I, like many of you out there, am in the job market. There are many questions that arrise when headed down this road: “Do I have the necessary experience?”… “Will this salary support my lifestyle?”… “Could I get away with ‘dancing’ for a little while longer? You know- have some fun… pay off the school loans…” (<–What? No one else?)

But how many of you have seriously asked yourselves: “Would I be willing to relocate?”

I’ve recently asked myself this question and come to realize: No, given the choice, I would not relocate (for work or otherwise).
The state of Colorado is one of the greatest places in our country.
Sure, if given the opportunity to work our dream job in Fiji, most of us would probably jump ship. But let’s be realistic- 40k a year for a middle-management position in Mianus, CT… no thanks. I’ll keep my anus in Denver.

Some of us, however, get in ruts. We begin to think “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” A common theme in my posts to you has been finding contentment, and in continuation of that theme, I’d like to share with you 10 Reasons Colorado  is GREAT:

1. Colorado ranks as the nation’s fifth-best state for business and careers in the latest annual report by Forbes, posted November of 2011. So stick it out, job hunters!
   
2. Colorado consistently ranks in the top 10 healthiest and slimmest states in the country. There’s so much to do! Plus, walking anywhere west of Denver means going up hill.
3. Denver was named the 13th best city for singles by Forbes.com in 2009. We have the thinnest, most attractive young professionals. Look in the mirror… you’re probably getting laid tonight.
4. Boulder is the most educated city in America. Colorado is one of the most educated states. It’s everywhere online… Google it.
5. Colorado gets over 300 days of sunshine every year– the most clear-sky days of any state.
6. Denver is the top city for bicyclists according to Bicycle Magazine and the Huffington Post. One more reason we’re not fat.
   Moreover, I’d like to share: I have ridden a bicycle on both coasts and in many different states. In California you get flipped off and run off the roads. On the east coast you can’t breath from the smog or people assume you’re poor. Colorado is the only state where drivers will slow down for you and wave. Shit- in Boulder they’ll stop at a convenience store and circle back around with gatorade.
7. We’ve got Colfax. In addition to all the different aswesome “scores” you can make within a single-block radius, Colfax is the longest continuous street in America.
8. The Colorado Rockies. Sure, we’ve had some good baseball years, but I’m talking about our mountains. People from all over the world save for years and spend thousands of dollars to ski and snowboard where we do any day we fancy.
9. Colorado loves good beer and has has more breweries per capita than any other state in the U.S.
10. Denver is the sixth happiest city in the country according to market research performed by the fast-food giant McDonalds.

BONUS: COLORADO HAS YOU! The communities within this fine state are filled with healthy, intelligent, open-minded, friendly people.

 What more could you want from your home?

- Ches Sheridan Arms

Today, thousands of sites around the internet will cease operation (“go dark”) in protest of SOPA– the Stop Online Piracy Act. With the internet so integrated into our lives, anything that will drastically change it, will drastically alter our way of life as well. Because of this, I think it’s important to have some level of understanding of what the SOPA and PIPA acts are poised to do.

Now, I know you’ve all been inundated with status updates, emails, and articles talking about this potential internet game-changer. If you’re anything like me, once a certain topic starts to blow up your news feeds, you start reading around it– unconsciously dismissing it as “SPAM.” SO- I tracked down a short little video produced by the hilarious Matthew Inman over at The Oatmeal (if you aren’t familiar- The Oatmeal is a little website filled with comics and other hilarity discussing current issues).

For those of you who hate sitting down to read an article, or simply don’t have time, this is a laughable 1 1/2 minute crash course on this controversial issue:

I’ll be the first one to admit that this is an extremely partisan overview. But, isn’t that the point of something this controversial– to take a side? A strong position?

If you disagree with this video and feel SOPA/PIPA could create positive change, I implore you: Share your thoughts and point of view!!!

After all- that is what the anti-SOPA stance is all about: freedom of expression!

