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.

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.

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 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!

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. 

If you’re a ski enthusiast in Colorado, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Eskimo Ski & Board Shop. It’s the oldest ski shop in the state—a living piece of skiing history that’s been around for an incredible 85 years. This place isn’t just about selling gear; it’s about the love of skiing, passion for the outdoors, and a commitment to helping others feel the exhilaration of flying down a snow-covered mountain.

From Humble Beginnings to Skiing Legends

Eskimo Ski & Board Shop began with a modest dream. In 1939, Frank Bulkley II aimed to introduce kids to the joy of skiing. He established the Eskimo Club, a children’s ski school designed to make a difference. The club’s mission was to offer a safe, high-quality, and affordable skiing program for children from Grand County, Denver, and the Front Range areas. And wow, did it flourish.

With the success of the Eskimo Club, Frank realized that there was a growing need for a dedicated place where these young skiers and their families could get the equipment and advice they needed. Thus, Eskimo Ski & Board Shop was born. The shop became a natural extension of the club, providing high-quality gear and fostering a sense of community among skiers of all ages.

A Legacy of Passionate Skiers

Many of the shop’s customers and employees are proud “Eskimos” from the Eskimo Club. Some of them are in their 80s, reminiscing about the days when they first strapped on skis as kids. Others are the last generation of students before the club had to disband in 2018. Together, they’ve helped introduce over 250,000 youngsters to the joys of skiing and snowboarding.

The shop’s staff members are a different breed. They live and breathe the sport. They know the difference between a double black diamond and a green circle, and they can help you navigate both. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and their knowledge is invaluable. When they sell you gear, they’re actually setting you up for adventure.

Keeping the Mom-and-Pop Feel in a Modern World

Eskimo Ski & Board Shop has managed to strike a perfect balance between staying up-to-date with the latest gear and maintaining that beloved mom-and-pop-shop feel. It’s a delicate dance that requires a lot of tedious hours and perseverance, but they pull it off beautifully. They’re always working on modernizing their offerings and introducing new technologies while ensuring that customer service remains top-notch.

Walking into the shop, you’ll find everything you need to hit the slopes. Whether you’re a beginner looking for affordable gear or an expert searching for the latest in ski technology, they’ve got you covered. And the best part? You can trust that you’re getting advice from people who genuinely care about your skiing experience. Need a perfect boot fit? They’ve got experts for that. Looking to get your skis or board tuned? They handle it with precision. Equipment repairs? No problem. 

A Proud Family Business

After 85 years, Eskimo Ski & Board Shop remains a proud family-owned business. They continue to foster the sense of community and love for the outdoors that started with Frank Bulkley’s vision. If you’re interested in learning how to ski or snowboard, or if you’re simply in need of quality gear and expert advice, this is the place to go. 

Eskimo Ski & Board Shop isn’t just a store; it’s a community, a tradition, and a gateway to the freedom of the mountains. So next time you feel that itch to hit the slopes, stop by Eskimo Ski & Board Shop. Whether you’re gearing up for your first run or your hundredth, you’ll find everything you need and more. And who knows? You might just become part of a storied legacy that’s been 85 years in the making.

Congrats to Eskimo Ski & Board Shop for being a Top 3 Finalist for the 2024 Best of Mile High awards program! All winners and finalists can be found here.