Connections That Matter

What can happen when a new entrepreneur makes a vulnerable Facebook post asking for help? For Michael Weant, it led to a conversation over a beer with Tim Jordan, a mentorship relationship, and eventually a business partnership that became Service Catalyst.

In this special partnership deep dive, Tim and Michael share how authentic connection, consistent follow-through, complementary strengths, and a willingness to learn helped them ...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Desiree Gustafson, publisher of Loveland + South City Lifestyle Magazine. Desiree shares how she uses storytelling, intentional networking, and authentic relationships to spotlight the people, businesses, and nonprofits making Loveland, Berthoud, and Johnstown stronger.

From helping business owners clarify their “why” to bringing partners into the right ro...

In this special partnership deep dive episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Jackie Stevens and Giuli Diaz, two of the three women behind The Mayorettes.

The Mayorettes are building bridges between Northern Colorado businesses and nonprofits. Through social media spotlights, relationship-building, nonprofit tours, event support, volunteer connections, and good old-fashioned coffee meetings, they are helping more p...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Michelle Gould from The Gould Agency, an insurance professional based in Casper, Wyoming, who serves clients across Wyoming, Colorado, and several surrounding states.

Michelle shares how she has built a strong referral network across multiple communities by consistently showing up, staying involved, and being responsive to the people who trust her with their clients. ...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Norma Perez, Executive Director of the Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about intentional connection, community leadership, and the momentum happening in Windsor.

Norma shares her journey into the chamber world, her passion for advocacy, and how she is bringing fresh energy to the Windsor business community. From launching new groups to rev...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Eric Weedin from Weedin Agency, a multi-generational Loveland insurance agency with deep roots in Northern Colorado business networking, referrals, and community service.

Eric shares how Weedin Agency has grown from his grandfather’s start in 1956 to a 70-year family-owned business known for relationships, trust, and helping clients get coverage right. H...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Ian Nelson from R.L. Farmer Wealth Strategies to talk about wealth strategy, business transitions, strategic networking, and what it really means to serve people well.

Ian helps individuals and business owners navigate major financial inflection points, including retirement, buying or selling a business, building wealth, and preparing for what comes next. But ...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Ryan Ponto from The Spot Specialist to talk about carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, trust-based service, and how intentional networking has helped him build strong referral relationships across Northern Colorado. Ryan shares how he approaches home services with professionalism, education, and care instead of high-pressure sales. 

Episode Highlights
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In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Scott Mulhollen from Vensure Employer Solutions to talk about business networking, hiring smarter, and simplifying the employee lifecycle for small business owners.

Scott helps business owners reduce the administrative headaches that come with hiring, onboarding, payroll, HR compliance, benefits, workers’ comp, and everything in between. He also shares practical...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Brian Howe, internationally known DJ, music producer, entrepreneur, and longtime Northern Colorado connector.

Brian shares how he built and sold multiple businesses, including Howe Eventful, by focusing less on “networking” and more on creating real, organic relationships. From producing music behind the scenes for other artists and DJs to building event c...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Dan Christian, also known as Dent Repair Dan, to talk about paintless dent repair, craftsmanship, hail damage, business relationships, and how local connections can become one of the most powerful growth engines for a small business.

Episode Highlights
🔹 Dan explains why dents do not simply “pop out” and how paintless dent repair is a skilled craft bui...

Ryan Cox brings a powerful perspective to business networking, leadership, and personal growth. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Ryan shares how his background in the military, law enforcement, and entrepreneurship shaped the way he builds trust, serves others, and shows up with confidence. We talk about what it takes to start over, grow meaningful business relationships, and build the kind of network that creates real l...

If you are a business owner, nonprofit leader, bookkeeper, or CFO, this episode is a great reminder that merchant processing fees are often more negotiable than people realize. Sean Kelly shares how Kelly Merchant Solutions helps businesses and nonprofits reduce or eliminate unnecessary credit card processing costs, why authentic networking has played such a big role in his growth, and why one strategic relationship can be far more...

Hiring is one of the biggest growth points and stress points for small business owners. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Tami Parker from Unicycle Business Consulting to talk about hiring smarter, avoiding costly HR mistakes, and building a team that actually fits your business. From ghosted interviews to contractor misclassification to knowing when it is finally time to hire, this conversat...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Taylor Bryner of Transworld Business Advisors to talk about what really goes into selling a business, how business owners can prepare for a future exit, and why trust, clean books, and strong systems matter more than most entrepreneurs realize. Taylor shares practical insight on business valuation, buyer psychology, legacy concerns, and how to make a business...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Anthony Navarro of New York Life to talk about what separates average networking from relationship-driven business growth. Anthony shares how his background as a nurse, entrepreneur, and business builder shaped his approach to serving clients, following up with intention, and helping others win first. If you want to grow your business through stronger referra...

Episode Description + Highlights
Northern Colorado business networking is about more than handing out business cards. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Lucas Gillis of SRP to talk about how genuine curiosity, leadership, and long-term relationship building open doors in business. Lucas also shares why retirement plans are often full of hidden blind spots and how business owners can avoid ...

Business networking and referrals aren’t just for “business people”—they’re how trust gets built when you’re entering someone’s home and working with their family (including the dog). In this episode of Connections That Matter, I sit down with Scott and Holly from Barkbusters to talk dog behavior, client trust, and how getting active in the Northern Colorado community can outwork pure digit...

Clean books aren’t just about taxes—they’re about clarity, confidence, and better business decisions.

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Miriam Molina of Molina Bookkeeping to talk about why organized financials are one of the most powerful tools a business owner can have. Miriam shares how she helps small business owners get their books organized, prepare for tax season, and ...