Our 2016 Best of Colorado Business Choice Awards!
Our second annual readers’ poll puts 70 businesses at the top
We introduced the Best of Colorado Business Choice Awards last year as a way of letting readers and their friends weigh in on their favorite places not just for doing business, but for enjoying life outside the workplace, either for pure enjoyment, or for socializing in an atmosphere that might help foster future business dealings.
This year we offered 70 categories for readers to vote on at cobizmag.com . DataJoe, a third-party data research firm, again set up the online ballot system that ran for several months. Participants were required to vote in at least 10 categories for companies they’d most trust to take care of their friends and co-workers. Also, while voters were allowed to vote for their own companies, they were required to vote for at least two other companies in that category.
Along with business essentials like Best Accounting Firm, Best PR Agency and Best Insurance Brokerage, participants voted on categories that recognize Colorado’s great draw to prospective employees outside the workplace, including – my favorite — Best Place to Play Hooky, Best Place to Move/Open a Business, Best Place to Ski, Best Happy Hour Spot and some other categories on the “life” side of the work-life balance spectrum.
Check out the winners to see if voters’ choices match yours – and for some tips on new places to try out.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
BEST ACCOUNTING FIRM: LOCAL
Anton Collins Mitchell LLP www.acmllp.com
Runners-up: Dalby Wendland & Co PC, Coet and Coet PC
BEST ACCOUNTING FIRM: NATIONAL
KPMG LLP www.kpmg.com
Runners-up: EKS&H, Hein & Associates LLP, Deloitte
BEST LAW FIRM
Holland & Hart LLP https://www.hollandhart.com/denver
Runners-up: Gutterman Griffiths PC, Benson Kerrane Storz & Nelson PC, Polsinelli
BEST MARKETING/ADVERTISING AGENCY
Automated Marketing Group http://automatedmarketinggroup.com
Runners-up: Greystone Technology Group Inc., Tool Box Creative, Vladimir Jones
BEST PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCY
Linhart Public Relations http://linhartpr.com
Runners-up: B Public Relations, Jumel Public Relations, Groundfloor Media Inc.
BEST STAFFING, RECRUITING, EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM
IntelliSource www.intellisource.com
Runners-up: Talent Navigation Experts, Add Staff Inc., Robert Half
TECHNOLOGY/ELECTRONICS
BEST AUDIO VISUAL SERVICE
Logic Integration Inc. www.logicav.net
Runners-up: Ceavco Audio Visual Inc., Linx LLP, J&S Audio Visual
BEST VIDEO PRODUCTION COMPANY
V3 Media http://v3mm.com/
Runners-up: Castland Productions, Fireside Productions, Riposte
BEST IT SERVICE
Platte River Networks http://platteriver.com/
Runners-up: Greystone Technology, Live Consulting, Spire Digital
BEST WEB DEVELOPMENT
Greystone Technology Group Inc. www.greystonetech.com
Runners-up: Spire Digital, Automated Marketing Group, Infront Webworks, Revenue River Marketing
TRANSPORTATION
BEST AUTO DEALERSHIP
Schomp Automotive www.ralphschomp.com
Runners-up: Kuni Lexus, CarMax, Groove Auto
BEST CAR SERVICE: TRANSPORTATION
Uber/Uber black https://www.uber.com/cities/denver/
Runner-up: SuperShuttle Denver
BEST CAR SERVICE: REPAIR
Keller Bros.http://kellerbros.com/
Runners-up: Aspen Auto Clinic, Community Auto Repair, Grease Monkey
BEST AIRLINE
Southwest Airlines www.southwest.com
Runners-up: United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Delta Airlines
BEST PRIVATE JET SERVICE
XJet www.xjet.com
Runners-up: FreshJets, Vail Valley Jet Center
FINANCE
BEST BANK
FirstBank of Colorado (1st Bank) www.efirstbank.com
Runners-up: Alpine Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Chase Bank
BEST CREDIT UNION
Bellco Credit Union www.bellco.org
Runners-up: Public Service Credit Union, Elevations Credit Union, Ent Credit Union
BEST INSURANCE BROKERAGE
State Farm www.statefarm.com
Runners-up: Madison Insurance Group, Allstate, Farmers Insurance Group
