Last week, Leadership Colorado participants embarked on a dynamic two-day journey through Pueblo, gaining rare, behind-the-scenes access to five distinct organizations driving innovation, resilience, and economic vitality across the region. Through immersive tours, candid conversations, and on-the-ground insights, the cohort explored how leadership manifests in diverse settings, from renewable energy and agriculture to healthcare, education, and small business.
Powering the Future at CS Wind
At CS Wind, the largest wind turbine manufacturing facility in the world – participants experienced the scale and complexity of modern manufacturing firsthand. With plans to grow to 1,300 employees by 2026, CS Wind is not only building massive wind towers using U.S.-sourced steel, but also building Pueblo’s future as a clean energy hub. The visit highlighted the company’s leadership approach to regulatory challenges, workforce development through partnerships with Pueblo Community College, and its deep commitment to safety. Their hospitality toward our group was incredible!
Cultivating Legacy at Milberger Farms
At Milberger Farms, second-generation owner Dalton Milberger shared the grit, vision, and adaptability required to sustain a thriving agricultural enterprise. The group explored the greenhouse and walked past growing fields while learning about the nuances of organic verses conventional farming, seasonal production cycles, the value of hard work, and the iconic Pueblo chile. Milberger Farms’ farm-to-table philosophy and strong community ties offered powerful insights into leading with purpose and perseverance.
Brewing Innovation at Solar Roast Coffee
Solar Roast Coffee, the only company in the world roasting beans with sunlight, showcased how creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship can transform an idea into a movement. By using a proprietary solar-powered roasting system, the company saves more than 26,000 pounds of CO₂ annually. The visit underscored how values-driven leadership, combined with smart growth and community engagement, can create a beloved local brand with future-minded impact.
Driving Rail Innovation at MxV Rail
Participants toured MxV Rail’s world-class testing and research campus at PuebloPlex, home to industry-defining innovations in rail safety, design, and performance. From a crash-test wall and high-speed test tracks to their SERTC hazmat training facility, used by more than 80,000 first responders nationwide, MxV is advancing both technology and workforce development. Their partnership with CSU Pueblo’s SCITT program and ventures into hyperloop testing and battery/hydrogen-powered rail signal a bold future for Pueblo’s role in transportation leadership.
Healing with Vision at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital
At CommonSpirit Health’s St. Mary-Corwin Hospital, the cohort explored the complexities of delivering modern healthcare. Conversations centered on leadership in a constantly-changing environment, providing critical care in a strained system, training and workforce pipelines, and investing in future talent through the hospital’s partnership with Pueblo Community College, located right on their campus. Highlights included visiting simulation labs and the Flight for Life helicopter team, illustrating how healthcare leaders are innovating to meet community needs with compassion.
Strengthening Connections and Building Community
An energizing downtown scavenger hunt, provided by The Go Game, encouraged participants to explore local businesses, public art, and each other’s leadership styles in creative ways and provided a platform for deeper connection and play within the cohort. Conversations over dinner with the Pueblo Chamber’s Donielle Kitzman and State Representative Ty Winter brought discussions about local civic engagement and facts about the city of Pueblo, emphasizing the importance of listening across perspectives to lead with unity and impact.
By the end of the experience, Leadership Colorado participants walked away with a deeper understanding of Pueblo’s economic and cultural landscape and a renewed commitment to leading with clarity, courage, and connection in their own organizations, as well as deepened their relationships with the other participants.
Thank you to our incredible partners: CS Wind, Milberger Farms, Solar Roast Coffee, MxV Rail, CommonSpirit Health St. Mary-Corwin Hospital, Pueblo Community College, The Go Game, The Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau, and Two Step Total Transportation. You brought this program to life and made it unforgettable!
After the program, participants said:
“The detailed itinerary made for a smooth trip and our hosts could not have been more gracious. It was enlightening to learn about solar roasting coffee beans, potential cuts to Medicaid, how wind turbine tubes are created, and so much more. Our state has such a diverse offering of job opportunities, and I have an entirely new appreciation for the industries we explored. I wish we could do an overnight in every city in CO!”
“At MxV Rail, I learned about so much history and significance to the rail system in the US. I gained such unique insights and knowledge from the hospital visit – Mark explained the complexities of the health care system in a way that was digestible and easily understood. At Solar Roast Coffee – who knew the complexities of making decaf beans?! And at Milberger Farms, it is so valuable to learn about how hard family farming is and how important it is to society. CS Wind – THE HOSPITALITY BLEW ME AWAY!”
“I wish the visits at each of the companies was longer! I know that’s not something that can be changed though since we have only two days. I guess this is just another positive comment about the program and how much more time I could have spent at each company!”
“I took away a great leadership lesson on this program – it is always better to be bold. I learned this during the Go Game. I think this is so important because it helps you to connect with people.”
“I LOVED this program. I loved getting to know my classmates on a deeper level. I can see myself growing as a leader during this program and I also loved getting to experience Pueblo in a different way than I ever have.”
