Why Are So Many of Outside Magazine’s Best Companies to Work For from Colorado?
Once again, Outside magazine has confirmed what more than five million Coloradans already knew: the Centennial State is an awesome place to live and work. The magazine’s annual list of the 100 Best Places to Work featured 30 Colorado companies in 2015 and 36 in 2016—more than a third of the list, and that number just keeps growing.
"All the outdoor access in the world doesn’t mean much if your job keeps you chained to a desk with no time to enjoy it," Outside writes in the introduction to its yearly list of excellent employers, "The Best Places to Work list represents the cream of the crop—companies that empower their employees to live bigger, better lives.”
Sean Wetstine
The process for selecting that cream of the crop is rigorous. The list is broken into five company categories: Gear, Adventure & Travel, Wellness, Culture, and Advertising. Outside partners with the Outdoor Industry Association and the Best Companies Group, an independent research firm, to survey potential Best Places to Work all over the country. Companies disclose information about workplace policies and the benefits they offer their employees—who, in turn, are asked to evaluate their workplaces on criteria like "corporate culture, policies and perks, role satisfaction, work environment, and overall employee engagement".
Colorado is no newcomer to Outside’s Best Places to Work list: Colorado companies have been showing up in force since its inception in 2011. It’s no wonder the Centennial State is so well represented in categories like Adventure & Travel and Gear—after all, Coloradans are surrounded by infinite opportunities to explore and test new gear. But plenty of Colorado-based companies made the list in non-outdoorsy sectors, too.
Sam Howzit
Based on the criteria Outside and the Best Companies Group use, Colorado companies snagged four of the top 10 spots in 2016, including the #1 and #2 seats—those went to Aspen-based interior and architectural design firm Forum Phi and Denver’s GroundFloor Media, respectively. Another 11 Colorado-based companies rounded out the top 30.
The Centennial State’s heavy-hitting presence on the list is in large part because Coloradans really value work/life balance, along with integration of innovation and thought leadership, says Luis Benitez, director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. He’s got science on his side. A 2012 study published by the Public Library of Science found that creative reasoning and problem solving were improved after participants spent time immersed in natural settings.
Zach Dischner
For the sake of work/life balance—and the benefits it brings—Colorado companies on the list offer perks like a weekly beer club, in-office yoga and meditation, quarterly office-wide outside time, paid time for volunteer work, free season-long ski passes, and, in the case of Steamboat-based Smartwool, a policy of mandatory "Powder Days" whenever it snows more than six inches. Several companies also offer unlimited paid time off, allowing their employees to experience what makes Colorado such an incredible place to live—and work.
Written by Emma Walker for RootsRated in partnership with Choose Colorado and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].
Featured image provided by James Dziezynski
Asa Firestone was born with an entrepreneurial spirit and has cultivated hospitality expertise in the picturesque landscapes of Lyons and Boulder, Colorado. As the co-owner of the A Lodge, his journey epitomizes dedication, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to community.
Asa’s journey began with a profound appreciation for travel and exploration. His early experiences staying in lodges around the world ignited a passion for creating memorable experiences for others. Armed with this passion and a keen business acumen, he embarked on a mission to redefine hospitality in his own backyard.
In 2008, Asa’s vision came to fruition with the establishment of the A Lodge in Boulder, Colorado. Nestled amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, this Boulder hotel quickly garnered acclaim for its blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Under Asa’s guidance, the A Lodge became more than just a place to stay; it became a destination where guests could immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty of Colorado while experiencing genuine hospitality.
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Beyond his role as a hospitality magnate, Asa Firestone is deeply invested in the communities he serves. Whether through supporting local initiatives, fostering sustainable practices, or championing the arts, he remains dedicated to making a positive impact at both the local and global levels.
Asa’s leadership exemplifies a harmonious blend of passion, innovation, and compassion. His unwavering commitment to excellence continues to set the standard for hospitality in Lyons, Boulder, and beyond. As guests continue to flock to the A Lodge, they are not only welcomed into a warm and inviting space but also into the visionary world of Asa Firestone.