Good morning, Leaders!  It’s Friday!

Phenomenal growth in the high desert of Colorado looks like this:

•Gaylord Rockies | Opening Late 2018

http://meetgaylordrockies.com/

•Google Plans Phase II of Boulder Development

https://www.cpexecutive.com/post/google-plans-phase-ii-of-boulder-development/

On my way from the Denver airport to our growing office Monday I asked my Uber driver, a mid 20’s student taking online classes, whether the new light rail leaving the airport was competition and he said, “Not really. It’s carpet versus tile.” referring to preference on cost, time and degree of comfort. He was eager to share his impression of how the city is growing quickly and how habits are changing as a result of the growth.

Personal change:

I used to rent a car which even in a corporate express checkout would add 60 minutes to my trip in and out. If I parked downtown, it would add another $50/night to the cost of my stay. App-based ride service saves me time, money and introduces me to people more than happy to share their perspectives.

After observing the 40 plus construction cranes in the skyline, I asked my Uber driver, a 41 year old landscaper who has lived his entire life in Denver, on the way back to the airport this morning what the primary reason was for the tremendous growth. He felt the “weed” legalization roughly 8 years ago has influenced a lot of things, including the property changes downtown. The dispensaries are more prevalent than Starbucks coffee shops and more college graduates are migrating here because it’s beautiful (the mountains) and provides great opportunities for work-life balance. Since the talent is moving here, current pace estimated at 12,000 people per month, companies are focusing on building here as well. See hyperlinks for just a couple of examples.

This seems like a major shift from when I was entering the work force. I moved to the opportunity instead of the opportunity coming to me.

I’ve been visiting this town and growing teams here for nearly a decade. There is something special about the place; the mountains, the mindset but mostly the people. Really good people.

Have a blessed weekend.