About Heidi
I am Heidi Ganahl – I am an entrepreneur and CEO, mom of four, and was the Republican nominee for Colorado Governor in 2022.
My story is outlined by extraordinary adversity in my life. Beginning with the loss of my husband at the age of 27, and financial hardships, I picked up my entrepreneurial spirit and channeled my passion for business to help me get back up and ultimately become the “Top Dog” and founder of Camp Bow Wow, the Fight Back Foundation, Moms Fight Back and SheFactor.
Camp Bow Wow was named to the Inc 500/5000 list of the fastest growing companies in the country five years in a row. As a result of our success, I was named one of Fortune magazine’s 10 Most Promising Entrepreneurs and among the “Top Women Entrepreneurs in the Country” by Parade Magazine. In 2014, I sold the Camp Bow Wow brand to turn my attention to philanthropy, politics, and other endeavors.
One of my passions is to find ways to give back. In 2016, I was elected statewide as a University of Colorado Regent. I also founded the Fight Back Foundation to tackle the most pressing issues facing our kids today, and in 2019 launched SheFactor with my daughter Tori to inspire and teach twenty-something women how to create a life they love.
I often speak about my journey and my commitment to keeping the American dream alive and well for future generations. You can learn more by watching my Tedx talk The Art of the Comeback.
I am the proud wife of Jason Ganahl, one of the top BBQ cooks in the country, and leader of GQUE BBQ. Together, we have four kids – Tori, Hollie, and twins Jack and Jenna – a lab named Henry and a kitty named Moo.
Accolades and Recognitions:
2020 Red Backpack Fund Recipient from The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation
2019 League of Women Voter’s Leader of Democracy Award
2019 Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce 25 Most Powerful Women
2019 Stevie Award Women Helping Women
2019 Champions of Change Award
2016 Colorado Brave Leader Award (Colorado Business Roundtable)
2014 Fortune Most Promising Women Entrepreneur
2009-2014 Inc 500/5000
2013 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Semi-Finalist
2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist
2007-2014 Entrepreneur Franchise 500
2010 WPO/AmEx Open – Top 50 Fastest Growing Women-Led Companies (#10)
2010 #39 in Inc Magazine “Top Consumer Product and Service Companies”
2009 Denver Business Journal’s Colorado Business Woman of the Year
2008 Stevie Award for Top Entrepreneur and for Top Company
2009 Top 50 Colorado Companies to Watch
2009 Colorado Biz “One of the Top 100 Woman Owned Companies”
2009 Entrepreneur Magazine “One of America’s Top 50 Fastest Growing Woman Led Companies”