What's moving features Miles Beyond Running Community and their upcoming Weld Your Metal Running Festival on May 30th and 31st in Eaton. This 146 acre private property event offers distances from a 7K run walk up to 100 miles, plus a 36 hour total mileage contest, complete with camping, glamping, sauna, cold plunge, massage, and mountain views. We also share an update on Mandy Mullen's attempt at the Cocodona 250 in Arizona. While she didn't finish, making it past the 155 mile mark before missing the time cutoff is an incredible achievement worth celebrating. Kudos to Don't Ember Productions for traveling with her to document the journey. On a sadder note, Saffron Scoops and Bites, the Indian restaurant and ice cream shop, has permanently closed but shared plans to return bigger and better than ever.

Community gatherings spotlight Ginger and Baker's Murder Mystery Party coming up May 19th, with only about a dozen tickets remaining for the Baker's Half Dozen event. Fork Fun celebrates 25 years this summer, operating two mini golf courses, go kart track, laser tag, arcade, bumper boats, and restaurant while gifting millions of dollars of free usage to nonprofit children's causes like Boys and Girls Clubs, Matthews House, and Respite Care over the years. Friday Fest returns to downtown Greeley June 5th through August 7th, kicking off with the blues jam and featuring the go cup program where you can carry open alcohol from participating restaurants into 9th Street Plaza during events.

Keeping the beat highlights the Loud Frame Film Festival coming to the Lyric May 22nd through 24th, an international film festival created by the same mind behind EDIY Horror Film Fest. They're seeking volunteers and vendors for the event. Thursday Night Live Concert Series returns May 28th for 16 consecutive weeks at Old Town Square, starting with The Burrows and their nine piece lineup at 7 PM, perfect for families and kids ready to dance.

Community support features Stay: A Night of Metal and Hope, a metal concert at The Sound Bar on May 17th benefiting the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Larimer County. We share an inspiring story of Shana from a local cleaning company who moved to NoCo two years ago from Columbus, Ohio with her daughter in her car on gas cards. After her car broke down, a daily rental owner gifted her a vehicle for $250 with new tires and fresh oil, House of Neighborly Services helped with housing, and she's now thriving with stable housing, a $4 raise, and representing her cleaning agency at networking groups across Fort Collins.

Business news celebrates Andrew Johnson with Business Networking Done Right, a former BNI director who started his own brand and has grown to four chapters with 20 members each. He's hosting a lunch and learn workshop May 20th through the Loveland Chamber on Building Stronger Referral Relationships, open to anyone for $30 including lunch. Shout out to Dixie Daly, who's everywhere in the community from creating pink coffee with Top of the Light Coffee to being named grand marshal for the upcoming Larimer County parade. She's also running for some kind of entrepreneur of impact recognition worth voting for.

Food picks feature The Taco Stop, nationally recognized by USA Today, serving incredible tacos al carbon so full you can barely pick them up, led by classically trained chef Caesar from Mexico City. Yellow Crunch Colombian Restaurant opened their massive new location at The Exchange in the former Crooked Stave space, featuring giant murals by artists flown in from Colombia and a 12 by 20 foot television screen in a beautiful 3500 square foot space.

Important announcement: The LoCo PULSE is officially becoming the NoCo PULSE in the coming weeks and getting its own RSS feed, making it easier for listeners who love the weekly community news format to find and follow along.

Shout out to Laughing Buck Farm for being weekly listeners and sharing the podcast with their entire newsletter. They offer markets, vegetable swaps, and kids summer camps including homesteader camp and horse camp, plus a nonprofit supporting gardening and vegetables for people in our community.

Stay connected, NoCo.

In his early 20’s, Pat drifted into alcohol, and was fired from his job at his parents auto rental business - and spiraled.  When he was in his mid-20’s, he was trying to get back on the right track, having gone through recovery and AA, and was 6 months into his now 30+ year sobriety, and had confessed his vision impairment.  On an after-Christmas trip, his parents were killed when a series of rogue waves off the Isle of Tortuga took out their scuba vessel - a heavy trawler - killing all but a lone survivor.  Against odds, the Franchisor for their auto rental business, and the executor trustee of the estate - allowed Pat to run the business.  Within 3 years, Pat was operating one of the top locations in the franchise network, was selected to speak at an annual conference, and was rolling in the back of a stretch mini-limo, and being shuttled around by rental car staff.  

Becoming part of the “in” crowd had its perks - and its dangers.  A local ophthalmologist helped Pat get a medical waiver and get his driver’s license back! - and he sold the rental business, moved around the country and traveled, started and closed or sold other businesses, got married, and lived again as a sighted person for a decade.  Eventually, Pat got divorced and moved to Eaton from the Lyons area, and nothing felt safe or familiar - and sacrificed his driving privileges again in 2012.  

This is a wild one, with lots of moral ambiguity, inspirational entrepreneurship, and an almost-constant investigation of purpose and overcoming.  Pat’s got a lot of talent in business and construction, and has time on his hands - so if you hear this conversation and have a new side-quest for Pat Malloy - and can provide transportation! - email him at pat.malloy@gmail.com

Thanks for listening to The LoCo Experience podcast - if this episode inspires you in any way, please share it with a friend you think will enjoy it.  

What's moving features Miles Beyond Running Community wrapping up support for Mandy Mullen at the Cocodona 250 in Arizona (catch episode 267 for the full story on that incredible 250 mile race). Their next big event is the Weld Your Metal Running Festival May 30th and 31st, featuring distances from 7K all the way to 100 miles on a private 146 acre property with camping, glamping, sauna, cold plunge, and mountain views.

The Windsor Chamber of Commerce is making major moves under executive director Norma Perez, adding over 120 new members in just nine months. They've built an impressive slate of networking opportunities including the Strength of Windsor Men's Group, Women of Windsor, Wake Up Windsor coffees, and the WISE Young Professionals Group (Windsor Inspiring Successful and Engaged). Austin Hannon and his fiancée Micah are taking over ownership of the FoCo Food Truck Rally, bringing fresh energy and community awareness to this beloved summer gathering. Austin also works for Visit Fort Collins, making this partnership a perfect fit for growth.

Community gatherings include Ginger and Baker hosting an exclusive farm event May 18th with Lisa Steele, author of In Season. Meet Ginger's flock of chickens, enjoy Q&A with the author, and taste recipes straight from the cookbook. Night on the Town returns to downtown Loveland every second Friday from May through October, with the first event this Friday featuring late shop hours and free museum entry. Saturday brings the Past and Progress Tour through four historic downtown Loveland buildings, with morning and afternoon tour times available for $10.

Keeping the beat highlights Story Swap at the Lyric Cinema every first Thursday, featuring live storytelling where none of the stories are known in advance. May 7th's theme is Family Lore, with Hello's and Goodbye's coming June 4th. ABBA Euphoria brings the ultimate ABBA tribute show to the Rialto Theater May 9th. Fort Collins Art Week runs May 1st through 9th, now hosted by the Mural Project with events across Midtown and beyond. Catch the free History, Murals and Public Art tour Wednesday May 6th at 10 AM, and don't miss Circus in the Square Saturday at 3:30 PM with Live Beyond Limit for a kid friendly circus experience (waiver required). Check thisisnoco.com for the complete Art Week calendar.

Community support spotlights Foundation for Accessible Music hosting their All Abilities Open Mic Night Thursday at New Belgium, featuring visual songbooks, AAC devices, sign language interpretation, live music accompaniment, and a quiet sensory break room. Homeward Alliance presents their Ungala fundraiser May 9th at the Lory Student Center with an intergalactic theme, welcoming space cowboys, Star Trek, Star Wars, or come as you are attire. RespectCare recently opened their new $12 million facility serving up to 155 kids at a time with special needs through activities and summer camps.

Business news celebrates Alison Sebeck, executive director of the Warehouse Business Accelerator in Loveland and longtime LoCo Think Tank facilitator, nominated as Manufacturing Woman of the Year for 2026. She's transformed the Warehouse since taking over just before COVID. May is also membership month at Breeze Thru Car Wash, the perfect time to beat pollen season with unlimited washes at multiple locations across NoCo for just $20 monthly.

Food picks feature Jack's Fish House premiering their new menu with an exciting Hunk of Fish program, allowing guests to learn exactly which fisherman caught their fish and where it came from that week. Look for Ben's full menu review coming soon on thisisnoco.com. Twin Staves cocktail bar in Windsor, located below Hearth Restaurant, is crafting intentional cocktails on par with Social and Ace Gillett's, led by bartender Sean who recently won a regional craft cocktail competition.

Important announcement: The LoCo PULSE is evolving into the NoCo PULSE and moving to its own dedicated channel. The LoCo Experience will continue sharing business stories and advisory content with LoCo Think Tank, while the NoCo PULSE brings you community news and events. Both shows continue, just easier to find.

Stay connected, NoCo.

I met Eric Goodman at a local non-profit event, when I happened to be seated at his table, and complimented him on an above-average performance as a volunteer emcee.  We shared some fun banter, but during the paddle-raise it was more than obvious (which I already suspected) - that he was a pro - and a damn good one.  

We connected after that, and during our first long phone call I shared how I sometimes emcee or paddle raise for events - but only as a volunteer - ya know, so he wouldn’t be threatened.  He challenged me - “You should charge - and learn enough so you do a great job and deserve to be paid!  I’ll mentor you, or teach you and a group of others from NOCO how to do it right if you like - no charge!”  I didn’t take him up on it - too busy I told myself - but we may revisit the idea.

That’s the kinda guy Eric is - focused on being the best at his craft, and encouraging others to fulfill their potential, and to live generously.  He drops a ton of great information to help non-profits fundraise better - and he’s a great conversationalist, so please enjoy my time together with Eric Goodman.

On the Move (Sponsored by Miles Beyond Running)

• The Weld Your Metal Running Festival is coming up May 30th–31st — don't miss it!

• Miles Beyond Running (https://gomilesbeyond.com/) is also hosting a free Lululemon goal-setting session at Luna's Tacos in Windsor to send off ultrarunner Mandy Mullen as she prepares for the Cocodona 250.

• Wing Shack (https://wingshackwings.com/) is opening a brand-new Fort Collins location this summer

Community Gathering (Sponsored by Ginger and Baker)

• Handmade Market NoCo (https://handmademarketnoco.com/) is bringing its Mother's Day Market to the rooftop of Ginger and Baker (https://gingerandbaker.com/) on May 2nd — a perfect spot to find local handcrafted gifts or bring Mom along.

• It's Colorado Pint Day! The Colorado Brewers Guild (https://coloradobeer.org/) is hosting this beloved annual tradition at independent breweries statewide. Grab a limited-edition pint glass for just $3 and support your local craft brewery. Check the Colorado Brewers Guild website (https://coloradobeer.org/colorado-pint-day/) for a full list of participating locations.

NoCo Beat

• Old Crow Medicine Show is playing Mishawaka Amphitheatre (https://www.themishawaka.com/) on May 15th

• It's First Friday Artwalk in Fort Collins, and the Masks Exhibit at the Fort Collins Museum of Art (https://www.fcmoa.org/) is a must-see in its 22nd year. Discover NOCO graphic designer Ashley Grizzle has her first mask in the exhibit this year! Also check out her tea towels at 432 Design (https://www.instagram.com/432design.co/).

Community Supporting Community (Sponsored by Breeze Thru Car Wash)

• Steve Phillips of the GeekCast Radio Network (https://geekcastradio.com/) has been volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club, teaching kids the art of podcasting. Catch his feature on Episode 266 of the LoCo Experience Podcast (https://www.thelocoexperience.com/).

• The NoCo Unifies Down and Derby Party is happening on May 2nd at the Grain House in Windsor, benefiting the Weld County Boys and Girls Club, Be the Gift, and the Debut Children's Theater. Expect live burro racing, Kentucky Derby excitement.

• The Fort Collins Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting the Field of Honor at Spring Canyon Park over Memorial Day weekend. Visit FC Breakfast Rotary (https://www.fcbreakfastrotary.org/) to learn more.

Business News

• Only 52 seats left for the Unstoppable Business Conference on May 6th at Embassy Suites! Organized by the Larimer County Small Business Development Center, this is your chance to connect with subject matter experts across marketing, HR, hiring, and more.

• LoCo Think Tank (https://locothinktank.com/) just got hooked up with branded name tags from Sport About — a great, affordable branding tip for small businesses heading to events.

NoCo Eats

• Kelsi tried the "Girl Dinner" box at Sexy Sammies (https://www.sexysammies.com/) — the fan-favorite NoCo chicken tender spot with locations in Johnstown, Greeley, and hiding inside the Lory Student Center in Fort Collins.

• Curt shares his legendary Cilantro Lime Coleslaw recipe — the no-mayo, fan-requested signature side from his food truck days. Key ingredient: a splash of Crazy Ginger Hot Sauce, available at Matador Mexican Grill (http://matadorgrill.com/).

Community Shout-Out

• Bear Fest at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is happening May 1st — open to the public all day! Student maker market, live concerts, and evening festivities at the 9th Street Plaza. A perfect way for students and the wider NoCo community to come together.

Mandy Mullen returns for her third time in The LoCo Experience studio - check out our conversations on Episode 91 and Episode 155 for more of the origin story and setting the stage for what has become.  Today we’re catching up on all the NEW stuff - the NOCO Urban Ultra, the upcoming Weld Your Mettle Running Festival, the launch of a new brand in miles.Beyond, the expansion of corporate teams signing up to fundraise via the Wild West Relay, becoming a lululemon ambassador and what that means - and becoming the co-host of an ultrarunning theme podcast - Buckle Up.  I’m worn out just talking about all the ideas that Mandy has been growing - and really proud to count her among our membership at LoCo Think Tank.  

We talked about Mandy’s upcoming event - the Cocodona 250 in Arizona.  Yep, you read that right - it’s a 250 mile cross country event, which Mandy anticipates completing in 90 - 110 hours of grinding it out, with a couple of 2-4 hour sleeps, and intermingled dirt naps.  We also talked about racism in running, which surprised me a bit, and Mandy’s experience with racism as a teen - and throughout - and the pressure of succeeding as a 1st generation college grad, and mom, and wife - and ultrarunner and business owner.  She’s a gem, I’m a big fan - and I know you’ll enjoy my latest conversation with Mandy Mullen.  

What's moving features Miles Beyond Running Community and their upcoming Weld Your Metal Running Festival on May 30 and 31 in Eaton. This 146 acre private property event offers distances from a 7K run walk up to 100 miles, plus a 36 hour total mileage contest, complete with camping, glamping, sauna, cold plunge, massage, and mountain views. We celebrate Chiba Hut's franchisee Elevated Ink opening their 25th location in Las Vegas, marking major growth toward their goal of 200 locations by 2030. The Beer Tour Inn launches in Northern Colorado, offering four hour brewery tours in a vintage Swiss Pinzgauer army vehicle, hitting three breweries with lunch included.

Community gatherings include Pedro's Coffee in Timnath hosting their monthly community marketplace on the third Saturday with over 30 local vendors, live music, and food. The Whole House hosts their first casino night April 23 at the Crest Cinema and Lounge in Greeley, supporting teen parents working toward personal and economic self sufficiency.

Keeping the beat highlights FoCoMX happening April 24 and 25 with over 400 bands across 30 plus venues for one $60 wristband. Two art receptions open simultaneously Friday night: the Governor's Art Show in Loveland running through June 6, and Louise Cutler's show with 15 artists at Foothills Mall displaying 60 works in empty storefronts through the end of June.

Community support spotlights The Mayorettes, a collective of local business leading ladies uplifting nonprofits and small businesses through elevated living and impactful giving. Loveland Community Kitchen celebrates 30 years with their Forks and Fury cook off on May 14 at Venue 319, featuring local chefs and restaurants competing for votes. Business highlights include LoCo Think Tank's third annual Next Level Leadership Forum on April 29 at Ginger and Baker, focusing on cultivating culture with leadership expert Mark Weaver, and Adams Bank and Trust offering special owner occupied commercial real estate loans with reduced fees and competitive rates.

Food picks celebrate Human Bean's One Drink One Tree campaign on Earth Day April 22, planting a tree for every drink purchased, and Gelato and More on West Elizabeth offering authentic Italian gelato, market goods, and their Wednesday lunch special featuring Italian sausage pizza rolls that demand a return visit.

Stay connected, NOCO.

Steve Phillips is a super-geek, and started podcasting a Transformers-themed show over 20 years ago.  He Co-Founded GeekCast Radio Network, is an accomplished voice actor, and has been hosting the Altered Geek podcast series since 2012.  And - he’s got a day job - Communications and Content Developer at Breeze Thru Car Wash.  At Breeze Thru, he’s a creator and a communicator, and even gets to do things like teach kids about podcasting! 

I met Steve through my friend Wade Keith, also from Breeze Thru - and after Wade came on my show last year he was eager that I should feature the local podfather on the show - and Steve didn’t disappoint.  You’ll meet Gollum from The Lord of The Rings in this one, the Joker (Mark Hammil version), and many other characters beloved by geeks everywhere.  Steve and our producer Ben had some great conversations between segments - but if I’m honest - I was in a bit over my head on this one!

It was a ton of fun though, with laughs and podcast insider secrets, so please enjoy my conversation with the NOCO Podfather, Steve Phillips. 

What's moving in NOCO features Daniel Schreiner, a Loveland artist known for his work at Spectra Art Space and Spucadelia Unspoken. His connection focused games, True Their Fate and the upcoming Arcana, foster authentic conversations and meaningful connections through tarot inspired gameplay. Watch for the Arcana Kickstarter launch at enterarcana.com. Pop and Sip Boba is expanding with three trailers to bring dirty sodas and their sister company BFF Bites protein snacks to events all summer.

Community gatherings include Ginger and Baker's second annual Louisiana Crawfish Boil on April 19, and FoCo BookFest happening April 17 and 18 with workshops, local authors, and graphic novel creation sessions across town. The Love Shack Craft Mocktails hosts their first drag brunch on April 26 with Krisa Guna, plus breakfast burritos available anytime.

