Grand Junction, Colorado (June 26, 2024) 

Two Grand Junction-based companies, SG Aerospace & Gas and JFS LLC, have been named Colorado Companies to Watch Award winners. Since 2009, Colorado Companies to Watch has honored the critical, yet often overlooked, second-stage companies nationwide for their undeniable impact on our communities through job creation, investment, and pioneering innovation within their respective industries.

Since 2008, SG Aerospace & Gas has been pushing the boundaries of quality and innovation through the precision manufacturing of application-specific products that support the Aerospace, Oil & Gas, and Industrial markets. While operating in Grand Junction, SG Aerospace has continued to grow and expand its capabilities and recently received recognition from NASA for its contributions to the Artemis project. SG Aerospace was contracted by Lockheed Martin in 2017 and is a premier manufacturer for NASA’s Orion Space program.

SG Aerospace has been instrumental in furthering the aerospace and aviation industry in Mesa County and promoting the region through its partnerships with industry organizations, including the Colorado Space Business Roundtable. “We are fortunate to live in a community that aspires to diverse economics and that the space program is part of that trend. We’ve enjoyed growing our business on the western slope and are excited the rest of the state is recognizing all we have to offer here,” said Mike Sneddon, CEO of SG Aerospace & Gas. The company also works closely with Colorado Mesa University to hire local talent and is actively involved with Mesa County’s local economic development partners, including the Grand Junction Economic Partnership.

“SG Aerospace & Gas has been a tremendous partner and community champion. Earlier this year, our community selected SG Aerospace as our 2024 Spirit of Economic Development award winner; having them now recognized as a Colorado Company to Watch speaks volumes about their accomplishments within the industry,” said Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership.

Also from Grand Junction, JFS LLC was recognized as a Colorado Company to Watch. JFS LLC provides healthcare and second-stage business consulting, accounting services, and assistance in sourcing alternative funding. Kelly Johnston opened JFS in 2016 and serves healthcare facilities, nonprofit organizations, and second-stage businesses throughout the U.S. Johnston has steadily grown JFS over the past five years with several local employees, employees throughout the U.S., and team members overseas.

“This honor reflects the JFS team’s dedication to meeting our clients’ needs and delivering essential financial support and education, enabling the success of other businesses and organizations within our community,” said Kelly Johnston, President & CEO of JFS LLC. Johnston and her team also speak at events in partnership with Colorado Mesa University and the Small Business Development Center to improve financial literacy and support business growth.

“Kelly Johnston and her team at JFS are well known and well respected within our community for their active role in supporting local businesses. We are thrilled to see their accomplishments being celebrated and garnering state-wide recognition as a 2024 winner of Colorado Companies to Watch. We look forward to seeing them continue to grow in the Grand Junction area,” said Englehart.

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership is proud to partner with Colorado Companies to Watch in nominating local businesses making immense strides in our community. For more information about Colorado Companies to Watch and this year’s finalists, please visit www.coloradocompaniestowatch.org.