Contractor Academy

09/16/2025

Join us for a FREE virtual training: Workers’ Compensation 101 with Pinnacol Assurance

🗓 September 24, 2025
⏰ 9:00–10:30 AM (MT)
📍 Zoom

We’ll break down the workers’ comp process and key topics including underwriting, audit, claims, return to work, subrogation, and safety services. You will be able to protect your employees and your business.

Register via the QR on the flyer or at https://coloradocontractoracademy.org/event/workers-compensation-basics/

05/15/2025

🎉 Congratulations to the 2025 graduates of the Contractor Academy Scaling Program! 🎉

We’re proud to celebrate an exceptional group of leaders who completed this intensive six-month journey, designed to support the growth and long-term success of small and mid-sized contractors. Please join us in congratulating:

✨ Melissa Baker – Hillen Flooring, LLC
✨ Neal Bohnen, P.E. – HCL Engineering & Surveying, LLC
✨ Ben Bowers – Weston Landscape & Design Inc.
✨ Mercedes Guzman– Hillen Abatement
✨ Amie Roberts – Hillen Corporation
✨ Erin Royal – ORBIN Contracting, LLC
✨ Evan Simmons – Panoramic Pro Painting
✨ Andrew Whitcomb – Gulf Coast Industrial

This unique program combines hands-on classroom sessions, peer interaction, targeted discussion series, and one-on-one coaching with dedicated industry professionals. The curriculum is led by Cynthia Cechini Paul, Partner at FMI, and a nationally recognized thought leader in the construction/design industry.

👏 A huge thank you to our event sponsor, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., and especially Jim Lauer and Isamar Villarreal for your incredible support!

🙏 We’re also grateful to our program sponsors — Bank of America, Vistage Worldwide, Inc. and Xcel Energy — and to all our amazing Contractor Academy sponsors, including HCC. You can learn more about our sponsors and the program here:
https://lnkd.in/gj5R3h2m

Special appreciation to Lauren Sisneros and Helga Grunerud for their outstanding leadership in managing the program. And a big shout out to board member Julian Sisneros PLS for bringing the energy and heart as our event emcee!

📢 Applications for the next Contractor Academy Scaling Program cohort will open this summer — don’t miss your chance to be part of it. Visit our website to sign up for notifications and be the first to know when it launches!

See more photos from the event here: https://coloradocontractoracademy.org/photo-gallery/ Thank you The Unfound Door!

03/12/2025

Join us in celebrating Contractor Academy's 5th Cohort of the Scaling Program!

This event celebrates the achievements of our 2025 graduating class, and we'd love for you to join us in celebrating this major milestone. Whether you're a small business owner or contractor, an industry leader or supporter, this is a fantastic opportunity to network, share experiences, and learn from one another.

📅 Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
🕒 Time: 5:00pm to 6:30pm
📍 Location: McCarthy, 1701 Platte St., Suite 220, Denver, 80202

Please RSVP now to secure your spot! 👉 https://coloradocontractoracademy.org/event/2025-scaling-graduation/

Thank you McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. for sponsoring this event!

02/17/2025

We are thrilled to announce that Contractor Academy and HCC are offering scholarships for our members who would like to participate in the LLI Ignite Program!

The Ignite Program by the Latinos Lead Institute is a transformative leadership experience designed to help Latino professionals grow, lead, and thrive in their careers. This is an incredible opportunity to develop leadership skills, expand your network, and take your career to the next level.

If you are interested in a scholarship, please email [email protected].

Don't miss this chance to elevate your career and be part of an inspiring network of Latino leaders.

Designed by Latinos for Latino professionals, Ignite offers an opportunity to explore identity, build confidence, develop executive decision-making techniques, and create a framework for advancement driven by values and goals.

01/14/2025

🚨 Exciting Announcement 🚨

We are thrilled to welcome Julio Peinado, Trivent Safety Consulting, to the Board of Directors at Contractor Academy!

Julio brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the A/E/C industry, and we're confident that his leadership and insights will be invaluable as we continue our mission of empowering Colorado’s contractors with the education and resources they need to succeed.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Julio! We look forward to the incredible impact he will have on our community and industry.

To learn more about our Board of Directors, visit: https://coloradocontractoracademy.org/board-staff/

11/24/2024

Don't get too excited thinking about pumpkin pie that you forget to register for the upcoming Holiday Social & Cake Auction on December 11! 🍰

Join us for great company, delicious cakes and a spirit of giving as we raise funds to support our partners at Contractor Academy. This is one of our members' favorite events of the year—you won't want to miss out!