Keeping the beat highlights Figure Swarm, a new gallery show at the Center for Creativity April 15 through 19, exploring identity, grief, gender, and community through the human form. Artists Vienna Repetta and Juno Lazar present work examining how people identify themselves within large groups. Reception is April 15 from 3 to 5 pm. Artworks Studios and Gift Shop in downtown Loveland offers a collective of local artists with studio rentals and a gift shop featuring unique pieces, open Fridays and Saturdays on Third Street.

Community support spotlights House of Neighborly Service's Hope Blooms fashion show on Friday, April 17, benefiting their thrift shop and programs including the Birthday Closet for families in crisis. Jessup Farm's Kindness Matters Month supports Animal Friends Alliance with donation drives at participating restaurants accepting pet supplies, food, and cleaning essentials. Downtown Loveland's Development Authority is giving away $100 weekly throughout construction season. Shop any downtown business, submit your receipt through their website, and enter to win.

Food picks celebrate Ike's Sandwiches opening at the old Subway location on Shields and Elizabeth across from Moby Arena, Dark Heart Coffee's viby Portland inspired atmosphere in downtown Loveland, and AKA Kitchen next to Dirty Laundry with standout chimichurri cheese steak skillets and sopapilla cheesecake that demands a return visit.

Stay connected, NOCO.

We discussed Aaron’s creative journey on X, which caught attention from then-Presidential Candidate RFK, Jr., and his journey from there to becoming a leading voice in the MAHA movement - which has stagnated of late.  We discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead for public health, and then drift into a wide-ranging discussion including the unfolding Iran Quagmire and likely long-term consequences, music, purpose, and loving your neighbor.  

We enjoyed some Whizcals and FoCo LoCo’s from our Spirit Sponsor, Seed & Spirit Distilling, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy, as I did, my latest conversation with Aaron Everitt.

BG Automotive is opening their sixth location in the former Aces Motorcycle shop on South College, a testament to local business growth. Less exciting news: express lane tolls are returning to I-25 starting April 7, with prices up to $12 to Berthoud, plus five new speed cameras in the Mead to Berthoud work zone that track your average speed between points.

Community gatherings include CSU hosting the 11th annual ACT Human Rights Film Festival April 9 through 12 at the Lory Student Center, with virtual encore options for Colorado residents April 13 through 19. The Rocky Mountain RepRap Festival brings 36,000 square feet of 3D printing technology to the Ranch Events Complex April 18 and 19, free for novices and experts alike.

Music highlights feature local artist Rodi Aldrin's new single Dance RN, discovered through TikTok comments, and A Brother's Fountain playing a free show at Max Line Brewing April 16 in trio format. Community support spotlights Powered By Partners' Party for Partners Gala April 10 at Lincoln Center and Dementia Together's Joy on the Journey fundraiser April 9 at Embassy Suites, supporting families navigating dementia with confidence and community.

Mark your calendars for LoCo Think Tank's third annual Cultivating Culture event April 29 at Ginger and Baker, featuring leadership labs and facilitated networking for teams of all sizes. Food picks celebrate Love Shack Mocktails in Loveland, Northern Colorado's first sober bar offering coffee and mocktails from 9 AM to midnight, and the legendary subs at Chiba Hut, a LoCo Think Tank member favorite.

Stay connected, NOCO.

After years of taking intentional time throughout their marriage - every week, every month, and once-a-year retreats, James and Angela built skills and resources and systems to help entrepreneurs forge strong relationships - whether it’s a couple working together in business - or one stable career alongside the ups and downs of an entrepreneur.  

Love Intentionally was formed in 2018, and experienced a revolution in recent years, as the couple spent a year in Peru - and wrote a book together - Married & Magnetic - the Entrepreneur's Guide to a Thriving Marriage and a Booming Business.  This episode is full of great stories, relationship best practices, and a lot of fun, so please join me in enjoying my conversation with James and Angela Mitchell.

We're excited about the LoCo Drink Tank, a new swag item filled with local goods from Run Windsor, Purpose Driven Wealth, Copacos honey, Breeze Thru car wash passes, and more, perfect for nonprofit silent auction baskets. In Greeley, all city-owned museums became free admission starting January 1st, with some exceptions for paid events like Greeley Stampede at Centennial Village.

Community gatherings include Ginger and Baker's first murder mystery dinner, The Baker's Half Dozen, on May 19 (get your tickets now and plan your outfit), and the Mishawaka Amphitheater winning Westword's 2026 Best Outdoor Venue award. Celebrate with their 20th annual Pickin' on the Poudre on May 16 featuring the original lineup. The Chilson Senior Center in Loveland hosts a pancake breakfast and plant sale April 11, funding programs for low-income seniors.

Music highlights feature Songwriters in the Round at Construct Brewing with Aubrey Dale, Eli Ray, and Brian Johansson, plus FoCoMX April 24-25 with 400+ bands across 41 venues. Catch Wade Keith's band Soul Puppets at Salt Road Brewing Saturday, April 25 at 1:45 pm. Boys and Girls Club in Weld County is getting a new podcast studio thanks to Breeze Thru Car Wash support.

United Way of Weld County's free Children's Festival hits Island Grove April 11 with STEM activities, art, and games. The Rotary Afterwork Club hosts the 21st annual Black Tie Bingo April 18 at One North, raising funds for community and international grants. The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 121st annual event April 8 at the Hilton, and NOCO Boss Babes meets April 6 at Top of the Lake Coffee with Dr. Melna McLaughlin speaking on hormones and business.

Food picks spotlight the Global Village Museum's Southern Indian cuisine dining event March 31 benefiting the museum, and Consuelo's Express on Lemay for unbeatable breakfast burritos and Nanita's Finest sauces.

Stay connected, NOCO.

We share the exciting news that Original Roma in Greeley has reopened after employees banded together to bring back the beloved spot for bazookas and calzones. Community gatherings include the Fly Fishing Film Tour at Lincoln Center with St. Peter's Fly Shop, Loveland's monthly foodie walk featuring five downtown restaurants, and Ginger and Baker's first murder mystery dinner, The Baker's Half Dozen, coming in May.

Music highlights feature the Sonic Spotlight showcase at the Armory, teaching young bands the business of music, and Max Mackie's solo performance at Salt Road Brewing on March 27. We spotlight two incredible fundraisers: House of Neighborly Service's Hope Blooms fashion show on April 17 (with a special MC appearance) and Matthew's House 20th birthday celebration on April 18.

Business events include the BBB's 28th annual Celebration of Ethics and the She Goes High Solo No Mole Summit on March 27, an introvert-friendly networking event at the BBB. Food picks highlight Estes Park's final Dine Around Town Thursday with $6 deals at 35 restaurants and the classic steak sandwich at Steak Out Saloon in Fort Collins.

Enjoy the sunshine, NOCO.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain (https://www.abrothersfountain.com/)

In studio, I found out he’s also VP of the District 6 School Board in Weld County, President of the Board of Directors at the Greeley Family House, and on the Foundation Board for UV Tech in his native Vernal, Utah.  

In recent years, Kyle’s business has shifted from primarily oil and now into tech, building modular data center units in shipping containers!  This one’s a wild ride with a fascinating Northern Colorado employer, so please join me in enjoying my conversation with Kyle Bentley.

They note Loveland’s Fourth Street reopening near Loveland Aleworks, then highlight Ginger and Baker’s April 11 spaghetti-and-meatballs teaching kitchen camp for kids 10–16, Fort Collins’ Third Friday FoCo Foodie Walk (including Hot Sauce Realm), and Wellington’s St. Patrick’s-themed Mingle on Main. Arts picks include the March 22 Cinderella ballet in Greeley, Foothills Mall’s “Stillness In the Rush” window exhibit through March 31, and ZZ Top on March 24. 

Community support includes Breeze Thru river cleanups, the Women’s Fund’s March 21 Decadent Desserts fundraiser, and the Abundance Foundation’s May 3 sober music event. They plug an April 29 “Cultivate Culture” workshop, recommend Old Town Food Tour, celebrate a birthday dinner at The Still Whiskey Steaks, and crown Silver Grill’s corned beef hash as the St. Patrick’s Day MVP.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

We discuss the chamber's rapid growth to 55 members and his innovative initiatives like the 'Click Local' business listing platform. Dustin was inspired and supported throughout by his wife Crystal, a likely future guest on the show.  For Dustin, creating a Timnath Chamber is a bit of a legacy project, and a way to truly be a part of the community he loves.  

After jumping into the time machine, Dustin recounts his move from upstate New York to California and eventually to Timnath, Colorado, overcoming insecurities and challenges along the journey, and ends with a truly LoCo Experience - an emotional story of his near-arrest upon returning from a cruise - over a paperwork mixup with the military that had him labeled as AWOL from a decade prior.  He’s a fun guy, and a fellow communitarian, and I know you’ll enjoy my conversation with Dustin Peyser.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Events include Ginger and Baker’s March 14 Pie Day “pie madness,” the return of the Fort Collins St. Patrick’s Day parade (with festival), plus Greeley’s Blarney on the Block and Wellington’s festival—featuring Curt’s siren-blaring “Tank” ambulance camper. 

Music picks: Charlie Stevens Band at the Aggie (March 12) and California Honey Drops at Washington’s (March 21). 

Fundraisers include a March 10 Verboten pint night/fun run/sauna for Matthews House and CASA’s Night of Hope (April 2), plus the Unstoppable Business Conference (May 6). 

They end with Saffron Scoops & Bites’ spiced Indian ice cream and Curt’s butter-and-garlic salmon recipe.

What a week, NOCO.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Enter GuardUs Innovations, Carolyn’s product and software start-up which uses collars on the animals - especially cattle and sheep - equipped with sensors, lights, and noises - and all AI-informed and networked - to keep the wolves away.  GuardUs products also work on other predators such as big cats and bears and even ravens from choosing livestock as what’s for dinner.  

Carolyn is in the thick of it, with beta product testing, fundraising, lobbying, and both hardware and software development in full swing.  She’s also hyper smart, and if my eye for talent is correct, it won’t be long before you’re reading about how GuardUs technology saved the wolf re-introduction project in Colorado - and is now keeping herds safer and ranchers more informed about their stock than ever before.  So tune in on the front end of this journey, and please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Carolyn Johnson.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Hosted by Curt Bear and Kelsi Harris, Loco Pulse brings engaging, real conversations that highlight the voices driving Northern Colorado forward.

Whether you're a business owner, community supporter, or simply passionate about where you live, this is your space to stay informed, inspired, and connected. We’re glad you’re here. Welcome to the conversation, welcome to the community, and welcome to LocoPulse.

Loco Pulse is a production of the The Loco Experience Podcast Network in collaboration with This Is NOCO, bringing together local voices and stories that celebrate and strengthen Northern Colorado.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

We unpacked Old Town parking by focusing on clearly defining the problem, partnering with downtown businesses, and recognizing that “free parking” isn’t free. Looking ahead three to five years, we were excited about regional investment and amenities but concerned about traffic, crime, and growing polarization. We talked about supporting local businesses, reducing red tape, and understanding how property taxes and insurance affect downtown tenants. 

We also explored CSU’s importance, with Greg expressing strong confidence in its future, and we closed by sharing what outsiders should know about Fort Collins’ kindness, culture, and water-centric lifestyle.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

He later co-founded Breathe - a mindful community featuring yoga, extreme slacklining, meditation and more - and met his now wife at a Breathe festival - where they spent the full week together, and then she immediately joined the man she’d just met on a 30-day backpacking trip in Alaska.  I write all this to share the notion that when Dakota Collins does stuff - he does it all the way!  

Dakota founded Grey Rock Landscape and Construction in the fall of 2020, and hired his teenage sister to mow lawns, and built the business to 4 full-time employees before he quit his full-time job with Larimer County.  Now 5 years in and 18 employees strong, Grey Rock has become one of the premier landscape design and installation companies in Northern Colorado.  And it’s all about culture.  It seems everyone loves Dakota, and you will too - so please tune in and enjoy my conversation with Dakota Collins.  

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Hines Inc. is the leading voice in the #waterfirst movement, which encourages developers and property owners to consider water first when designing anything from a residential landscape plan to a city park to a major subdivision.  This can save 30% or more on install, 30% or more on maintenance, and increase the longevity of systems through professional management.  We zoomed in on Nate’s skills-building journey, which included bruising lessons from a failed merger, and the support and encouragement of an advisory board along the way.  

For the second half of the show, Nate interviewed your host, Curt Bear.  We discussed the philosophies that drive our policies at LoCo Think Tank, my why in becoming a small-L libertarian, and we closed with a selection of LoCo Experiences from yours truly - specifically, a quick tour of the five times I’ve nearly killed myself and my wife in raging rivers, on mountain passes, or on a motorcycle! - so please tune in and enjoy my conversation with Nate Hines.  

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RedDrop offers a simple at-home kit that uses heat to bring capillary blood close to the skin’s surface, followed by a quick, virtually painless micro-needle activation that creates tiny openings and applies gentle vacuum to collect blood. The process avoids nerve stimulation, reduces contamination, and produces a consistent, lab-ready sample. RedDrop is FDA-cleared and sold business-to-business, primarily to diagnostic companies, healthcare providers, and testing services. 

Kris is one of those sneaky entrepreneurs that fly under the radar, employing ~25 leading edge engineers at Phase Three Product Development - which his son Will is now managing - and changing the world of data collection (via blood) in the medical space.  You’ll be sure to hear more about him and RedDrop Dx in the years ahead, but start here and please enjoy my conversation with Kris Buchanan.  

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On today’s episode of The LoCo Experience podcast, I’m excited to introduce Ben & Kelsi Harris to our listeners!  They are the owners of the This is NOCO media company, and recently expanded their offerings through acquisition of Discover Fort Collins magazine - which will be adding editorial and community content and rebranding as Discover NOCO this spring!  

And - they’ve recently come aboard the team for The LoCo Experience podcast - Ben in production and Kelsi managing social media and Co-Hosting a new short-form Business & Community News segment on The LoCo Experience!  

Ben & Kelsi came back to Northern Colorado in 2020, escaping Covid-nation in California, where they worked together at a Christian camp - and Ben rekindled his production business, The Hype and the Heart at that time.  The opportunity to acquire NOCO Date Nights Instagram page surfaced in January 2024, and they’ve grown their following and rebranded to This is NOCO in the summer of 2025.  They are all about local, and together, we’re LoCo for Local, and so please welcome to the show - and to the team - and enjoy my conversation with Ben & Kelsi Harris of This is NOCO!

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We delved into his early years as a musician and music store manager in San Francisco, his transition into the restaurant and retail sectors, and how his personal and professional life evolved, including meeting his wife Natalia.  Resonate focuses on enhancing business communications and fostering a positive work culture, driven by Johnny's vast experience and genuine enthusiasm for helping others succeed. 

His approach combines practical business wisdom with the improvisational spirit of a jazz band; he shared a lot of Fimple wisdom, and we shared a lot of laughs, so please tune in and enjoy my conversation with Johnny Fimple. 

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Just out of school, Jenna Lee landed a job in marketing - a remote job for a California agency - and she soon evidenced her gutsy personality by starting her own freelance agency on the side, and exploring the most interesting places to live.  With stops in Austin, Chicago, Portland, Dublin and Fort Collins before finding her current home in Arvada, Jenna Lee lived the digital nomad lifestyle a decade before it was cool!  She’s a 6X Founder, and is turning one of her ventures - Screen Freed Revolution - into a non-profit in 2026.

In this conversation we explore financial best practices and emotions, the urge to start new things and to run Spartan Races, and discuss why Jenna Lee and her family should move back up to Fort Collins.  There’s lots of smart business content, many fun and inspiring stories, and plenty of laughs, so please join me in enjoying my conversation with Jenna Lee Dillon.

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After getting into real estate with a name-brand firm, John became a partner in a property management business, Big Bear Properties.  During the refi boom, he referred a full-time income worth of mortgages to a friend - who  encouraged to become a licensed mortgage broker - allowing him to provide full-service real estate for investors - or a la carte for anyone!   In 2025, he decided to go his own way in real estate, founding BBP Realty almost exactly a year from when this episode was released. 

John’s a great storyteller, and I enjoyed every bit of this conversation - and I think you will too.  So please join me in getting to know and love my new friend John Palke.  

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Rachael came to Colorado as a marijuana industry attorney - helping with formations and contracts and navigation of the regulatory hurdles in the still-young industry.  As the pace of growth in the industry slowed - and regulatory hurdles in other industries increased - she has expanded to become a full-service contracts and counsel firm with a specialty in regulatory navigation.

In this conversation, Rachael shares a lot about what you didn’t know about the marijuana industry and the local constrictions to growth - and some ideas about what’s ahead.  Smoking lounges, ketamine healing centers, and guided psychedelic journeys are all on the radar.  She’s a smart cookie, and a lotta fun, so please tune in and enjoy my conversation with Rachel Ardanuy.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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We delve into the history and operations of Grass Fed Foods and its brands Teton Waters Ranch and Sun Fed Ranch.  Kevin's passion for healthy, sustainable food is evident as he discusses challenges in the industry, including the economics of beef production and honoring commitments to animal welfare and environmental sustainability.  Did you know that most “grass fed beef” in the US is fed pelletized grass in a feedlot?!  

We also explored Kevin’s family and career path, from financial roles in various food companies, including a season in Germany - to his current leadership position and how he ascended to the role.  Kevin emphasizes the importance of balancing work and family, and drawing wisdom from  experience and from mentors.  Overall, it's a rich conversation about values, business strategy, and the drive to make a difference in the food industry.  So please join me in enjoying my conversation with Kevin Pallaoro.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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Aaron Eide visited Fort Collins almost exactly 25 years (to the day!) before we recorded this podcast.  He’s a UND graduate and came through the same Credit and Management Training program at Community First National Bank as yours truly - only a few semesters later.  Aaron had come out to scout out an apartment and see the town before moving to Fort Collins weeks later.  I gave him the nickel tour, took him out to see some live music at Lucky Joe’s and then to Elliot’s Martini Bar - and we don’t remember much after that!  

But/and - though we only worked together for about a year and in different offices - we’ve maintained a professional relationship through all these years, and that’s part of the theme of today’s podcast.  Brett’s prior experience in the military, and in manufacturing, and likewise Aaron’s career in credit and banking gave them added perspective on business and risk - and especially, people - that propelled their career growth.  

