Whether John McCain or Barack Obama becomes the next president, a handful of entrepreneurs plan to enjoy -- and make money from -- this political season.
Calvin Coolidge once said, "The business of America is business." Cal was also known to take a long afternoon nap, so he didn't exactly reflect the industry and tenacity of the typical American entrepreneur. But the sentiment stands: If there's money to made, business owners will find a way to make it, and in two of America's big cities, there is money to be made right now off the political convention business. Later this month, Democrats will gather in Denver to nominate Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois; a few days later, Republicans will convene in Minneapolis-St.Paul to nominate Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Naturally, there will be local entrepreneurs in both cities who will attempt to use the conventions as an opportunity to increase sales and visibility. Here's a sampling of some of the people who are finding ways to enjoy this political seasons regardless of their own political affiliations:
Democratic National Convention, Denver, Aug. 25-28
Convention Insider: MAKS
Security measures prevent Kristi King from saying a whole lot about the graphic design work she's done for the DNC. The local artist was hired to create the official convention credentials that some 55,000 delegates, journalists, and attendees will use to enter the Pepsi Center, the site of most of the nominating convention. King's three-person company, MAKS, produced four different (but similar) looks, one for each day of the event. In keeping with the Democrats' environmental policies, they will be printed on 100 percent recycled material.
Local Hero: Jared Polis
Why would a highly successful young entrepreneur want to enter politics? Just ask Jared Polis, the 33-year-old CEO and Inc. 500 alum who is running for Congress in Colorado's Second District, which includes Boulder, Vail, and Beaver Creek. "Congress lacks creativity and innovation and entrepreneurs excel at introducing new ideas," he says. On this score, Polis has bona fides: He successfully took his family's greeting card company, Blue Mountain Arts, to the Web and then launched another company, Proflowers (No. 7 on the 2003 Inc. 500), which he took public and later sold to Liberty Media for $477 million. His latest business endeavor is TechStars.org, a program that brings 10 business owners to Boulder for a summer-long boot camp. The entrepreneurs are given a $5,000 stipend, office space, legal council, mentorship, and networking opportunities in exchange for giving TechStars a small equity stake in their company. During the convention, Polis will be out-and-about, co-hosting receptions, and meeting with movers-and-shakers as well as grassroots organizations. So what's Jared's prediction for November? "Barack Obama will win Colorado and be the next president of the United States."
A Place to Meet the Locals: The Corner Office
The greater Denver metro area has a well-earned reputation as a tech hot-spot, and The Corner Office has been labeled "bloggers row" for the Democratic convention. The restaurant signed a deal with MySpace to be its official headquarters during the event, which means that it will be opening its "Oval Office" dining area to the laptop brigade. Peter Karpinksi, a senior vice president at parent company the Sage Restaurant Group, says The Corner Office serves "global comfort food" that will encourage bloggers to get a buzz from martinis like the "Buzz Aldrin."
Awesome Souvenir Shop: The Tattered Cover
Denver's beloved independent bookstore will host a series of events and book signings throughout the convention, including an appearance by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Owner Joyce Meskis opened her first store in 1974 (during Watergate) and now has three stores, including a large one on Colfax Avenue that carries more than 150,000 titles. Marketing director Heather Duncan says the Tattered Cover will be stocking up on political books of all stripes in the run up to the convention. She expects an even bigger sales bump will come from sales of Colorado travel books, such as a Denver walking tour guide by local historian Tom Noel.
Friendly Watering Hole: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Denver's Democratic Mayor John Hickenlooper founded this craft brewery in 1988, before its neighborhood became known by the fashionable tag "LoDo." Housed in the J.S. Brown Mercantile building, the business keeps 12 brews on tap at all times and hosts the annual contest to find America's "Beer Drinker of the Year." In 2007, Hickenlooper sold his stake to a trust that represents his chefs, managers, brewers, and other longtime employees.
Local Outfitter: Rockmount Ranch Wear
Former CEO Jack Weil, who passed away on Aug. 13 at the age of 107, was at one time one of the leaders of the Colorado GOP. But his grandson Steve, who now runs the company day to day, is happy to welcome the Democrats to town. The apparel company is planning to stay open throughout the convention, and it has already taken an order to make custom western shirts for local Congresswoman Diana DeGette and her staff.
Headquarters for the Radical Extreme: Mercury Cafe
Marilyn Megenity has been thinking about sustainability almost since she opened her business back in 1975. The Mercury Cafe was the first Denver business to generate power from private wind turbines. Megenity also recycles water and coffee to irrigate the elaborate gardens on her property, and she has designs on going off the grid and becoming completely self-powered. Nearly all of the items on her menu are organic and local vendors supply 75 percent of her produce. In addition, Megenity is a pacifist (the "No More War" burrito with green chili, spicy tempeh, and avocado has been on the menu for 10 years). Throughout the convention, the Mercury Café will serve as home base for card-carrying members of the left-wing fringe.