Thank you to our cake donors - GE Johnson, Iron Woman Construction, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., PCL Construction, Shrewsberry and Swinerton 👏

Diamond, platinum, gold and silver HCC members each receive two complimentary tickets - additional tickets are $75/HCC members and $85/non-members. Register at https://zurl.co/Ri2l

11/18/2024

🌟 Colorado Gives Day is approaching, but you don't have to wait, Early giving is Open! 🌟

Help us to continue to provide affordable training to small businesses in the A/E/C industry by donating to Contractor Academy for Colorado Gives Day, now through December 10.

🔨 Why Contractor Academy? Contractor Academy provides affordable training to small businesses in the A/E/C industry. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but they often face challenges and barriers that limit their growth and success. That’s why donating to Contractor Academy, a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides education and training to small business owners and entrepreneurs, is an innovative and impactful way to support your community.

👉 Donate here: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Coloradocontractoracademy Increase your impact by setting up a new monthly donation and Colorado Gives will match up to $100!

Thank you for supporting this incredible cause and helping to build a stronger, more skilled Colorado! 💪🏽

11/18/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

Congratulations to all the talented participants selected for the 2025 Contractor Academy Scaling Program cohort! The unique six-month program combines hands-on classroom time, group interaction, discussion series and one-on-one support with a dedicated industry professional. The curriculum is spearheaded by Cynthia Cechini Paul, a Partner with FMI, a thought leader in the construction/design industry.

We can’t wait to see the innovative ideas and growth that will come from this program. Melissa Baker (Hillen Flooring, LLC), Neal Bohnen, P.E. (HCL Engineering & Surveying, LLC), Ben Bowers (Weston Landscape & Design Inc.), Mercedes Guzman (Hillen Abatement), Amie Roberts (Hillen Corporation), Erin Royal (ORBIN Contracting, LLC), Evan Simmons (Panoramic Pro Painting), and Adrew Whitcomb, (Gulf Coast Industrial).

A special thank you to our incredible program sponsors—Bank of America, Vistage Worldwide, Inc., and Xcel Energy—and to 2024 Contractor Academy sponsors —HCC - Hispanic Contractors of Colorado, Celado-Stegner Foundation, Denver Public Schools, Milender White, Swinerton, and The Weitz Company —whose support is invaluable in empowering these emerging leaders.

Together, we’re fostering a community of growth and collaboration that will shape the future of the A/E/C industry.
Let’s make the most of this journey! 🚀👏

Want to support Contractor Academy? Visit: https://coloradocontractoracademy.org/support-us/donate/

10/31/2024

Congratulations to all the talented participants selected for the 2025 Contractor Academy Scaling Program cohort! The unique six-month program combines hands-on classroom time, group interaction, discussion series and one-on-one support with a dedicated industry professional. The curriculum is spearheaded by Cynthia Cechini Paul, a Partner with FMI, a thought leader in the construction/design industry.

We can’t wait to see the innovative ideas and growth that will come from this program. Melissa Baker (Hillen Flooring, LLC), Neal Bohnen, P.E. (HCL Engineering & Surveying, LLC), Ben Bowers (Weston Landscape & Design Inc.), Mercedes Guzman (Hillen Abatement), Amie Roberts (Hillen Corporation), Erin Royal (ORBIN Contracting, LLC), Evan Simmons (Panoramic Pro Painting), and Adrew Whitcomb, (Gulf Coast Industrial).

A special thank you to our incredible program sponsors—Bank of America, Vistage Worldwide, Inc., and Xcel Energy—and to 2024 Contractor Academy sponsors —HCC - Hispanic Contractors of Colorado, Celado-Stegner Foundation, Denver Public Schools, Milender White, Swinerton, and The Weitz Company —whose support is invaluable in empowering these emerging leaders.

Together, we’re fostering a community of growth and collaboration that will shape the future of the A/E/C industry.
Let’s make the most of this journey! 🚀👏

Want to support Contractor Academy? Visit:
https://coloradocontractoracademy.org/support-us/donate/

09/27/2024

🚀 Last Call: Application Deadline Extended! 🚀

We’re excited to announce that the application deadline for the CA Scaling Program has been extended to September 30! If you're ready to elevate your business and gain a competitive edge, this is your moment to shine.

🌟 What’s in Store?

Expert Insights: Learn from industry leaders who know what it takes to succeed.
Best Practices: Discover proven strategies for effective scaling.
Networking: Connect with fellow professionals and pioneers in the A/E/C sector.
Don’t let this opportunity slip away! The next cohort kicks off in October, so make sure to submit your application before the new deadline!

📅 Extended Application Deadline: September 30 👉 Apply Now