business missions on land, undersea and in space. The company works with nearly every cabinetlevel federal agency to modernize government services, secure networks and defend warfighters. It also serves the financial services, energy, healthcare and manufacturing industries.
SILVER: Northrup Grumman northropgrumman.com BRONZE: OMNI Federal omnifederal.com
Data Analytics & Intelligence
Bluestaq
bluestaq.com
50 YEARS
of providing legal services to Southern Colorado GOLD
SILVER: Booz Allen Hamilton boozallen.com BRONZE: Northrop Grumman northropgrumman.com
Best Business Law
Quantum Technology/Computing
GOLD
Keysight Technologies
Best Business Litigation 719.634.5700 | sparkswillson.com
14 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
keysight.com
SILVER: Symetrix Corporation symetrixcorp.com BRONZE: Davidson Technologies davidson-tech.com
Research and Development & Engineering Services
Infinity Systems Engineering infinity.aero
Infinity Systems helps clients solve complex engineering problems in payload integration, space operations and system sustainment. The company supports government sectors, specializing in systems engineering and integration, software and test engineering and space operations maintenance. It also works with a range of industrial partners in military satellite communications.
SILVER: ITS, LLC itsaerospace.com BRONZE: KBR kbr.com
Threat Detection & Response
Bluestaq
bluestaq.com SILVER: Red Canary redcanary.com BRONZE: Booz Allen Hamilton boozallen.com
Professional Service Providers & Business Ops & Support Accounting Services
Artificial Intelligence Implementation/Tools
Forvis Mazars
Voxe AI
Forvis Mazars provides audit, assurance, tax, advisory and consulting services, as well as digital transformation services to shape clients’ AI strategy and integration. The company, which serves clients in more than 100 countries, draws upon a deep bench when clients need international tax services. It also provides technology consulting and internal audit services.
Voxe AI emerged from an observation that while AI technology races forward, most small businesses are being left behind. The company bridges that gap with practical business applications and a people-first approach. Serial entrepreneur Matt Aponte brings a deep understanding of business operations, having founded 14 companies before focusing on AI automation.
SILVER: BiggsKofford biggskofford.com BRONZE: Sorren sorren.com/location/colorado-colorado-springs
SILVER: Amnet amnet.net BRONZE: The Vizius Group - Canon City vizius.com
Business Banking Services
Business Insurance/D&O/General Liability
Wings Credit Union
Higginbotham
forvismazars.us
(formerly Ent Credit Union)
voxeai.com
higginbotham.com
wingscu.com
Colorado Springs-based Ent and Minnesota-based Wings officially merged in 2025 and rebranded as Wings Credit Union in 2026. The credit union offers a full range of business services: checking, savings and money market accounts; certificates, loans, credit cards and credit lines; and business packages for larger firms, as well as merchant and payroll solutions.
Higginbotham offers a complete range of business services: Employee benefits, business insurance, HR services, personal insurance, group captive insurance and financial services including 401(K) and retirement plans, life insurance and corporate consulting. Community participation and service are company values, and Higginbotham engages employees in a variety of philanthropic endeavors.
SILVER: Bank of Colorado bankofcolorado.com BRONZE: Alpine Bank alpinebank.com
SILVER: Specialty Insurance Partners specialtyinsurancepartners.com BRONZE: Leavitt Group Colorado leavitt.com/colorado
16 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
Professional Service Providers & Business Ops & Support Business Law
Business Litigation
Sparks Willson
Sparks Willson
sparkswillson.com
sparkswillson.com
SILVER: Taft (formerly Sherman & Howard) taftlaw.com BRONZE: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck bhfs.com
For more than 40 years, Sparks Willson has served as general counsel for prominent local and national businesses, handling all aspects of corporate law and governance, emerging companies, and mergers and acquisitions. The firm also represents and advises clients on business litigation, tax planning, employment law, trademark and intellectual property protection.
Commercial Engineering
Matrix Design Group matrixdesigngroup.com
SILVER: Taft (formerly Sherman & Howard) taftlaw.com BRONZE: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck bhfs.com
SILVER: Merrick & Company merrick.com BRONZE: Kimley-Horn kimley-horn.com
Civil Engineering
Commercial Lending
Matrix Design Group
Bank of Colorado
A 100% employee-owned company, Matrix was founded in Colorado Springs in 1999 and has grown to seven offices throughout the country. It serves a range of industries, from commercial and industrial to municipal and state projects, and offers services in civil engineering, construction management, landscape architecture, planning, surveying, and ecological, environmental and geospatial services.
Business loans and lines of credit are among the business financing options and other business services Bank of Colorado offers. Headquartered in Fort Collins, the bank pairs customers with local commercial lenders and assists businesses in numerous communities with managing daily transactions, financing expansion projects and optimizing cash flow.
SILVER: Kimley-Horn kimley-horn.com BRONZE: JVA Consulting Engineers jvajva.com
SILVER: Integrity Bank integritybankandtrust.com BRONZE: Alpine Bank alpinebank.com
matrixdesigngroup.com
bankofcolorado.com
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 17
Professional Service Providers & Business Ops & Support Commercial Property Management
Commercial Real Estate Firm
Griffis/Blessing
Olive Real Estate Group
This commercial and multifamily property management company located has over 40 years’ experience as a real estate services firm. They offer comprehensive real estate management services in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, the Western Slope and Denver, as well as Eastern Kansas, with a primary focus on property management, facilities maintenance and investment services.
Since 1993, Olive Real Estate Group has helped businesses, investors and property owners achieve their goals through expert brokerage and consulting services. With deep market knowledge, award-winning brokers and longstanding community partners, Olive delivers results across office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties throughout the Pikes Peak region.