Below is another video that goes into much more depth. I wanted to include it for those auditory/visual learners who do have some time to get their knowledge on but don’t feel like reading another article. I also encourage further reading at http://americancensorship.org/. And be sure to check out their nifty infographic HERE.

- Ches Sheridan Arms

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PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

Last week I stumbled upon an amazing video from a TED talk, that my friend David showed me.
A little glimpse into our very near future of how we can and will interact with the world around us. Prana Mistry’s invention is very intriguing and raises some thoughtful questions:

• Could this really be a free open source technology for all of us to use?
• Will this better our lives by freeing us from the confines of our computer and desk?
• At what point is human integration with technology taken too far?
• What happens if this technology is purchased by the government or used for evil?

What do you Think?

This photo has nothing to do with my post, really just thought it was a neat shot.

Micheal E. Porter, I am buying you loads of delicious beers or scotch or both. Or a shot and a beer. Or if you prefer fine wines, I enjoy those as well. I hope you drink is all I am saying.

Recently, Michael wrote an article in the Harvard Business Review Blog named Creating Shared Value. Here Mr. Porter, explains that many of the wrongs of capitalism is due to companies outdated approach to creating value for their participants (customers). He argues that businesses over the past few decades have ignored their participants most basic needs. Michael explains this has created a huge gap between business and society, and because of this gap, there is a great opportunity for businesses to bring true value back to participants (consumers) and society as a whole.

In my opinion, this is one of the most inspiring reads in business today. Not because it is based on a nice idea, or because it is an amazing concept, or even because it is a possibility. I think it is so damn inspiring because again, in my opinion, he is absolutely right. Additionally, not only is he right, major brands and businesses are moving in this direction in their operations, business strategy and marketing. Pepsi and GE, a couple of brands you may have heard of, are currently implementing strategy, supply chains and operational programs based around the thought that they MUST create more value for the community, for their participants and for the environment. These businesses believe if they create more shared value, they are increasing their future profits, their future market share and their future brand equity.

Read this selection: “Shared value is not social responsibility, philanthropy, or even sustainability, but a new way to achieve economic success.”  Baller.

I am sooooo tired of hearing from idealistic contemporary hippie (I do realize this is a hugely general statement, and for that I apologize) folks that business is the problem; capitalism is evil. In my somewhat educated opinion, Creating Shared Value is a visceral, even tangible solution. Fuck, it’s beyond a solution, it is an opportunity. Excited.

-Tyler Browning

Today I would like to talk a little about how we can help leave a positive footprint on our planet when building new structures. As humans it is in our very nature to consume. We want to have nice things, to built a life, to own a home… and who am I to disagree.  I think we are going to keep acting like humans, but if we can shift our mindset and put our efforts towards better options we will start to create a better world.  And perhaps decrease our impacts on this planet enough to survive and live on a vibrant happy planet.

Below are some helpful things to consider and hopefully implement before building a house or office.

• Choose Efficient Appliances powered by Energy from Renewable Resources.  Choosing efficient appliances, air conditioners and computers can make a big difference in energy use and carbon emissions from power plants.
• Do Not Use Rainforest Timber.  Our rainforest are dimensioning at a shockingly rapid rate. Click the link to learn about other timber options.
• Reduce & Recycle Construction Waste. Packaging, new material scraps and old materials and debris all constitute potentially recoverable materials.
• Breath Healthily with low V.O.C. in your home. Having clean and pure air is important to healthy living for all of us.
• Grow Food Forest Using Permaculture. Food forests take the idea of growing food like it would naturally grow in the forest, but they are designed and managed ecosystems that are very rich in biodiversity and productivity.

Thank you for your time.

- Rustin Coburn

Wowzer, 2011 was a good one.

Yikes, 2011 was tough.

Damn, 2011 was amazing.

Fuck, 2011 was a bitch.

At certain points in 2011 I was convinced that one of the above statements would prove to be my overall review of this year. Professionally and personally, 2011 was one of flux. I look back on this year with great love, a good dose of hate and some invaluable lessons. Here is what I found out in 2011.