Lot’s of great business and relationship sales content in this one, and a bit of inside-baseball on the insurance industry, and three guys who all moved to the region in a short span of time - giving us a shared perspective - and so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Brett Kemp and Aaron Eide.  

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Marshall is a combat-disabled Marine Corps Explosives Detection Dog Handler, former police officer, private-security entrepreneur, and suicide prevention expert. 

This is an intense conversation with an insightful guy, and I know you’ll enjoy my conversation with Marshall Spring.  

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She highlighted her unique methods using energy psychology and quantum physics to help business owners overcome limiting beliefs and self-sabotage. We discussed her evolution from counselor to business owner to media personality, including her YouTube channel 'Talking with Teri TV, and her newly syndicated show The Entrepreneurial Girlfriend Hour.  

Teri opened up about her adventurous spirit and various adrenaline-driven activities, and underscored the importance of embracing one's passions and confronting your fears. We wrapped up by exploring her family life and future ambitions, emphasizing her mission to activate and inspire others. Overall, Teri's insights into business, neural development, and personal growth offer valuable takeaways for anyone looking to elevate their life and work.

This episode has something for everyone, especially for those who are feeling stuck, so I hope you’ll join me in enjoying my conversation with Teri Karjala.  

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We also delved into their shared history in event management and shared some wild stories from their time running music festivals. The segment concluded with the 'Loco Experience Challenge,' where each of us shared some of our craziest stories, and eventually crowned Joel the champion.  

The episode is chock full of entrepreneurial insights, personal anecdotes, and plenty of laughs - so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Joel Gustafson and Jess Gries of Seed & Spirit Distilling. 

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We also get into a real estate update - westside Fort Collins finally getting the love it deserves! - and we talked about the upcoming 25th Anniversary show of his travelling folk band from his college days and just after - Maskil.  The show is November 20 at The Rialto Theater, and tickets are both available and affordable - get them here.  We always have a lot of fun, and we usually enjoy a couple of bourbons - but today that was just me, as Aaron had band practice after!  So please enjoy my most recent conversation with Aaron Everitt.  

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Rebecca’s journey is informed by grief, with multiple suicides in her sibling group and extended family, a career rise and fall and rejuvenation - and powered by intentional education.  Her methodology combines hypnosis with other modalities to rewire and break through long  standing barriers to healing, and she shares abundantly how to identify, process, and move past.  

Rebecca shares her authentic journey and more recent experience in transformational healing - and I know you’ll enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Rebecca Archuletta.  

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From humble beginnings, out of his garage and with half a paycheck from his previous employer in the bank, Evan took every small job he could land, and in a year and a half, hired another electrician and some admin support and moved up to a storage unit, and hired more and moved up to a larger storage unit, and today he owns his own real estate and employs a team of about 45.  Steady growth throughout, and Evan has sat in every seat in the business over time.  

Evan’s journey is one of building a loyal team, developing consistent processes, and investing in his own leadership and team skills along the way.  He’s a good ol’ boy type, and an easy conversation, so please join me in getting to know Evan Worsley, President and Founder of Conduct All Electric, Inc.  

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Steven shares anecdotes about his early experiences in the construction industry, including the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on his fledgling contracting business, and the pivots he made to navigate, and the eventual evolution into a corporate role - which led to LSE!   We also delved into the nuances of making connections on LinkedIn and elsewhere, and the importance of transparency and integrity in business dealings. 

Steven elaborates on their core values at LSE and how they have influenced the culture and growth of his company. Later in the conversation, he candidly talks about his struggles with alcohol, describing the night he hit rock bottom and how it led him to sobriety through the help of AA meetings and a supportive sponsor. Steven’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and personal growth - and was one of my most enjoyable recording sessions this season, so I’m certain you will enjoy - as I did - my conversation with Steven South.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Please visit Adam’s page at @electadammayor.bsky.social to learn more about his platform, and make sure to vote by or before November 4, 2025!  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Please visit www.emilyforfc.com to learn more about her platform, and make sure to vote by or before November 4, 2025!  

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Please visit Scott’s Facebook Page to learn more about his platform, and make sure to vote by or before November 4, 2025!

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Please visit triciaforfoco.com to learn more about her platform, and make sure to vote by or before November 4, 2025!

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Please visit www.adamegglestonformayor.com to learn more about his platform, and make sure to vote by or before November 4, 2025!

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Toro soon disappeared, but Matador has become a Fort Collins landmark, and staple food source for white-collar and blue collar, takeout and traveller alike.  My relationship with Matador began when I was a banker at Capital West Bank, kitty-corner across the street, and at least every other Wednesday I would go in for their smothered burrito special, ghost sauce on the inside and bathing in Matador’s delicious hot green chili.  Drink two Arnold Palmers while eating my burrito, building a sweat and then a shiver - and returning to the office in an altered state was my habit on Wednesdays, and it’s been a joy to reconnect with Paul as a collaborator of the Hot Nugs Conversation Series with Fort Collins Mayoral Candidates.  

Paul’s is a journey of resilience, dedication, customer loyalty, and continuous deliciousness and creativity, so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Paul Michaelson.  

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Please visit https://shirleyforfoco.com/ to learn more about her platform, and make sure to vote by or before November 4, 2025!

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We started by enjoying some Noah's Mill Bourbon and delved into tasting notes, appreciating its rich and traditional flavor.  Clint shared some recent reflections on the importance of voluntary (and involuntary) suffering for personal growth and how cultivating integrity and compassion can set humans apart from AI.  We also touched on Clint's use of therapeutic psychedelics like ketamine to enhance neuroplasticity and aid in trauma healing, and what is the good life that everyone is seeking - emphasizing the balance between provision, contentment, and enjoyment.

We also explored the general topic of trust, and especially the growing societal distrust of wealth - and the need for visionary leaders who can instill hope and integrity, especially in business, but also media, education, and government institutions.  In the latter portions of our conversation, Clint became the first to sample our Infinity bottle, a mix of all the distilled spirits that have been tasted on the show in recent months - roughly 2 parts tequila, 2 parts bourbon, and 1 part rye whisky!  Yum!  

Finally, Clint looks forward to future podcast appearances to dive deeper into specific topics, and we put in a shout-out - what do you want to know more about?  Clint is a philosopher and a futurist, and one of the smartest cats I know, so please enjoy, as I did, my most recent conversation with Clint Jasperson.

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We met up only a few hours after the assassination of Charlie Kirk - but he'd been working all day, and I broke the news to him.

Kyle has an inspiring journey, and was a very insightful guest, so please join me in enjoying my conversation with Kyle Speller. 

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I remember being inspired by her story back then - and oooh baby - has it only become more inspiring since!  

Roxy has now built a purpose-driven team of 5 mostly part-timers, and activates dozens of volunteers monthly to provide family coaching, short-term housing, a community network of support, or tangible needs for families navigating challenging times.  It’s an inspiring journey involving a near-audible call from God and many stories of providence - and so I hope you’ll join me in getting to know and love, Roxy Tines-Brewton of Safe Families for Children.  

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Jordan launched Bonifas Coaching in early 2023, bringing together his experience as a wrestling coach, college wrestler, whitewater raft guide, and entrepreneur. His coaching clients include a blend of performance coaching for athletes and strategic coaching for business leaders.  We discussed his transition from operating True Spruce - a vacation rental cleaning business in Steamboat - to moving to Fort Collins and starting his coaching venture, emphasizing lean operations and the importance of strong relationships and open conversation.  Jordan's insights into community, resilience, and integrity were refreshing and shifted traditional paradigms.  

Jordan shared how his unique lifestyle and experiences influence his coaching, and who might be drawn to his methods. Towards the end, he generously offered a free introductory consult for listeners looking to dive deeper into their strategies - just go to https://www.jordanbonifas.com/connect.  

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Brad shared the story of launching Catalyst Coaching 360 after being laid off from his healthcare executive job, and immediately set to work building a platform and training program which emphasizes the cultivation of functional mental toughness, underscoring elements like movement, diet, sleep, and connection.

Brad reminisced about his early athletic endeavors and the crucial influence of his wife and Co-Founder, Susanna, in shaping his life and career.  We ventured into topics like overcoming injuries, the significance of sound sleep, and the need for creating space for reflection.  We also delved into Brad's memorable experiences, including winning a two-person race across America after a severe injury, and we explored the future prospects of Catalyst Coaching 360 and Brad’s plans for his upcoming book on mental toughness.

I took a lot away from our time together - and you will too! - so please enjoy my conversation with Brad Cooper, CEO of Catalyst Coaching 360.  

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Jesse shared the early influences that got him into financial planning, contrasting the financial lifestyles of his father’s and mother’s households as he split time between them, and reflecting on a move to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in his teenage years, where he met his now-wife Megan in high school.  We also dive into Jesse's personal growth journey, his faith, and his passion for fitness. The conversation touches on broader topics such as economic outlooks, attitudes toward regulation, and the evolving political climate, and features a robust blend of professional (but not specific!) advice and personal anecdotes.  So please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Jesse Jorgenson.  

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Reed spoke at length about his family legacy in business, starting with his grandfather's Coca-Cola distribution company and continuing with his father's agency’s inception and growth before partnering with a larger insurance brokerage - which grew to become the dominant regional player over time.  Reed's desire to strike out on his own was fueled by a commitment to transparency and ethical business practices, seeking to align his financial incentives with those of his clients. This focus extends to his personal life as well, where he balances business responsibilities with spending quality time with his wife Hannah and their two young boys.

Outside of work, Reed is actively involved in his community, notably serving as the President of Northern Colorado United for Youth, a volunteer organization that raises significant funds for local children’s charities - and has their annual Suitcase Party coming up on August 15th! Despite the various responsibilities, he manages to find time for travel and personal interests. Stories from his travels, including a memorable and somewhat nerve-wracking visit to Israel, highlight his adventurous spirit and commitment to both personal and professional growth.  So please join me in enjoying my conversation with Reed Miller.  

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They bought property in Chilean Patagonia in 2008, and over the years developed both the property and deep relationships with the neighboring families.  Despite travel challenges and lack of infrastructure - their valley finally got electric power in 2016! - they’ve developed an amazing fishing and recreation property in one of the most unique glacial valleys in Patagonia, and we spend a fair bit of time exploring their valley and the local culture.   

Brian and Mary also shared extensively about their business evolution, particularly how incorporating systems and focusing on quality customer service has been their key to success. Brian appreciated how Mary’s involvement sped their evolution, and how his membership in LoCo Think Tank has broadened his and their perspectives.  For young  people, they emphasized the importance of travel and entrepreneurship, and shared how their focus on values informs their business and family decisions. Our time together was an exploration of building a business and a life with intention and an adventurous spirit, so please tune in and enjoy my conversation with Brian and Mary McKnight.  

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We talked about Moses' special sauce in founding and growing the business, which for Moses has always been maximizing - continuous improvement and streamlining operations.  Moses emphasized the importance of operating with profit margins from day one and advises against expanding too quickly - in team size or overhead expenditures. He shares his journey in developing his skills, acknowledging the significance of his LoCo Think Tank membership in helping him develop both business acumen and leadership skills.  We also dug into his recent separation from a minority partner, and the challenge in both honoring a strong relationship - and knowing when it’s time for a change.  

We dove into Moses' family life, discussing his 31-year marriage to Sara, his pride in his children and their pursuits, and their shared love of travel.  Recent travels recounted included a surf trip to El Salvador and a harrowing motorcycle accident in Mongolia that turned into an opportunity to experience the region in a whole new way.  

Our conversation highlights the cultural and business experiences that come from fostering strong relationships, and the power of intentionality with family, community engagement, and the pursuit of a lasting legacy.  He’s a friend, a mentor, and a strong example of the power of peer advisory - so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Moses Horner.  

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We talked about the importance of intentional one-on-one time in relationships - especially any parent-child relationship - and how his own upbringing influenced his career shift from corporate life to founding a nonprofit.  Bob shared how the organization thrived during the COVID era due to its reliance on private funding and commitment to its mission, and positioned them for an upcoming expansion to a Colorado Springs area campus. 

Bob also highlights the significance of having a strong board and community support in overcoming business challenges, and their future plans for a national presence. Additionally, we delved into Bob's personal life, including his family, kids, grandkids, and a memorable stint working in the fishing industry on Orcas Island. 

Bob's story underscores the power of relationships in personal and professional life, and the principles involved in making them stronger. So please tune in, as I’m sure you’ll enjoy my conversation with Bob Hewson, CEO of CYO.

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One of the topics we discussed was the challenge of constantly hiring and training and the high rate of burnout in the mental health industry. Julien  shared the significance of building a supervisory internship model at Momentum to train new therapists. He emphasized the role of community in mental health and how the decline in organized religion and service clubs may be impacting people's psychological well-being - isolation is our enemy.  

Julian's life and business journey is inspiring; he moved from France to Florida for college, overcame language barriers during his first few years, and attended law school and practiced law for several years before finding his calling in counseling.  We reflected on the factors leading to the immense growth of Momentum Counseling and the risks and rewards of growing an enterprise vs. operating a practice. Finally, Julian shared his perspective on emerging trends in mental health, including the acceptance and benefits of telehealth and the potential benefits of chemically assisted trauma therapy.  His is an inspiring and still early-stage journey, with lots of great insights into mental health and well-being, so please enjoy - as I did - my conversation with Julien Faure.  

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We discuss the challenges of maintaining a strong marriage in an entrepreneurial setting, and the impact of their business experiences on their relationship. Mark opens up about the difficulties of running multiple businesses, including a challenging assisted living business affected by COVID-19 which found them restarting in business and life in Northern Colorado .

Kathy emphasizes the importance of creating a vision together in maintaining a strong relationship, and Mark credits his experience with peer advisory groups like C12 and LoCo Think Tank, and how these communities have been invaluable in building skills and perspective. Throughout, the focus remains on the dignity of work, the importance of community, and the enduring strength of their partnership. There is strong wisdom from lived experience in this episode, and I know you’ll enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Mark & Kathy Rushing. 

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The trio shares fascinating anecdotes from their youth, including adventures and misadventures, and highlight the challenging yet rewarding path to their current success. We also discuss their personal lives, relationship-building, and deep-rooted faith, which plays a significant role in their company's ethos and leadership style.  So please join me in enjoying my conversation with Chris, Patrick, and Austin, partners in one Northern Colorado’s most highly regarded commercial construction companies, Elder Construction.  

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The conversation delves deep into Travis’s personal battles, including a struggle with opioid addiction, and how he eventually overcame it through determination and support from his family and community. Travis also explores how his experiences led him back to academia, transformed his understanding of success to focus more on personal fulfillment and relationships, and the role psychedelics played in his healing journey.  You won’t want to miss his LoCo Experience at the end, involving a week-long relationship with a valet Ferrari, so please tune in and enjoy my conversation with Travis Luther.  

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Dwight's passion for his work and his team's dedication to excellence were evident throughout our conversation. We touched on various aspects of Dwight's life, from his family and personal background to his experience in Builder 20 business groups that have helped refine their business practices. The conversation was both informative and engaging, highlighting the highs and lows of running a successful construction business. From the humorous story of a barroom altercation during a business trip to a tender discussion of Dwight's family and future aspirations, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what makes HighCraft Builders tick. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply interested in the construction industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and stories, so please enjoy - as I did - my conversation with Dwight Sailer. 

PS - I booked this conversation with Dwight after congratulating him on HighCraft being recognized with a BBB Torch Award for business ethics.  In his humility, and my forgetfulness, the topic never even came up in our conversation, so I thought I should at least mention it during the intro! 

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Tellus was seeded with funds from the sale of a previous business, Rodelle, which Joe developed into a vertically integrated vanilla extract business, connecting hundreds of farmers in Madagascar with millions of shoppers in Costco and Trader Joe’s.

The conversation also delves into their personal lives, including their mutual “early life crises” that led them to meet in the Peace Corps, their family dynamics and children, and how they balance their professional and personal lives. Joe and Melissa emphasize the importance of experiences, travel, and flexibility for young people figuring out their career and life journey, and the episode wraps up with a thoughtful discussion on the future of their business and their commitment to making a positive impact on the planet.  They’ve got great gear, a wonderful mission, and strong conversation skills, and I know you’ll enjoy getting to know my latest guests, Joe & Melissa Basta.  

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We delve into the complexities and future of AI in software development, emphasizing its potential to level the playing field for custom software solutions. The conversation transitions to personal reflections, where Murph highlights his focus on lifestyle changes influenced by dandapani’s book - “The Power of Unwavering Focus” and his personal commitment to making significant life enhancements through the power of concentrated thought.  I’m sure you’ll enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Murph McIver.

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Sjeanne highlights how she transitioned from personal training gyms to a significant role in one of South Africa's leading corporate investment banks, and how she was involved in transformative projects, particularly in the realms of cryptocurrency and digital assets. Sjeanne also touches on her approach to understanding and leveraging future trends like AI and digital currencies.

The conversation also includes Sjeanne's personal life experiences, including her two near-death experiences and how they helped shaped her perspective on life and work. She discusses her move to America, driven by an online romance during COVID, and her observations on the cultural differences between the two countries. Sjeanne concludes by offering advice for young people navigating their educational and career paths, emphasizing the importance of following one’s passions and creating value in their work.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Gregg shares insights into his diverse professional journey, including his experience with think tanks and founding a startup foundation focused on education reform, which ultimately led him to move their family to Sweden.  There, he taught entrepreneurship and leadership at the Royal Institute of Technology - Sweden’s equivalent to MIT.   

The conversation delves into the significance of understanding oneself and discovering one's passions and strengths, especially for young adults. Greg offers advice on trusting oneself, paying attention to one's interests, and taking action to experiment and learn. He underscores the value of being in community with others to gain insights and support in navigating life's transitions.  Gregg also reflects on his family life, including the challenges and rewards of moving from Sweden back to the U.S. with his wife and daughters. He highlights the importance of finding balance and joy in both professional and personal endeavors.

The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about memorable life moments, such as Gregg's adventurous trip to the Netherlands without a passport, and the role of music in his life.   He’ll be our keynote speaker and workshop leader at the LoCo member event this fall - Aim to Thrive - and I know you’ll enjoy getting to know my new friend, Gregg Vanourek.

