Meet Hilarie Portell | Principal of Portell Works, a consulting firm championing the advancement of urban districts and downtowns.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hilarie Portell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hilarie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After working on the leadership team for a major redevelopment project (Lowry Air Force Base), I joined a large private development firm that laid off their entire team during a recession. I walked out of that building thinking that I would never put all my professional eggs in one basket again. I would work on a variety of projects I cared about with good people. That kind of became my business plan. I also wanted to own more of what I created professionally–and stop making other people all the money!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We guide and manage projects that make everyday life better for all, assuring that development is influenced by a community vision. With 25 years of experience as a consultant and executive for public- and private-sector firms, Portell has lent her expertise to complex projects requiring a versatile skill set.

Portell partners with community and economic development organizations, helping define their vision and bring a place to life. Her efforts inform placemaking, urban planning, and design, housing, pedestrian safety and mobility, brand identity, and marketing. She works with integrated teams to create momentum and support throughout the process. Clients praise her strategic thinking and ability to give “voice and vision” to revitalization projects.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to our favorite local restaurants, main streets and downtowns. In Denver, we’d go to La Fillette Bakery on East Colfax Avenue and walk around Cheeseman Park and the Botanic Gardens. We’d go over to South Pearl Street and shop boutiques before having dinner at Ottoto. We’d take a day trip and go explore Downtown Golden or Old Town Arvada. We’d have cocktails at the Englewood Ground and check out the new bars, restaurants and shops springing up on South Broadway in Downtown Englewood.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to Downtown Colorado Inc, which provides a supportive, fun and educational community of “do-ers” for anyone involved in downtown and district revitalization! I have learned so much from their workshops, conferences and meetings over the years. From the first forum I attended, I knew these were “my people.”

Website: www.portellworks.com