Top Company 2022: Energy

The outpouring of applications for this year’s Top Company awards is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of enterprises that do business in the state. Applications for the 35th annual awards numbered in the hundreds, and it was particularly encouraging to see so many companies rebounding from two years of COVID restrictions, with most posting revenue and employee gains approaching—and in some cases, exceeding—pre-pandemic numbers.

This year’s Top Company winners and finalists represent 13 industry categories, plus a startup category for companies in business less than four years. Entrants were judged on three criteria: outstanding achievement, financial performance and community involvement. The judging panel was made up of ColoradoBiz magazine’s editorial board and two representatives from the business community.

 

Winner — NexGen Resources Corp

Greenwood Village

Formed in 1993, NexGen Resources Corp. initially focused on the development and acquisition of natural resources. Since, NexGen has evolved into a noted force in the energy sector — and beyond. It supplies all the coal requirements for Xcel Energy’s Texas power plants and has interests in alternative fuel and clean coal technology commercialization, exploration and development of oil and gas resources, as well as mine development and operations. The company’s diverse portfolio also includes real estate, consumer finance and even dental services. 

NexGen founder Charles McNeil is a fourth-generation Coloradan and graduate of the Colorado School of Mines, which honored him with the Mines Distinguished Achievement Medal in 1998. 

Under McNeil’s leadership, NexGen has been involved in more than 15 company start-ups. Areas of focus include the development oil and gas resources in Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota and Oklahoma.  

“NexGen efficiently analyzes thousands of prospective oil and gas acres using advanced exploration geology, reservoir engineering geology, geoscience engineering, and proven land acquisition practices,” the company says. “After meeting rigorous diligence metrics across all disciplines, NexGen has the capability to act quickly and creatively to form large contiguous blocks of prospective acreage.”  

The company has supported numerous organizations over the years, including the Denver Area Council of the Boy Scouts, The Barbara Davis Center for Children’s Diabetes, Volunteers of America, the Cancer League, Common Sense Institute, Craig Hospital, Steamboat Institute and Western Energy Alliance, among others.  

 

Finalist — Enverus

Austin, Texas (Colorado office: Centennial)

Enverus’ Colorado office is in Centennial, but its influence stretches around the globe. Founded 22 years ago, the company is a strategic partner to more than 6,000 customers in 50 countries. 

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Enverus is an energy SaaS (software as a service) company delivering highly technical insights and predictive/prescriptive analytics that empower customers to make decisions that increase profit. Enverus’ technologies drive production and investment strategies, enable best practices for energy and commodity trading and risk management, and reduce costs through automated processes across critical business functions. 

In fact, Enverus is the only SaaS company to focus entirely on the energy industry. In addition to software, its analytics and intelligence enable customers to make decisions faster so they can grow and become more profitable and/or efficient. 

In late 2021, the 1,542-employee firm launched Enverus Communities — employee-led groups where co-workers can connect on and celebrate shared interests, identities and passions.  

Enverus also offers eight hours of volunteer paid time off to all employees each quarter. This time can be used for employees to volunteer for nonprofits within their communities.