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Constantin delves into the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, drawing on his expertise in Russian and Irish economics. He discusses the historical and geopolitical context that has contributed to the ongoing tension, and critiques the western approach to handling the situation. The conversation also touches on broader themes like the weaponization of economic systems, challenges to U.S. economic hegemony, and the multidimensional nature of modern global conflicts.

Constantin also reflects on regional development issues specific to Northern Colorado, including regulatory burdens, the high cost of living, and the need for regional cooperation between cities to maintain competitive advantage. He suggests practical steps such as reducing state-level taxes and regulatory burdens to foster business growth. The episode concludes with personal reflections on his family and life experiences.  It’s an intriguing journey, and I hope you’ll join me in enjoying my conversation with Constantin Gurdgiev.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

The Field of Honor is a service to the community, to honor heroes of all stripes on Memorial Day Weekend.  With 500 flags flying adjacent to the Veterans Plaza and Travelling Memorial Wall, this project allows community members to honor a veteran, a first responder, a foster parent, a teacher - or any other hero of their lives with medallions attached to each flag.  The Peach Festival is all things peachy and community and Rotary - with peach beers, live music, peach pie eating contests - and much much more.  

And - we get to learn about what makes a great Rotarian, and what inspires a career professional to take the plunge into community service.  Teres is a gifted writer, and a topical expert in anything beef or dairy! - and David is a veteran financial planner, who gives dozens of hours each year to the cause of building community.  This episode is all about service, career, and community, and I loved sharing a bit of the journey with Teres Lambert and David Haase.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

This episode digs into the business of washing cars - the capital investment, the recycling of water, the continuous finding and development of entry level employees - and the heart of Wade’s why in finding joy in this journey.  

Wade’s journey was heavily impacted by a health scare - early in his relationship with his wife - in which an infection nearly severed his spine - and left him still unable to do some of the things he loves.  But he finds joy in his work, and in his music, and in his family - and you’ll hear about all of those things and more, so please join me in enjoying my conversation with Wade Keith.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

I met Josh and Angie Grenz in the early months of their opening their first Verboten location in a quiet industrial park in Loveland, and Angie actually came to the very first organizational meeting for the first LoCo Think Tank chapter - before I had come up with the name!  She didn’t join, and hasn’t yet - but I remain hopeful.  We’ve stayed in touch over the years, and reconnected more properly last year when they opened their second location in what had been Black Bottle Brewery in Fort Collins - which closed the fall before.  

Verboten means forbidden in German, and their selection of beers mostly has one thing in common - they use ingredients that would have been forbidden under historic German purity laws - which basically means you can have lager and you will love it!  Sours and Porters and Wine-Barrel aged Stouts and you name it - they’ve done it - and probably won a prestigious medal for it!  Josh and Angie eventually moved to a great downtown location in Loveland, and the Verboten North is at the corner of Prospect and College in Fort Collins.  

This is a journey of starting small, focusing on the product and the people, and growing into a regional brand.  In an industry that has experienced decline in recent years, Verboten continues to grow - and it’s due to hard work and smart decisions by Josh and Angie and their dedicated teams.  So please enjoy, as I did - my conversation with Josh and Angie Grenz.  

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Edward has been involved in DECA all four years of his high school journey, made it all the way to International his Freshman year, and has served on the Leadership Team ever since.  He won the State Competition in Entrepreneurship this February - and we’re wishing him luck at Internationals in May!  

This is a different journey than most of our LoCo Experience episodes - just getting started.  But I learned a lot, and enjoyed a wonderful conversation - and you will too!  So especially if you’ve got kiddos still in school, or grandkids going to high school soon - or if you might want to be a volunteer judge for the District or State competitions - I hope you’ll tune in and enjoy my conversation with Edward Rinehart.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

23 years later, Jessica has developed a three-piece set of thriving locations on the Colorado Front Range, each with an empowered team.  In 2024 she was named the Operator of the Year, and we explore her many lessons and learnings from along the journey.  And - she’s a LoCo Think Tank member!  

Don’t miss Free Cone Day, April 8 at Ben & Jerry’s locations around the nation, and please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Jessica Dizmang.  

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Zak has an interesting business model in that he relies heavily on long term HB2 Visa employees, who return seasonally - mostly from Mexico and Guatemala - and we discuss his concerns about labor force in 2025, and how ZGL was almost taken down by an HB2 shortage in 2017, amid over-reliance on seasonal workers.  Zak has a big beard and a big heart, is a fellow Rotarian, and is a joy to have a conversation with - so I hope you enjoy, as I did - my conversation with Zak George.  

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Jack Graham came to Fort Collins to play quarterback for CSU, and was drafted into the NFL for the Miami Dolphins.  In his post-football career, Jack quickly became an innovative disrupter in the reinsurance industry, and he founded International Catastrophe Insurance Managers, distributing risks from natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes - and was recognized as the Earnst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003.  He returned to Fort Collins and led the charge to build a new football stadium, and went on to the role of Athletic Director at CSU.

Ginger Graham is a country gal from Arkansas, who earned a Harvard MBA and went on to become CEO of several companies, including a Fortune 500 and a Nasdaq 100 firm - and she makes the best pies west of the Mississippi!  And she’s on my short list of favorite people.  

Since Ginger had shared previously (Episode 73), we focus in on Jack’s journey in this one, including his journey in football and reinsurance - and the challenges around the stadium project and tour of duty with CSU Athletics.  The Grahams share the short story of their romance and their why in Ginger and Baker, and Ginger settles my fears about Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs - which I didn’t recall she’d been involved in developing!  And - we talk about all the great things going on in Northern Colorado now - and the even better times ahead! 

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At the start, Pete was a one-man team, selling janitorial services during the day - and executing the cleanings at night!  They grew steadily throughout though, and sold in April of 2023 with a team size of around 150 and a significant market share in both the general janitorial space as well as specialized tech and medical clean room janitorial.  

We spend a good amount of time talking about business principles in this episode - relationship selling, margins and bidding, account management, hiring entry-level workers during a labor shortage - and finding the right time and manner of exit.  And, we talked about life after exit - community engagements, a recent mission trip to Tanzania, and Pete’s why in joining the team as a LoCo Facilitator.  We’re so glad to have him on the team, and I know you’ll enjoy - as I did - my conversation with Pete Gazlay.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Alex is also the Host of the Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast, which has hosted many dozens of conscious leaders on topics as diverse as building teams for scaling, developing a personal brand, or redefining happiness in your life.  He’s also a generous guy, and gave our listeners the opportunity to save $100 off your Summit tickets by March 31 - use code LOCO - and one lucky listener will win 50% off tickets - but you’ll have to listen to win!  

As always, Alex and I enjoyed a wide-ranging conversation, dialing in on crucial business and life principals - and chasing lots of squirrels.  So please enjoy - as I did, my conversation with Alex Raymond.  

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Scott has lived quite an interesting journey, growing up in a retail grocery family in South Fork, Colorado as a hard-working multi-sport athlete, finding faith and then drawing his family to it - and then attending Colorado Christian University in Denver.  After college he soon found himself as a leader in Sales and Operations at Gibb’s Bagels and then Yancey’s Food Service - and then finding his way back to ministry as a Senior Executive with Timberline Church.  

Scott shares many amazing business and faith stories in this episode, and also gives us a behind the scenes on the renovation, operation, and future plans at Sky Corral Ranch - so tune in and enjoy my conversation with Scott Kissel.  

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Ann has lived an extraordinary journey, in some ways starting when was adopted from a South Korean orphanage at 4 years old, and raised by a family in Oregon.  She became a teacher fresh out of college - didn’t like it - and went into her father’s industry of Insurance.  She moved to Colorado with State Farm and did everything from Claims to Sales Training, and later worked in Payroll, Business Development for the Loveland Chamber, and did freelance event planning and more before launching NOCO Community.  

Ann is wise beyond her substantial years :o) - and shares abundantly from her practical toolkit on networking and sales.  Tune in and sharpen up your skills, and enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Ann Baron.

Also - congrats to Ann for winning Best of NOCO for 2024 Networking Organization!  

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The event rental industry is an interesting critter.  Unlike a retail transaction where the customer pays and leaves with their stuff - event rental requires the business not only to deliver - (on time, every time, no matter what!) - but also the business must pick their equipment back up from the location, and clean and refresh for the next customer.  Phil is an expert in the industry, and shares abundantly from what he’s learned.  

And - he’s a philosopher, an adventurer, a dog dad, and a wonderful conversationalist.  So please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Phil Gottula.

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Meredith’s album, When Walls Speak, is a study on Dumfries House - home to King Charles when he’s in Scotland, and where she has been resident harpist for many years.  She’s also resident harpist for Trump Turnberry, Glen App Castle, Culzean Castle and more - if you need an amazing harpist in Scotland, or around Europe and the world, you’d be wise to call on her.  She’s also the founder of a festival called Tamfest, a serial entrepreneur, and a business consultant!  

Jai McDowall grew up in music, and performed on stage with his father going back to his teenage years.  After he won Britain’s Got Talent in 2011, his life changed forever - and he caught amazing traction during his first year.  When he went independent however, he had much to learn.  Equipped with Meredith’s friendship and insights for business, he’s crafted an extraordinary world-ranging career from those first opportunities, and he’s a great case study on how talent alone - isn’t enough!  

Inspiring and entertaining as always, and this time with one of the world’s most famous harpists, plus a friendly baritone with a fun Scottish accent.  Enjoy.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Dain is a coach for engineers turned managers. These range from first-time managers, to rising stars potentially headed toward the CEO role - and even new CEO’s.  This podcast zooms in on the principals of coaching others to better lead people, and apply to anyone. 

Dain is an awesome guy, and shares abundantly from his knowledge and craft.  He also built and sold a coffee company in Texas in a previous chapter, and is co-founder and partner in Isolation Coffee here in Fort Collins, offering premium coffee, delivered to your door!  

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A few short years later she drove herself to Crested Butte, Colorado for a job on a ski hill, and worked a series of small jobs before landing in 911 dispatch.  Her journey turned after a beneficial season with a local chiropractor, and an encouraging word - and she landed in the Front Range of Colorado fresh out of chiropractic school in Atlanta.  This year, she’s celebrating 10 years of growth, and the purchase of a new office location!  

Jane has been a member of LoCo Think Tank for over 5 years, and hers is a story of steady growth, constant love for her clients and community, and building healthy lives on strong foundations.

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A few years later, he was the first employee of a startup called Wintermind Group (featured in Episode 24), which later merged to become Pop Acta with Cole as right-hand to the CEO.  At Pop Acta he headed a skunk-works project in 2022, which sprouted wings and took off as The Flyover - a wholly-owned subsidiary with Cole at the helm.  Condensed daily email news, minimal bias, and growing quickly into state-by-state versions.  

Cole’s is a journey of consistent growth in responsibility and impact, built on do the right thing.  

Enjoy.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Disclaimer - We forgot to talk about the professional walleye fisherman chapter!

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Also, Alma breaks down our top 5 most-listened episodes of 2024 and we talk about some of the most inspiring - and the most LoCo - experiences shared during season 4. If you’re a fan of the show, you won’t want to miss this one!

Disclaimer - We lost the first hour of our conversation due to a tech glitch, during which Ava shared deeply about the joys and the traumas of her dance career.  We tried to start over and re-create the conversation, but it was admittedly difficult to remember what we’d covered in the lost conversation, and what was still left to unfold in the fresh one.    

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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In the mid-80’s, Ted worked for Knudson Manufacturing, building and servicing gutter and steel siding manufacturing machines.  By the mid-90’s, he’d started his own business (R & B Home Improvement) doing every kind of siding, additions and remodels, and also building log homes from scratch.  Logs look great - but they’re a pain-in-the-butt to maintain, and very expensive to build with.  So - Ted invented and patented a technique to create roll-steel log-look siding, and installed the product on several local projects while Ryan was studying business and marketing at CSU.  By 2011 however, the product had not caught traction, and TruLog was effectively hibernating - it was too complicated for lumberyards and home improvement stores to carry with sufficient margin, and the home improvement business carried on.

Enter Ryan in 2012, when he invested $16,000 of his own money for a direct-to-consumer marketing campaign on Facebook, and sold a project for delivery to New Mexico - and executed every step of the customer journey!  Custom fit, box-shipped with instructions, log-look siding, to cover up or replace your lap siding or finish your new construction project with a fire resistant and maintenance-free finish.  

Growth was rapid from there, 10x for 2013 and well into 8 figure revenues today.  Still a family business, and still built on the values they had from the start:  High quality products, honesty, hard work, customer service, and family.   

Quite a journey, and quite a guy, and I’m proud to introduce our listeners to Ryan Reed-Baum and TruLog, the best natural look metal siding on the market - built right here in Northern Colorado, brought out of hibernation and grown by innovative marketing and customer service.  

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Gabrielle Judge, I met more recently, in that when I suggested to Matthew that he should share his story on the show - he said “Dude, you gotta have my girlfriend on too - she’s like blowing up on tik-tok and Instagram!  

And indeed - this is so.  In less than 2 years, #antiworkgrilboss Gabrielle has over 220K followers on Tik-Tok, over 300K followers on Instagram, a growing Substack following - and a book coming out!  Hopefully, her followers will spur new listeners and followers of @thelocoexperiencepodcast! - follow and share today!  Despite the clicky-bait hashtag though, this girl is anything but opposed to work - if it’s work of the right kind, and honoring to both employer and employee.  

This conversation gets very real, very early, with Gabrielle and Matthew both sharing their upbringing with alcoholic, abusive, and mentally unstable home environments - and both moved early into their own struggles with substance.  In 5th grade, Matthew traded a Pokemon card for a stolen bag of weed, rolled it into joints at 5 bucks per, and began a series of substance abuse peaks and valleys that eventually left him on the streets - until it was time for a change.  Matthew came to his new life in Northern Colorado straight out of rehab - and he’s been sober and growing his business ever since.  Gabrielle’s journey is no less dramatic or inspiring - but you’ll have to listen to get it - because she’s the #antiworkgirlboss and she’s here sharing with Matthew and me on The LoCo Experience! 

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When Forrest started his business, he did a lot of different things.  Custom and semi-custom cabinetry, tables and art shelves, interior design elements - he could figure out how to do it.  And sometimes, he figured out how to make enough margin on it to be profitable.  But his exacting craftsmanship and urge for distinctive design made it tough to compete in the volume production market, and he’s been shifting his business more and more toward the custom and heirloom quality furniture market, and in 2024 fully emerged as Forrest Cramer - Luxury Furniture Artist.

And - he’s a really interesting guy.  Many children, simple tastes, old-school values.  He’s an interesting contrast to his typical client - who might be looking for a signature piece for their 3rd home 6,000 sq. ft. “cabin” in the foothills outside Aspen.  He’s the best and only luxury furniture artist I know, I dig him a lot and you will too - so please enjoy my conversation with Forrest Cramer.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Citadel works in what is effectively a seller-side representative role for lower middle market privately held companies, helping them find an exit or a growth capital partner, depending on circumstances and the owner’s desires for the company.  These might include strategic acquisitions, minority capital injections, or 100% private equity or family office buyouts.  Citadel gets paid on the back end of each transaction - and only if it is completed.  For me, this conversation is a fun look behind the curtain of an industry I’ve only brushed against in my career, and listeners will learn a lot while I satisfy my curiosity about the kinds of deals that Aaron and his partners have seen in the marketplace.  

Aaron’s journey is an inspiring one, in that he marched through several years of challenge before starting from scratch in a new career.  He’d had a very successful career in mortgage, and then wholesale mortgage before the financial crisis evaporated those opportunities, and then founded and floundered in his own commercial capital venture before checking in with Citadel about an entry-level job.  

At the core, Aaron is something of a hybrid between business analyst, life and business coach, and equity industry expert, and he does a great job of storytelling while keeping his clients anonymous.  I learned a lot, and you will too - so please tune in and enjoy my conversation with Aaron McCambridge, Managing Partner of Citadel Advisory Group. 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Brian launched Optitude in 2018, and is focused on helping professional services companies grow from the place of the founder being the primary rainmaker - usually up to $1MM annual revenues - and grow toward middle market scale and systems and push through the revenue plateau that often hinders growth and hampers morale.  

Brian chose the name Optitude as a hybrid of optimization and attitude, and if you can get those ingredients right, you’ll be ready to grow.  He shares abundantly from his experience and principles during this conversation, and perhaps the best part is the unfolding realization that “Hey, I’ve got something here that I can turn into a business!” and then hitting the ground running to bring value to the market.  There are abundant insights in this conversation for anyone who cares about predictable revenue growth, and so I hope you join me and enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Brian Kerlin. 

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From the Go-Fund-Me Page for Party In The Front! - 

There is an epidemic of loneliness in our culture today.

The U.S. Surgeon General says lacking social connection is more dangerous than smoking 15 cigarettes a day. More dangerous than obesity or air pollution.

Yet most of us live separate lives - distant from the people who are literally right outside our front door.  We believe it's time to change that story. And it doesn't take a lot.

All it takes is being yourself and bringing the good things of your life out into the open for others to see.

Instead of a party in your backyard, why not bring it to the front yard, where people can see and be invited in?

This is what it means to Party in the Front. To overcome loneliness and create community right where you are.

My conversation today is with a pair of smart and thoughtful guys, who spent a bunch of time putting together ideas and structure around a big challenge - why are so many people lonely, when we’re surrounded by people every day? - and how can we fix that? 

So please, join me to share in some ideas and visions for a more-connected future, and get to know the authors behind a new book sparking change in our cultural revitalization - Party In The Front!  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Aaron is a highly-acclaimed X.com creator of independent material, including a series of 100 essays on philosophical and economic topics, many of which supported the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  He and Emerson were able to spend an hour with the then-Presidential candidate in Denver, and we spent time talking about Aaron's journey going from frustration with the candidate Trump to optimism over the team of leaders who have joined his campaign.  

For your Host, I was a first-time Trump voter this year, after voting Gary Johnson and Kanye West the past two elections.  I voted for a major party for President for the first time with this vote, and did so both to acknowledge the coalition of leaders, and also to punish Democrats for obvious lawfare, suppression of free speech, and a very non-democratic primary selection process, including the black-balling of Kennedy, and the installation of Harris.  