SILVER: Olive Real Estate Group olivereg.com BRONZE: Cushman & Wakefield cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/offices/ colorado-springs
SILVER: Cushman & Wakefield cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/offices/ colorado-springs BRONZE: CBRE cbre.com/offices/corporate/colorado-springs
Commercial/Industrial Architecture
Creative Agency
CRP Architects
Ad Pro
For 47 years, CRP Architects has concentrated on the planning and design of innovative facilities that reflect the values and vision for both the owners and the communities they serve. CRP has successfully completed over 450 projects across the state in education, health/wellness, municipal, faith-based and community projects.
AdPro is a full-service marketing agency in Colorado Springs, founded in 2012 as the in-house team for one of the largest automotive groups in the Rocky Mountain region. Today, they’re a team of 30+ advertising professionals working to deliver results for clients, in public relations, innovative media and digital tactics.
SILVER: RTA Architects rtaarchitects.com BRONZE: DLR Group dlrgroup.com
SILVER: Neon Pig neonpigcreative.com BRONZE: Vladimir Jones vladimirjones.com
griffisblessing.com
crparchitects.com
18 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
olivereg.com
adproresults.com
HR & Labor Law
Colorado Law Group coloradolawgroup.com
A Colorado Springs law firm that represents individuals and companies in a wide range of legal arenas. Their attorneys have specialized technical and legal backgrounds, as well as a breadth of experience and an understanding of the complexities that may be involved in legal matters.
SILVER: KLCS Law klcs.law BRONZE: Baker Law Group jbakerlawgroup.com
Intellectual Property Law
Taft, Stettinius & Hollister dba Taft taftlaw.com
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEPS FOR YOUR BUSINESS? Established talent pipelines Business support network Low-cost space LOCATIONS READY TO HELP YOU SCALE
In addition to patent, trademark and copyright protection and litigation, Taft’s IP attorneys advise clients on trade secret protection, domain names, unfair competition, false advertising and the right of publicity. The group consists of more than 100 attorneys, including 50 registered patent attorneys.
SILVER: Womble Bond Dickinson/Lewis Roca womblebonddickinson.com/us/locations/coloradosprings BRONZE: Sheridan Ross sheridanross.com
EXCELLENT QUALITY OF LIFE
Cañon City
Florence
Trinidad
GET IN TOUCH An Initiative of Fremont Economic Development Corp
Info.sectors@fedc.co 719-275-8601
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 19
Professional Service Providers & Business Ops & Support Managed IT Services - Enterprise Business Category
Managed IT Services - Small Business Category
TSI Colorado
Amnet
TSI Colorado provides a single resource for all IT issues. A major problem for small businesses: keeping up with IT needs. TSI has multiple employees specializing in different aspects to provide teams to help manage an oversized workload, allowing their clients to focus on more profitable ventures.
Established in 1998, Amnet provides cloud data backup, cybersecurity solutions, network security managed IT and compliance solutions. They deliver responsive managed IT services and proactive support backed by proven customer satisfaction.
SILVER: Colorado Computer Support coloradosupport.com BRONZE: RainTech rain.tech
SILVER: Colorado Computer Support coloradosupport.com BRONZE: LSRtech lsrtech.com
Mergers & Acquisitions
Office Equipment/Support
BiggsKofford Capital
All Copy Products
With more than 40 years of service, BiggsKofford takes great care to provide top-quality financial reporting, tax help, assistance in business valuations and mergers and acquisitions. BiggsKofford is there to give you a greater understanding of the numbers — and solid footing for the big decisions they’ll help you make.
ACP is a one-stop-shop for all your office technology needs as the most prominent privately-owned office technology provider in the Rocky Mountain Region. For more than 50 years, a customer-centric business model has allowed organizations to receive award-winning support and service, allowing them to maximize efficiency and focus more on their core business.
SILVER: Taft (formerly Sherman & Howard) taft.com BRONZE: Forvis Mazars forvismazars.us
SILVER: Xerox Business Solutions xeroxbusinesssolutions.com BRONZE: Axis Business Technologies axisbt.com
TSIColorado.com
biggskofford.com
20 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
amnet.net
acp.com
Professional Service Providers & Business Ops & Support Office Furnishings/Fixtures
Podcast Development/Production
OS Offices
Guerilla Media
(formerly OfficeScapes)
guerrillamediaco.com
osoffices.com
OS Offices offers a complete range of furniture services to support office facilities, furniture and design needs, including space planning and application design, technical specifications, solution visualization, installation and reconfiguration, procurement, asset management and storage and much more.
SILVER: Colorado Office Furnishings BRONZE: Total Office Solutions tospartners.com
Guerrilla Media is a professional video production company focused on helping businesses achieve their marketing goals through video production. They offer a wide array of video production solutions and a broad repertoire, to achieve the most effective results possible. At Guerrilla Media, they believe every company should have access to professional-grade video production services.
SILVER: Windstar Studios windstarstudios.com BRONZE: AudioFile Solutions audiofilesolutions.com
Private Equity Groups
Bow River Capital bowrivercapital.com
Bow River Capital is a private alternative asset manager based in Denver and focused on investing in the lower and middle market across private credit, private equity, real estate and venture capital. Collectively, the Bow River Capital team has deployed capital into diverse industries, asset classes and across the capital structure.
SILVER: The Broe Group broe.com BRONZE: Excellere Partners excellere.com
THANK YOU COLORADO SPRINGS! Bank of Colorado is honored to have been voted Best in Business by the So. Colorado Business Forum & Digest for: COMMERCIAL LENDING – GOLD BUSINESS BANKING – SILVER RETAIL BANKING SERVICES – SILVER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGES – BRONZE
COLORADO SPRINGS 4328 Edison Ave., 719.574.8060 • 421 N. Tejon St., 719.227.0100 1146 Interquest Pkwy., 719.304.5688 • bankofcolorado.com
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 21
Professional Service Providers & Business Ops & Support Residential Mortgages
Retail Banking Services
Mortgage Solutions Financial
Wings Credit Union
mortgagesolutions.net
wingscu.com
SILVER: Bank of Colorado bankofcolorado.com BRONZE: Integrity Bank integritybankandtrust.com
Founded in 1995 to offer a friendly, trusted alternative to big, impersonal financial institutions, Mortgage Solutions Financial has redefined the mortgage experience. Today it is one of the industry’s most respected familyowned mortgage companies, with hundreds of employees serving in locations across the country.