In the year of the rabbit I found out that learning things can mean taking steps backward. More than a couple.

I found out that sometimes the best way to make your short-term goals a reality is to focus more on your long-term aspirations.

There are times when some things are just not meant to be; and for a very good reason. That said, it should be noted that it may take major heartache mixed with tequila to see this.

You have to let down your guard, go for what your gut tells you and let things happen. Try to over think shit. Just try it. Fail.

In life, it is fun to just sprint coast-to-coast like Ty Lawson through the paint.

That dude Thomas Edison hit the nail on the head. I always felt this way, but for 2011 it rang especially true. Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

…..and the harder you work the luckier you get.

That dude Jay-Z hit the nail on the head. Real recognize real, and you lookin’ familiar.

At the rip age of 32 you should still hop in the occasional, weekend vortex.

Whether it is shredding the mountain or hooping on the hard wood, physical activity has become much more of a meditation like escape whilst aging.

Life is fun. When it is not though, keep your good peoples around you, they will get you through that stuff.

There is an ebb and flow to business that, after years in the game, I am still trying to perfect.

Colorado weather is precisely like a 2 and a half year old’s disposition, wait 5 minutes and it will change.

At the end of the day, I really believe the most important thing I found out many moons ago is that you have got to keep a swagger in life. A very positive, confident (tip-toeing on the line of over-confident), transparent, fun (but not fun lush) swagger that allows you to learn from those around you and hand back some learnings of your own.

A couple weeks ago I wrote a post entitled “3 Easy Ways to Improve Your Shred this Winter.” The 3rd bullet point discussed being more environmentally conscious about our actions surrounding skiing and snowboarding. I re-read this post recently and it got me thinking: there is a lot I do, unconsciously, that contributes to my carbon footprint.

Corporations have the opportunity to purchase Carbon Offsets  in order to maintain a certain level of eco-friendliness across all forms of industry. I’m not positive I agree with allowing companies the opportunity to pay off others to be environmentally considerate for them (My feelings mirror this Bloomberg Businessweek article: “Another Inconvenient Truth” <– http://buswk.co/vLsHJI). Regardless, as individuals, most of us do not have the capital to pursue this option.
SO, what can we do?

We can separate recyclables. We can walk to the gas station (2 blocks over) for snacks instead of drive. And we can stick to 6 or 8 squares in the lavatory. I mean- if you haven’t had Chipotle in the past 24 hours do you REALLY need half a roll in one “sitting?”

I know what you’re thinking: “Stringent bath tissue management by little ‘ol me isn’t likely to put a stop to the clear-cutting of our rain forests.” BUT, think about this: you are one of hundreds of people (mostly Denver-ites) reading this blog. If each of you makes one conscious effort a day to reduce your usage of paper products, over the course of a month it could decrease demand enough at a popular local supermarket for them to tally one less crate of paper products on their next order form. You just saved a tree. Not to mention more than a few bucks.
By doing this consciously for a while (supposedly it takes an avg. of 66 days to form a habit) pretty soon you will be unconsciously saving numerous trees (that are probably older than you are!) and lots of green-backs.

As an example: my first conscious attempt to reduce my usage of paper products was simply not throwing away a paper towel after it’s initial use. I would neatly fold the towel on my counter and use it later to blow my nose, wipe up my spills, and so on- until the towel no longer functioned. Anymore, it takes me a month to go through a roll.
It doesn’t have to be just paper products though! Reducing your impact can be as easy as shutting off the light EVERY time you’re not home; Or unplugging all of your appliances when you are out of town for the weekend. The best part: All of these things will save you money too!!

Above is a carbon footprint calculator. I’ve included it here for you to get a rough idea of what your personal carbon footprint looks like and encourage you to compare it to the US average. Give my suggestion a shot! Then- check back here in a month and recalculate.

What size are your shoes?

- Ches Sheridan Arms

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
Over the last month the US has spent over $40 billion on Holiday Shopping.
We are not gonna stop shopping, but I thought it would be cool to show some inspiring Videos from American Made Manufacturers.
Find more at FUCK YEAH MADE IN USA
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Pointer Brand from Cumberland Marketing on Vimeo.

