Go Denver!

I spent this week visiting clients and contacts in Los Angeles and Denver. I have written before about the burgeoning technology and media sector in LA being underserved by a paucity of capital sources in the City of Angels.

Having made my very first visit to Denver, other than the really cold winters (not my thing), I can totally understand why most of the people I met with are transplanted East Coast folks. Besides being spectacularly beautiful, the cost of living here is dramatically lower than our crazy life in New York, and quality of life better for sure. Class A space at $24 a square foot (in NY top space is well over $100 a foot now). Homes are more affordable. John Elway has opened up several truly fabulous steakhouses.

I said to one of my hosts, "Is there ever any traffic in this city?" The answer: of course, but the traffic always moves at the speed limit, except if you're headed to the Broncos game.

That said, there is some serious business going on. Given that some of the questionable and shady characters in RM's past resided in Colorado, I don't know what I expected coming here. What I found was a beautiful, clean city and a talented, serious group of finance professionals who have made Denver a true financial center. Some major companies like Remax have moved in. I am very impressed with the intensity these professionals bring to their work while still managing to have balance in their lives.

I think LA can only wish they had the number of investment banks and capital sources that Denver boasts of. Kudos to the Mile High City and thanks to all my clients and friends for their wonderful hospitality. I will be back!