Executive edge: Kevin McNicholas' concession business predates Mile High.

• Author: Bronikowski, Lynn
• Position: Attitude at Altitude

Kevin McNicholas still enjoys doing business "on a handshake"--a practice that dates to 1971 when he formed Denver-based K-M Concessions Inc. after then-Denver Broncos coach Lou Saban hired him to sell programs and souvenirs and cater the press box at Denver's Mile High Stadium.

"That handshake agreement lasted 23 years," said McNicholas, who later sold his Mile High company to Aramark Concessions and today is president and CEO of a concession business that serves the Denver Zoo and 20 zoo operations across the country--as far west as Hawaii and east as Miami.

"I visit the Denver Zoo every day," said McNicholas, whose office is located in the City Park Pavilion nearby. "I have a job where I get to walk over to the zoo, see a lot of little kids, animals and school groups who get so excited."

This month K-M Concessions marks its 36th anniversary as concessionaire to the National Western Stock Show.

"The stock show turns 100 this year and we've been involved for more than a third of its history." said McNicholas, who at 68 has no plans to retire despite being approached several times about selling his company. "The stock show is a real meat-and-potatoes kind of crowd, and when we're working with the ranchers and the farmers to cater their parties, there's usually a handshake and the deal is done. Over the years, I've gained a tremendous respect for doing business that way."

He also has gained insight into the state of Denver's economy during those 20 days in January when more than 600,000 visitors descend on the stock show complex where concessionaires put in long hours with no days off.

"When the economy is down, a lot more people come to us looking for jobs," said McNicholas, labeling this year as...