BEST MORTGAGE BROKER
Alpine Bank www.alpinebank.com
Runners-up: Peoples Bank, 8Z Mortgage, SWBC Mortgage
BEST SBA LENDER
Peoples Bank www.peoplesbancorp.com
Runners-up: Alpine Bank, Colorado Lending Source LTD, Wells Fargo Bank
BEST TITLE COMPANY
Land Title Guarantee Co. www.ltgc.com
Runners-up: Guardian Title Agency LLC, First American Title, Stewart Title
BEST WEALTH MANAGER/FINANCIAL PLANNER
Alpine Bank www.alpinebank.com
Runners-up: Peoples Bank, Brown & Tedstrom, Edward Jones
FOOD/BEVERAGE
BEST BREAKFAST SPOT
Snooze http://snoozeeatery.com
Runners-up: Lucille’s, The Egg & I, Sam’s No. 3
BEST BUSINESS LUNCH SPOT
The Palm http://www.thepalm.com/Denver
Runners-up: Illegal Pete’s, Guard and Grace, Panera Bread
BEST CATERING COMPANY
Footers Catering www.footerscatering.com
Runners-up: Epicurean Catering, Biscuits and Berries, Catering by Design
BEST DELIVERED LUNCH
Jimmy John’s Sandwiches www.jimmyjohns.com
Runners-up: Snarf’s Sandwiches, Panera Bread, Jason’s Deli
BEST FOOD TRUCK
The Waffle Lab www.thewafflelab.com
Runners-up: Comida, Quiero Arepas, Smoke: Colorado Craft Barbecue
BEST HAPPY HOUR SPOT
Linger http://lingerdenver.com/
Runners-up: Govnr’s Park Tavern, Hapa Sushi, Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
BEST SPORTS BAR
Buffalo Wild Wings www.buffalowildwings.com
Runners-up: Blake Street Tavern, The Viewhouse, Stoney’s Bar and Grill
BEST COFFEE SHOP: NATIONAL
Starbucks www.starbucks.com
Runner-up: Caribou Coffee, Panera Bread, The Human Bean
BEST COFFEE SHOP: LOCAL
Crema Coffee House http://cremacoffeehouse.net
Runners-up: ink! Coffee, Pablo’s Coffee, Dazbog Coffee
BEST COLORADO BREWERY
Breckenridge Brewery www.breckbrew.com
Runners-up: New Belgium Brewing Co., Odell Brewing Co., Avery Brewing Co.
LODGING/ACCOMMODATIONS
BEST BUSINESS HOTEL
Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center http://denver.regency.hyatt.com/
Runners-up: Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel, Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain, Four Seasons Hotel Denver
BEST LEISURE HOTEL
The Broadmoor www.broadmoor.com
Runners-up: Westin Riverfront Resort at Beaver Creek, Hotel Teatro, The Brown Palace Hotel
BEST MEETING AND EVENT VENUE
The Broadmoor www.broadmoor.com
Runners-up: Infinity Park Event Center, Westin Riverfront Resort at Beaver Creek, Nativ Hotel
BEST TEAM-BUILDING PLACE
Topgolf http://topgolf.com/us/centennial/
Runners-up: Action Learning, Punch Bowl Social, Dave and Busters
BEST EVENT PLANNING SERVICE
Morevents www.morevents.com
Runners-up: EKS Events, Destination Services Corporation Inc. (DSC), three way tie for third: A Touch of Bliss, Epicurean Catering, Footers Catering
MAINTENANCE
BEST CARPET AND RUG CLEANING
Stanley Steemer www.stanleysteemer.com
Runners-up: Zerorez, ChemDry, A Cleaner Carpet LLC
BEST DRY CLEANER
Dependable Cleaners www.dcleaners.com
Runners-up: Green Care Cleaners, Continental Cleaners, Revolution Cleaners
BEST HEATING & AC SERVICE
Peak Heating and Air Conditioning www.peakheating.com
Runners-up: MTech Mechanical, Four Seasons Heating Inc.
BEST JANITORIAL SERVICE
Kleen-Tech Services Corp. www.hbmgmt.com
Runner-up: Aramark
BEST LANDSCAPE/LAWN CONTRACTOR
Swingle Lawn Tree & Landscape Care https://www.myswingle.com
Runners-up: American Design and Landscape, Designs by Sundown, Tim Gantz Lawn Care, Weston Landscape and Design, Valley Crest Landscape
BEST PLUMBING SERVICE
Plumbline Services Inc. http://plumblineservices.com
Runners-up: Brothers Plumbing, Martinson Mechanical, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
BEST ROOFING CONTRACTOR
Brian Pierce Roofing http://brianpierceroofing.com
Runners-up: Horn Brothers Roofing, Rescon Restoration and Construction, Roof Brokers
BEST PAINTING CONTRACTOR
Jayco Painting
Runners-up: Vivax Pro Painting, Imhoff Painting
BEST WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICE
Alpine Waste & Recycling http://alpinewaste.com
Runners-up: Bestway Disposal, Pro Disposal, Gallegos Sanitation Inc.
