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Tag: GenXYZ 2023

GenXYZ 2023 — Amanda Johnson

They’re uncommon achievers, whether as entrepreneurs, CEOs, nonprofit leaders, visionaries critical to their companies’ success or, in some cases, all of those roles. This year’s Top 25 Young Professionals figure to continue making a difference professionally and in their communities for years to come.

Read on to learn about the 2023 Top 25 Young Professionals and to see the list of this year’s top 50 finalists.

READ: GenXYZ 2023 — Top 25

Amanda Johnson, 37

Principal, OZ Architecture | Denver

As a principal at OZ Architecture, Amanda Johnson designed Platte Fifteen, the first commercial project to utilize cross-laminated timber (CLT) in Denver. CLT is a wood panel product that consists of at least three layers of lumber glued together, for superior acoustic and other benefits, and little onsite waste. The project, located near the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, was awarded the 2022 Mayor’s Design Award. The office and retail building also won the 2021 Regional Excellence Wood Design Award from WoodWorks and the 2020 Downtown Denver Partnership Award.

Johnson also designed the Fort Worth Cultural District Office, part of a luxury mixed-use development in Texas. Like Platte Fifteen, the office building has a covered paseo to lead into the primary entrance of the office building.

Johnson not only designs commercial buildings to meet client needs but also follows through with contractors and subcontractors to make sure the project is on schedule, on budget and adapts to any client-requested changes. She has helped the firm gain repeat customers through her passion, work ethic and drive.

Johnson earned a master of architecture from the University of Colorado Denver, and a bachelor of environmental design from the University of Colorado Boulder. She was determined not to let student debt become an issue, and worked throughout high school and college. She is a single mom of two sons, and is involved in her son’s school and her subdivision’s HOA.

GenXYZ 2023 — Rob Lee Andrews

They’re uncommon achievers, whether as entrepreneurs, CEOs, nonprofit leaders, visionaries critical to their companies’ success or, in some cases, all of those roles. This year’s Top 25 Young Professionals figure to continue making a difference professionally and in their communities for years to come.

Read on to learn about the 2023 Top 25 Young Professionals and to see the list of this year’s top 50 finalists.

READ: GenXYZ 2023 — Top 25

Rob Lee Andrews, 38

CEO, CommunityWorks | Denver

Rob Lee Andrews reinvented the CommunityWorks program by creating an avenue for historically excluded communities to attend pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs by condensing them to five days, resulting in an organization that grew 3,000% in one year.

READ: Want to Set Your Business Apart From the Rest? Consider Apprenticeship

Andrews has taken a small, local nonprofit and developed it into an organization that has welcomed more than 33,000 people in multiple cities. Founded in 2016, CommunityWorks has grown to 53 people and $6 million in revenue over the last six years.

CommunityWorks removes barriers to help people find stable employment. It provides hands-on training, immersive experiences and comprehensive connections to every jobseeker it serves.

The organization meets people where they are by providing supportive services to the growth and investment in their future careers. Under Andrews’ leadership, the organization has ensured that more than 15,000 people have professional clothing, and more than 6,000 people are employed.

Andrews is on the Denver African American Philanthropist board and actively advocates for the inclusion of marginalized voices and stories. He has helped several African-American nonprofits raise $225,000 to help with their mission and outreach.

He volunteers with church groups at Denver Broncos games by helping organize community gatherings and virtual webinars. He mentors, professionally and personally, four young men of color, intentionally including experiences and conversations often not accessible to historically excluded populations.

GenXYZ 2023 — Matt Ward

They’re uncommon achievers, whether as entrepreneurs, CEOs, nonprofit leaders, visionaries critical to their companies’ success or, in some cases, all of those roles. This year’s Top 25 Young Professionals figure to continue making a difference professionally and in their communities for years to come.

Read on to learn about the 2023 Top 25 Young Professionals and to see the list of this year’s top 50 finalists.

READ: GenXYZ 2023 — Top 25

Matt Ward, 38

President, Ward Electric Co. Inc. | Longmont

Under Matt Ward’s leadership, Ward Electric has experienced record growth in the past 12 months. 

The number of employees and revenue have skyrocketed, while the company maintains its family feeling and remains committed to providing exceptional results while adhering to its motto of, “On time, on target, with safety and quality.”

