The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Denver.
In addition, The Denver Dealmakers Hall of Fame recognized a class of dealmakers that has made an often-groundbreaking impact on their organizations, industries and the region over the course of decades in business.
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2025 class of winners on October 30 at the Denver Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the Denver business community.
Dealmaker Of The Year Honorees
Jason & Douglass Barrow, Co-Owners, Luna Roasters Gourmet Coffee & Tea. Jason and Douglass Barrow guided Luna Gourmet Coffee & Tea Company’s acquisition of CoffeeAM, expanding their family-owned portfolio that includes Boyer’s Coffee, Boulder Organic Coffee, and Boca Java. The deal unites two heritage brands and consolidates roasting operations in a new, state-of-the-art Denver facility, enhancing quality through higher-elevation roasting. This acquisition strengthens Luna’s position as one of Colorado’s largest and most respected specialty coffee roasters.
Taylor Merritt, CEO, Merritt Companies. Taylor Merritt led Merritt Companies’ acquisition of Magnum Trailer and Equipment, a Canadian manufacturer based in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The cross-border deal vertically and horizontally integrates Merritt Aluminum Products and Merritt Trailers — creating a unified platform across North America. The acquisition expands market access between the U.S. and Canada, unlocking major growth in aluminum truck accessories and advanced trailer solutions. Taylor’s leadership continues to position Merritt as an industry innovator.
Erin Pulling, CEO, Food Bank of the Rockies. Under Erin Pulling’s leadership, Food Bank of the Rockies has completed four New Markets Tax Credit transactions totaling $88.5 million, generating more than $18 million in subsidy to combat food insecurity. The funding supported new facilities in Grand Junction and Aurora and provided working capital to offset rising food and labor costs — an innovative approach beyond traditional fundraising. These strategic financings have strengthened the organization’s ability to serve families across Colorado and Wyoming.
Bo Sutton & Eric Wolf, Co-Founders & Partners, Liftout Capital. Bo Sutton and Eric Wolf of Liftout Capital led a strategic investment in AG&E, a Dallas-based structural engineering firm specializing in mission-critical, aviation, and advanced manufacturing projects. AG&E, already the largest data center structural engineering firm in North America, will use the partnership to accelerate expansion and innovation across its service lines. The investment underscores Liftout Capital’s commitment to supporting founder-led businesses and scaling industry leaders through smart capital and strategic growth.
Rourke Willner, Director of Finance & Strategy, Seekr Technologies. Seekr Technologies is finalizing its latest funding round, led by Danu Venture Group and AMD Ventures. The company closed the second tranche of its $100 million raise in September, with final close in November, advised by Guggenheim Securities. The round places Seekr’s pre-money valuation at $1.2 billion, drawing additional participation from strategic and institutional investors. This milestone marks another step forward in Seekr’s mission to redefine AI transparency and accountability.
Social Impact Award Honoree
Richard Lewis, President & CEO of RTL Networks Inc. RTL Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit created in 2021 with a mission to Provide and support educational opportunities in the areas of history, technology and entrepreneurship and advocating for unity of all people while promoting economic opportunity for the historically disenfranchised and underprivileged. In pursuit of that mission, the RTL Foundation complements its media studios, art gallery and event space with a nonprofit incubator that now supports 17 BIPOC-led and -serving organizations through discounted workspace and developmental programming.
Dealmakers Hall of Fame Honorees
Matthew Hicks, Founder & Managing Partner, Excellere Partners. With more than three decades of experience in private equity, Matthew has built a career defined by vision, discipline, and a passion for growth. As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Excellere Partners, he has led investments in dozens of middle-market companies, helping entrepreneurs scale through strategic capital and operational excellence. Before founding Excellere, Matthew held senior investment roles at Stone Arch Capital, George K. Baum Merchant Banc, and BankAmerica Capital, where he honed his expertise in buy-and-build strategies across healthcare, consumer, and industrial sectors. His leadership has guided numerous companies to successful exits and lasting impact. Matthew also shares his knowledge through board service with organizations such as ADVENT, Medlogix, and The ACES.
Bryan Leach, Founder & CEO, Ibotta. Bryan has transformed how brands connect with consumers—building one of the most innovative performance marketing platforms in the country. Since launching Ibotta in 2012, Bryan has guided it to serve over 200 million consumers and achieve the largest tech IPO in Colorado history in 2024. His pioneering pay-per-sale model revolutionized the industry by ensuring brands only pay when promotions drive real results. Outside the boardroom, he’s summited all 58 of Colorado’s Fourteeners (14ers), a fitting metaphor for his relentless drive.
Steve McConahey, Chairman, SGM Capital, LLC. A pioneering force in Colorado’s business and investment community, Steve has shaped the region’s financial landscape through visionary leadership and entrepreneurial drive. As Co-Founder of Iron Gate Capital, Steve continues to bring decades of experience in finance, governance, and civic leadership to the next generation of investors. Earlier in his career, he led the management and employee buyout that formed EVEREN Capital Corporation, taking it public in 1996 before its acquisition by First Union Corporation. His leadership journey also includes serving as Chairman and CEO of Boettcher & Company and as a White House Fellow under President Gerald Ford, where he worked on intergovernmental affairs.
Alex O’Brien, Co-Founder & CEO, Cardinal Group. As Co-Founder and CEO of Cardinal Group, Alex has redefined what it means to grow with purpose. Taking the helm during the pandemic in 2020, he guided Cardinal through nearly 30 percent portfolio growth, adding more than 850 new team members while preserving the company’s people-first culture. Under his leadership, Cardinal became the only real estate firm named a Glassdoor “Best Place to Work” in 2023 and now ranks No. 34 on the National Multifamily Housing Council’s Top 50 Multifamily Operators list. A U.S. Marine veteran, Alex brings service-based leadership to everything he does — co-founding Valor Bridge and serving on the board of Salute Colorado to help veterans transition to successful civilian careers. He also champions housing stability through Entryway, connecting at-risk families to homes and jobs. Alex’s journey reflects the discipline of a Marine and the heart of a servant leader.
