Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award
Paul Brinkman graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. In 2005, he co-founded Brinkman Partners, an integrated real estate company, with his brother, Kevin, and together they led the Fort Collins-based commercial development, real estate and construction company to what it is today – a highly respected company with more than 150 employees and well over $250 million in annual revenue. In 2016, in an effort to attract, retain and reward their outstanding employees, the Brinkmans traded in their ownership stake in the construction company to make the company 100% employee-owned. In 2018, their real estate company became one of four commercial real estate development companies in Colorado to become a Certified B Corporation.
While CEO, Brinkman was honored as one of the Top 25 CEOs in Colorado by ColoradoBiz Magazine, named the Everitt Real Estate Center Entrepreneur of the Year and to the Real Estate Hall of Fame, and one of BizWest’s Top 40 Under 40 professionals. The company received numerous awards including Best Start-Up Company of the Year by the Fort Collins Coloradoan, Small Business of the Year by the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, and Mercury 100 Fastest Growing Companies by BizWest Media. Brinkman created a culture of giving within the company manifested in BrinkmanGIVES – a community impact program dedicated to giving to nonprofit organizations that are, like the company, striving to build and develop stronger communities through talent, time and treasure. In 2020, Brinkman was presented the Excellence in Philanthropy Award from the United Way of Larimer County.
Brinkman serves on the advisory board of Junior Achievement of Routt County, where he encourages young people to develop financial literacy. Additionally, he’s an active supporter of many other organizations including the Routt County United Way, Steamboat Girls Lacrosse, and Integrated Community, which promotes the successful integration of immigrants through education and intercultural exchange.
While he is engaged deeply in his local community, Brinkman also gives back to his alma mater. In addition to his personal philanthropy supporting the college and collaborative efforts with the Leeds School of Business, he also volunteers a significant amount of time to better the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Brinkman has served as a mentor for several students, assisting them in navigating the challenges of college and preparing for a career. He’s also been a longtime, active member of the college’s Construction Engineering Management advisory board and the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering advisory board. In recognition of his deep engagement and desire to see the college continue to improve, Brinkman joined the Engineering Advisory Council in 2019.
Brinkman not only has had many successes in his business ventures but has accomplished all he has while being a dedicated husband, dad and family man. He makes choices in his life to spend quality time with his family. His innate way of balancing life with what is important is something to be admired. Brinkman lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with his amazing wife, Chresta, and four kids: Isabella, Noah, Miela and Paul Greyson.