Defy Bags: Old Materials. New Ideas. from Jerry Rig on Vimeo.

Tellason from Vertical Online on Vimeo.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past couple months, you’re probably familiar with the “Occupy” movement. Until recently, I only had a general idea of what it was: 1% of our population makes significantly more money than the other 99%. This, however, didn’t seem like “breaking news” to me, so I decided to do a little reading on the movement to more fully understand it. Pretty wild stuff. For those of you who are a little fuzzy, I’ll highlight a few points:

• The protesters seek (in part) more/better jobs, more equal distribution of income, bank reform, and a reduction of the influence of corporations on politics.
• The top 1 percent of income earners have more than doubled their income over the last thirty years according to a recentCongressional Budget Office (CBO) report.
• In 2009, the average income of the top 1% was $960,000 with a minimum income of $343,927.
  

  Source: Congressional Budget Office, Average Federal Taxes by Income Group, “Average After-Tax Household Income,” June, 2010.

That said– I’d like to introduce you to Rusted Yucca Furniture. Travis Toms and Sam Rolph of Golden, CO are educated individuals. They have degrees in Urban Planning and Business Administration. For nearly a year now the two have been looking for jobs in their field that would pay the bills, and they have yet to find suitable employment. SO- have they thrown up their hands, moved into their parents’ basements, and nurtured their beer guts to the point of being mistaken for a pregnant Rosie O’donnell? NO!

Instead, they got creative. They started collecting wood that no longer served anyone a purpose (old fences, broken shipping palettes, etc.) and began RE-purposing it into fine furniture.

The fact that Trav and Sam truly love the work they’re doing is evident in each final product. No two pieces are alike, but they all are re-purposed from unwanted pieces of timber, and exhibit exquisite craftsmanship & a signature rustic Colorado style. These characteristics speak for themselves and, as such, the business is taking off. Their extremely reasonable prices even sweeten the deal.

If you want to support these local artisans and businessman, you can visit their website at http://rustedyucca.wordpress.com/
You can also meet them and purchase furniture in person at the farmer’s market off 2nd and Santa Fe every Saturday.

Garth Henrichs, a famous author, was quoted as saying: “The person who is waiting for something to turn up might start with their shirt sleeves.”

The point is: The job market is tough. Money is tight. What can you do to be creative, make money, and contribute positively? Occupy your time.

- Ches Sheridan Arms

First, bringing some up to speed, about a month ago I wrote a post on the changing landscape of business due to such business sustainability initiatives of the Triple Bottom Line (3BL). This is an ongoing subject that I love to rant about, shine light and attempt to create innovative ideas on the reg, or as some prefer, on the regular.

To provide some context on the paragraph below, this was taken from a paper written by business heavy hitters Yvon Chouinard (CEO, Patagonia), Jib Ellison (Founder & CEO, BluSkye) and Rick Ridgeway (VP, Environmental Initiatives). The  paper is aptly titled “The Big Idea: The Sustainable Economy”. Fantastic read. I got the inside track from good friend and colleague, Patrick Cowen who is an advertising badass and currently earning his MBA from University of Denver.

Real change will come as high-level calculations filter down to individual companies’ bookkeeping. Puma, a sports footwear and apparel brand that is a subsidiary of the French PPR Group (which also includes Gucci, Stella McCartney, and Yves Saint Laurent) announced in April 2011 that it would begin issuing an environmental profit & loss statement that will account for the full economic impact of the brand on its ecosystem. It commissioned PriceWaterhouseCoopers to help develop the EP&L statement, and both companies hope to create a model robust enough to be adopted by others. “This is nothing to do with corporate social responsibility and the green agenda,” Chris Knight, of PwC’s sustainability practice, told The Financial Times. “It is hard-nosed economics.”

For me, this paragraph should be a big eye opener for all business stake holders. Are you one who considers this business sustainability movement a mere pop culture trend? Good luck with that.