Peter Behrendt

Renowned for his wit, warmth and wisdom, Peter D. Behrendt passed away at his home on April 26, 2017 at the age of 78. Born in Berlin, Germany, on November 27, 1938, to Gerda Keller Behrendt and Martin Behrendt, Peter spent the first five years of his life hiding with his parents in a cellar during World War II. Having miraculously survived the Holocaust, the family immigrated to America when Peter was 16 years old. He knew only three English words when he arrived: chewing gum, cowboy and sweetheart. Letting no obstacles stand in his way, he completed high school in Los Angeles and graduated from UCLA with a degree in Engineering. In 1961, Peter began his professional career by joining IBM where he spent the next 26 years, holding numerous executive positions. Peter met his wife, Barbara Janko, on the ski slopes. They married on March 15, 1970, and raised three sons: Tony, Mark and Andrew. His various roles with IBM took the family from California to Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky and New York.

In 1987, Peter joined Exabyte Corp. in Boulder as president and a member of the board of directors. By 1990, Peter was elected CEO and, in January 1992, chairman of the board. Peter directed all aspects of the company during its remarkable growth from zero revenues and 55 employees in 1987 to $363 million and 1,600 employees in 1996. Former Exabyte employees remember Peter fondly because of his quick humor and intellect, his effort to know every employee’s name, his invitations to join him at morning roundtables called, ‘Pastries with Peter’ and the introduction of Gus the customer,’ a life-sized mannequin he placed in the boardroom to remind the company to keep customers top of mind.

During Peter’s leadership, Exabyte was on Fortune Magazine’s list of 25 Fastest Growing Companies (1991, 1992, 1993), recognized as Colorado Company of the Year by the Rocky Mountain News (1991, 1992), and received the Governor’s Trophy as Colorado’s Outstanding Exporter (1996).

In addition, Peter was named Boulder Business Person of the Year and Colorado Business Leader of the Year in 1992 by the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Business Magazine and the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry. In 2008 he was inducted into the Boulder County Business Hall of Fame.

A sought-after speaker for his business knowledge and amusing, engaging style, Peter shared his insights at hundreds of industry, financial and educational forums around the world, including Fortune Magazine’s CEO conferences, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Lectures, CU’s Leeds School of Business and Stanford’s Business School.

He served on multiple global corporate boards, was an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Colorado Boulder and was a Venture Advisor for New Enterprise Associates.

Though Peter’s accomplishments were numerous, his most treasured times were those spent skiing, biking and traveling with family and friends. He visited more than 90 countries, often taking family trips to unusual destinations, instilling within his sons an appreciation for diverse people and cultures. He chronicled in hilarious detail the adventures (and mishaps) of each trip. An accomplished photographer, Peter’s award-winning photography was often on exhibit.

Devoted husband, father and grandfather, Peter is survived and will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 47 years, Barbara; son Tony Behrendt; son Mark Behrendt and wife Kate; son Andrew Behrendt and wife Carolina; grandchildren, Lucas and Anna Claire. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial gifts be made in Peter’s honor to a donation of your choice or to Denver Hospice.