Strategic Marketing Firm
Ad Pro
adproresults.com
SILVER: Wings Credit Union wingscu.com BRONZE: Bank of Colorado bankofcolorado.com
SILVER: Vladimir Jones vladimirjones.com BRONZE: Twelve Legs Marketing twelvelegsmarketing.com
Supply Chain & Logistics
Website & Mobile App Development
Old Dominion Freight Line
Edison App Designs
Carrier performance directly affects a business’s total cost of transportation, and a premium carrier delivers value beyond the price on a freight invoice. OD goes the extra mile to provide exceptional service through ontime transit, damage-free deliveries, careful handling procedures and outstanding customer service.
Specializing in empowering small businesses, Edison Apps tailors digital solutions that enhance productivity, boost sales and elevate brand awareness. They craft modern, responsive websites that serve as effective digital storefronts, converting visitors into loyal customers. Their comprehensive digital marketing services are designed to align strategies with actionable tactics, creating impactful social media ads and maximizing return on investment.
SILVER: OmniTRAX omnitrax.com BRONZE: XPO Logistics xpo.com
SILVER: SeeSaw Labs seesawlabs.com BRONZE: Caliola Engineering caliola.com
odfl.com
22 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
edisonappsco.com
Agriculture Ag-Tech/Software
Agricultural Input & Supply
Barn Owl/BOPA
Big R
BOPA’s tech solutions take the hard work out of routine tasks like weeding and planting. By automating these processes, farmers can reduce labor costs and improve efficiency. BOPA’s autonomous farm equipment represents a leap forward in agricultural technology, empowering farmers to focus on what they do best—growing and nurturing their crops.
Big R was founded in 1962 in La Junta and Lamar, Colo. To this day, the same family owns and operates stores across five states: Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. They carry top clothing and footwear brands, stock farm implements and hardware, plus nearly any type of feed imaginable for farm animals.
SILVER: Farmers Business Network fbn.com BRONZE: Pivot Bio pivotbio.com
SILVER: Tractor Supply Co. tractorsupply.com BRONZE: Agfinity agfinityinc.com
Agro-Processing
Distribution
Colorado Mills
Sysco
Since 1999, Colorado Mills has proudly produced the healthiest high oleic sunflower oil, supporting local agriculture and delivering quality from every bottle to every rail car. More than a sunflower processor —the full-cycle, near zero-waste company is dedicated to sustainability, innovation and personal relationships, connecting farmers and customers to ensure every sunflower grown is used to the fullest.
Sysco is a global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to a wide range of customers, including restaurants, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and lodging establishments. With over 72,000 colleagues and 334 distribution facilities worldwide, Sysco is committed to providing quality products, equipment, and supplies to support the foodservice and hospitality industries.
SILVER: Leprino Foods leprino.com BRONZE: Colorado Malting Company coloradomaltingcompany.com
SILVER: RMC Distributing rmcdistributing.net BRONZE: McLane Company mclaneco.com
barnowlag.com
comills.com
bigronline.com
sysco.com
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 23
Agriculture Primary Production
Storage
Rocky Ford Growers Association
Pueblo Warehouse & Transfer
Rocky Ford Growers Association™ is a group of family-owned farms in the Arkansas River valley of southeastern Colorado. Formed in 2011 to strengthen and protect the reputation of the cantaloupe, watermelon and honeydew melon grown in the area, they officially trademarked the Rocky Ford Cantaloupe™ to ensure the best and safest quality.
dba Whitt Transfer and Storage is a moving and storage company based out of 345 E. Industrial Blvd, Pueblo West, Colo. They service all of southern Colorado, including Fort Carson, Air Force Academy, Peterson A.F.B. and Pueblo Depot Authority. They are determined to provide the highest quality moving and storage service.
SILVER: Musso Farms mussos.com BRONZE: DiSanti Farms disantifarms.com
SILVER: Producers Co-op producersco-op.com BRONZE: Colorado Worldwide Logistics coloradoww.com
pueblowarehouse.com
rocky-ford-growers-association. mandccommunications.com
Would You Operate on Yourself? Whether you're looking for a buyer or already have an unsolicited offer in hand, managing your own sale process can be risky. BiggsKofford Capital provides tailored M&A advisory services to middlemarket businesses and has helped clients navigate more than 300 merger, acquisition, and sale transactions since 2000.
LET BIGGSKOFFORD CAPITAL HELP YOU: Create a competitive sale process Evaluate unsolicited offers
Voted 2026 Best M&A Advisory Firm Better yet….
Ask our past clients.
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Navigate due diligence & negotiations Focus on running your business while we manage the transaction process
Our clients' success is our best referral.
Contact Information:
719-579-9090 Colorado Springs & Denver
Trusted advisors. Proven results. The BiggsKofford Capital team takes an individualized approach because every deal is unique.
24 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
FEATURING KEYNOTE SPEAKER PARALYMPIAN
Oksana Masters
24 MEDALS
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PARALYMPIC GAMES
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SPORTS
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UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY
Come challenge your perspective on resilience, grit, and what it truly means to overcome adversity at Peak Vista Community Health Centers 22nd Annual Breakfast of Champions®. Tickets on sale now.
SOLE FEMALE PARALYMPIAN NAMED TO TIME MAGAZINE’S 2026 SPORTS 100
A BENEFIT FOR PEAK VISTA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
October 15, 7–9 AM Broadmoor Hall 21 LAKE CIRCLE COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80906
CALL 716.344.6605 EMAIL development@peakvista.org
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 25
Healthcare Ambulatory Surgical Center
Behavioral/Mental Health Services
Audubon Ambulatory Surgical Center
Diversus Health diversushealth.org
audubonsurgerycenters.com
With a mission to treat every patient, and their families with compassion and respect, supporting their communities and advocating for their patients. Audubon strives to: act with integrity and the highest ethical standards; deliver results through accountability and transparency; and empower clients with knowledge and innovative ideas for efficiency and success.
