The outpouring of applications for this year’s Top Company awards is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of enterprises that do business in the state. Applications for the 35th annual awards numbered in the hundreds, and it was particularly encouraging to see so many companies rebounding from two years of COVID restrictions, with most posting revenue and employee gains approaching—and in some cases, exceeding—pre-pandemic numbers.

This year’s Top Company winners and finalists represent 13 industry categories, plus a startup category for companies in business less than four years. Entrants were judged on three criteria: outstanding achievement, financial performance and community involvement. The judging panel was made up of ColoradoBiz magazine’s editorial board and two representatives from the business community.

Public relations agency Novitas Communications helps clients craft and implement communications campaigns that influence public opinion, enhance brand recognition and keep stakeholders informed.

The firm works with companies in banking, data centers, education, healthcare, oil and gas, real estate, technology and transportation.

Novitas offers a discounted rate to non-profits in the Denver area and has worked pro bono for many small businesses and charitable organizations, which allows it to support other small businesses and build connections so it can continue growing.

The company also volunteers for PR Paid Forward, a Public Relations Society of America initiative to help nonprofits and small businesses tackle their toughest public relations and communications challenges.

Novitas merged with iconic Denver agency Aiello Public Relations and Marketing last year. The partnership is partly focused on diversifying the company’s client base and capabilities, with additional new hires and expansion planned over the next four years. The two firms share a common vision of how full-service public relations agencies will evolve in the coming years and how they will assist clients to adapt to the changing communications landscape.

Like all small businesses, Novitas had to shift its mindset and strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. It worked hard to adapt its work processes, including hiring, client onboarding and project management= to ensure it has consistent interactions with employees and clients and maintains a high level of accountability.

Ink Monstr has made a name for itself in custom vinyl print, large format printing and design and specializes in wraps of all kinds, including vinyl, walls, buildings and vehicles.

The company installed the Van Gogh Sunflower tent wrap at the Assembly Student Living building at 3900 Elati St. — a project many industry experts thought was logistically impossible.

“Ink Monstr, through countless hours of deliberation and strategizing, developed a system of paneling and installation that we know would get the job done and would provide an unbelievable final product,” said CEO Jon White, who took over the company last year. “We’re creative visionaries who turn ideas into realities whether through custom stickers for your company of if you’re wrapping a building for an exhibit.”

Ink Monstr has invested in improving its technology and equipment to remain on the cutting edge of vinyls graphics and large format printed graphics, but what distinguishes the company from its competitors is its talented team.

“We’re invested in training our own in-house installers, which is increasingly rare in this industry to have in-house installers as opposed to contractors,” White said. “It takes an investment in training as well as on-the-job real-world experience.”

The company also is committed to community involvement, frequently producing and giving away stickers for causes and initiatives. It also donated nearly $25,000 worth of free custom-made face masks over the last two years.

La Storia Productions creates top-shelf marketing solutions for brands looking for fresh ideas, impactful outcomes and a trusted creative partner.

The company recently completed construction of a new production studio in the heart of Boulder to serve Front Range photographers and videographers. Equipped with a custom, 15-foot cove cyclorama wall, 2,800 watts of Bluetooth-controlled space lights, hair and makeup booth and client lounge, the space echoes a cohesive blend of form and function.

“The goal of this expansion project was to create a space that could serve the Colorado market by providing a beautiful, reliable, high-end rental production studio equipped with all the creature comforts for photographers and videographers to shine and feel inspired to craft their best work,” said Molly Walker, the company’s head of marketing and development.

As a member of 1% For The Planet, La Storia donates a percentage of its annual revenue to targeted sustainability efforts in the areas of climate change, pollution, wildlife preservation and improving the food, land and water industries. Last year, it supported the Conservation Lands Fund, the International Anti-Poaching Fund, Protect Our Winters, Nuru International, Institute for Environmental Solutions and the Coral Restoration Foundation.

“We continually seek opportunities to serve our local Boulder community by hosting events for Colorado Ad Day and the Boulder Film Commission and internships through CU Boulder’s film department,” Walker said.