Enjoy the perspectives, and thanks for listening!

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The colors and flavors that Juli creates, and the sheer beauty of their catering displays, is truly next level, and over time they’ve shifted their business to premium events such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, and private chef engagements.  Juli polished her craft as Executive Chef at a resort in Playa del Carmen, where Juan was a leader in creating amazing guest experiences - the owners of which were from Colorado.  After a 10-year career, Juli made the decision to leave her job and go on a 3-month solo trek to her native Columbia - through Guatemala, Central America, and the Dorian Gap.  At the same time, Juan was involved in a shamanic study program, and through his meditations and reflections he discovered that though he might not yet know the question, Juli was the answer!

Their love and Juli Y Juan’s Kitchen sprouted soon after, and the couple made their way to Fort Collins to launch this new chapter of life.  We talked about food, love, and community, plus Colombian and Mexican culture, business lessons learned, working at a resort, shamanism, immigration, race relations - you name it, we touched on it - and we went over 3 hours!  Almost everyone who knows Juli and Juan loves them, and I know our listeners will enjoy - as I did - my conversation with Juli Trujillo and Juan Rodriguez, experience creators at and co-founders of Juli Y Juan’s Kitchen.  

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Though Anthony’s had been established 40 years ago, the brand had grown stagnant at 18 locations, and had inefficiencies in its supply chain and marketing functions.  Garrett proposed an acquisition of the franchise to Andrew and his partners at FR Companies, they eventually settled on terms with the franchise owner, and effective in February 2024, EPIQ Ventures, LLC was formed to make the acquisition.  

Much has happened since, including a new partnership to serve Anthony’s Pizza at Red Rocks shows, revenue growth and increasing happiness of franchisees, and a new location on Harmony Road in Fort Collins that was open for only a few days when we had this conversation. 

Today’s conversation reveals wisdom through story on business acquisition and finance, and the cultivation of relationships that tie it all together.  Northern Colorado has already seen a lot from FR Companies, but the best is likely yet to come, and Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta is a cornerstone venture for what lies ahead.  So please enjoy - and learn from - my conversation with Andrew Rauch and Garrett Brizendine.

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As much as I love sharing a conversation with someone I’ve known for years, it’s quite special to me when I get to know someone in the podcast studio.  Christine started her business in 2006 as My Big Day company, and their first events were imagined and created as a service to the community - not for clients!  Their very first event - The Adult Prom - was for adults of any age who missed out on prom in their high school years - or just wanted a redo - and where participants dressed in the fashion of their high school days.  The NOCO Easter Keg Hunt is an annual scavenger hunt that takes place in downtown Fort Collins and Loveland - and will continue in 2025 in its 17th year!  These early events were all about community - and grown ups acting how they feel inside!  

Christine was full-time employed in marketing and advertising for over a decade while she grew her business, and they did a lot of wedding planning and event execution in the early years.  My Big Day has grown steadily and transitioned to become Big Deal Company in recent years, and Christine has built a team of marketers and event planners that now put on over 100 events annually - and do full-service marketing for their events clients - and only do weddings on a very selective basis.  Christine left the security of her day job in 2022 for the joy of being a full-time entrepreneur, and hasn’t looked back.  

And - all these business facts don’t tell the tale of the person.  Christine and I went over 2 and a half hours in this podcast conversation, and we probably could have gone a couple more.  We talked business and ideas and chased squirrels and shared laughs and we drank 2 bottles of white wine.  I left the conversation more convinced than ever that she is indeed - and considers all of her clients - a big deal - and so I hope you join in and enjoy my conversation with Christine Forster!  

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In the years to follow, John slowly grew the footprint of the restaurant - leasing and eventually acquiring vacant buildings to the west of the original location - and grew Silver Grill the 5-adjacent-units high-volume enterprise (& Fort Collins Icon) it is today.  John shares the story of how cinnamon rolls changed his business and client mix, and how the stars lined up for Alan and Jackie Jantzen to become the new operators in 2021.  As also shared by Alan, an introduction from their mutual banker turned into a conversation and then a transaction and now an enduring friendship.  

John needs no introduction in the world of Fort Collins restaurants, and I’m proud to share both the business journey and the sparkling personality behind the brand. We talk about the evolution of the restaurant industry, challenges and opportunities during covid, saltwater fly fishing, the gradual disappearance of the raisin cinnamon roll, and much more - so I hope you’ll tune in and enjoy my conversation with John Arnolfo.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Because…Ben the senior expects to be busy.  My guest today is CEO of Uncle Benny’s, but also running for Larimer County Commissioner for District 3, a seat he ran for and narrowly lost (to the current occupant) last time around.  With many of the same philosophies as his building supply company, Ben is running on a platform of Reasonable, Affordable, and Sustainable, and you can learn more on his campaign page at Vote4Aste.com.  

I like Ben a lot, enough that I put a “Uncle Benny for Larimer County” sign up in my yard, and I even gave him a little chip-in on his campaign.  He’s a win-win-win-win kind of guy, and his combination of business sensibilities and conservationist principles should be (and is) appealing to voters of all stripes and flavors.  And - when I learned in this conversation how much Larimer County Commissioners make I wondered aloud - maybe I should be a Larimer County Commissioner!  Stay tuned on that topic! - and please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Ben Aste.  

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I first heard about Noah when he ran for city council in Fort Collins in 2019 as a relative newcomer to town - and fell just short.  Their season in ministry with Antioch ended about the same time, and Noah and Alli both went to work in construction, with Noah first as CFO and later President of Northern Colorado Construction Firm, and Alli as Lead Designer - and only for a few seasons.  Hutch Design Build was launched in April of 2022, and has already grown to a team of 7!  

Hutch Design Build offers design-first custom solutions for major remodels and additions, accessory dwelling units, and full-custom family homes - and as of a few days before this conversation Noah and Alli have secured the longtime coffee house location The Bean Cycle in Old Town Fort Collins - and have some amazing plans for the space.  

You’ll have to tune in to hear about those plans, and also to get to know an amazing couple, using their shared strengths to make client’s home and family dreams come true!  So please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Noah and Alli Hutchison.  

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While she has continued to be in high demand for her photography, in the last few years Julie started coaching business owners and executives to excel in their current role - and to consider their next chapter.  Newly in 2024 her focus has narrowed even further - helping people like her - teachers, counselors, nurses, social workers, and more - that have found career success but are experiencing burnout - plan and execute their next chapter, usually as entrepreneurs!

Julie is a great conversationalist, a lifetime learner, and an adventurer.  Though acquainted for years, this is the first time we’ve really sat down together for an extended period - and I left the conversation with both my fondness and my respect increased.  So please join me - and learn lots of great stuff - about and from Julie Ulstrup, America’s Encore Career Strategist!  

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Custom Marine Products has been growing at a 40%+ growth rate for most of its 10-year history, and is beginning to broaden their product offerings beyond highish-end marine solar systems, controllers, and lithium battery systems. They are increasingly developing their camper-van market offerings, and introducing refrigeration systems and more in the seasons to come.  It’s an interesting business, with 3 - 6 month lead times for most of their products, and slow inventory turns.  

In Tom’s previous chapters, and still today to a lesser extent, Tom has been a finance entrepreneur - sourcing capital for day traders, identifying arbitrage opportunities in foreign exchange markets, and other brainy stuff - and he is also active as an angel investor.  Tom’s a brilliant guy, a world explorer, and a very entertaining guest - so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Tom Trimmer.  

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Trish’s previous work developing training and education plans helped to build a culture of service and learning in the organization, and many of her earliest employees are still there today.  Isaac Bowen (her son) started soon after the acquisition on a very part-time basis in a Recruiting Assistant role, but was mostly focused on his restaurant career.  However, when the Covid crisis hit the industry, and customer traffic (and personal income) fell off - he was eager to find a new challenge.  He quickly became one of the best recruiters and business developers to ever join the team (a role they had struggled with) and they’ve grown in size and scope since his full-time arrival.  Isaac has also been building an adjacent search business for specialty trades - Benchmark Search Group.  

Lots of good stuff in this one - team dynamics, cultural awareness, hiring trends, industry ethics, and generational opportunities and transition.  This mother and son have a great dynamic, each allowing and encouraging the other to do well what they do best, for the furtherance of their business, and the service of client needs.  It’s a peak behind the curtain of an often-misunderstood industry, so join if you will, and enjoy my conversation with Trish Bowen-Bannister and Isaac Bowen.  

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Jennifer’s journey is inspiring in both achievements and authenticity.  An All-American athlete during her college years, she also battled depression and anxiety for years, and through a journey of exploration she began to tie together physical wellness and athletic performance to mental and emotional health.  She built a physical therapy business early in her career, and grew her coaching business on this foundation of physical well-being.  

Jennifer is an accomplished speaker from the stage, and at times I think she forgot it was just the two of us in the studio.  She used the words “you guys” enough times I couldn’t help but call her out - and if you close your eyes and listen, you can imagine her on a TedX stage.  And - Jennifer shares abundantly from her journey and learning, and there are a good many nuggets in this one.  So please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Jennifer Watson.  

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We talk a lot about Tucker in this one - my 11-year-old Schnocker - and Amber shares abundantly with me and our listeners about how dogs (and people) think and learn, and especially about how to create better behavior for your dog - even as a self-implementor.  Don’t teach your dog not to bark when there’s a knock on the door, for example - that’s really hard.  Instead, teach them to go sit on their sleeping pad and be ready for an introduction. Give them something to do - not something not to do.  

A propellant to Summit’s recent growth has been her “Drink with Your Dog” training program, which brought Amber to national attention - DWYD is a program centered around creating dog-friendly breweries, and brewery friendly dogs.  The growth of the business has required Amber to spend less time training dogs, and more time working on the business and becoming a capable CEO.  We talk a lot about that journey, her hopes and plans for the future, and about those who’ve been a part of her journey so far.  She’s perhaps the most smarty-pants about dogs person I’ve ever met, you’ll learn a lot and love her personality, so please enjoy my conversation with Amber Quann.  

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Kelly came to town for a big job - to turn around longtime housing focused non-profit organization Neighbor to Neighbor, which had grown out of a grassroots movement in the 1970’s but had suffered through the real estate doldrums of the Great Recession.  She did just that, growing to a sustainable revenue model and a staff of nearly 20 before the Covid pandemic response flooded the organization with resources - with expiration dates! - and they grew to over 60 employees by 2022 - and then had to shrink back down to a stable(ish) staff of 30.  How does a compassionate leader downsize with prudence and justice and empathy? - just ask Kelly - as I did.  N2N is in a great place and still offers a dozen programs ranging from home buyer preparedness training to rent assistance to homeshare programs and much more.  

Kelly is cheerful and open and kind, and one of the most empathetic and intelligent people I’ve ever met.  And - she’s a freethinker and a person I can cheerfully disagree with and challenge without risking a friendship!  So please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Kelly Evans.  

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Don’s sales career began in middle school, when he started buying candy in bulk and selling to kids - and sometimes teachers or admin staff - but not competing with the brands the band or cheer squad were selling for fundraisers.  He was a socially awkward kid, and endured an abusive and isolating relationship with his mother for much of his childhood.  Eventually finding success and social skills through speech and debate, at one point Don imagined a life in conservative politics.  After growing disenchanted with politics, however, Don built his sales skills and programs, and came to Colorado as part of the Gorilla Group in the early 2000’s.  When he was laid off during the post 9/11 dip, Don launched his independent sales training business in 2001 and hasn’t looked back.  

Don is the Sales Heretic - and a heretic in general he would say.  He’s an eccentric genius - my favorite kind - and he shares very abundantly from his sales and training toolkit in this conversation.  So please enjoy getting to know and learn from the Sales Heretic, Don Cooper.  

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Matt founded Party Land in the Los Angeles area in 2018, and moved the HQ office to Fort Collins for a change of scenery not long into the Covid lockdowns of 2020 and beyond.  He has had an incredible career journey, working with some of the fastest growing and most innovative marketing agencies in the industry, and leading campaigns for Arby’s (We Got the Meats), Buffalo Wild Wings, and Netflix - among others.  His first big client after launching Party Land was Liquid Death, and if you’ve noticed that Men’s Warehouse is moving back into cultural relevance - that has Matt’s fingerprints on it too.  

And - Matt’s earlier chapters of life were no less incredible.  His grandfather and family were effectively marijuana kingpins of Eastern Oregon, with multiple grow ops, sophisticated processing, and a significant dealer network.  Going to grade school with grown-up secrets was emotionally challenging, and Matt struggled for years before finding a creative outlet in music - initially jazz, and then punk.  He tried to sign up for the Air Force when he was 17 to escape his town and home life, but his parents wouldn’t sign the paperwork - and that launched him on a 10 year professional music journey!  A music festival allowed the band a window into the next level of success - and they didn’t want it!  And the advertising career began.

Warning:  This Episode is a world-class ADHD squirrel chase with a pair of goofs, and you can basically hear us becoming friends during this conversation.  So please join me in getting to know the Founder and Chief Creative at Party Land, Matt Heath, on The LoCo Experience. 

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The entrepreneurial journey for Chantill Lopez seems to have started with a move to Hawaii, when she and her partner went there to be part of the crew on a start-up mushroom farm.  With the farm caught up in red tape for over a year, Chantill worked odd jobs including a snack shack before re-finding her love for Pilates from high school, and soon after becoming a Pilates teacher.  

A fateful statement from a friend that “you’ll never make any money teaching Pilates” preceded her own business launch, and she went on to prove them wrong, and with a partner built a highly successful group of studios in the Napa Valley region.  She continued from there to build a teacher training business, and further studied both business practice and neuroscience - on top of her body-focused foundation - and with a Co-founder built The Embodied Business Institute to provide business training, coaching, and education focused on health businesses - yoga studios, physical therapists, gyms, pilates studios and more don’t need to be in it for the passion - they can also make money - and here’s how!  

I learned so much in this conversation, and we laughed a lot and I asked a few dumb questions - but I came away very much understanding why my friend Max loves this woman - and you will too. So, please join me in getting to know a new friend, Chantill Lopez.  

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But now - it’s back on! - even if I have to go out of my way.  When I asked Ryan about being on the podcast, he said “only if we can drink too much bourbon” - and I knew we were going to have a fun time.  What I didn’t know is that William Oliver’s now has additional locations in Windsor and Lafayette, and that Ryan is not only an incredible spirits expert and armchair historian - he’s also a very-business-savvy CEO!  

Ryan’s journey into founding William Oliver’s is all about “why wait?”.  He’d been working in various contracting and consulting roles, fell in love with Publick Houses during a stretch in the UK, and had a dream of “someday” opening a pub in Fort Collins.  His wife Tiffany asked the question “why wait”, and a year later they took over a tiny space that had been vacant for years, in the King Soopers center off Drake and Timberline.  They worked evenings and weekends building out and then staffing the kitchen and the bar (and raising a family) for many a season before they could depart their day jobs. But the concept caught strong from the start, and the location was soon expanded, and later, more locations added!  

William Oliver’s is a story of passion, smart business, employee engagement, and why wait - and Northern Colorado is richer in deed and in spirit for it.  So, please join me in enjoying my conversation with Ryan Wallace.  

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Kevin is the third leader of Fiske Electric, which was founded by his uncle Virgil in 1977.  Kevin moved to Colorado from Alaska in 1984 to join the team - and soon after became a partner, and the business was subsequently managed by Virgil’s son Clifford beginning in 1996.  Kevin ascended to leadership and majority ownership in 2016, and Brittany joined the company in 2019.  In 5 short years, she has been key to modernizing Fiske’s image online, renovating their HR functions, and maintaining a culture of excellence and integrity while growing their team in a challenging labor market.

Today’s conversation explores what it takes for a business to ascend to middle market scale - over time - and what it means to be a part of a multi-generational family enterprise.  Brittany’s status as heir-apparent was earned not granted, a fact that became increasingly obvious as we continued the conversation, and pride in both father and daughter in being a part of this legacy family enterprise is pronounced throughout the conversation.  And so, please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Kevin Fiske and Brittany McCahan. 

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Savvy helps EOS-implementing(ed) firms build their leadership team, by serving in the role of fractional Integrator, and sourcing and managing fractional C-Suite roles in Finance, Marketing, and Sales.  For those small businesses trying to make the journey from small to middle-market, Savvy can often be a medium or longer term part of the team.  

Jill grew up in Colorado Springs, with parents she described as very Irish, very Catholic, and very high-functioning alcoholics.  She’s been strong and largely self-sufficient all her life, met her now-husband early in their stay at UNC, and brings a lot of power in a small package!  In addition to all the above, Jill has built and sold an e-commerce business, operated a part-time photography business, earned a Masters in Organizational Leadership from CSU Global - and is a proud wife and mother!  She’s smart and savvy, has a wonderful smile and an inspiring journey featuring hard work, constant learning, perseverance, and strong relationships.  

I know that listeners will enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Jill Simonds.  

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The closure of Max’s coffee shop led to a long-term chapter with Coda Coffee in Denver, and lots of music, especially as guitar and vocals with the band Thunk - for 16 years!  In 2018, after his girls were out of the nest, Max took the leap into full-time music - playing everywhere he could make at least $100 plus tips.  His growing popularity led to an album effort based in California, but Covid delays interrupted the album, and then a tragic motorcycle accident flipped the script and shattered his knee and sent him into a tailspin.  Many months and much pain and physical regression later, Max went into a surgery not knowing if he’d lose his leg below the knee or not.

Max came out of that surgery with a new mechanical knee, and a new lease on life.  His music career caught fresh fire, and turned into a trio, and then into a band, and now he’s a “what size do you need?” original music plus great jam covers offering to the Colorado community.  This was an intensely personal conversation re-getting to know a friend from long ago, and I’m certain you’ll enjoy my conversation with Max Mackey.  