SILVER: The Orthopaedic and Spine Center of Southern Colorado (OSCSC)
Established 150 years ago, Diversus Health is now the largest behavioral health care provider in El Paso, Park, and Teller counties. The organization is rooted in championing the diverse experiences each stakeholder brings to their mental health journey. Their continuum of care focuses on four core services involving addiction, counseling, crisis management, and psychiatric therapy.
jointandspineasc.com BRONZE: North Springs Surgery Center northspringssurgerycenter.com
SILVER: Highlands Behavioral Health highlandsbhs.com BRONZE: UC Health Behavioral Health Clinic-Pueblo uchealth.org
Emergency Services
Large Health System
UCHealth Memorial Hospital Emergency Department
UCHealth uchealth.org
uchealth.org
SILVER: CommonSpirit Health mountain.commonspirit.org BRONZE: Peak Vista Community Health Centers peakvista.org UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central is designated by the state as a Level I Trauma Center, one of only five Colorado hospitals with the highest classification for trauma care. A Level I distinction recognizes the ability to treat severe and complex injuries, including around-the-clock coverage by surgeons and availability of specialists in orthopedics, neurosurgery and anesthesiology, among others.
SILVER: CommonSpirit St. Francis Hospital
Emergency Department
mountain.commonspirit.org BRONZE: CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital
Emergency Department
mountain.commonspirit.org 26 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
Medical Primary Care Services
UCHealth Primary Care uchealth.org
SILVER: CommonSpirit Primary Care mountain.commonspirit.org BRONZE: Strata Med stratawell.com
Healthcare Medical Specialty Non-Surgical
Medical Specialty Surgical
Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers
Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group
For over 30 years, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) has been a leader in delivering world-class cancer care to patients across Colorado. What began in 1992 with a group of independent medical oncology practices becoming a network of community-based clinic sites, continues as a physician-led and owned practice, partnering with patients to offer extraordinary cancer care.
In 1994, several of community orthopedists and their practices coalesced into a larger entity titled Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group. CSOG now includes 18 Fellowship-Trained physicians and more than 200 employees in two offices, with other ancillary entities including Orthotics and MRI.
SILVER: Colorado Springs Dermatology Clinic coloradospringsdermatologyclinic.com BRONZE: Eye Associates of Colorado Springs eyeassoc.com
SILVER: Center for Orthopedic Excellence eyeassoc.com BRONZE: Peak Gastroenterology peakgastro.com
rockymountaincancercenters.com
csog.net
Urgent Care Services
UCHealth uchealth.org
SILVER: CommonSpirit Urgent Care mountain.commonspirit.org BRONZE: Optum Urgent Care optum.com
For more than 75 years, we’ve built our business around relationships, not transactions. That’s why generations of clients continue to trust Higginbotham to protect their employees, businesses and personal assets. Being named Colorado’s No. 1 Insurance Brokerage means even more because the recognition comes from our community.
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 27
Retail Services Business Insurance
Cellular Services
Insurance Centers of America Inc.
Verizon Business verizon.com
icainsurance.com
Insurance Centers of America boasts experienced, dedicated agents who care enough to ask questions, explain options and ensure the coverage matches the risk and budget. Existing clients are their number-one referral source. Insurance Centers of America, Inc. is a local independent agency with the same owners since 1981 and in the same location since 1985.
Verizon Business offers a variety of flexible mobile plans, devices, and communication features designed to help organizations of any size keep their workforce connected.
SILVER: Norton Insurance Agency nortoninsuranceagency.com BRONZE: Morton Insurance & Risk Management mortoninsurance.com
SILVER: T-Mobile for Business t-mobile.com BRONZE: AT&T Business att.com
Class A Office Space
Co-Working Office Space
Plaza of the Rockies
Exponential Impact
Plaza of the Rockies is downtown’s premier Class A office campus. As the largest Class A office building, it offers unique architectural features and flexible floor plans, with high-level finishes in the common areas. There are water features in the multi-story lobby and a covered catwalk to the city parking garage, along with all the campus’ amenities.
The incubator hub provides supportive programs, mentorship and workspace for emerging technology and security-driven startups. The 9,000-square-feet space boasts exposed concrete floors, steel structure, 14-foot ceilings and walls of east facing windows.
SILVER: Inverness Business Park cushmanwakefield.com BRONZE: InterQuest Office Developments coscommercial.com
SILVER: Epicentral Coworking epicentral.org BRONZE: Treehouse: Creative Workspace treehousecw.com
norwood.dev
28 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
exponentialimpact.com
Retail Services Commercial Cleaning
Commercial Fleet Management
JAN-PRO Cleaning Systems of Southern Colorado
Phil Long
What JAN-PRO does isn’t glamorous, but it’s vital to a thriving business and healthy employees. The company can tailor its services to a variety of settings and schedules. Whether it’s a boardroom or a bathroom, a factory or a resort, the employees are guaranteed to be trustworthy, thorough and unobtrusive.
Many businesses depend on the vehicles that transport their people and products, and Phil Long’s Elite Commercial Center takes that responsibility very seriously. Certified technicians are extensively trained on the full gamut of vehicles from multiple automakers, and stand ready to get them back on the road as quickly as possible.
SILVER: ServiceMaster Clean servicemasterclean.com BRONZE: CCS Facility Services – Colorado Springs ccsbts.com/locations/colorado-springs
SILVER: Glesby Marks Fleet Management glesbymarks.com BRONZE: Enterprise Fleet Management efleets.com
Commercial Landscape Maintenance
Commercial Painting
Timberline Landscaping
Front Range Painters
Since 1982, Timberline has provided award-winning landscape design, construction, installation and maintenance for the Pikes Peak region. This hardworking crew can do it all, whether their magic touch is needed for a residence, a business or a city street. From pulling weeds to removing ice, they’re the go-to people.