Since Ward and his brother Mark bought the company from their parents in 2012, they have seamlessly continued relationships with legacy customers while securing new long-term contracts. 

Over the last several years, the company has expanded, opening additional offices, adding employees and increasing revenue. 

Ward’s implementation of technological innovation enabled the company to see little to no disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, as employees were able to work from home when necessary. 

Ward co-founded the JoyForWard Foundation in early 2022 to carry on his late mother Joyce’s legacy and to support endeavors she strongly believed in. JoyforWard pays it forward as it shares joy and kindness through involvement with nonprofits throughout the region. 

Joyce Ward, one of the founders of Ward Electric, taught her sons the importance of helping others. Ward supports numerous youth athletic teams and leagues as well as area schools, events and organizations with a focus on helping and developing children, especially those with special needs. 

Ward also devotes time and resources to help with local county fairs, rodeos and 4H groups. He is a board member at Holy Family High School and serves on the Mountain States Line Constructor Apprenticeship Board.

GenXYZ 2023 — Hayley Selden

They’re uncommon achievers, whether as entrepreneurs, CEOs, nonprofit leaders, visionaries critical to their companies’ success or, in some cases, all of those roles. This year’s Top 25 Young Professionals figure to continue making a difference professionally and in their communities for years to come.

Read on to learn about the 2023 Top 25 Young Professionals and to see the list of this year’s top 50 finalists.

READ: GenXYZ 2023 — Top 25

Hayley Selden, 28

Owner, Redwood Jane LLC | Edgewater

Hayley Seldon’s background as a structural engineer for single-family residential projects is serving her well as her fledgling company finds its place.

While Seldon, who started Redwood Jane in 2021, is well aware of the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, she’s excited to represent women and be a face of change.

“I don’t see this as a hindrance as much as an asset,” she said. “Diversity is important in any industry, and I’m able to bring a unique perspective to every project I take on.”Seldon recognizes that she’s benefited from women blazing trails in the construction industry and wants to pave the way for those who will come after her.

Seldon is involved with the Home Builders Association, and the Home Builders Foundation (HBF), where she is the chair of the HBF Professional Women in Building Council. She’s also the HBF’s only trained female project captain, which qualifies her to lead her own volunteer crews for projects like building ramps to assist people with limited mobility.

GenXYZ 2023 — Andrew Comer

They’re uncommon achievers, whether as entrepreneurs, CEOs, nonprofit leaders, visionaries critical to their companies’ success or, in some cases, all of those roles. This year’s Top 25 Young Professionals figure to continue making a difference professionally and in their communities for years to come.

Read on to learn about the 2023 Top 25 Young Professionals and to see the list of this year’s top 50 finalists.

READ: GenXYZ 2023 — Top 25

Andrew Comer, 38

Equity Partner, Fortis Law Partners | Denver

Andrew Comer was named partner within two years of joining Fortis Law Partners, where he launched and quickly expanded the firm’s trademark and intellectual property practice area. 

Comer’s year-over-year revenue at the firm has grown by nearly 150% each year, and his client numbers are up by nearly 40% year over year. He counsels clients on the formation, growth and sale of their businesses, which he knows often represent their life’s work. He also works with company founders, boards and investors to ensure compliance with securities laws and other laws that affect their investments and interests.

Among Comer’s notable achievements are leading and assisting in numerous multimillion-dollar merger and acquisition deals, representing dozens of companies in debt financings, assisting developers in debt financing and the development of multimillion-dollar real estate projects and advising on structuring and raising millions in equity and debt financing for several hemp operations and CBD businesses.

Comer, who has overseen Fortis’ internship program, manages the firm’s recruiting efforts. He is passionate about mentoring young lawyers and provides them with regular feedback, mentoring and career advice.

Comer has provided pro bono legal work to churches, veterans’ health organizations, environmental groups, nonprofits and other charitable organizations.

He has served on the board of the University of Colorado at Boulder Alumni Association and is on the advisory board for Commons on Champa. He is a growth adviser for Blackstone Entrepreneurs’ Network and a mentor at Galvanize. He also makes time to speak at gatherings of entrepreneurs and early-stage companies.

