Top Company 2023: Tourism & Hospitality

WINNER 

Holidaily Brewing Co.

Golden, CO

Website: holidailybrewing.com

As part of its Top Company application, Holidaily Brewing Co. was asked about its future business goals. “World domination!” the Golden-based brewer boldly responded. “We want to be the leader and obvious choice for gluten-free beer.” 

The seven-year-old company is off to a good start on that ambition. Founded by Chief Brewista Karen Hertz, Holidaily is the only woman-owned gluten-free brewer in the U.S. as well as the largest gluten-free brewer in the country. 

Holidaily also is a three-time Great American Beer Festival Medal winner and recently won a World Beer Cup Silver Medal. 

The 28-employee company engages with the community through monthly fundraisers called “Raise a Pint, Lend a Hand” on the last Thursday of every month. On those days, Holidaily donates 10 percent of taproom sales to a local nonprofit, selecting organizations that align with Holidaily’s vision, which is to celebrate a life of health and happiness. 

To make its beer, Holidaily sources local gluten-free certified grain (buckwheat and millet); its total cost of producing a beer is five to seven times that of a traditional beer. The company does its own packaging onsite and pays for a gluten-free certification, which requires stringent tracking, testing, training, audits and procedures. 

Since opening in 2016, Holidaily has experienced more than 1,500 percent revenue growth; since 2019, sales have more than doubled, and they’re projected to increase another 13 percent year-over year in 2023. 

FINALISTS 

Footers Catering

Arvada, CO

Website: footerscatering.com

In business for 41 years, Footers caters more than 700 events a year and feeds more than 75,000 guests annually. The company’s in-house hospitality team specializes in cooking fresh onsite at locations across Colorado.  

The hospitality industry is typically plagued by high turnover, staff shortages and a scarcity of growth positions. In response, Footers has created a culture to attract inspired, motivated people who love what they do and retain them by providing professional development opportunities within all levels of the Footers team. Examples include an event coordinator evolving into a venue specialist manager, or a prep chef being promoted to the tasting chef team.   

In 2019, Footers owners Anthony and April Lambatos launched a sister business called MIBE, an acronym for part of Footers Mission Statement to “Make It Better Everyday.” Through MIBE, Footers offers a yearly conference for companies in the hospitality industry that seek to further develop their company culture, improve their employee engagement, empower their teams to embrace innovation, and commit to heartfelt leadership. 

The Lambatos’ belief in Footers was put to a supreme test in 2020 when they decided to go ahead with construction of a new 40,000-square-foot facility despite the devasting impacts of COVID on the entire hospitality industry – including a 70 percent drop in business for Footers. 

Their faith was rewarded, as construction on the new headquarters was completed in February 2021, and revenues have rebounded to levels far surpassing even pre-pandemic numbers. 

International Jet Aviation

Centennial, CO

Website: internationaljet.com

In business for 44 years, International Jet Aviation is an aircraft charter company serving private families, businesses and emergency/medical response teams. 

The charter aircraft industry has undergone significant changes over the years, and International Jet has evolved, too. The company started out transporting mail, checks and various types of cargo. It now specializes in executive transportation and, while it has strived to maintain a small-company atmosphere, it is one of the largest charter operations in Denver and the Rocky Mountain region. 

International Jet was founded in 1979 by William Milam and Lynn Krogh. In 1989, Brian Smith joined the organization and became a partner. Smith is now International Jet’s president; Milam is chairman emeritus. The partners’ combined aviation experience exceeds 100 years. 

“Our fleet of aircraft is centrally located and provides unparalleled service to the Rocky Mountain states with very few competitors in the region,” the company says. 

International Jet’s staff of about 60 professionals includes mechanics, pilots, aircraft fuelers and detailers. One enduring priority: safety. 

ATJ (Asia Transpacific Journeys)

Boulder, CO

Website: atj.com

Founded in the basement of a Boulder home in 1987, ATJ is an award-winning travel agency and tour operator that has coordinated or directed trips to more than 35 countries. 

The “core team” of the 18-employee company has been with ATJ for 17 years on average. 

“We attract very smart and interesting staff members,” says CEO and co-owner Kirsten Louy-Nasty, who has been with ATJ 24 years. “We take a lot of time to onboard new staff and nurture those already with us.” 

Likewise, the CEO and co-owner says, “We attract exceptional clientele who want to visit markets and temples, take a cooking class, understand spirituality, and meet local people in real time to experience their lives. We are always there, real people, helping others experience the trip of a lifetime.” 

The company’s charitable arm, the ATJ Foundation, has contributed to numerous causes over the years, including the “Have You Herd” elephant rescue and awareness campaign in 2020-21, Myanmar relief for legal aid and humanitarian needs in 2021, the Nepal earthquake in 2015, Sri Lanka flooding in 2017, and many others.  

ATJ changed ownership in 2014 when founder Marilyn Downing retired, passing the torch to employee-owners Donna Galland, the company’s CFO; Eric Kareus, director of travel; and Louy-Nasty. 

“We pride ourselves on being experts in Asia and the Pacific,” Louy-Nasty says.