A Step-by-Step Guide to Best of Mile High

A Step-by-Step Guide to Best of Mile High

Step 1 – Nominations
Locals nominate their favorite businesses—or even themselves. It’s free and open to all. From there, the top candidates are selected based on recent online review activity.

Step 2 – Voting
Once nominations are set, the public gets to vote. One vote per category per person is allowed, and if someone votes more than once, only the most recent one counts.

Step 3 – Reputation
Votes are important, but so are reviews. Each business’s Better Business Bureau rating is checked, and recent Google reviews and star ratings are factored in. A custom formula combines these with votes to determine the finalists.

Step 4 – Winners Announced
Finalists are invited to an awards ceremony, where winners are revealed. All recognized businesses are featured online and in the annual magazine.

Bottom line: It’s a multi-step process that values community voice, data integrity, and transparency.

Credit Union of Denver – Giving Power to the People

A few years ago, Credit Union of Denver had a powerful reminder of why their work matters. A client came to them in immediate need of assistance to stay in nursing school—a critical step toward building a better future. She needed $4,800 to remain in her program but didn’t have the funds.Clinging to a thin thread of hope, she turned to the team at Credit Union of Denver, in desperate need of a solution to salvage her dreams. 

Realizing the urgency of the situation, the team zeroed in and analyzed every possible asset she had that could help her secure the money she needed. They helped her realize she had significant value in her car. Working swiftly, they restructured her auto loan, unlocking enough cash to not only cover the $4,800 tuition bill but also pay off some lingering collections and lower her monthly payments by $100. She later said the personal attention and creative thinking Credit Union of Denver offered blew her away. This experience highlighted the lasting impact that quick thinking, financial literacy, and a commitment to community support can have on someone’s life when it matters most.

Not long after, another member came to Credit Union of Denver facing an entirely different challenge. A retired man raising his three grandchildren found himself struggling to make ends meet after his daughter, who had been providing child support, lost her job. With his household income suddenly reduced, he could no longer afford the $510 monthly payment on his truck loan. Though he had worked hard to pay down the original $24,802 balance to just $4,264, the remaining payment was still too much under the circumstances. After carefully reviewing his loan situation, the team was able to modify the terms, lowering his payment and allowing him to keep the truck that was so vital to supporting his family. It was another powerful example of how Credit Union of Denver steps in with real solutions when life throws unexpected curveballs.

Credit Union of Denver also looked deep into their community to assess where they could provide the most help to their current members and beyond. They believe that financial literacy is of the utmost importance but are aware that most people learn this through trial and error, which can have dire consequences. In 2024, Credit Union of Denver created and initiated a program called Bite of Reality, which was incorporated into the curriculum at a local school district. This program provides a modern, interactive way for students to learn budgeting in a safe space before encountering financial issues outside of the classroom. Using personalized scenarios, students must make hard financial decisions while staying inside a given budget. This program not only offers exposure to unfamiliar decisions but allows students to learn the importance of financial stability before having to face the consequences of real-life financial mistakes.

While Credit Union of Denver offers services such as banking, they believe that finances are a lifelong journey, and they strive to cultivate a connection with their members so they can guide them every step of the way. Credit Union of Denver is dedicated to empowering their community by providing a wide assortment of tools for financial education. Their belief in widespread financial literacy puts the power in the hands of the people, allowing them to feel confident and secure when making financial decisions. And when unexpected challenges arise, the team at Credit Union of Denver is ready to step in—not just with solutions, but with understanding and heart.

This approach reflects the core of the credit union’s philosophy: People Helping People. At Credit Union of Denver, it’s not just about loans and accounts—it’s about lifting each other up, offering support when it’s needed most, and building a stronger, more resilient community together.

Cheers to Our Sponsors: The Powerhouses Behind Best of Mile High

We couldn’t pull off the Best of Mile High awards without our amazing sponsors!

These generous companies help make it all happen—funding our vibrant awards ceremony, keeping the website up and running, publishing the printed magazine, and most importantly, ensuring that entering the awards remains completely free for all nominees. Their support helps keep our process fair, accessible, and community-driven.

Why it matters:

  • Sponsors ensure vibrant community representation and zero entry fees.
  • Their backing keeps the program transparent and inclusive.
  • Without them, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate our local businesses the way we do each year.

A big thank you to our partners—your belief in the community makes all the difference!

How Best of Mile High Keeps It Real

Ever wondered how the Best of Mile High awards actually work? It’s not just another popularity contest—it’s a real honor, built on fairness and integrity.

No Cost to Join
Everyone can participate—nominating is 100% free, and no one’s paying their way to the top. You can even nominate yourself!

Nominations Come First
Local residents start by submitting nominations. From there, up to 10 candidates per category move forward based on their Google reviews over the past 12 months.

Voting Happens Next
Once nominees are announced, the voting period opens. Each person gets one vote per category, and only the most recent vote counts.

Reputation Matters
It’s not just about getting votes. A business’s reputation is key. That means having a solid rating with the Better Business Bureau and strong Google reviews—especially 5-star ones.

Winners Are Celebrated
Finalists are recognized at a live event, and winners are announced there. After that, they’re featured in the Best of Mile High Magazine.

Best of Mile High isn’t just another title—it’s a trusted recognition backed by votes, reviews, and reputation.