GenXYZ 2023 — Michael Sutton

They’re uncommon achievers, whether as entrepreneurs, CEOs, nonprofit leaders, visionaries critical to their companies’ success or, in some cases, all of those roles. This year’s Top 25 Young Professionals figure to continue making a difference professionally and in their communities for years to come.

Read on to learn about the 2023 Top 25 Young Professionals and to see the list of this year’s top 50 finalists.

READ: GenXYZ 2023 — Top 25

Michael Sutton, 38

Owner & CEO, Kind Home Solutions | Englewood

Michael Sutton’s concern over seedy contractors taking advantage of employees and clients led him to create the home improvement company Kind Home Solutions. 

Sutton has created a culture of respect within the company where all roles are valued and appreciated. He puts the mental and physical health of team members above all else. A monthly wellness program reimburses employee activities that support mental health, such as counseling, therapy, gym memberships or anything that brings them joy. 

In addition to his dedication to his employees, Sutton has invested in creating a seamless experience for clients by connecting platforms that provide a transparent, honest and predictable experience.

He’s creating a bidding software he believes will revolutionize the painting industry by standardizing how to estimate everything that goes into residential interior and exterior painting projects. The software does takeoffs for all materials and creates detailed work orders for painters while standardizing margins so clients receive a fair and consistent quote on their projects in minutes.

He also provides 30 days of paid time off to all employees, zero-dollar deductible health insurance and a 4% 401(k) match. 

Because he understands that painting homes can be the foundation of change for both a family and a community, he has donated free exterior paint jobs valued at more than $100,000 to families in need. He also works with multiple business groups and meets with other business owners to help them grow their companies. 

Sutton’s goal is to create a company where people love their jobs and have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of people they interact with. 

GenXYZ 2023 — Taylor Dilk

They’re uncommon achievers, whether as entrepreneurs, CEOs, nonprofit leaders, visionaries critical to their companies’ success or, in some cases, all of those roles. This year’s Top 25 Young Professionals figure to continue making a difference professionally and in their communities for years to come.

Read on to learn about the 2023 Top 25 Young Professionals and to see the list of this year’s top 50 finalists.

READ: GenXYZ 2023 — Top 25

Taylor Dilk, 30

 Co-Founder & CEO, Vitality | Denver

Taylor Dilk and her co-founders all left their jobs and self-funded Vitality, a multimillion-dollar fitness apparel brand for people of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. 

Dilk, her sister Chloe Chamberlain and her husband, Steve Dilk, set out to create apparel that flatters a woman’s curves, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Everything about the business they built is self-taught, with the co-founders learning as they go. 

As business owners who are 30 and younger, Dilk and her co-founders aren’t confined by traditional business methods or preconditioned to operate in a conventional way. 

Dilk makes sure giving back is at the forefront of Vitality’s mission. In the last four years, the company has donated more than $450,000 to various initiatives, including civil rights movements, women’s empowerment organizations and COVID relief. The brand also has made more than $400,000 worth of clothing donations, most recently to support Afghan refugees across the U.S. 

Dilk is a member of The Tiffany Circle with the Red Cross. The Tiffany Circle is a community of women leaders who advance the American Red Cross mission through focused investment of time, talent and treasure by engaging and embracing women.

Dilk prides herself on giving her audience an insight into her life through social media, where she has inspired thousands to chase their dreams while pursuing a balanced lifestyle. 

GenXYZ 2023 — Lauren Napheys

They’re uncommon achievers, whether as entrepreneurs, CEOs, nonprofit leaders, visionaries critical to their companies’ success or, in some cases, all of those roles. This year’s Top 25 Young Professionals figure to continue making a difference professionally and in their communities for years to come.

Read on to learn about the 2023 Top 25 Young Professionals and to see the list of this year’s top 50 finalists.

READ: GenXYZ 2023 — Top 25

Lauren Napheys, 32

Director of Investments, Headwaters Group | Denver

Lauren Napheys spearheads real estate developer Headwaters Group’s investment strategy for growth, deal sourcing, investment underwriting and investment relations. 

Under Napheys’ leadership, Headwaters has multiple projects in various stages of development in Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico, all of which are expected to break ground this year. The company also is slated to close soon on the purchase of a community in Salt Lake City. 

