How a Lawyer Left It All Behind to Start a Cat Café

Sana Hamelin was scrolling through online newsfeeds, when a Mashable headline caught her attention: “On the Greatest Day Ever, America’s First Cat Café Opens.” The story was about a promotional stunt from pet food company Purina that was playing on a popular cat-and-coffee craze that swept its way through Japan, Taiwan and Europe. At that… Read More

Five Ways to Tell If Your Business Will Succeed

Several years ago, a few friends and I decided to start a business. The business? Give event-goers, nightlife crowds and tourists free rides to Denver’s most popular bars and restaurants. And have the bars and restaurants, interested in getting an influx of new customers, pay us. After sinking countless hours and thousands of dollars into… Read More

Customer Spotlight: Kushi-riki

When an earthquake devastated Nepal last April, Austin Paik, who was traveling throughout Asia at the time, knew he had to help the many children impacted by the disaster. He had always hoped to improve the lives of children around the world, but the events in Nepal provoked a sense of urgency and desire to… Read More

3 Things to Know About FirstBank’s Phoenix Business Journal “40 Under 40” Honoree

  For the past 15 years, the Phoenix Business Journal has honored up-and-coming business leaders who inspire, motivate and instigate change for their annual “40 Under 40” award program. Honorees serve the community professionally and in their philanthropic efforts and have backgrounds in a variety of industries, including sports, non-profits, real estate, law, banking, medical… Read More

Customer Spotlight: Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.

This week beer lovers across the U.S. are celebrating American Craft Beer Week. The 2015 festivities (May 11-17) mark the 10th anniversary of the week-long celebration of small and independent craft brewers. One of our favorite craft brewers is FirstBank customer Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., the back-to-nature brewpub based in Gilbert, Arizona. And, we’re not… Read More

Customer Spotlight: Colorado Beard Company

Nothing embodies the Colorado lifestyle more than the mountains, craft beer and the rugged yet sophisticated look of a strong beard. At least that’s the belief that inspired FirstBank customers Cody and Ashley McAllister to found the Colorado Beard Company. Cody, who has been able to grow a thick beard since his early 20’s, found… Read More

5 Interesting Facts about FirstBank’s SVP of Marketing and 40 Under 40 Winner

We’re not a boastful group of people at FirstBank. In fact, we typically shy away from attention. But from time-to-time an employee achieves something worth bragging about. Today, that’s our Senior Vice President (SVP) of Marketing, Brian Jensen, who is one of the recipients of the Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award, which recognizes… Read More

Three Facts about FirstBank’s Championship Game Ads You Should Know

In addition to watching two of the best NFL teams face off in the biggest sporting event of the year, there’s another reason why so many American’s tune in: Commercials. And why wouldn’t you? Advertisers from major brands throw tons of resources and brainpower to come up with funny, clever, tear-jerking ads that will hopefully… Read More

Customer Spotlight: State 38 Distilling

Several years ago when Colorado native and longtime FirstBank customer, Sean Smiley, wanted to leave a successful career in the oil and gas business and invest his life savings into creating an all agave-based spirits distillery, not everyone was onboard. But Smiley had good reason for this drastic lifestyle change: to spend more time with… Read More