History

Serving the Front Range Since 1952

The Construction of GH Phipps

The history of GH Phipps Construction Companies dates back to the 1950s.

Gerald H. Phipps was the son of Lawrence C. Phipps Sr., a representative to the United States Senate from 1919 to 1931. Gerald inherited his father’s interest in philanthropic and civic involvement. The Phipps family supported Children’s Hospital Colorado in the early days, making generous financial donations to help the hospital grow. They also helped preserve the Winter Park ski area and took ownership of the Denver Broncos from 1961 to 1981.

Gerald began his career in construction by managing the Denver office of Platt Rogers Construction, the company founded by his uncle. Eventually, Gerald bought a Denver office and began what is now known as GH Phipps Construction Companies.

The Expansion of GH Phipps

The firm grew and prospered that first decade, and GH Phipps opened a Colorado Springs office in 1960.

Gerald’s interest in his employees’ success was consistently evident. In 1967, he established a profit-sharing plan allowing employees to share in the company’s success. After Gerald’s passing, his legacy was created with the transfer of the company’s assets to a profit-sharing trust in 1989. This trust is now held as an ESOP and shared by more than 200 of the company’s employees.

We realize that even the best organizations need careful and constant nurturing—our word must be as good as our work. Our company mission is to live up to the reputation of our predecessors, prioritizing our clients, employees, and community. Ultimately, we hope to leave things better than we found them.

1952

Gerald H. Phipps Inc. is Established in Denver

Gerald H. Phipps worked for his uncle’s construction company, Platt Rogers, until Gerald bought out his uncle’s interest. Gerald and his wife Janet incorporated the new company, Gerald H. Phipps Inc., in 1952. The office was located at 1530 West 13^th Avenue. Gerald H. Phipps Inc.’s first-year sales were a great success, reaching $109,000.

1952

1954

Red Ford Truck Icon

The Gerald H. Phipps red Ford truck becomes an icon in the construction industry.

1954

1962

Colorado Springs Office

Company annual totals reached $3 million, and Gerald opened a Gerald H. Phipps office location in Colorado Springs.

1962

1965

Profit-Sharing Plan

Gerald established a profit-sharing plan to reward employees for their hard work and dedication.

1965

1971

Pioneering CM/GC

At fiscal year-end October 31, 1971, the company had exceeded $25 Million in sales, primarily due to long-term partnerships resulting in repeat clients. The company had become pioneers of the Construction Management/General Contractor concept in Colorado.

1971

1982

Safety Program

After implementing computer-assisted services, the company launched an official Safety Program.

1982

1989

100% Employee Owned

On April 17, 1989, Mr. Phipps’ shares of stock were purchased by the company. These shares went into the Profit Sharing Plan making the company 100% employee owned.

November 1, 2000, creating further commitment and security for employees, the company commenced a full ESOP allowing employees the opportunity to hold a vested interest in the company as “employee owners.”

1989

2005

Ft. Collins Office

The company expands to better serve the northern Colorado region, opening an office in Ft. Collins, CO.

2005

2018

Wyoming Office

After partnering with Delta Construction, Inc. and purchasing the Wyoming-based company in 2012, GH Phipps launched a Wyoming office.

2018

2022

Gerry, The Truck

With a company-wide vote, the iconic 1954 Ford truck receives an official name, “Gerry,” in memory of the late Gerald H. Phipps. Gerald’s authentic signature is commemorated on the side of the truck.

2022

Past Company Presidents

Gerald H. Phipps Trivia

Gerald Phipps was an owner of the Denver Broncos and what other Denver team?

Denver Bears

Gerald Phipps was director of Rocky Mountain Empire Sports Inc., under which the Denver Bears minor league baseball team was purchased in 1947, maintaining ownership until 1984.

In what Denver neighborhood is the historic Phipps Mansion?

Belcaro

In the early 1930s, the 70+ room mansion was commissioned by Lawrence Cowle Phipps in hopes of creating jobs during the Great Depression. The property was donated to the University of Denver early 1960s and is now privately owned.

In what year did the Phipps brothers sell the Denver Broncos?

1981

Gerald and Allan Phipps sold the Denver Broncos to Edgar Kaiser Jr. in 1981. The brothers initially purchased the team in May 1961 from Bob Howsam.

The Phipps family maintained a long-term customer relationship with which Colorado Hospital?

Children's Hospital

The Phipps family was an early donor to the establishment of this hospital. Platt Rogers (now GH Phipps) constructed the early hospital and GH Phipps continues to work with and give back to the hospital.

Who was the first non-player member inducted into the Denver Bronco's Ring of Fame in 1985?

Gerald H. Phipps

You guessed it! In 1985, Gerald Phipps was honored by becoming the first non-player in the Denver Bronco Ring of Fame.

Gerald Phipps and his brother Allan were part of what other Hall of Fame?

Colorado Business

The Phipps brothers were recognized for their impact on the state. From saving the Broncos team from leaving to preserving the Winter Park ski area, the brother's accomplishments contributing to local history are significant.

“I know quite a few ex-Broncos, and what they say about my father [Gerald Phipps] is that if he gave you a handshake, it was the law. He didn’t need to sign a piece of paper if he said it was a deal. That’s the kind of man he was.”

Let's Build Your Dreams!

Looking to the future of our built environment, GH Phipps is here for you and your team.