Headwaters Group is focused on the development and acquisition of for-rent 55-plus communities for active adults. Napheys plans to expand Headwaters’ operations over the next two years, targeting additional states in the Western U.S. to double the firm’s deal flow. 

Before joining Headwaters, Napheys was director of accounting advisory services for Big Four accounting firm KPMG where she supported the company’s global client base in transformative accounting solutions. She was instrumental in developing and leading accounting and auditing change readiness programs related to an international financial reporting standard issued in 2017. 

While at KPMG, Napheys created an initiative to support workforce development and alleviate poverty in Uganda. Through a partnership with the Global Livingston Institute, Napheys led a multiyear program in Kampala that delivered basic bookkeeping training for small-business owners and accounting professionals. Upon completion of the program, participants received certificates from KPMG that bolster their ability to receive promotions or better jobs. 

Napheys is involved in a variety of organizations, including serving on the board for the Gobal LI Institute. She is co-chair of the Young Professional boards for the Denver Health Foundation and Denver Zoo and is a member of the Junior League of Denver.

GenXYZ 2023 — Cole Gibbs

They’re uncommon achievers, whether as entrepreneurs, CEOs, nonprofit leaders, visionaries critical to their companies’ success or, in some cases, all of those roles. This year’s Top 25 Young Professionals figure to continue making a difference professionally and in their communities for years to come.

Read on to learn about the 2023 Top 25 Young Professionals and to see the list of this year’s top 50 finalists.

READ: GenXYZ 2023 — Top 25

Cole Gibbs, 36

Founder & CEO, Dama BioPlastics | Aurora

Cole Gibbs is pioneering the development of sustainable plant-based bioplastic and compliant packaging solutions for a variety of industries.

With only 9% of all plastic recycled worldwide, the plastic waste problem is growing out of control, and Gibbs wants to be part of the solution. Over the last three years, Gibbs and his team have prevented more than 2 million pounds of petroleum plastic from entering the environment.

Gibbs strives to improve his community through job creation, economic boosts through the creation of local supply chains, and waste diversion programs with communities to remove both biomass and plastic wastes. Dama also partners with universities for research and development projects working toward material advancements.

“Cole has redefined the role of CEO,” said Adam Dietrich, the company’s director of material science. “He does not alter his opinion based on pressure. This is a man of principle and standards that must be met to advance forward. This is a leader … who sits in the trenches with his soldiers and rides it out to the end.”

GenXYZ 2023 — Heather Broxterman

They’re uncommon achievers, whether as entrepreneurs, CEOs, nonprofit leaders, visionaries critical to their companies’ success or, in some cases, all of those roles. This year’s Top 25 Young Professionals figure to continue making a difference professionally and in their communities for years to come.

Read on to learn about the 2023 Top 25 Young Professionals and to see the list of this year’s top 50 finalists.

READ: GenXYZ 2023 — Top 25 Finalists

Heather Broxterman, 39 

Founder & Senior Counsel, BAM Family Law | Denver

Long before earning her law degree from Georgetown University in 2010, Heather Broxterman was focused on the legal, logistical and psychological issues impacting families. Working in the public defender’s office,  Broxterman helped pave the way for bringing mental health courts to Charlottesville, Virginia, by researching the policies, procedures, remedy structures and qualification criteria.

In 2015, when she was six months pregnant, Broxterman co-founded what is now known as BAM Family Law. Broxterman and her partners had one vision: to build a law firm that recognizes and meets not only the legal needs of their clients but also their holistic human needs while helping them navigate the family law system.

Broxterman has experience in all facets of family law, including dissolution, high-conflict cases, collaborative cases, mediation, complicated financial issues, international child abduction cases, parenting litigation between same-sex couples and appellate cases.

She worked on some of the early same-sex couples’ rights cases in Colorado, including the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Broxterman has studied mental health diagnoses and their crossover to the court system. She continues to take a deep interest in cases involving mental health issues for adults and children. She understands that most people needing a family law attorney are experiencing some of the most difficult times of their lives and prides herself on being attentive, responsive, sensitive and direct.
Broxterman, who historically has overseen budgeting, expenses and closing out the firm bills each month, has served as the firm’s managing partner and chief financial officer for the past few years.