Nothing brightens and freshens an exterior or interior, whether it’s a home or office building, the way that a fresh coat of paint does. Front Range staffers have years of local expertise, prepare meticulously and use premium materials to ensure your property will be protected for years to come.
SILVER: Robertson’s Landscaping robertsonlandscaping.com BRONZE: Above & Beyond Landscaping LLC aboveandbeyondscapes.com
SILVER: TECC Painting Company teccpainting.com BRONZE: The Paint Doctor paintdoctor.com
phillongfordpro.com
jan-pro.com/socolorado
timberlinelandscaping.com
frontrangepainters.com
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 29
Retail Services Commercial Renovation
Corporate Apparel
Blue Ridge Contractors Inc.
Advanced Impressions
Blue Ridge takes modern ideas, innovative techniques and collaborative approaches to improve productivity, reduce expenses and give clients the best possible outcome. The company has focused on customer service, superior quality, diligent budget management, integrity, safety and personal responsibility to deliver outstanding results in Colorado for more than 35 years.
These professionals can take care of a business’ needs for screen printing, embroidery and promotional products. The goal is always to create high-quality items, from hats to shirts and from cups to pens and USB flash drives, that will leave lasting impressions with customers, clients and even the competition.
SILVER: DPR Construction dpr.com BRONZE: Casco Construction Corp cascocc.com
SILVER: Bravo Screenprint & Embroidery bravotees.com BRONZE: Cole Brands colebrands.com
Drone Services
Employee Insurance
Pikes Peak Aerial LLC
Higginbotham
blueridgecolorado.com
pikespeakaerial.com
youhaveanimage.com
higginbotham.com
SILVER: Hub International hubinternational.com BRONZE: Nunes Partners LLC nunespartners.com Pikes Peak Aerial was one of the nation’s first fully legal commercial drone operators and has given the Pikes Peak region’s residents and visitors a new way to look at our beloved landscape. From real estate visuals and construction monitoring to event coverage, the state-ofthe-art drones deliver professional results every time.
SILVER: Rocky Mountain Photography /
Drone LiDAR Services
rockymountainphotography.com BRONZE: Air Photography Colorado airphotographyco.com 30 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
Retail Services Small Equipment Rental
Fleet Automotive
Bill’s Equipment & Supply
Phil Long Dealerships
billsequipment.com
phillongfordpro.com
SILVER: Faricy Boys faricy.com BRONZE: Perkins Motors perkinsmotors.com
Whatever you need to do, from moving soil to reaching for the sky, Bill’s can help. And the knowledgeable staff doesn’t just take your money and hand over a chainsaw. They’ll also give expert, friendly advice that will support your project from start to finish, saving you time, money and energy.
SILVER: Wagner Rents / Wagner Equipment Co. wagnerequipment.com BRONZE: Peak Equipment Rentals LLC peakequipmentrentals.com
Office Equipment
OS Offices
(formerly OfficeScapes) osoffices.com
SILVER: Xerox Business Solutions xeroxbusinesssolutions.com BRONZE: Axis Business Technologies axisbt.com
Office Technology
AXIS Business Techonologies axisbt.com
One Stop Print Shop Printing • Promo Products • Signs Graphic Design • Vehicle Graphics Direct Mail • And Much More!
Axis emphasizes that it’s not just a vendor, it’s a partner to help businesses with their printing, copying and scanning needs. Start with a survey to determine volume and usage needs, and possible optional accessories for the optimal copier, and 95% of the search for your new equipment is done.
SILVER: Think Green thinkgreencomputers.net BRONZE: Source Office & Technology sourceot.com
Free Pick Up & Delivery!
719-638-2920
northcs.minutemanpress.com 6870 N Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 northcs@minutemanpress.com
Where Your Business Is Our Business
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 31
Retail Services Outdoor Marketing Solutions
Lamar Advertising of Colorado Springs - Pueblo lamar.com/coloradosprings
Lamar has been answering Southern Colorado’s outdoor signage needs for decades, and the company just keeps expanding its offerings and services. Its motto is “Your success is our priority,” and Lamar’s talented designers can create outstanding billboards, digital displays and transit advertising that will be seen in premium locations.
SILVER: Signarama Colorado Springs signarama.com BRONZE: Advanced Printing & Graphics (APG) apg2u.com
Print Solutions
TriLakes Printing trilakesprinting.com
VISIBILITY ISN’T VANITY IT’S REVENUE. 719.661.4470 www.apg2u.com Colorado Springs
TriLakes is a state-of-the-art, full-service printing and mailing company. Everything is under one roof: design, printing and copying, large-format printing, direct-mail advertising, binding and bulk mailing. The experienced team will provide expert consultation and exceed expectations on every project, from small to large, in a professional and personal way.
SILVER: Minuteman Press COS minuteman.com BRONZE: Print Pros printpros.com
Trades Commercial Electrical
Commercial HVAC Building Systems/Plumbing
Encore Electric
Olson Plumbing & Heating
encoreelectric.com
“All Things Power, Technology, and Energy” is a great motto, but for Encore, it’s much more. Throughout projects, personnel including management, craftspeople and service technicians consistently exceed customer requirements. Their work can be seen throughout the Rocky Mountain region, and the team’s focus is on longterm relationships with customers.
olsonph.com
Olson is the gold standard for plumbing and heating services in the Pikes Peak region, the company’s home since 1917. That long story is built on dependable workmanship, strong community relationships and a commitment to serving customers with honesty and professionalism. The company has grown right along with Colorado Springs.