Look for Max’s new album coming soon - Eyes on the Road - and check out Max’s upcoming dates and more here

July 3rd - Penrose Taproom | Fort Collins CO. 6:00-9:00 pm

July 6th - Panhandler's Pizza | Fort Collins CO. 7:00-9:00 pm

July 7th - St Julien Hotel | Boulder CO. 12:00-3:00 pm

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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Also fresh in the news is the Trump 34-count conviction for hush-money something something, and the first day on the stand for “Mr. Science” Anthony Fauci.  Aaron and I discuss what is the swamp and how can we actually drain it? - and some of the big items in local politics.  We close with a NoCo real estate update - hint - not a lot has changed - and we talk a bit about the future of water and population growth here in Northern Colorado.  It’s always an easy conversation with Aaron, and he shares a touching LoCo Experience tying back to his grandad and the early years of the Fort Collins Country Club.  So please tune in and enjoy my recent conversation with Aaron Everitt.  

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Autumn had been working in the wine industry for years, and enjoyed it - but Covid changed her job and industry dramatically, and she had been furloughed to two days per week during the pandemic. She took a loan signing course, got her Notary Public, and marketed herself to 50 local real estate, mortgage, and title offices.  It was the height of the refinance boom, and in her first month - working 3 days a week at around $100 per loan closing - she made $10,000!  The next month, she made $17,000!  Pest control budget solved! - and wine career officially over!  

Autumn founded Precision Signing Agency in November of 2020, and within 12 months she transformed the business from herself as an Independent LSA (Loan Signing Agent) to the CEO of a high-growth national signing agency!  In 2023, Autumn and Trevor moved their family to Fort Collins (which she had dreamed of for years) and she has continued to grow her client base and HQ team and her network of professional loan signing agents nationwide.  She’s had quite a journey - at one point losing over 50% of their revenue overnight - but has grown herself and her company to become one of the fastest growing in her industry and in our region!  

She’s also smart, sassy, funny, and overall - my kinda people.  So please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Autumn Fleck.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Diego’s business is Obsidian Atlas, and he provides strategic marketing consulting and full-spectrum marketing activities - mostly for B2B small businesses.  He was a top producing marketer for Madwire and other agencies in previous chapters, but branched out to start his own firm so that he could give individualized attention to his clients.  Diego’s business is early stage in America, but his philosophies and experience run deep, and the journey he shares in our conversation - along with about a third of a bottle of bourbon between us - will please and inspire the hearts and minds of our long-form conversational podcast listeners.  And - this is a long one, but full of the good stuff - so please enjoy - as I did - my conversation with Diego Rago Vega.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

I’m an easy grace kind of guy though, so when Julia reached out this spring with a “We’ve heard from friends that we should be on your podcast” email, I was quick to book them and eager to share their story.  I didn’t know the half of the trials and tribulations they’d journeyed through, and their story is an inspiring one for any entrepreneurial couple who wants to keep family values first AND build a successful business enterprise.  

Today, Toddy holds a strong market share in the commercial cold brew systems marketplace, and their business has grown as more and more coffee chains and independents embrace the unique flavor profiles of cold brew.  Toddy also has a sound consumer product set, including a roastery and a selection of cold-brew specialty coffees, cold-brew filters, and a tasting room in Loveland - and their home-use equipment is increasingly entering households - and they’re soon to have a system at Walmart!  

Through it all, this pair now finds themselves in a great spot, with a strong business, relationship, and family dynamic, and I very much enjoyed - as you will each of our listeners - my conversation with Julia and Andy Leach of Toddy, LLC.  

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Cawley, Gillespie & Associates (CGA) is a 60+ year petroleum engineering, geology, and valuation firm that Todd has worked at for 32 years, and been President of for more than 10 years.  The firm has ~35 employees in two offices, and is something of a boutique firm in the industry.  Owners of oil wells all over the nation - and beyond - hire CGA to evaluate potential acquisitions or support creation of audited financial statements to comply with Sarbanes Oxley.  I wanted to bring Todd onto the show because he knows a lot of things about a lot of things, especially as it pertains to the oil and gas industry in our nation.  

Todd is a proud dad, loving husband, and VP and Board Member of the Town & Country Optimists Club in Austin.  He’s a part-time Fort Collinsian now, and fits right in - and when he moves here full-time in the future I’ll try to snag him for the Breakfast Rotary Club and maybe as a LoCo Facilitator - he’d be great.  So please join me in enjoying my conversation with oil industry expert and my new friend, Todd Brooker.  

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In a previous chapter, the family operated a conventional grain farm and feedlot near Holyoke, where Duane was also the wrestling coach for many years.  When Duane met a man with a persistent infection caused by exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria on a hog farm, he started investigating the drug and chemical-laden conventional farming industry.  And - when his brother died at an early age of lymphoma, he remembered how that brother was the one responsible for spraying Roundup around the farmyard and mixing the sprayer tanks.  And long story short - the family decided to sell out of their farm and feedlot and change their business as a result of this change in perspective.  

What I love about Duane is that he’s a lot like my dad - the secret to success in farming or in business is math!  And what I love about Chad is that he is focused on the impact of marketing, technology, and relationships to build long-term business value.  Together, they’re a formidable pair, and I’m excited to see their business continue to grow and help more and more non-GMO farmers share their Healthy Harvests with the world.  So please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Duane and Chad Stroh.  

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Plastic 2 Green is the star of this show, however.  Ed has developed an innovative process to turn waste plastics into market-competitive carbon rods, carbon black, and ammonia - plus more - using plasma to break down plastic molecules, and science to send the resulting molecules to the appropriate containers.  Future cargo ships will burn an ammonia / diesel blend, and in Ed’s opinion, ammonia is the best and most-stable way to move toward a hydrogen-powered economy.  

The smoke in the studio during this podcast wasn’t from herb, it was my little brain overheating trying to listen and think and process and ask good questions!  I think I did a pretty good job of it, for a country kid, so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Ed VanDyne.  

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Before this conversation, I had no impression of what the world of a pediatric dentist would be like - but now I know it’s not so different from any other business, especially in health care.  Exercise patience, show love, build a caring team - and most of the other stuff will come together!  Katie grew up in the Reno, Nevada area, and she started playing the violin at an early age, and was also a competitive swimmer.  She was inspired to be a dentist whilst still in grade school, and if you listen to this conversation, and you have young children - you’ll probably want her to be their dentist - just sayin’.  

This episode is not a paid ad, even though it may seem that way - just a fun and open talk with a smart and fresh kid dentist - so I hope you enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Dr. Katie Foster.  

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Micah is what most would call a serial entrepreneur, with multiple starts and exits, and some failures.  Micah’s largest business venture to date was GoFanbase, Inc., a social media marketing and community-building strategy firm based in Nashville, which focused on multi-location businesses such as auto dealerships and restaurants.  After growing his team to over 100 employees, he and his wife Alane made the decision to exit and search for a next chapter.  After years of focus on efficiency and teams and automations at GoFanbase  (and a choppy merger integration) the pair was left with skill sets essential to their current venture - Workday Ninjas!  

Workday Ninjas helps their agency and B2B service business clients remove roadblocks to scaling through tools like Monday.com, Asana, and ClickUp.  Having utilized Monday.com for the past 3 years, and currently undergoing a database conversion to the CRM tool offered by Monday, this was an intriguing opportunity for me to learn more about the kinks and capabilities of the platform from an expert - and ultimately uncover principles of efficiency, communication, and building high-functioning teams.  I learned a lot, and had a lot of fun, and I’m confident that you will enjoy my conversation with Micah Jonnson.  

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Diana and her siblings have a fascinating life story, beginning in the Philippines as the children of an American father and Filipino mother.  As they were preparing to move to America, their father was murdered - and their mother was a prime suspect!  The murder remains unsolved, and the children never saw their birth mother again.  They departed the Philippines to move to America as a set of five, initially moving in with their aging grandparents - and eventually all being adopted into a previously childless family in the community - and living and learning a life of outdoor adventure and can-do attitude from their adoptive parents.   

Diana is a dynamo - all the energy and smarts and wit you could find in a 5’ 1” package, and she shares abundantly from her topical expertise in appreciation and confidence cultivation. She is a great representative of one of Northern Colorado’s strongest import markets - smart, capable, and purpose driven individuals working hard to make their corner of the world a better place.  So please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Diana Rogers Jaeger.  

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Hard work (and underpaid child labor) kept the restaurant alive through some of the lean years, and though Peter’s parents never tasted financial fortune they saw 5 of their 7 children finish college, and all 7 build successful businesses and careers - truly their American Dream.  Peter mostly grew up in that restaurant, and has a unique perspective as the often only Asian kid in every class or school.  He was a star football player in his day, but his stature and the laws of physics made a pro career impossible!  

Peter is in a crowded field for this primary race, a group of 11 that includes the (in)famous Lauren Boebert, who is attempting to move over from the more-competitive 3rd District.  Peter is a great interview and has my endorsement.  He’s a fast thinker, has dug into all the essential issues of our region and our time, and is a great conversationalist.  Further, he’s fully invested in the causes of liberty and the American Dream, and I know you’ll enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Peter Yu. 

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I met Tim in the spring of 2015, soon after he and Danielle had purchased the majority stake in Palmer Flowers from its founder, Spiro Palmer.  Spiro became one of my first banking clients when I moved to Fort Collins in 1999, and I was initially shocked that he’d pass his legacy along to such a young guy!  The more I got to know Tim however, the more I came to understand what a fine decision Spiro had made, and I’ve kept a patient but consistent bug in Tim’s ear about how much he’d love to be in a LoCo Think Tank chapter!  This last fall when we caught up over lunch, Tim shared that it was probably never going to happen - as he and Danielle operate the businesses in a tandem effort, and if he was in a peer advisory chapter he’d feel off-balance with her and what has worked for them for since they started their first business together while still in college.  

Disappointed but charmed by his respect for his partner, and intrigued to get to know Danielle a bit more, we scheduled a podcast conversation.  After a postponement due to illness we landed in this timely spot, just days removed from their biggest business transaction to date.  Tim and Danielle have been together since high school in Albuquerque, NM, and came to Fort Collins to attend CSU.  Tim is full of business ideas and marketing talent, and Danielle keeps a sharp eye on the numbers, and together they’ve run as many as 5 businesses at a time!  They’re also kind and charming, smart and savvy, and I know you’ll enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Tim and Danielle Jordan.  

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While Sean has been in the strategy planning industry almost since he entered the workforce, Justin’s route to the calling has had more twists and turns.  He earned his BA in Philosophy from UNC Chapel Hill, and there witnessed high performance coaching in action for the first time, with Roy Williams quickly turning around the UNC men’s basketball team in his first year on staff.  Justin has pursued journeys in music and music production, teaching children and directing theater for The Khabele School, and high performance coaching - initially with musicians, poker players and other various misfits as a way to pay the rent while also playing music.  As his reputation grew and referrals abounded, he found the complexities of business to be more intriguing, and the budgets more robust, and he co-founded BLUECASE in 2016.  

I’m honored to have longform conversations with incredibly talented, interesting and abundance-minded individuals, and my conversation with Justin was no exception.  Please join me in learning a spoonful of “Be a better team by Friday” and much much more, with my guest and new friend, Justin Follin.  

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Shani acquired the Northern Colorado franchise in the summer of 2023, venturing out from a long career of making an impact with local stand out companies such as OtterBox and Safebuilt.

Shani is also a mother and a fiancé, and we explored how her life events shaped her career trajectories.  We talked about discernment in crafting the make up of such a publication, or of a LoCo Think Tank chapter, and we talked about some of the interesting businesses and community impact stories that will be part of this first edition.

I am always amazed by the stories of those who leave a comfortable six-figure income to venture into an entrepreneurial life of uncertainty.  Shani is an amazing example of that, and I’m certain that you will enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Shani Canillas.

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The LoCo Think Tank story is full of twists and turns and big decisions, and Viktor did an amazing job in his very first podcast conversation - as the host!  You’ll get in the time machine and go back to Curt’s native North Dakota, and journey through a career in banking but always full of bright ideas and community connections.  So please enjoy this special episode, a very fine conversation between Guest Host Viktor Bjerre and the Founder of LoCo Think Tank and Host of The LoCo Experience, Curt Bear.  

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Greenheart’s foundation is youth exchange, but these ladies unfold the behind-the-scenes and share their motivations and craziest experiences along the journey.  The youth share openly about their motivations to sign up for international exchange, and how the experience has compared to their expectations.  

This is a bonus episode, because it doesn’t fit the format of our typical experience episodes, and it’s more of a human interest story.  However, this conversation was a catalyst for a truly loco experience for one of the students.  Tune in for our next episode when Viktor Bjerre, a 15-year old student from Denmark, plays the part of Guest Host on The LoCo Experience and interviews me, your host, in recognition of the 10-year anniversary of LoCo Think Tank! 

Please enjoy this bonus episode, all about Greenheart Exchange!  

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And - we talked about @loanlyhipster - Aaron’s X handle - and the incredible amount of content he has created on that platform the last few months.  There are now 35 of Aaron’s recent essays with accompanying video on the Loanly Hipster’s X page, each of which is 5 to 15 minutes long, and each minute takes about an hour all-in!   He’s been writing about light topics like WAR, INFLATION, and GOVERNMENT’S GOD COMPLEX, among many others.  Some of his posts have referenced the Independent candidacy of RFK, Jr., and the RFK campaign has taken notice - sharing and reposting several by this point, and Aaron has over 3 million views on X in January - if he gets over 5 million he can monetize!  

We didn’t talk much real estate this time, but filled our conversation with controversial topics and common sense - which you don’t often hear in a public forum - so I hope you’ll tune in to my latest conversation with Aaron Everitt!

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For this big bite of new endeavors, Mandy partnered with her longtime co-director to form Run Colorado Relays.  These multi-day traveling circuses were a far departure from her bread and butter community races, but they pulled both off without major hitches, and nearly doubled participation from 2022.  Between those two fall events, Mandy took part in a pair of elite events, including her second Leadville 100 finish.  I’m exhausted and inspired when I hear Mandy tell stories, and don’t tell but she’s one of my favorite members of LoCo Think Tank.  As with our first episode, we get real about mental health, and relationship challenges, and the joys and challenges of entrepreneurship.  Please join me and enjoy this conversation with the always inspiring and entertaining Mandy Mullen.  

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Previous to this new role, Ian had served CLS NoCo for 9 years as the GM of the NoCo location and 6 years as an independent consultant.  They didn’t have a manager those first 6 years and when they were threatened with a manager to help improve a low-performing group, Ian’s wife and work associates told him - it should be you!  

It’s clear in talking with Ian that he’s a different kind of car guy, focused on the culture of his team, the experience of their clients, and the integrity of the process.  Ian was raised in Chipeta Park in the Colorado Springs region, and attended Manitou Springs High School.  He’s been a standout baseball player, a college dropout, a restaurant worker and a professional hip hop DJ along the journey.  I’ve come to know him as an excellent community connector, a strong advocate for vocational education and for integrity in business. It’s not a stretch to say we’ve become fast friends since our initial introduction, and I’m pleased to share with you my conversation with Ian Simkiss. 

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The SBDC Mike I know well, but his business and personal journey toward the role, and what he’s been up to since retirement were lesser known.  Mike had a high achieving career in sales and then in management, and eventually purchased a business - Mountain Woods Furniture in Laramie, WY.  Mike shares many lessons learned from his journey into, and then out of, a small business enterprise, and also shares his love for music, his disdain for Donald Trump, and his passion to bring to light the “squeeze on the average American”.  He’s a good friend and a great conversationalist, and I’m pleased to share my conversation with Mike O’Connell.  

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At present time, our employee handbook at LoCo Think Tank is a 3-page Google document - which is about 3 pages more robust than it was a year ago!  As one of those small business owners who tries to do his best - but knows he’s got some gaps - this was a fun conversation ranging from the basics of a sound onboarding process to open discussion around recent DEI controversies to the biggest pitfalls that employers MUST avoid. Tami was recommended to the show by a couple of my favorite members - her clients - and I’m excited to share my conversation with Tami Parker, Founder and CEO of UNIcycle Business Consulting.  

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Mat and his father started Wilbur’s Total Beverage in Fort Collins in September of 2000, while Mat was still in college at CSU, and he’s been working to create great customer and employee experiences ever since, including getting his MBA from UW.  His father retired, and later un-retired to start Wyatt’s Wet Goods in Longmont; and in recent years retired again when Colorado laws changed and allowed Mat to be the Managing Partner of both.  Mat’s staffing has decreased by about 35% since Proposition 125 went into effect, and we talked about morale and communication during a shrinking-team environment, and we talked about the broader ethics of the alcohol industry.  

Mat is a wonderful conversationalist and a broad supporter of community causes.  And, he gifted me a bottle of Blanton’s for us to sip and to share with my near-future guests - which I might be sipping as I record this intro!  It was fun to get to know Mat’s and learn about his business journey, and share it with you’all here, on this latest episode of The LoCo Experience.  

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Gene was born and raised in rural Nebraska, and attended a one-room country school from 1st through 8th grade - in a school with only 12-14 total students!  He became a Marine soon after high school, and served in Vietnam for nearly 2 years.  He returned to Nebraska and his high school girlfriend, made her his fiance, and later shared his plans to move to Colorado.  She said “I’m not going to move!” and he said “I’ll take my ring back!”.  After landing in Colorado he found a different pretty girl and made her his wife, got a few construction jobs, and soon moved to Fort Collins and started Boling Remodel, and worked in that business for the rest of his career.  

Justin was born and raised in Fort Collins, in the aforementioned entrepreneurial family, and wanted nothing to do with business as a young man.  He ventured into ministry and shoe sales after high school, went to Europe for a year, and later returned to Front Range and then CSU. He worked in Marketing and Nonprofit leadership, and after a season moved to a young company called PetDine, first in Marketing and then in Operations.  PetDine was just starting to run EOS - the Entrepreneurs Operation System, Justin and the company had a fantastic run of growth.  When his journey with PetDine was concluded Justin became our region's newest EOS Implementer.  

This is a fun episode full of contrasting journeys, long standing principles, old family stories, and more.  This father and son enjoyed a wonderful interaction with one another and with your host, and you’ll be glad you tuned in for my conversation Justin and Eugene Boling.  