Community Tested, Community Trusted: The Best of Mile High Story

True local validation:

  • It’s all about Denver—recognizing the best businesses and spots right in the metro area.
  • Nominations, voting, and reviews—all driven by real community members, not panels or paid judges.

Fairness at the core:

  • Integrity is key—with fairness baked into every step via fraud mitigation tools and honest reviews.

Participation that counts:

  • Everyone is encouraged to participate—free entry, no favoritism for sponsors, and businesses big or small are equally welcome.

Wrap‑up:
This is more than an awards program—it’s a celebration of Denver’s true favorites, validated by real people and real data.

Introducing Our 2025 Finalists!

The voting for the 2025 Best of Mile High Business Awards has officially concluded, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated. Your votes have spoken, and we couldn’t be more excited to reveal the 2025 finalists!

Voting Now Open!

Voting Now Open for the 2025 Best of Mile High Awards – Let the Battle Begin!

Hello Denver! It’s that exciting time again – we’re back for the 2025 Best of Mile High Awards, where we celebrate the very best businesses and establishments across our vibrant city. Ready to make your voice heard? Voting is officially open!

Who Are the Nominees?

Our 2025 nominees have already been selected, thanks to the amazing nominations from the Denver metro area. You spoke, we listened – now it’s your chance to show some love to your favorites.

Time to Cast Your Vote!

Voting is now open, and we want you to make your mark! Vote for your favorite local businesses and help them claim their spot as the best of the best. Voting will be open from February 4 through February 20, 2025, so don’t wait!

And the Winner Is…

Once voting wraps up on February 20, 2025, we’ll start tallying up the results. Here’s the scoop:

  • 5-Star Reviews x Overall Rating + Votes = winners!
  • We’ll check each nominee’s BBB grade (a negative grade won’t fly, but no grade is okay!).
  • The total vote count combined with the average review score will determine the winners in each category.

Mark your calendars because we’ll be announcing the 2025 Best of Mile High winners at our awards ceremony in Denver on March 18 + 19, 2025. After the ceremony, the winners will be published online and featured in the Best of Mile High 2025 Magazine!

For more details and to stay up-to-date with all the latest info, check out our How It Works and FAQ pages.

Thanks for being a part of this amazing journey, and let’s see who takes home the title of Best of Mile High 2025!

 Interstate Roofing: Building More than Just Roofs

Thirty years.

That’s a long time for a company to be in business.

But that’s how long Interstate Roofing has been a cornerstone of the Denver community. Maybe it’s because of their “Roofs In Need” program. Or perhaps it’s because they collaborate with Military Connected. Or it could be thanks to the love they show their customers.

For us at Best of Mile High, it’s no wonder why they won Best Roofing Company for 2024.

Empowering Those in Need

Interstate Roofing’s commitment to community care is perhaps best exemplified through its “Roofs In Need” program. This annual initiative seeks to identify deserving homeowners within the Colorado community who, due to life’s circumstances, find themselves unable to afford essential roof repairs. Understanding the gravity of this situation, Interstate Roofing steps in to alleviate their burden.

“Roofs in Need” is more than just providing a new roof; it’s about fostering a stronger, more caring community. Interstate Roofing doesn’t just supply roofing materials; they often collaborate with partners in the construction industry to secure donated materials and volunteers. By pooling resources and working closely with manufacturers, Interstate Roofing ensures that selected homeowners receive more than just a sturdy roof—they receive a revitalized sense of security and optimism.

Empowering Employees

In addition to their charitable roofing projects, Interstate Roofing is dedicated to supporting those who have served our country. They proudly collaborate with MilitaryConnected.org to offer employment opportunities to military veterans. This partnership serves a dual purpose: aiding in the transition to civilian life and enriching Interstate Roofing’s team with diverse skills and perspectives.

The adjustment from military to civilian life can be challenging. The structured environment of the military contrasts sharply with the more fluid nature of civilian life, where individuals must navigate their own path, pay bills, and acquire new skills. Though this collaboration, Interstate Roofing helps service members transition smoothly by providing business skills, direction, and the opportunity to learn a new trade while earning a stable income.

The roofing industry offers a unique opportunity for veterans to continue their mission of helping others. Many people join the military out of a desire to serve and protect, and roofing provides a similar sense of fulfillment. By ensuring that homes and businesses are safe and secure, veterans can continue to make a positive impact on their communities.

Empowering Customers

While Interstate Roofing is dedicated to providing top-tier roofing solutions, they also understand the importance of educating their customers on the value of proactive roof maintenance. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of a roof but also prevents costly emergency repairs down the line.

Customers play a vital role in preventing minor roofing issues from escalating into major problems. By embracing proactive measures and staying vigilant, they can effectively safeguard their roofs and minimize the risk of costly repairs down the line.

By conducting regular inspections, Interstate Roofing’s experts can uncover potential issues in their early stages, enabling timely interventions that prevent minor concerns from escalating into expensive headaches down the line.

Whether it involves clearing moss buildup or promptly rectifying minor damages, these proactive actions effectively reduce the likelihood of major issues arising, ultimately saving customers valuable time and money over the long term.

Looking Ahead

As Interstate Roofing continues to grow and evolve, they remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting their customers, employees and those in need. With a focus on innovation, quality, and compassion, Interstate Roofing is not just building roofs; they are building a better, more inclusive community.