SILVER: Mountainview Electric Association mvea.coop BRONZE: Bible Electric bibleelectric.com
SILVER: Murphy Company murphynet.com BRONZE: Climate Systems
Commercial Landscaping
Commercial Security Systems
Timberline Landscaping
Fidelis Security Solutions
timberlinelandscaping.com
fidelissecuritysolutions.com
SILVER: BrightView Landscape Services brightview.com BRONZE: Elevate Landscapes elevatelandscapesco.com
The mission and the promise are to be exceptional, dedicated and honorable, and that’s what Fidelis provides for clients with a wide range of needs and preferences. With hand-picked former police officers and military veterans on the team, clients will find the optimal solutions for their home and business security requirements.
SILVER: ADT Commercial everonsolutions.com BRONZE: Johnson Controls johnsoncontrols.com socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 33
Trades Construction Equipment Leasing
Residential Electrical
4Rivers Equipment
WireNut Home Services
4riversequipment.com
Ever since it was founded a century ago in Holly, on Colorado’s Eastern Plains, 4Rivers Equipment has remained devoted to its core values: integrity, respect, commitment and innovation. Through its long relationship with John Deere, 4Rivers has kept this region running through the Great Depression, World War II and other challenges.
SILVER: United Rentals unitedrentals.com BRONZE: Wagner Rents wagnerequipment.com
thewirenut.com
WireNut personnel strive to ensure that every interaction with customers reflects the company’s dedication to community service. They take pride in being an integral part of the neighborhoods they serve. That’s a year-round goal, but especially important during the holidays, when WireNut participates in Secret Santa shopping and Toys for Tots.
SILVER: Smith Plumbing, Heating, Cooling &
Electrical
smithtotalhome.com BRONZE: Swartz Electric swartzelectric.biz
Residential HVAC Building Systems/Plumbing
WireNut Home Services thewirenut.com
SILVER: B&L Plumbing bandlplumbing.com BRONZE: Smith Plumbing, Heating, Cooling &
Electrical
smithtotalhome.com
34 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
T H AN K YO U FO R VO T I NG US 2 0 26 B E ST I N R E S I DE N T I A L DE V E LOPM E N T.
HOMES DESIGNED FOR YOUR FUTURE. W H E R E
Y O U R
N EXT
CH A P T ER
percheronliving.com @percheronliving
LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF E WOODMEN RD & BANNING LEWIS PKWY
B EGI NS .
PERCHERONLIVING.COM
Land Development, Infrastructure & Energy Excellence in Commercial Development
Excellence in Industrial/Manufacturing
La Plata Communities
Colorado Springs Airport Peak Innovation Park
laplatahome.com
peakinnovationpark.com
In its 29th year of planned community development, La Plata’s portfolio includes the Briargate Master Plan including Cordera, North Fork at Briargate, Pine Creek and Briargate residential communities. The company creates excellent neighborhoods through innovative design, outstanding amenities, distinctive architecture, enhanced landscape treatments and collaboration with agencies and entities.
This 1,600-acre master planned business park near the Colorado Springs Airport offers customized land sites for sale, lease or build-to-suit. It’s zoned for multiple uses, including offices, industrial, retail, entertainment, recreation and hospitality. The park has an extensive network of water, wastewater, electric, natural gas and telecommunications systems ready to serve tenants.
SILVER: Norwood Development Group norwood.dev BRONZE: Griffis/Blessing griffisblessing.com
SILVER: PuebloPlex puebloplex.com BRONZE: Norwood Development Group norwood.dev
Excellence in Residential Development
High Speed Internet Service Provider
Norwood Development Group
Underline Infrastructure
Start with a belief in Colorado Springs’ potential, add a deep sense of pride and civic responsibility and talented people dedicated to community success, and the result is a company that’s spent more than 50 years supporting the Pikes Peak region. Enjoy commercial town centers and planned communities? Credit Norwood.
Boasting fiber infrastructure that delivers connectivity on the client’s terms, Underline is a locally run 100% modern fiber network that tailors its services and makes it easy to choose plans. The totally local support team is ready to help with managed WiFi, dedicated internet access, cybersecurity and so much more.
SILVER: La Plata Communities laplatahome.com BRONZE: Classic Homes classichomes.com
SILVER: StratusIQ stratusiq.com BRONZE: Comcast Business business.comcast.com
norwood.dev
36 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
underline.com
Land Development, Infrastructure & Energy Renewable Energy Services/Infrastructure
Roadways, Rail
Namaste Solar
Kiewit
The state’s top-rated solar company is an employeeowned cooperative and a Certified B Corporation that has built a reputation for conscientious business practices. Namaste’s expertise in designing, building and maintaining commercial solar projects is nationally recognized, while its work with homeowners has helped residents maximize savings through thoughtfully constructed systems.
You’ve likely seen Kiewit’s signs as you drive past construction projects. But that’s just the beginning of what this company can do. Whatever the project, no matter the size or the location, Kiewit offers integrated construction and engineering solutions that deliver innovative, outcomefocused approaches that bring clients’ dreams to life.
SILVER: Freedom Solar Power gofreedompower.com BRONZE: Pivot Energy pivotenergy.net
SILVER: BNSF Railway bnsf.com BRONZE: Martin Marietta martinmarietta.com
namastesolar.com
kiewit.com
CLEAN SPACES STRONGER BUSINESSES
Utility Services & Infrastructure
Colorado Springs Utilities csu.org
A CLEANER WORKPLACE A BRIGHTER TOMORROW Professional cleaning solutions for a healthier, safer, and more productive workplace.
“It’s how we’re all connected” is more than a motto for the utility company. It’s been the best way to do business for a century-plus. Utilities delivers electricity, natural gas, water and wastewater services while ensuring that customers have exceptional hometown service, responsible environmental practices and a voice in how their utility operates.
SILVER: Mountain View Electric Association mvea.coop BRONZE: Black Hills Energy blackhillsenergy.com
HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENTS
CONSISTENT & RELIABLE
CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS
A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Reduce germs. Keep people healthy.
High standards. Every time.
Tailored to your business needs.
Green cleaning options for a cleaner planet.