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Anika was in her fourth year of university in Montreal when the seeds for Grüvi were sowed.  After a healthy lifestyle in her earlier years, she’d drifted into binge drinking (like most of her friends) during her undergraduate, but gave up alcohol when she saw it impacting her mood and performance, and threatened her acceptance at medical school.  She was on a neurosurgery path, but when that path was disrupted - she opted out of medical school and pitched the idea of a cool, countercultural - and non-alcoholic special times beverage to her brother Niki.  Niki had gained strong experience in business and finance at Salesforce, but had an entrepreneurial itch to scratch too, and soon after, Gruvi was born.  

Finding their path to revenue largely blocked in their native Canada, the pair soon moved themselves, their parents (out of retirement), and shortly thereafter, Anika’s boyfriend! - to Denver, Colorado - epicenter of tasty beers and healthy lifestyles in the American West - to work on Gruvi.  This is the story of a young company making its’ mark with fresh and tasty and low-calorie and alcohol-free beverages, and the young lady’s vision that started it all.  It’s a Gruvi episode, and I hope you’ll enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Anika Sawni.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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Timiry wasn’t a bride looking for a better experience for future brides, nor was she a retail expert looking for a niche, nor instinctively entrepreneurial - but she did notice an opportunity after the failure of Mountain Avenue Bridal in 2009.  There was no longer a cool and local bridal store for the every-woman!  You could have a super-expensive boutique experience, or the David’s Bridal corporate experience, but really nothing in between!  

She soon started telling friends about this problem, and later engaged a bit with the SBDC, started working on a business plan, and before she knew it she was talking to bankers and landlords and then bada bing, bada boom - she’s got a location and an SBA loan and and quits her job and she’s a business owner!  After a couple years of bumps and bruises, her super powers of curiosity and tenacity helped her find traction in the business, and she’s evolved over the years to be a light-touch, systems-building, employee empowering lady boss - but she’d cringe at those labels and that’s why she’s fun.  

Timiry is a former - and I hope, future - member of LoCo Think Tank, and every conversation we’ve shared has been full of dynamic learning and idea-chasing - and this one is no different.  She pulls back the curtain on the bridal industry, envy-criticizes the Best of NOCO awards, and shares many lessons the journey, so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Timiry McCaskell.  

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The Vindeket story started over 10 years ago, when Nathan began dumpster diving as a way to stretch his budget.  He was soon overwhelmed with the quality and quantity of food that was destined for the landfill, and hosted community dinners and filled friends’ freezers to try to divert this channel that was turning food into waste.  Not long after, Nathan connected with Ben, who carries a strong business background, and together the pair, along with a small board, minimal staff, and maximal volunteers (over 150!), have grown the operation to rescue nearly 2,000,000 pounds of food in 2023! 

This is an inspiring journey already, and it seems certain to unfold into something far greater as the seasons go by.  Vindeket has recently launched a campaign called Root Bound - seeking funding and skills and connections in pursuit of their next (and larger) location.  We love to talk about win-win-win-win solutions at LoCo Think Tank, and Ben and Nathan share the same everybody wins mentality.  This was a super-interesting topic I knew very little about, and you’re sure to be inspired, as I was, by my conversation with Nathan Shaw and Ben Jewell of Vindeket Foods.  

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The Climbing Collective now consists of three major properties:  1. Longmont - State of the art, 25,000+ sq. ft. roped-wall, plus a bouldering gym, and yoga and fitness.  2. Loveland - former Wooden Mountain bouldering gym, recently and happily merged to be part of the Collective.  3. Greeley - former movie theater in downtown Greeley, currently owned by Climbing Collective and under redevelopment plan.  These properties together, and with their members, represent the most comprehensive climbing community in Northern Colorado!

This is a story of 3 couples, working together and letting it all hang out!  Getting big bank loans to build leading edge climbing gyms, fostering community, and in 2024, they’ll be opening their 3rd location and hosting the Ice Climbing Championship at their flagship location in Longmont.  This was a super-fun conversation, and I learned a lot - and I know you’ll enjoy getting to know - as I did - Shauna Hylenski and Aaron Tellier. 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

LJ became “Little John” when he started working at the shop in his high school days, there being three other Johns already on the team, and the nickname is the one he’s known by in nearly every circle today.  Houska has been growing ever since it started with two bays and only Chuck as the mechanic, and now includes a Tire & Lube Center, a Fleet Maintenance Division, and a Heavy Truck Center and a team of over 50 - all on one big campus near the intersection of Riverside and Lemay in Fort Collins.  LJ has been overseeing day-to-day operations for several years, and though Dennis still carries the President title - he’s not spotted around the shop too often.  Dennis’s wife Noreen, and LJ wife Jen both play key roles within the business too, and have for many years.  Service and Community are core values at Houska, and they treat their team like family - resulting in many long-term employees and customers over their 70+ years in business.  Please enjoy my conversation with Dennis and LJ Houska of Houska Automotive.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In September of 2021, he shot his shot - asking 42-year owner/operator John Arnolfo if he could buy the Silver Grill Cafe.  “Absolutely not!” was John’s quick answer.  But - within a few weeks they had a back-of-the-napkin deal worked out, and by December Alan was the proud owner of Dish Up, LLC DBA Silver Grill Cafe.  In the meantime, Alan was approached by Val and Nick Lanteri, owners of Vern’s Place since 1990, to see if he was interested in stewarding their restaurant into its’ next chapter!  He pushed pause on that conversation in the moment, but by mid-summer of 2022, Alan and his wife Jackie started Dish Up II, LLC DBA Vern’s Place, and now operate two classic restaurant institutions, with a total of 167 years of history - 90 years at Silver Grill Cafe and 77 years at Vern’s Place!  

Alan got his start in the restaurant business as a teenager, and his mom drove him back and forth to Greeley from his hometown of Ault for a dishwashing job until he’d saved enough money to buy a car.  He moved to Fort Collins and got a job at Moot House in his early 20’s, and was soon the right-hand-man for Scott McCarthy and Steve Taylor, then-partners in their first restaurant.  His stories of restaurant launches and turnarounds and successes continues from there, and based on our conversation the successes at Silver Grill and Vern’s are very likely to continue.  So please tune and enjoy my inspiring conversation with Alan Jantzen.

Check out Vern's Place
Check out Silver Grill Cafe

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

From there, we get a business update from InMotion, and discuss a new LLC Aaron has recently formed, Best Craft - which handles distribution chores for several microbrewery enterprises along with craft distillers and even a soon-to-come THC water product.  We jump from there into some discussion around the Israel/Hamas situation  and into our usual liberty topics.  Aaron has been releasing a series of Video Essays on X.com - written essays transformed into storyboard-type videos, he’s been getting a lot of traction and engagement with titles such as INFLATION and THE GRIEVANCES and WHAT IF WE ARE THE BAD GUYS.  

As usual, it’s a no-topics-off-limits kind of conversation, and as always - I learned some new things and so will you! - so please join me for my most recent conversation with Aaron Everitt on The LoCo Experience! 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Jake provides listeners a behind-the-scenes look at a high-growth agency, and shares many tips and latest techniques they use for their clients to grow podcast listenership and build community.  

Please tune in and meet yet another inspiring and entertaining Northern Colorado entrepreneur, my new friend and our latest guest - Jake Jorgovan.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Heather’s journey is an inspiring one, and I was struck throughout how her focus on collaboration was the key to unlocking this potentially disruptive journey.  Initially hired as a consultant to evaluate university research technology, Heather fell in love with the opportunity to co-found the venture, and is raising funds and building a team to reimagine composite materials technology.  From the website “Our advanced composite manufacturing technology utilizes a well-controlled, self-propagating, frontal polymerization process to cure high-performance composites quickly and effectively.”  For the lay-men and lay-women out there - they make a fancy resin stuff that hardens like a flame front, quickly and with minimal heat required to launch or cure, which could change industries ranging from natural gas pipeline repairs to on-site manufacturing of windmill blades and much, much more!  

More inspiring than the RapiCure opportunity is Heather’s journey to this point.  Raised in a working class family in Baltimore, Heather is a first-generation college student that found her initial inspiration in a Ben Carson scholarship when she was still in elementary school.  She’s an amazing example for female founders raising funds and building teams everywhere, and my sense is we’ve only seen the beginning of Heather’s impact on the world.  I’m excited to share her journey to this point, and to watch as her company and community impact scale from here, so please enjoy my inspiring and entertaining conversation with Dr. Heather Rubin, PhD and CEO.  

https://www.rapicuresolutions.com/

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

A few years into his time with Cheba Hut, Marc got a DUI, and a year later - another one.  This began the “indentured servant” phase of his career, when Scott sent him to live and open a new location in Greeley - and where he reconnected with his now-wife.  He continued to bring value to the franchise, moving to Arizona for a few years to work on (mostly unsuccessful) West Coast expansion efforts, and then returning to Fort Collins as Director of Operations in 2010.  He became COO in 2014, and partnered with Scott and another franchisee to build an HQ-supported super-franchisee designed to open new locations and grow the brand and systems for further growth - and it’s been working.  They’ve recently been among the fastest-growing franchises in the industry; now boast 55 locations and expect to bring 5 more online before year-end, and open another 12-15 locations in 2024!   

Marc has been a LoCo Think Tank member almost as long as LoCo Think Tank has existed, originally part of the Thinkers Too chapter and a founding member of our first Next Level chapter.  He’s a driven and authentic leader, a first generation college graduate, and you’re going to love his heart - so please join as we share the special journey of Marc Torres and Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

After starting and quickly growing a company that has become a force in Northern Colorado commercial real estate, Greg is back out largely on his own, and working to build on an already strong reputation in luxury real estate. 

Greg's special passion is vacation property as income property, helping discerning buyers not only find a place for their family to spend a few weeks each year, but also to diversify their income sources and geographic holdings.  In the time since recording this show, Greg has become a new member of a LoCo Think Tank Builders chapter!  This episode is full of great stories and learning from Greg’s career in Northern Colorado real estate, so please join me and enjoy my most recent conversation with Greg Roeder.

Instagram: @greg_roeder
LinkedIn: Greg Roeder
Facebook: Greg Roeder

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

A few days before the podcast session, Cameron texted to share that he was no longer with Discovery Air! - and do I still want him to do the show?  He was all in on the leadership path, out of the nest of secure employment and ready to test his wings - of course I still wanted him on!  As we got into the podcast and Cameron shared more about his journey, it was clear to me that he was on the right path - for him - and that his journey of personal growth and passion for supporting others in their journeys was a true calling.  Cameron’s first book is called Navigation and Discovery, and listeners of this episode will pick up many nuggets from his career journey and the “why” conversation that unfolds - if you’re ready - the time is now!  So please listen and learn, and be inspired by my conversation with Cameron Singh.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In this episode, you will learn all about the behind-the-scenes of foundation work, and particularly the differences in how these various organizations operate - and what makes the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado special.  Their mission is to create transformational community impact by inspiring philanthropy and engaging the region - and they do this in multiple ways.  Some are financial - with endowments and donor advised funds, and cause matchmaking - and the others are focused on convening and connections.  The Community Foundation is a leading voice in embracing regionalism in Northern Colorado - helping diverse communities with their own agendas work together to solve difficult challenges.  

Kristin has had a high-impact and interesting journey at every stop of the way, from growing up in New Orleans to college in Georgia and then a season working with a lobbying firm in Washington DC before finding her calling in philanthropy.  She’s wise, charming, and far smarter than your host, so settle in and learn from and about Kristin Todd, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Matt’s business journey has been primarily that of a solo-prenuer.  He builds fences and decks, installs and maintains landscaping and irrigation systems, and now - builds mini golf holes and courses using recycled materials!  He’s an imaginative fellow, an amazing drummer - and a great community citizen.  This summer he went viral - with a clip on 9 News, interviews with radio stations, and even an editorial and interview in a national golf magazine!  In today’s episode we’ll hear the story of developing a community movement, and Matt’s dreams of where to take Lightning Mini Golf from here, so please join me in enjoying my conversation with Matt Gettig.   

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Sean’s mentor in the craft is Chris McGoff, Founder of The Clearing, Inc. and author of the book “The Primes - How Any Group Can Solve Any Problem”.  Sean’s practice is built on the foundations outlined in The Primes, and enhanced by their upfront data collection with clients, mostly professional services businesses.  We delve into the fundamentals of strategic planning in this episode, which overlaps significantly with conflict resolution, and I explore with Sean his work with a non-profit based in Haiti which has assembled the most important and influential business leaders of the nation.  Representing over 60% of the GDP, the hope for this group is to forge a new vision for Haiti, and lead the way to renewal of law and order and functional governance.  

Sean and I were only recently introduced, but we’ve enjoyed every minute, and I’m excited to see where his significant skills might impact our LoCommunity in the months and years ahead.  We went almost 3 hours in this episode, but there’s loads of great business insight, and many great stories.  And, we put a nice dent in a fresh bottle of tequila, so the conversation flows freely and sometimes gets silly, so please tune in and enjoy my conversation with Sean Follin.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Jennifer journeyed through a high-impact career in the years to follow, with breaks for lifestyle and marriage and children, and after some time away from the industry she joined another fast-growing formal wear company with her previous boss and mentor.  She ascended to the VP of Sales role as the company continued to grow through a season of industry decline.   A later career stop was leading sales for a consulting and training company that was utilizing the Entrepreneurial Operating System - and she quickly fell in love with the framework!  Now 20 months into her own entrepreneurial journey, Jennifer has been helping companies as an EOS Implementer, driven by a heart for people and strong experience leading sales and building relationships.  I’m certain you’ll love her story and heart, and be blessed by the many business insights she shares in this episode, so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Jennifer Lewis.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Colin’s entrepreneurial journey started early, with a computer sales and service company called PC Pros in Wichita, Kansas while he was still in college.  After a 3 year run the market had changed, Dell had arisen as a powerful force in the industry, and Colin exited the business and moved into his professional career as a Systems Administrator for IMA Insurance in Denver, and later to Flood and Peterson in Northern Colorado.  As a Director in the firm, Colin was at the table for all technology decisions, but also came to understand the entire client journey, and built a comprehensive understanding of the business model.  He applied those skills and learned many more at WeldWerks, has transitioned out of the company and is investigating his next adventure.  

Do you love beer, business, and people? - then you’ll love this episode, and I hope you’ll tune in for my conversation with Colin Jones, and share it with your beer-loving friends! 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Kat’s parents served in the non-profit community in Weld County, and her mom was a visible and notable Hhispanic woman leader.  She started with the Larimer SBDC as an intern but soon joined the team full-time, and later moved out of state.  A short season later, Kat was recruited to the Loveland BDC role by the departing Director, a role she has now served for 4 years.  

Likewise, Lisa came to the East Colorado SBDC as an intern but grew quickly in role and responsibilities, and spent years as the Associate Director before taking on the lead role.  She’s been with the organization for 13 years now and led the group for 7.  

The spirit of community and collaboration in the room was almost overwhelming during this conversation, and you’ll love getting to better know these leading ladies.  So please join me for this latest episode - and if you’re a woman in business - or know one - make sure to share this episode and attend the Unstoppable Women’s Conference on October 10!  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In 1995, Kent Garvin purchased Nelson Metals in Fort Collins, and renamed the business Colorado Iron & Metal.  Dan Garvin - Kent’s nephew - came to Fort Collins to work for a season after high school - and he fell in love.  Dan fell in love with metal recycling, fell in love with business, and fell in love with Northern Colorado, and in 2003 he moved to Fort Collins to be a part of Kent’s team, with hopes of becoming the transition plan - but no promises.  In 2014, he and his brother purchased the business from Kent and have subsequently grown the operations and team and added a second location.  Unless you’re already in the industry you’ll learn all kinda of things about metal recycling in this one, plus lessons on business and team and family and trust - so I hope you’ll make time for my very interesting conversation with Dan Garvin. 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Tilt has been on a fantastic run of growth in recent years, growing from a core team of four and a dozen clients in early 2020 to a team of over eighty and over two hundred clients at current time. They are approaching a fifth round of funding, have a much-improved platform to build upon, and expectations of continued growth. Jen’s journey is an inspiring one, Tilt mixes empathy with technology in a way that helps companies of all sizes excel at making leave not suck.  So - please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Jen Henderson.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Nathan spent time in the Navy after high school, and after a tour with Americorps, he landed a leading role in Up With People - a travelling collection of international musicians and actors, with stops in 11 states and 12 European countries - and service projects in each of 70 cities!  This role is emblematic of Nathan’s later and constant career - making an impact while having fun!  He currently serves as a Community Relations Specialist for Foothills Gateway, and as an instructor at Front Range Community College, and spends extensive time in volunteer service as a superconnector - spawning many hundreds of new relationships annually in our region.  Nathan’s a fun guy, and we had a wide-ranging conversation - so tune in and enjoy!  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Kristen is an amazing human.  She had a baby only a few days after facilitating her first chapter meeting (I was available as backup!), and has overcome early learning challenges and life circumstances to have an amazingly impactful career, earn her Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Development, and has changed the trajectories of many hundreds of participants through her team coaching programs - which emphasize outdoor experiences to get people out of their comfort zones.  You’ll learn a lot about people in this one, and that’s what life is all about, so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Dr. Kristen Truman-Allen.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

After those deep topics, Aaron shares some thoughts on his LoCo Think Tank experience after ~5 months as a member of our newest Next Level chapter.  This one is a shorter conversation than some of our rambling episodes, so be sure to tune in and enjoy my most recent - and 6th overall - conversation with Aaron Everitt on The LoCo Experience!  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

This episode explores the business of medicine, the respective family stories of Trevin and Allison, and most especially, the entrepreneurial journey that they’ve been on since starting the practice in January of 2021.  It’s always a joy to connect with entrepreneurs on an impactful journey, and so I hope you’ll enjoy it.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Tim & Ami share a business journey that overlays the entirety of their relationship, and the growth and changes and course corrections that allowed the development of the Lindgren Landscape of today.  

