Sky Blue Builders CEO Mowa Haile recently shared his personal story and leadership perspective at the Leading Colorado Luncheon, the Leadership Foundation’s annual event recognizing community leadership across the state.
In his remarks, Haile reflected on his journey from escaping war as a child to building Sky Blue Builders into a 100% employee-owned construction company based in Colorado. Throughout the talk, he emphasized a leadership lesson that has shaped his path in business and life: every leader eventually faces the decision to overcome or succumb to difficult circumstances.
Haile spoke about the people and experiences that helped shape his outlook, including the sacrifices made by his parents after immigrating to the United States, the mentors and coaches who encouraged him along the way, and the broader Colorado business community that supported Sky Blue Builders as it grew from a startup to a thriving firm.
Today, Sky Blue Builders employs dozens of employee-owners and continues to expand its work across Colorado, including major projects at Denver International Airport and throughout the region. Haile noted that the company’s transition to employee ownership reflects a belief that success is not only about building projects, but about building opportunity for others.
The Leading Colorado Luncheon also honored the 9NEWS Leaders of the Year and supports the Leadership Foundation’s scholarship fund, which helps emerging leaders participate in leadership development programs across Colorado.