Zayo Group provides communications infrastructure services to carriers, internet companies and large global enterprises. The publicly traded company headquartered in Boulder, was co-founded in 2006 by Dan Caruso. Today, Zayo's fiber network spans more than 112,600 route miles in north America and Europe, providing a high-performance backbone that powers voice, data and video traffic. COBA, the Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance, recently sat down with Caruso, chairman and CEO, to talk about his business, why the founding team chose Colorado, and why Zayo is consistently ranked one of the best places to work in the state and beyond.
COBA: Why Colorado? What attracted the founders of Zayo to the state?
DAN CARUSO: Colorado is a great place to start and grow a business. We established Zayo's first office in 2007 behind Nick-N-Willy's on 8th and Pearl in Boulder. Today, our headquarters is located in the 29th Street Mall in Boulder in the heart of an open-air retail center. We have a large office across from Union Station in Denver, a Tech Center office and three data centers in the metro Denver area. Our Colorado employee-base has doubled in the past two years to more than 700. What attracted us -- and keeps us here -- is a strong business environment, vibrant entrepreneurial community and unmatched quality-of-life. We have a great restaurant, music and cultural scene, and there's no place like Colorado for outdoor sports and adventure.
COBA: What attracts businesses, talent, investors and mentors to the state?
DC: Colorado has one of the fastest growing economies in the nation, with strong job growth and low unemployment. We have excellent public and private universities, a highly educated work force and a growing base of millennial talent. In addition to pro-business policies, the state has a well-deserved reputation for innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship. We have an entrepreneurial ecosystem here that is unmatched, and includes local accelerators and venture capital firms along with universities and a host of businesses, which range from startups to very successful gazelles and unicorns. All of these elements, along with the Rocky Mountain quality-of-life, attract business, talent and investors to Colorado. Our unique quality-of-life includes livable neighborhoods and communities, strong education, public transit, cultural vitality, jobs and a vibrant business environment -- plus the mountains and all they offer.
COBA: How has Zayo invested in the state?
DC: Zayo has made significant investments in Colorado's communications infrastructure, created hundreds of jobs and generated significant value for investors. We have invested more than $100 million in fiber, which serves hundreds of Colorado customers, including wireless carriers, major cable/internet providers, Fortune 500 enterprise customers, innovative, high-growth companies founded in Colorado, hospitals and health-care systems. In addition, we provide communications infrastructure to 34 school districts, including our recently announced agreement with Denver Public Schools. Our solutions are now providing exciting online learning tools and resources to thousands of students and educators. Zayo also invests in Colorado communities and organizations, with a focus on support of entrepreneurship, STEM and technology education and diversity/inclusion initiatives.
COBA: Does Zayo encourage employees to get outside?
DC: We have an active, energetic work force that takes the initiative to get outdoors with their colleagues. Employees lead informal work outdoor activities, including cycling, skiing, golfing and hiking Mount Sanitas is a favorite in Boulder. We encourage employees to walk, run or ride to and from the office and have in-office showers for their use. There are even Zayo bikes employees can check out. The biggest outdoor event we participate in is the B Strong Ride, an annual cycling event that raises money for cancer care and prevention. For the past two years, we've had about 100 riders and volunteers.
COBA: How does our distinct environment in the Rocky Mountain West stimulate the tech industry in the state?
DC: Outdoor life is a lure for tech talent. Colorado's open space and park system, bike infrastructure and proximity to the mountains make the state attractive for tech professionals and their families. Eldorado Canyon is minutes from Boulder. Golden Gate Canyon State Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness is in our backyard. We have easy access to some of the world's best ski areas, and Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the premier parks, is an easy day-trip for us.
COBA: Do you believe we should keep our Colorado public lands open to all?
DC: Without a doubt our public lands need to be managed and preserved for the benefit of all Coloradans. That said, the issue of open access in our state is complex and multidimensional. We believe that effective management requires engaging stakeholders and effectively balancing multiple, sometimes competing interests. We encourage our employees to engage in the issue and dialogue as they see fit.
