The Little Book of
Big Wisdom
2O19 COLORADO BUSINESS HALL OF FAME
Each day is filled with little moments that can change the course of our lives in big ways. For 30 years, Colorado Business Hall of Fame attendees have been inspired by the tremendous grit, grace, and rugged individualism of more than 150 laureates who embody the American Dream, and have touched the lives of all Coloradans. With this Little Book of Big Wisdom, our laureates share their best advice in a format that can be carried with you, providing insight and inspiration wherever you go. Sincerely,
Buz Koelbel 2019 Selection Committee Chair
DEDICATED TO THE NEXT GENERATION
“Be curious!” PHIL ANSCHUTZ 1997 L AUR E AT E
“We can’t change the wind… but we can adjust our sails.” S U E A N S C H U T Z - RO D G E R S 2017 L AUR E AT E
“Treat everyone with respect.” B RU C E B E N S O N 2009 L AU RE AT E
“If you aren’t making mistakes, you aren’t really trying.” G E O RG E A N D E L L I E C AU L K I N S 2016 L AU R E AT E S
“Consider others before yourself.” MERLE CHAMBERS 2010 L AU R E AT E
“All of us, including you, receive constant advice from every direction. Take it if you agree, otherwise do what YOU believe promises the most attractive and reasonable path.” TOM CONGDON 2019 L AUR E AT E
“People come first! As Peter Drucker noted, ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast!’” T E R RY C O N S I D I N E 2017 L AUR E AT E
“ You can’t mix rotten apples with great apples and expect to get good apples.” BILL COORS 1996 L AUR E AT E
“To get a job done, try ‘gentle pressure relentlessly applied.’” PETE COORS 2012 L AUR E AT E
“Do what you love. If you are not working at what you love, be willing to make a change.” C U RT F E N T R E S S 2017 L AUR E AT E
“Stay focused on the positive outcome you envision. Pick yourself up and keep going. Sticktuitiveness is a great attribute. Give back always.” C AT H E Y F I N L O N 2009 L AU RE AT E
“The most enjoyment received from your involvement in business is the relationship built with customer and employee and the investment of the fruits of those relationships back into your community.” JOHN FREYER 2019 L AUR E AT E
“Don’t be afraid to set seemingly unachievable goals. In the end, the ONLY thing that matters is your reputation!” CAL FULENWIDER 2016 L AUR E AT E
“Stop mixing and start painting.” C H A R L I E G A L L AG H E R 2011 L AUR E AT E
“Big shots are just little shots who keep on shooting.” B A R RY H I R S C H F E L D 2004 L AU RE AT E
“We must teach free enterprise, free market, entrepreneurship and capitalism in our schools. It’s the freedom of opportunity, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom to take risks that make America the great country it is.” JAKE JABS 2012 L AUR E AT E
“ You can make a big splash without making waves or rocking the boat; pick up an oar and row when the waters get rough.” JIM JOHNSON 2018 L AUR E AT E
“Do what you love, love what you do.” E VA N M A KO V S K Y 2019 L AUR E AT E
“Career opportunities never come along at the perfect time – often too early or at an inconvenient time. When good opportunities come, seize them!” L A N N Y M A RT I N 2012 L AUR E AT E
“Recognize all of your options. Learn to think outside of the box.” MICKY MILLER 2011 L AUR E AT E
“Focus. Failure is not an option.” L A R RY M I Z E L 2016 L AUR E AT E
“My advice is to always be fair and most importantly, be ethical.” RO N M O N T OYA 2013 L AUR E AT E
“Our company has been successful because we create win-win situations. You get what you aim for.” K L AU S O B E R M E Y E R 2015 L AU RE AT E
“Drum up your courage because it takes courage to succeed.” A N N PA D I L L A 2011 L AUR E AT E
“A real leader over the long-term must be trustworthy.” DA N R I T C H I E 1997 L AUR E AT E
“Don’t sweat the little things.” D I C K RO B I N S O N 2000 L AU RE AT E
“When you finish your education and begin your life in the field of work you choose, get involved in your community and help make it a better place to live and work. Serve on some volunteer boards.” E D D I E RO B I N S O N 2000 L AU RE AT E
“Continue to grow, especially when you think you have accomplished all of your goals. Growing is a basic philosophy of life and business is essential to evolving both professionally and personally. Be fair, honest and treat others as you would like to be treated. Always do what you say you will do – big and small.” D I C K S AU N D E R S 2018 L AUR E AT E
“Speak up whenever you find injustice done to you or to others.” JOHN SIE 2019 L AUR E AT E
“Persistence will do more to ensure a successful outcome than any other thing I know.” BOB TOINTON 2003 L AU R E AT E
“Business is pretty simple. Meet all the commitments that you make.” B I L L V O L L B R AC H T 2008 L AU RE AT E
“Check your guns at the door.” RO N W I L L I A M S 2016 L AUR E AT E
A special thanks to our 2019 event sponsors: UMB Bank Evan & Evi Makovsky and NAI Shames Makovsky Great-West Financial & Empower Retirement IMA Financial Group Lockton Companies, LLC Wells Fargo EKS&H Now part of Plante Moran Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center InSync Photography & Design
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.
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