Welcome to the Club David. We are really happy to have you with us and I am sure that in time you will be glad that your here.
I have been flying for nearly four decades and have flown a number of models of Cessnas and Pipers. Check out the "My Planes" section of my web page wings.esisupply.com for a more complete description of my experiences.
The 150/150 is by far the most fun airplane that I have ever owned. While it is a fun and capable little plane I don't think that it would be the best choice for the mission that you describe. For a business airplane you need an IFR capable plane and the 150 while a great instrument trainer is a poor instrument platform. The quick response and light controls that make a 150 so much fun to fly make it a bear in IMC turbulence. And, it is too slow for the trips that you plan.
I think that if I were in your place I would start with a Cherokee 180 (as advised by Jeff). It is a good instrument platform and has decent, if not blazing speed. You can use it as your trainer and then in your business until you have enough experience and confidence to move to something faster and heaver.
I used airplane extensively in my business for over thirty years. I started in a Cherokee 140 (my trainer) then a 182 and finally a T210.
The Cherokee 140 is simply not something you would even want to consider for flying out of Denver. It is an acceptable instrument platform but is a poor climber at above 7000' DA, flies at about the same speeds as a 150/150.
The 182 is in my opinion the best all around general aviation airplane available. I doesn't excel in anything but is good in just about any category that you care to name.
The only plane that comes close to the 182 in performance is the Arrow; about the same speed, carry close to the same load, a bit more economical to operate and a good instrument platform.
The T210 is fast, will carry a load of people or goods and is an excellent instrument platform. I once got a call requesting me to be at a very important business meeting in the northern part of Michigan. I left Midland, TX at noon and arrived at my destination at dusk (in the summer) and made a very large sale the following day.
Good luck on your training and aircraft selection.
We are happy to have you with us and will be happy to help in any way we can.
