Staff picks: Notable stories of 2018

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BusinessDen published hundreds of stories on Denver business news happenings this year.

On Monday, we’ll break out the news that resonated most with readers, detailing our top 10 stories in terms of page views.

For now, however, here are some stories we reported this year that stood out to our staff.

The reasons varied. Maybe it was a big scoop that no one else had reported. Perhaps it was a particularly interesting business. Maybe it was a little bizarre.

You may remember the stories – or maybe you missed them and will want to check them out for the first time.

May 9: Operator wants to match city’s offer for Park Hill Golf Course

Park Hill Golf Club seen from the air. (BusinessDen file photo)

One of the more interesting local real estate sagas to follow this year involved the Park Hill Golf Course, which the city had a deal to buy – until it didn’t.

May 30: Incubator founder accused by two of sexual assault

Vic Ahmed speaks to the Joliet City Council in 2017. (Eric Ginnard – The Herald News)

BusinessDen was first to report in May that Vic Ahmed, founder and CEO of Centennial-based Innovation Pavilion, was being accused by former employees of sexual assault and harassment. Ahmed subsequently resigned, and Innovation Pavilion eventually ceased operations.

June 21: Ballpark pizzeria owner in naming spat says he will ‘fight it to the end’

Marco’s Coal Fired owner Mark Dym stands in front of the pizza ovens in his restaurant near Coors Field. (Thomas Gounley)

Mark Dym doesn’t want to settle, especially when he doesn’t think his restaurants are anything like those operated by Toledo-based Marco’s Pizza. “We are so Mars and Venus. Men and women … They’ve got customers. I’ve got guests. We’re like night and day.”

Aug. 9: UFO filmmaker who called former client ‘Luciferian’ sued for defamation

The International UFO Congress has given five awards to Patty Greer.
(Patty Greer)

An unusual lawsuit out of Boulder.

Sept. 4: How does a brand built on Colorado pride go national? ‘Where’s the cookies-and-milk sock?’

Dane Burneson adjusts Aksels socks at the company’s store attached to its warehouse at 1339 W. Cedar Ave. (Thomas Gounley)

Apparel can be a cutthroat business with a low entry barrier. But Denver resident Dane Burneson’s series of brands — the one you’ve heard of is Aksels — do more than $5 million in annual revenue. A lot of Aksels’ designs incorporate elements of the Colorado flag. But now Burneson’s trying to expand his fan base beyond the Centennial State’s borders.

Oct. 29: ‘Dogs don’t train themselves, princess’: Zillow removes snarky Denver apartment listing

The Zillow listing advertised a two-bedroom apartment on the edge of Five Points for $1,595 a month. (Thomas Gounley)

Know anyone looking for an unconventional landlord?

2017: High-intensity lawsuits: Spin studio and landlord spar over ‘dance club’ decibels

Salzberg sued High Ride last year, alleging noise issues. (Kailyn Lamb)

OK, yes, this was not technically published in 2018. But it was published so late in 2017 that we already had finalized our staff picks list for that year.