National Western Stock Show names Citizen of the West
The National Western Stock Show is proud to announce Robert G. Tointon the 2019 Citizen of the West. This prestigious annual award recognizes those who embody the spirit and determination of the Western pioneer and perpetuate the West’s agriculture heritage and ideals. A committee of community leaders selects the recipients.
Tointon, who calls Greeley, Colorado, home, is a well-known and much-respected business leader, rancher and philanthropist. He will receive the award at a dinner on Jan. 14 at the National Western Events Center. Proceeds from the event support 100 scholarships awarded annually to colleges and universities in Colorado and Wyoming by the National Western Scholarship Trust.
Tointon was born into a farming family in Smith County, Kansas. The oldest of the three boys, he was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor’s in civil engineering from Kansas State University.
A respected leader in Colorado’s business community, Tointon played a key role in the growth of Hensel Phelps Construction Company for nearly three decades while working in numerous roles for the company, and serving as its chief executive officer for 14 years. During his tenure HPCC’s revenues grew from $6 million to $600 million. In 1989 a new venture—Phelps-Tointon, Inc. was formed—where Bob served as president and CEO until 2017 when he became chairman.
With a nod to his roots, Tointon purchased an operating ranch west of Walden in the late 1990s. At present the ranch is home to 900 cow/calf pairs and produces 3,600 tons of hay annually.
“Bob Tointon has been an admired leader of the Colorado Forum for nearly 30 years. Bob makes important public policy opportunities happen by identifying key areas of need, working with others to identify the best solutions, and sticking with the problem for months and even many years to accomplish a successful resolution. He is smart, collaborative, tenacious, and resourceful. Bob gives his time, his financial support and his remarkable intellect to make Colorado a better place for all of us. We are so fortunate to have him as a true Citizen of the West,” said Gail Klapper, president of Colorado Forum.