PROUD TO SERVE SOUTHERN COLORADO SINCE 2002 COLORADO SPRINGS • PUEBLO • FOUNTAIN • MONUMENT & BEYOND 719-264-1117
LET’S TALK CLEAN. Scan to learn more or request a quote.
karrie.thomison@jan-pro.com
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 37
Workforce Development & Support Executive Recruitment
Industry/Trades Training Program
Financial Talent Group
Pikes Peak State College
“Talent” is an important word in the name chosen for this company, which specializes in human-centric recruiting for accounting, finance, banking and executive leadership roles. FTG was created to fill a void in the financial staffing world: the need for a better solution for candidates and organizations looking for each other.
PPSC offers a technical and professional studies “pathway,” where students can learn the hands-on skills to become a vital part of the workforce. They’ll keep engines running, HVAC systems purring and electrical systems charged. The pathway also has offerings for people interested in computer-aided drafting, interior design and graphic design.
SILVER: Robert Half Executive Search roberthalf.com BRONZE: Kittleman & Associates kittlemansearch.com
SILVER: Careers in Construction Colorado ciccolorado.org BRONZE: Emily Griffith Technical College emilygriffith.edu
Outsourced Payroll & HR Services
Professional Recruitment
Savvion HQ
Financial Talent Group
financialtalentgroup.com
savvionhq.com
pikespeak.edu
financialtalentgroup.com
SILVER: Express Employment Professionals expresspros.com BRONZE: Robert Half roberthalf.com It’s one thing to follow your dream into building a business from scratch. But what if you’re over your head with the payroll questions, human relations issues, tax deadlines and compliance worries? That’s when Savvion can take those chores off your hands and let you get back to the work you love.
SILVER: VidaHR vidahr.com BRONZE: Gusto Partners gusto.com 38 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
Workforce Development & Support Temp, Part Time & Full Time Staffing Agencies
Unemployment Assistance Program
Financial Talent Group
Pikes Peak Workforce Center
financialtalentgroup.com
ppwfc.org
SILVER: Express Employment Professionals expresspros.com BRONZE: Manpower manpower.com
Workforce Preparation Services
Pikes Peak Workforce Center ppwfc.org
SILVER: Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center veteranscenter.org BRONZE: UCCS Career Center career.uccs.edu
The PPWC acts as a bridge between jobseekers and employers in El Paso and Teller counties. Clients can tap services including skills training, workshops, job search assistance, resume writing, interview preparation and a fully stocked resource room, and it’s all free. Jobseekers can even connect with federal programs that pay for training.
SILVER: Pueblo Workforce Center county.pueblo.org BRONZE: Pikes Peak United Way Family Success
Center
ppunitedway.org/family-success-center
Dial in. Stay ahead.
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A D V E R T I S E . PA R T N E R . G E T R E S U LT S . Kerri Blanco, Director of Sales & Partnerships - KBlanco@coloradomediagroup.com
Supporting elders to
AGE WITH DIGNITY & INDEPENDENCE
Let us carry the load of you next job candidate search.
Affordable Housing Meals on Wheels Food Pantry Connections Café Reserve & Ride Companionship ...and more
Give us a call
Support elders and enhance your company’s social impact program. To learn more, scan the QR code or visit silverkey.org
Direct placement JOIN US! Contact development@silverkey.org today!
Temp
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528-8888 | ADDSTAFFINC.COM
INTRODUCING THE NEWEST
2026 Community Choice Awards We put the power in your hands, the local community, to vote for your favorite companies in 29 categories. The Best in Business Community Choice program is your chance to shine a spotlight on those establishments that make Southern Colorado shine. Here are the winners in 2026!
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 41
Community Choice Awards Best Early Stage Venture Capital Firm
Best Business Air Travel Support
Colorado Impact Fund
Colorado Springs Airport
FINALIST: Rockies Venture Club rockiesventureclub.org FINALIST: First Mile Ventures firstmilevc.com
FINALIST: Denver International Airport flydenver.com
Best Business Startup Resource
Best Business Support Organization
Exponential Impact exponentialimpact.com
Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC | financialtalentgroup.com
FINALIST: Southern Colorado Business Development Center | sbdc.colorado.gov FINALIST: Avanzar Startup Accelerator cshispanicchamber.com
FINALIST: So. Colorado Women’s Chamber scwcc.com FINALIST: Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce | cshispanicchamber.com
Best Business Travel/Airline Program/Service
Best Career/Technical Education Program
Southwest Airlines southwest.com
Pikes Peak State College CTE Pathways | pikespeak.edu
FINALIST: United Airlines united.com FINALIST: Delta Airlines delta.com
FINALIST: Innovate Pikes Peak peakedu.org FINALIST: Pueblo School District 60 CTE pueblod60.org
Best Conference, Expo or Meeting Facility
Best Degree Program for Advanced Careers
The Broadmoor
UCCS College of Engineering & Applied Science | eas.uccs.edu
FINALIST: COS City Hub coscityhub.com FINALIST: Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers phillongmusichall.com
FINALIST: Air Force Academy STEM / Engineering
coloradoimpactfund.com
broadmoor.com
42 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
coloradosprings.gov
Programs
FINALIST: Pikes Peak State College Cybersecurity / Technology Pathways | pikespeak.edu
Community Choice Awards Best Degree Program for Business
Best Early Stage Incubator/Accelerator Program for Advanced Industry
UCCS College of Business business.uccs.edu
Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation | catalystcampus.org
FINALIST: Pikes Peak State College Business Programs | pikespeak.edu FINALIST: Colorado State University Pueblo Hasan School of Business | csupueblo.edu
FINALIST: Emergent Campus/Trinidad emergentcampus.org FINALIST: TechStart/Cañon City techstart.fremontedc.com
Best Education/Training Program for Trades
Best Emerging Tech Start-Up
Pikes Peak State College Workforce/Trades Programs
