Colorado Business Hall of Fame Laureate Terry Considine

Since its inception in 1990, the Colorado Business Hall of Fame has honored outstanding laureates who have made impactful contributions to the business community. The laureates are chosen each year from hundreds of nominations, selection committee chair John Freyer said, noting this year’s theme: “a mosaic of Colorado character and success.”

Terry Considine

When CEO Terry Considine walks toward his corner office at Apartment Investment Management Co. in the Denver Tech Center, his staff knows he’s on the way as he is heard saying "Good morning," by name to each employee he passes.

“He is not only an excellent boss but an excellent human being. He really cares about his employees and takes the time to get to know them,” assistant Martha Kozik said.

Considine is a generous and friendly entrepreneur and former two-term Colorado State Senator who does not court the limelight. He would rather defer attention to his colleagues, acknowledge his beloved wife of 40 years (“Did you know she has an MBA from Harvard?”), or mention multiple mentors across the years.

Considine has served as CEO of four real estate investment trusts after earning a law degree from Harvard University.

Aimco Chief Administrative Officer Miles Cortez, who has known Considine for 35 years, said the businessman led Aimco from $300 million in assets when the company went public in 1994 to its current $11 billion in assets with apartment complexes across the U.S., 300 employees at the Denver headquarters and 1,500 employees nationwide. Yet a positive business culture of demanding excellence along with community contribution stands out. The Aimco Cares program allows employees to donate 15 hours of paid time annually to volunteer.

The longtime entrepreneur also leads the privately held Considine Companies, investing in television broadcasting, convenience stores, environmental services and venture capital.

The 69-year-old entrepreneur attributes his success and team-oriented attitude to his upbringing on a cattle ranch in California as the fourth of 11 children raised by “wonderful” parents. He also developed a collaborative spirit as a college athlete.

“Doing things with others to a common end,” Considine said, “is one of the greatest satisfactions.”