COLORADO BUSINESS HALL OF FAME
  • Laureates By Name
  • Laureates by Year
    • 2025
  • Supporters
  • Junior Achievement
  • PBS Specials
  • Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
  • Nomination Form
  • Laureates By Name
  • Laureates by Year
    • 2025
  • Supporters
  • Junior Achievement
  • PBS Specials
  • Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
  • Nomination Form

thomas e. congdon


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Born in Minnesota, Thomas (Tom) Congdon originally moved to Denver to work in the mining industry. In 1966, he joined St. Mary Land and Exploration Company (SM Energy), serving as president for nearly 25 years. He took over the role from his grandfather, Chester Congdon, who was one of the founders of the company.

Under Tom’s leadership, SM Energy was transformed from a small private company with one employee to a publicly listed, multibillion-dollar company of 600 employees. Tom launched diversification efforts during his tenure and created partnerships through drilling and acquisition. Upon the company’s initial public offering in 1992, he became chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors.
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Tom and his wife, Noel, generously gave back to the community, including contributions to the Denver Scholarship Foundation ever since the organization’s founding in 2006. They were great contributors to Colorado arts and cultural institutions, including the Denver Art Museum and Colorado Public Radio. Tom also served as board chairman for both organizations.

The Colorado Business Hall of Fame is co-presented by
Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain Inc. and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Videos produced by Becky Holden of Biography Media, [email protected]