SwissPod Technologies
pikespeak.edu
swisspod.com
FINALIST: Careers in Construction Colorado ciccolorado.org FINALIST: MiLL National Training Center mill.wsd3.org
FINALIST: MedMicroMaps medmicromaps.com FINALIST: PteroDynamics pterodynamics.com
Best Family-Owned Business
Best Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program
Bristol Brewing Company
Exponential Impact
FINALIST: The Broadmoor broadmoor.com FINALIST: Classic Homes classichomes.com
FINALIST: Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center | sbdc.colorado.gov FINALIST: TechStart/Cañon City techstart.fremontedc.com
Best Large Employer
Best Manufacturer
UCHealth Memorial Hospital
InnovaFlex® Foundry
FINALIST: UCCS uccs.edu FINALIST: CommonSpirit/Penrose-St. Francis mountain.commonspirit.org
FINALIST: Springs Fabrication springsfab.com FINALIST: PuebloPlex puebloplex.com
bristolbrewing.com
uchealth.org
exponentialimpact.com
innovaflexusa.com
socodigest.com BEST IN BUSINESS 2026 | 43
Community Choice Awards Best Mid-Size Employer
Best Networking Event
Bluestaq
4Business After Hours: CSCEDC, BBB, SBDC, XI
bluestaq.com
business.coloradospringschamberedc.com
FINALIST: Branch & Barrel Distilling babdistilling.com FINALIST: Defense Unicorns defenseunicorns.com
FINALIST: Pikes Peak Small Business Week pikespeaksbw.com FINALIST: SCWCC First Friday scwcc.com
Best Non-Tech Business Start-Up
Best Place for Entertainment
Branch & Barrel Distilling
Ford Amphitheater
FINALIST: Local Relic / Brewery Hospitality Concept localrelic.com FINALIST: Discover Strength - Parker Discoverstrength.com
FINALIST: Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts pikespeakcenter.com FINALIST: Pueblo Memorial Hall pueblomemorialhall.com
Best Prep STEM (K-12) Program
Best Private Equity Group
Colorado Springs School District 11/ Colorado Springs School of Technology | d11.org
One Bow River
babdistilling.com
fordamphitheater.live
onebowriver.com
FINALIST: Tesla Educational Opportunity School/ STEM-Focused CTE Pathways | tesla.d11.org FINALIST: Douglas County School District STEM
Program
FINALIST: Excellere Partners excellere.com FINALIST: Broe Group broe.com
Best Small Business Employer
Best Stage II Company
Care and Share Food Bank
Bluestaq
FINALIST: Angler’s Covey anglerscovey.com FINALIST: Apache Electric apacheelec.com
FINALIST: Branch & Barrel Distilling babdistilling.com FINALIST: Kilroy’s Workshop kilroysworkshop.com
careandshare.org
44 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
bluestaq.com
Community Choice Awards Best Veteran-Owned Business
Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center Enterprise Partnerships veteranscenter.org
FINALIST: Catalyst Accelerator Veteran Founder Companies | catalystaccelerator.space FINALIST: Delta Solutions & Strategies deltasands.com
Best Way to Learn/Implement AI in Business & Industry
BBB of Southern Colorado AI Hub/ AI Agents programs | bbb.com FINALIST: UCCS College of Business / EPIIC AI Programs | business.uccs.edu FINALIST: Exponential Impact AI / Startup Programming | exponentialimpact.com
OCTOBER IS THE:
Arts Month Issue
The Gateway to Southern Colorado’s Arts Scene www.socoinsider.com
Best Workplace for Veterans
Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center | veteranscenter.org FINALIST: USAA Colorado Springs usaa.com FINALIST: Wings Credit Union wingscu.com
RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY: franz@socoinsider.com
719.200.1308
Community Choice Awards Rising Young Executive Leader of the Year
CEO of the Year
Craig Carle,
J.W. Roth,
coloradospringschamberedc.com
venu.com
Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
Founder/CEO - Venu
Craig Carle is vice president of Membership, Marketing & Events for the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC.With more than 10 years of experience building and scaling high-performing sales teams, Craig has a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets while creating cultures rooted in accountability, empowerment, and pride.
JW Roth, chairman and CEO of Venu, is a fifth-generation Colorado native, who founded the company in 2017 and has been reshaping the live entertainment industry ever since. JW is also the founder and chairman of Roth Industries, a 200 to 400-ton per week prepared foods plant and the sole manager and half shareholder of Centennial Standard Real Estate Company. With more than 30 years of private and public company experience, JW has been actively involved in helping take several companies public.
FINALIST: Mitchell Roth, Culinova FINALIST: Chelsea Gondeck, Downtown
FINALIST: Jonathan Leibert, BBB of Southern
Partnership of Colorado Springs
46 | Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest
Colorado
FINALIST: Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, Colorado
Springs Chamber & EDC
Celebra ng
Southern Colorado’s Soaring Young Professionals Do you know someone who’s making a lasting impact in Southern Colorado? Start thinking now about the young professional who deserves to be recognized! The Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest’s Class of 2027 40 Under 40 will honor 40 exceptional professionals under the age of 40 who are leading, innovating, and making a lasting impact across Southern Colorado. Nomination season opens this fall, so now is the perfect time to consider the colleague, entrepreneur, community leader, or rising star you would like to recognize. Join us in February 2027 as we celebrate Southern Colorado’s brightest young professionals.
www.socodigest.com | 6385 Corporate Drive #100, Colorado Springs, 80919 |
INNOVATE ACCELERATE COLLABORATE CATALYST CAMPUS DELIVERS AN ECOSYSTEM THAT CULTIVATES
2026
PARTNERSHIPS & SPARKS INNOVATION We are a collaborative ecosystem with best-in-class amenities where industry, small business, workforce training, entrepreneurs, startups, and venture capital intersect with the aerospace and defense industry to create community, spark innovation, and stimulate business growth. We serve as a trusted agnostic partner that facilitates connections to initiate, cultivate, and enhance the public-private partnerships.
Community Choice gold winner
Catalyst Campus For Technology & Innovation
Best Early Stage Incubator/Accelerator Program for Advanced Industry
catalystcampus.org