Colorado Business Hall of Fame names six inductees for 2025

Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce have announced the 2025 inductees into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame.

The 2025 laureates will be inducted at the annual Colorado Business Hall of Fame dinner on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. The event is supported by Presenting Sponsor UMB Bank, Reception Sponsor IMA Financial, and Media Sponsor Denver7. Denver7’s Lisa Hidalgo will emcee the event.

2025 Colorado Business Hall of Fame Laureates

Walter Isenberg

Walter Isenberg co-founded Sage Hospitality Group in 1984 after graduating from Cornell. As CEO, he has guided Sage to prominence in hotel and restaurant management, real estate and brand development.

Notable projects include Denver’s Union Station and Dairy Block. Sage employs more than 6,000 people and focuses on urban mixed-use developments. Isenberg is active in community service, receiving awards such as the 2023 ULI Colorado Legacy Award and the 2019 Community Enrichment Award.

Kim Jordan
Kim Jordan co-founded New Belgium Brewing in 1991 and became CEO in 2001. Under her leadership, the brewery became renowned for its environmental focus and employee equity.

When the company was sold in 2019, her co-workers received nearly twice the value she and her family did. Along with her co-workers, Jordan started Fort Collins’ Tour de Fat, is active in local boards, and co-founded the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation. She has received multiple awards, including the Colorado Governors Citizenship Medal (2016).

Charles S. McNeil
Charles S. McNeil graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in 1971. A fourth-generation Colorado entrepreneur, he founded NexGen Resources Corporation in 1991, where he serves as CEO.

NexGen supplies coal to Xcel Energy’s Texas plants and develops carbon capture technology, oil and gas resources, hydrogen projects, real estate, and more. McNeil, a licensed Professional Engineer, is active in various industry and community boards, including the Denver Area Boy Scouts and Craig Hospital Foundation.

Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald
In 1978, Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald started in the mortgage industry as a receptionist at the age of 18. She rose to President and CEO of First City Financial Corp before founding MegaStar Financial Corp in 1991, a top U.S. mortgage lender.

She also owns MegaStar Holdings for real estate. Padilla-Fitzgerald launched Take3Tech to innovate mortgage technology with products like LoanMAPS and TheRuleTool®. Recognized with awards including Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, she supports the Latinas First Foundation.

Earl L. Wright
In 1972, Earl L. Wright co-founded Asset Management Group, which became AMG National Corp. three years later. As CEO and Chairman, Wright manages $8.1 billion in assets (as of March 31, 2024) through AMG, offering comprehensive financial services.

He co-founded the Common Sense Institute in 2010 and has served on various educational and community boards, earning awards like the “Masters of Profession” from the University of Nebraska.

Pioneer Laureate: Winfield Scott Stratton
Winfield Scott Stratton moved to Colorado in 1872, studying geology and metallurgy before working as a carpenter in Colorado Springs.

He began prospecting for gold and struck it rich with the Independence Mine in Cripple Creek, becoming the first Cripple Creek Gold Rush millionaire. Stratton sold the mine for $11 million in 1899 and improved local infrastructure. Known for his philanthropy, he funded various civic projects and supported individuals in need. Stratton was inducted into the National Mining Hall of Fame and the Hall of Great Westerners.