REAL ESTATE
BEST COMMERCIAL BUILDING SERVICE
Encore Electric Inc. www.encoreelectric.com
Runners-up: Hammers Construction, Shaw Construction, FCI Constructors Inc.
BEST COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICE: NATIONAL
RE/MAX http://home.remaxcommercial.com/
Runners-up: Coldwell Banker, CBRE, Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL)
BEST COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICE: LOCAL
Column Commercial Partners http://columncommercial.com
Runners-up: Bray Commercial Real Estate, Slifer, Smith and Frampton
BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICE — NATIONAL
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage www.coldwellbanker.com
Runners-up: RE/MAX, 8Z Real Estate, Slifer Smith and Frampton
BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICE : LOCAL
8z Real Estate http://www.8z.com
Runner-up: Slifer Smith and Frampton
BEST HOME BUILDER
Brookfield Residential www.brookfieldresidentialco.com
Runners-up: Richmond American Homes, D.R. Horton, Oakwood Homes, Classic Homes
BEST ARCHITECTURE FIRM
OZ Architecture http://ozarch.com
Runners-up: EVstudio, RNL, tie for third: Davis Partnership Architects and Gensler
BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
East West Destination Hospitality http://eastwestdestinationhospitality.com
Runners-up: Summit Cove, Bray & Company, 8Z Real Estate
HEALTH
BEST HEALTH INSURER
Kaiser Permanente https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org
Runners-up: UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna
BEST HOSPITAL
Rose Medical Center – HealthONE http://rosemed.com
Runners-up: Swedish Medical Center HealthONE, Sky Ridge Medical Center HealthONE, University of Colorado Hospital
BEST PHARMACY
Walgreens Co. www.walgreens.com
Runners-up: King Soopers, Good Day Pharmacy, Kaiser Permanente
RECREATION
BEST PLACE TO MOUNTAIN BIKE
Winter Park Resort www.winterparkresort.com
Runners-up: Eagle Ranch, Crested Butte Ski Resort, Fruita Tourism
BEST PLACE TO PLAY HOOKY
Keystone Resort www.keystoneresort.com
Runners-up: Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Coors Field, Copper Mountain Ski Resort
BEST PLACE TO SKI
Vail www.vailresorts.com
Runners-up: Winter Park Ski Resort, Copper Mountain Ski Resort, Keystone Resort
LIFESTYLE
BEST PET BOARDER/DAY CARE
Camp Bow Wow www.campbowwow.com
Runners-up: City Bark, Paradise 4 Paws, Canine Fitness and Fun Center
BEST SPA
Spa Anjali spaanjali.com
Runners-up: Tall Grass Spa, Allegria Spa, Spa at Saint Julien
BEST STYLING SALON
Matthew Morris Salon and Skincare http://matthewmorrissalon.com
Runners-up: Studio Be Salon, Blondies The Beauty Shop, Aveda Academy
BEST FLORIST
The Perfect Petal www.theperfectpetal.com
Runners-up: King Soopers, Babylon Floral, Alpine Floral Inc.
BEST JEWELER
Shane Company www.shaneco.com
Runners-up: Trice Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, Kay Jewelers
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
BEST NONPROFIT
The Denver Hospice thedenverhospice.org
Runners-up: Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain, Dumb Friends League, United Way (Mile High United Way)
BEST COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
University of Colorado-Boulder www.colorado.edu
Runners-up: Colorado State University (CSU), University of Denver (DU), University of Colorado-Denver (CU Denver)
BEST FITNESS CLUB
Cherry Creek Athletic Club http://cherrycreekclub.com/
Runners-up: 24 Hour Fitness, Colorado Athletic Club, Lifetime Fitness
BEST PLACE TO MOVE/OPEN A BUSINESS
Denver www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en.html
Runners-up: Fort Collins, Salida, Boulder, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction
OFFICE
BEST OFFICE FURNITURE
American Furniture Warehouse www.afwonline.com
Runners-up: Officescapes, IKEA, Office Depot, Workplace Resource
BEST OFFICE SUPPLIES
Office Depot www.officedepot.com
Runners-up: EON Office, Staples, Source Office Products
BEST PRINTER
Yellowdog Printing & Graphics https://yellowdogprinting.com
Runners-up: Ink Monstr, EON Office, Horizon Reprographics
BEST SIGN COMPANY
DaVinci Sign Systems Inc. www.davincisign.com
Runners-up: Fast Signs, YellowDog Printing & Graphics, Ink Monstr