This conversation was the first I’d spent time with either Tim or Ami, and it was one of the more enjoyable conversations I’ve had on the show.  Neither flinched at my question: “Pandemic, Plandemic, or Shamdemic?”, and Ami shares the most near-death LoCo Experience we’ve ever heard in the closing segment.  Please tune in and enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Tim and Ami Lindgren. 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Dan’s journey is filled with learning and creativity, a passable engineer that found more utility in roles involving communicating and demonstrating!  Dan has a fun accent and a sparkling personality, and I hope you enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Dan Bennett.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

 The Egg & I story has many chapters, and in some ways started when his then-girlfriend Patty loaned him $5,000 - half the money he needed to buy into the restaurant he managed in Vail.   It seems that Rayno loves everyone he meets, he’s lived a life centered in service - and I hope you enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Rayno Seaser.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

This episode runs fast through a series of foundings and acquisitions, with lots of discussion about the why at each stage.  The Yoder companies are known across the region as employers of choice, and we spend a lot of time discussing how they’ve managed this during a season with so many labor challenges.  

Warren is a natural entrepreneur and a gifted leader, and it was great getting to know him during this conversation and our preceding coffee.  When he’s ready, Warren would make an amazing LoCo Facilitator, and I’m honored to share with you all my conversation with Warren Yoder.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

We talk about a lot of nerdy stuff in this one - building and maintaining secure systems, common mistakes business owners make with their technology and security, and the attack vectors that ransomware hackers are using the most.  And, we get into current events in banking and economics and politics too, there’s something for everyone and Sean’s one smart cookie, so I hope you’ll tune in and enjoy my conversation with Sean Fox. 

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Dr. Barbera began his medical career in Italy, and was a leading-edge gynecologist in Europe and the US for over 30 years.  He was forced into retirement by the effects of Multiple Sclerosis in 2017.  A roller coaster of emotional and financial and physical challenges followed, along with the discovery of the beneficial effects of new neural growth - such as can occur through bilateral activities like table tennis.  

Today, Dr. Barbera is healthy and spry, and took it easy on me in winning by a comfortable margin in our ping pong match. This is a wonderful conversation with an amazingly interesting and thoughtful man.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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Together, Samson and Darius have created the Pain to Profits Podcast, and are building a business education and brokerage platform for the next generation - Clearly Acquired.  Their mission is to simplify business valuation and acquisition - and skills development - to allow a generation of independent business owners to transition to the next phase of life.  They’ve got an event coming up a few weeks after this podcast publishes - the Sales & Leads Summit on June 9 - 

Both of these men have inspiring journeys of overcoming obstacles, and we share a conversation that’s both philosophical and practical.  Marketing trends, business and demographic opportunities, fear, love, pain and addiction - it’s all in this one, so please tune in, and enjoy my conversation with Samson Jagoras and Darius Bell.  

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Buzz Screens was founded in 2022, as an efficient way for local businesses to reach community marketplaces - their screens are located in dozens of locations around Loveland, Wellington, Johnstown, and Berthoud - especially in popular restaurants and taverns.  They allow businesses to promote their products and services in a non-intrusive way.  

This episode features great discussion about the why’s and the waypoints that go into an entrepreneur’s journey.  Chris’s businesses aren’t just about CBD and promotional TV screens, they’re about solving real problems - finding solutions to market pains.  He’s an authentic guy and a great conversationalist, and so I invite you to enjoy, as I did my conversation with Chris Cox. 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Valeria worked in marketing for a similar agency before moving to Colorado. After facing challenges as a single mother with limited English skills, she found stability working at a call center. Valeria started Vortiz Insurance as a side income, which quickly grew into a successful one-person business. The addition of her first employee allowed her to scale the operation even further.

Valeria's focus on community, education, and heart-driven service, particularly for Spanish-speaking communities, has built her an exceptional network and reputation. I anticipate great things for Valeria Ortiz and her business in the future.

Learn More about Vortiz Insurance

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Phil were only barely acquainted before this podcast session, and we kinda dork out on the whole B2B membership organization experience.  We’ve got a lot of overlap in the way we do things and why, yet we serve different audiences for different reasons - LoCo Think Tank members are primarily business owners and there to work ON the business, and Firestorm members include some owners but more often professional sales people, and they are there for strategic partnerships, education, and referrals.  

Phil has had a very interesting journey and he’s got a lot of big plans for the future, so I hope you’ll tune in and enjoy - as I did - my conversation with Phil Pelto.  

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Sean has a great entrepreneurial journey, a local boy who worked his way through college and worked for over 6 years in ministry with Vineyard Church before founding Old Town Spice.  He has a matter-of-fact way about him, and shares freely of the trials, pivots, and spicy moments of Old Town Spice Shop.  

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In this episode, we get into the nerdy stuff of luxury home audio video systems, talking tech trends and smart homes and more, and also get a bit nerdy on business - creating quality estimates, sourcing sometimes many hundreds of individual components, and then making it all work - with margin!  And , we get deep into relationships and philosophy and the way of the world - it’s a very candid conversation with a guest I know you’ll enjoy getting to know!

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

My conversation with Shelley spends a lot of time on exploring the what of ethical business practice, alongside an examination of her own foundations and motivations during her career.  The BBB is celebrating its 25th Annual Torch Awards for business ethics on April 27, 2023 - which also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the organization.  Shelley shares BBB history alongside her own journey into leadership - and becoming a mom - and what comes next.  

Shelley’s a great example of a servant hearted leader, in it for the right reasons - and I was honored to spend the time together, so I hope you enjoy - as I did - my conversation with Shelley Polansky.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

We get deep in this one - deep into the utility and limitations and dangers of Chat GPT and Open AI and various iterations, and deep into the relationship between Nathan and Alex - who have been together since Alex was in Junior High, and had a baby together shortly after she graduated while Nathan operated a high-end custom motorcycle shop!  This episode brings great discussion about human intelligence, artificial intelligence, and relational intelligence, plus business and family with a pair of authentic and inspiring entrepreneurs.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Franklin was a career musician “back East” for many years, until health challenges made that journey difficult and then impossible.  After (and during) a season of challenge, his skills as a coach and encourager sprouted and blossomed, and today Franklin serves a very special niche - creative solopreneurs looking to build sustainable enterprises that fit their talents and lifestyles!  

This is a very inspiring and philosophical episode, with someone I’d call a pragmatic dreamer, and he’s got a smooth, velvety voice - so please enjoy my conversation with Franklin Taggart. 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

John has a reputation for being one of the most progressive political figures in Northern Colorado, and we spend a lot of time in this episode pulling back the curtain on “how things really work” behind the scenes in government, and respectfully challenging one another’s ideas of “how they should work”.  The get-to-know in this episode goes beyond most you’ll find, and includes a dramatic segment where John shares his challenges faced as a man short in stature. 

So, please enjoy, and thanks for tuning in for my conversation with Larimer County Commissioner, John Kefalas.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Drew has been on our podcast once before. This time, he went into more detail about his early business journey with his father, Greg Yancey and Yancey’s Food Services. He also describes the various engagements with, and appreciation for, peer advisory organizations he’s had over the years. He shares his critiques on each, as well as why he chose to join the team of facilitators at LoCo Think Tank.

Drew is an amazing servant to the Northern Colorado business community, and we’re so glad to have him supporting so many next level business leaders.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In this episode, we’ll focus in on the founding of InMotion, along with stories of successful scaling opportunities that they’ve been providing to local small businesses through their affordable point-to-point delivery service. 

Later in the show, we get into the soup - the Alphabet Soup - and Aaron and I discuss the politicization of the many government agencies assigned to regulate and enforce activities and enterprise in America - particularly on a federal level.  FBI, CIA, DOE, DOJ, CPB, FDA, CDC, FHA, DHS, FJB - there are just so many it’s hard to keep them straight!   

Aaron is full of wisdom in so many areas. I hope you gain valuable insight from our conversation. 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

The brothers and most of the band went on a 20-day, 18-show tour this fall, all across the midwest and southeast and points between.  Followed shortly after that was a weeklong intensive recording session in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where they laid down their finest sounds so far - stay tuned for more on that!  

In this episode, JJ shares an awesome story about going viral on the Jerry of the Day Instagram channel via a kayak on a ski slope!  Always fun to spend time with these two, so I hope you’ll tune in for my conversation with AJ and JJ Fountain.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Brian and Adam both went to CSU on athletic scholarships. Brian got into real estate - as a broker and investor, and recruited Adam to help with fix-n-flip projects.  Soon, 970 Services was growing into a Roofing and Restoration business and the brothers helped to seed two more businesses - H3 Construction, and Beyond Blue Media - and they coaxed younger brother Joe out of his teaching career to become the President of another acquisition - Epoxy Colorado.  

The Trainor Brothers Circus is what they (literally) call their holding company, and this episode is full of stories about overcoming adversity, starting something new, and navigating business and brotherhood together and with joy. 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

There’s a lot of ideas Matt shares in this one to make your business life easier, coming from a man who makes it seem easy to become a blackbelt while coaching kids sports, travelling the world, writing another book and running two companies and selling real estate on the side!  Matt shares how he balances it all and thrives in this fun conversation. Join us! 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In this episode, we zoom especially in on the Founded in FoCo event and highlight some of the amazing speakers, workshops, and events that’ll be going on. LoCo Think Tank is hosting a Celebrating our Community event to kickoff the festivities on March 1, 2023. Nick also shares about his city council run and more about his newest venture - FTW Hot Sauce, FOR THE WIN.  Tune in and enjoy my conversation with Nick Armstrong!  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

After a short career in politics after college, Dudley launched RMGO in 1996.  Dudley invites us behind the curtain of building an advocacy organization, along with expanding the mission to a national scope with NAGR. Ben, who shared his career journey in Episode 6 of the podcast, now gives us more of his experience in shooting sports and his transition into becoming a partner and CFO of Kinetic Research.  

Lots of politically incorrect conversation in this one, and plenty of unvarnished truth about the way things work in state and national politics. If you’re curious why we need more guns for a safer America, you’ve come to the right place!

Learn more about Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, National Association for Gun Rights, NG Companies, & Kinetic Research Group

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Heidi likes to describe her practice as a fusion of traditional wisdom and modern technology.  She is a student of both Japanese and Chinese herbs and acupuncture, with a strong background in tech.  

We did something new for this episode, in that Heidi and I both had a sturdy microdose of dark chocolate psilocybin just before starting this conversation.  We got a little giggly, Heidi barely drank her wine, we somehow lost about 30 minutes of conversation that didn’t get recorded, and we had more edits than normal in this episode.  It remains a deeply personal and enlightening conversation, with great conversation around trauma and recovery, having a bendable mind, and growing up and living as a Jewish family in a mostly-Christian oriented world.  

Heidi and I always have wonderful conversations, and this session was no different - so I hope you enjoy sharing time with us during this conversation with Dr. Heidi Golding. 

Learn about Living Well Chinese Medicine

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Annie grew up in the travel industry, with her grandfather delivering sightseeing tours and her dad developing a healthy freight and people-moving bus service along the Front Range, later moving into airline travel and hotel bookings.  After college at CSU, Annie operated Aggie Travel in Fort Collins - much of the time as a single mom.  She has a wonderful and adventurous spirit!  She later sold Aggie Travel to Frosch, where she still works today as an Independent Contractor.  

Mike had a long career in the practice of law, having moved to Fort Collins to partner with a college classmate almost right after law school - the firm developed into a long-running and successful practice.  Mike’s specialty was courtroom litigation, particularly on the defense side in criminal law.  He also served as Adjunct Faculty for both CSU and Front Range Community College in the College of Business.  

Mike and Annie are each on their third marriages, and both suffered significant trauma on the way to finding durable love.  Beyond the business journeys, we dig into their journey of finding trust and love in this episode, as well as their shared love of Rotary.  It’s a charming episode with two of my favorite people, and I hope you find them as fun and charming as I do.  

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Dan shares his personal challenges in his journey to turn a hibernating ministry into a stable personal income. Along the way, he struggled through a low period during the pandemic when he contemplated suicide. He shares with listeners the process of recovering his faith and hope from there, and how God blessed his perseverance.

I hope you’ll tune in and be both challenged and inspired by my conversation with Dan Anderson.

Episode Sponsor: InMotion, providing next-day delivery for local businesses. Contact InMotion at inmotionnoco@gmail.com

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Tooth Zone was founded to confront an assumption of the day, that one can have a high-touch, relationship-driven dental practice or one can have a highly profitable dental practice, but you couldn’t have both!  An entrepreneur from an early age, Kent details some of his early blunders in business, how a consultant helped him turn his fortunes around, and what they did with training and team engagement to ensure the dual mandate of providing amazing service in a high-volume practice. In his later years, Kent became a highly sought-after consultant and speaker, and has been a keynote for the largest dental conventions in the nation!  

Kent is also a founding member and band leader for The Blues Dogs, a NoCo-favorite 10-member brass party band!, and a founding member of Mr. Smyth, which is a lockdown-driven collaboration band of the best NoCo musicians who couldn’t stand to stay locked in their basements for long!  All kinds of good stuff in this one, a wonderful conversation with an inspiring entrepreneur and a kindred spirit - whom I’d only barely just met before this conversation!  

Episode Sponsor: InMotion, providing next-day delivery for local businesses. Contact InMotion at inmotionnoco@gmail.com

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

We also take some time to review and share highlights from the top 10 podcast episodes of 2022… listen in to see if your favorite made the list!

This was a dynamic episode with lots of laughs and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

I first met Althea several years ago, when she sought support through the Larimer SBDC for a business plan and SBA loan package to open her birth center.  From our first meeting, I could see she was passionate about her craft, focused on healthy moms and babies, and willing to put in the work to see her dream to fruition.   

This episode covers a lot of ground.  A key element is an introspection on the journey in transitioning from a solo operator, with minimal overhead and few managerial responsibilities - to a 20+ person enterprise, with high overhead and much more complexity - during a pandemic!  Another is Althea’s journey to becoming a midwife, inching closer and closer as she delivered each of her children - until her young son told her she should be a midwife!  Althea has a powerful why, a servants’ heart, and a wonderful story to share, and I hope you’ll tune in.  

Episode Sponsor: InMotion, providing next-day delivery for local businesses. Contact InMotion at inmotionnoco@gmail.com

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In this episode, we talk about the beginnings and evolution of Run Windsor, a costly and ultimately failed effort to develop a gym and fitness center - victim of the pandemic - and Mandy’s dreams of encouraging the union of fitness and community in towns and cities everywhere.  Mandy is smart, kind, transparent, and a whole lot of fun to have conversation with.  

And, for the runners and aspiring runners, Mandy shares descriptions of ultra-marathon races, including the Leadville 100 - which she recently completed.  800 runners registered, 700 started, and 300 finished - she's a beast!  (and she was still missing most of her toenails during our interview)

Finally, a correction - in our conversation Mandy shares the story of running her first 50 mile race as a 24-hour sub, when her business partner's wife had a baby early and her husband wanted a travel and running partner for the event.  In the lead-up she said that she had run 900 miles in the month of January, which would have made a 50-miler no big deal - that was an unintentional exaggeration - she actually ran 400 miles that January, before running the 50-miler on January 31.  Of course she crushed it, sprinting to the finish and feeling fine. 

Check out Run Windsor 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Bob talks about the process, ethos and hard work behind building a transportation business that is environmentally friendly. The momentum that Green Ride created continues with Groome today, and Bob has retired to live a simple life sailing and wandering Canada and the US in his camper van.

Toward the end of this episode, you’ll find challenging debate over recent issues as Curt and Bob demonstrate the art of civil discourse and the right to disagree.

Check out Groome Transportation

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Listen in on Ty’s journey from a young child pretending to run a restaurant out of his family kitchen to becoming one of the best known restaurateurs in town, with many delicious stops along the way!

Check out Ty’s Restaurants:
Melting Pot
Social
Union Bar & Soda Fountain
Rodizio Grill

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Margo pulls back the curtain on our healthcare system in this episode. She shares the challenges of the industry in general and specifically the efforts her organization made to keep their teams connected and energized during the grueling seasons of the Covid Pandemic.

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Customized internal leadership development

Authentic and durable strategic planning

Executive coaching + organizational engagement

Richard shares abundantly of his expertise in building teams of trust. He’s got the gifts of leadership and discernment in abundance, and is a natural leader and thoughtful speaker. Enjoy this in-depth conversation with Richard Fagerlin.

Check out Peak Solutions Group 

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Kim goes in-depth on the lesser-known technology of beverage distribution and shares some personal stories along the way. Her passion for business and enthusiasm for Northern Colorado is a wonderful asset to our local community. 

Check out Encompass Technologies

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Mark got his start in consulting at Philip Crosby Associates, whose founder was a best-selling author and culture guru. There, he gained valuable experience and became their benefits and culture specialist. In the early 90’s, he made his way out to Colorado and eventually founded his own company, Open Door.  

This episode is all about culture - how it’s defined, how it influences organizations, and you can grow it by hiring to your values.  Mark shares his expertise generously, and if you’re working to build a culture that fits you and your organization - this episode will speak to you.  Mark is a smart and fun guy, and his own “LoCo Experience” is a hoot, so tune in and enjoy!

Check out Open Door Organizational Solutions

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

He's a reservoir of knowledge well beyond his primary area of study in mechanical engineering. He earned his BS Masters and PhD’s from CSU and has a postdoc in artificial intelligence from the University of Edinboro. Additionally, he was in the inaugural class of Harvard Business School’s City Leadership Initiative for Mayors.

We talk a lot about Wade's story, Fort Collin's history and future, and the future of energy innovation and distribution.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Tanis shares her journey through a career in sales, public relations communications, a side hustle in event management and, finally, choosing to embrace her passion in the launch of her own business “Elevate Your Communications” in 2012. We talk about how, in the evolution of that, she learned to become a better teacher, enabling others to be better communicators.

So if that's something that you struggle with, something that you're great at but want to learn more about, or even something that you’d like to teach people to do better like Tanis does, this is a great place to start. Enjoy!

Check out Elevate Your Communication

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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Tom’s understanding of different perspectives comes from his upbringing in a longtime political family. While his grandfather was the head of the Democratic party in New Mexico for many years, Tom became one of the first conservatives in his family.

In the private sector, Tom has been part of a number of businesses that include a couple of startups that nearly made it to the finish line. He’s learned valuable lessons from failure as well as success.

In this episode, you'll learn about the interplay of business and government, with special emphasis on the regional politics in Northern Colorado.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain