The Best of Springs Business winners announced

Colorado Springs Business Journal, Jul 23, 2004 by Staff Report

Best Automotive Dealer: Phil Long Dealerships

At Phil Long Dealerships, the journey begins before customers drive away from the lot, even if they don't know it.

We try to embrace our corporate philosophy-The Journey, said Bob Fenton, executive vice president and managing partner. The first thing is people. It's not really about cars; it's about providing a product, a service to customers. From salespeople to managers, every one of them focuses on customer service.

Phil Long bought one Ford franchise in Colorado Springs in 1945, and employed less than 200 workers. Today, more than 1,250 employees work in 18 dealerships (including Ford, Saturn, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Mercedes, Audi, Suzuki and Chrysler/Jeep) across the state.

We take a lot of pride in being a Colorado company, Fenton said. We work hard at taking good care of our customers.

Last year, Phil Long Dealerships sold 35,000 cars, retail.

Fenton said Long worked hard to instill an appreciation for people in his employees. He said, 'If you take care of your customers, they'll take care of you.' It sounds simple, but it's true. We try to get that philosophy to become part of everyone's heart and soul.

Runners-Up: Red Nolan; Al Serra.

Best Residential Real Estate Company: RE/MAX International

Perhaps people notice their balloons.

Based in Denver, RE/MAX International's nearly 100,000 real estate agents do business in 51 countries; yet, the hot-air balloons embellished with the company logo, a marketing strategy since 1978, are apparently what sticks in potential homeowners' minds when it's time to look for a house.

Locally the real estate giant earned the Best Residential Real Estate Company award. I think that we have a lot of resources that are available to us, and we tap into those resources-both in experience, and the way we do business, said Ted Ebbink, a broker associate at the Research Parkway office. We don't inflate prices; [our prices are] based on sound business practices. The listed houses we have sell more quickly because we have the prices where they should be. We do analysis both locally and nationally to make sure we're up to date.

Runners-Up: Griffis/Blessing; Curbow Realty.

Best Private Club: Country Club of Colorado

Located at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain, the Country Club of Colorado provides members with a wealth of benefits and services. The Country Club of Colorado opened in 1973 and its membership has grown to about 420 golf members and 670 recreation members, said Tracey Kalata, membership sales manager.

Our tennis and golf I would say are probably the highlights here, Kalata said. We have one of the best tennis programs probably in the Rocky Mountain region. The Country Club of Colorado also has its own coed swim team - the Stingrays, and the Spartans Day Camp for children ages 5-12.

Members also enjoy a 20 percent discount on food and beverages at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort as well as a 20 percent discount on lodging at the resort, Kalata said. The Country Club of Colorado only offers lifetime memberships. Most of the people who have joined know they want to stay for a lifetime, Kalata said.

Runners-Up: Garden of the Gods; El Paso Club.

Best Place to Work: Griffis/Blessing Inc.

They say the proof is in the pudding.

Results are what matter to the management at local real estate services firm Griffis/Blessing, and there is a lot of latitude in how employees are permitted to get them.

I think my employees feel empowered to make decisions on their own, said CEO Buck Blessing. They don't feel they'll get beat up for making a bad decision.

Griffis/Blessing is headquartered in Colorado Springs, with additional offices in Denver and Pueblo. With nearly 3 million square feet of office, retail and industrial space, the company manages approximately 3,900 apartment units.

Griffis/Blessing recently scored Best Place to Work honors, a fact that might have something to do with how employees are valued in this dynamic company.

I continually interact with my district managers and on-site staff, said Pat Stanforth, vice president of resident management. The people who work for Griffis/Blessing are true professionals-that just makes it so much more fun to come to work every day. They all work together for the good of our company and their residents.

Runners-Up: Cheyenne Mountain Resort; Infinity Systems Engineering.

Best Wireless Phone Service: Verizon Communications Inc.

With nearly 39 million customers and the infamous Can you hear me now? TV ads, Verizon Communications Inc. has found a niche in the international telecommunications industry, and has won the hearts and minds of local folks, as well.

Verizon was formed in June 2000 with the merger of Bell Atlantic Corp. and GTE Corp. and is based in New York. Consolidated operating revenues increased 3.9 percent in the first quarter of 2004 to $17.1 billion, compared with $16.5 billion in the first quarter of 2003.

At Verizon Wireless, we're focused on our growing customer base and ensuring that they have the highest quality products and services, said Dick Lynch, executive vice president and chief technical officer.