I’ve written it before and certainly will do so again. One of the best parts of my job is talking to entrepreneurs.

Now multiply that perk by five in talking with the entrepreneurs who oversee the Grand Valley companies selected as the latest finalists in the Colorado Companies to Watch awards program.

The program recognizes fast-growing companies for their innovative products and services, unique processes and marketplace performances. Since the program began in 2009, nearly 700 companies have been honored. The 2023 winners will be announced at an awards dinner scheduled for June 16.

The finalists include JFS, Låda Cube, Lyttle’s Fleet Maintenance and Sauvage Spectrum. In writing stories about those companies, it was my pleasure to talk with:

Kelly Johnston, founder and president of JFS.

John Fay, founder and chief executive officer of Låda Cube.

Gary Lyttle, who along with his wife Carissa operate Lyttle’s Fleet Maintenance.

Patric Matsieweski and Kaibab Sauvage, who partnered in 2019 to launch the Sauvage Spectrum winery and vineyard.

The companies couldn’t be more different in their operations, the products and services they provide or customers they serve. In addition to their selection as finalists in the Companies to Watch program, they share some commonalities, though. They’ve created jobs and invested substantial capital. The entrepreneurs who run them bring remarkable passion to the ventures and a commitment to customer service.

JFS not only provides consulting and accounting services to rural health care providers. But in doing so, also helps those providers remain open and caring for patients.

Lyttle’s Fleet Maintenance brings business and dollars to the Grand Valley in the range of installation and maintenance services it provides for commercial vehicles.

Matsieweski and Sauvage have redefined the Colorado industry with the unique wines they produce, including a popular line of sparkling wines.

The influence of Låda Cube extends worldwide in the modular wall systems the company designs and manufacturers for so many purposes. The systems that work so well in retail and office settings also could be used to address housing issues on a global scale.

I only hope the coverage about their companies does justice to their operations.

I enjoy talking with entrepreneurs and telling their success stories in large part because I believe they offer important lessons in starting and managing growing operations. They serve as role models others can emulate in running their ventures.

I guess you could say it’s my job to talk to entrepreneurs. And I love my job.

Phil Castle is editor of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or phil@thebusinesstimes.com.