Founded in FoCo Podcast

Artists are creators—but they’re also business owners. In this episode of the Founded in FoCo podcast, Nick is joined by Meredith Badler from the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA). Meredith shares how the arts fuel Colorado’s economy and why legal and business knowledge is essential for creative professionals.

Meredith dives into the Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA) program, which connects artists with legal sup...

If your marketing feels like a grind, you’re doing it wrong. In this episode of the Founded in FoCo podcast, Shannon Hernandez shares how joyful, ethical marketing can transform your business.

Shannon, founder of Joyful Business Revolution, breaks down why permission-based marketing and authentic storytelling are the keys to real connections—and real results. She’ll show you how to align your marketing with your values and ditch tac...

What if leadership felt more like mixing the perfect DJ set—where every beat, transition, and interaction creates an experience that truly resonates? Eryc Eyl joins Nick Armstrong on the Founded in FoCo podcast to explore the art of heart-led leadership and building workplaces that put people first.

Eryc unpacks six essential disciplines that help leaders foster human flourishing, blending insights from leadership, DJing, and human-...

How do you turn bold ideas into thriving businesses? Join Founded in FoCo Co-Lead Organizer Nick Armstrong as he sits down with Mark Schreiber from the CSU Institute for Entrepreneurship to explore the power of human-centered design and programs like Venture Validator.In this episode, you'll discover how design thinking helps entrepreneurs—whether product- or service-based—truly understand customer needs and build better businesses...

What does it take to unlock peak performance—not just in work, but in life? Dr. Brad Cooper, an elite master's athlete and PhD in performance psychology, joins Nick Armstrong on the Founded in FoCo podcast to reveal the science (and art) of functional mental toughness.

From optimizing sleep, exercise, and nutrition to fueling motivation and resilience, Dr. Cooper shares powerful insights on how to push past plateaus and sustain high...

Learn how nonprofits can pitch their missions like pros and secure game-changing funding in this episode of theFounded in FoCo podcast. Nick is joined by Maya and Alex to dive intoTrout Tank, a live-pitch event helping nonprofits connect with donors—thinkShark Tank, but for a good cause.

Maya Ortega (Trout Tank co-creator) andAlex Koenigsberg (Arula founder) break down what makes a compelling nonprofit pitch, the biggest fundraising...

Charles Howes is the Founded in FoCo Co-Lead Organizer and Peter Bostwick is the Founded in FoCo Exhibitor Hall Lead.

Charles joined Founded in FoCo in to play a pivotal role in nurturing entrepreneurial growth in Northern Colorado. With a keen interest in building community-focused initiatives, he emphasizes job creation and economic development. Charles brought new tools and structures to help grow Founded in FoCo to help connect ...

Gus Vieweg is an expert in utilizing improv techniques to enhance business communication and team dynamics. As the head of the social track for Founded in Foco, Gus brings a wealth of experience in organizing impactful networking events. With a background that includes facilitating workshops and events designed to break down barriers and build genuine connections, Gus uses his passion for improv to foster community building, aiming...

Beth Bostwick and Dayle Wickizer are the Founded in FoCo AI Track Leads.

Beth Bostwick is an expert in leveraging generative AI to empower small businesses. She is a key player in the planning team for Found in FoCo and a passionate advocate for using AI as a tool for business growth and innovation.

Dayle Wickizer is a technology enthusiast and strategist who specializes in AI implementation for small businesses. She has been invol...

Phil Donaldson and Karen Joy Fritz lead the Creative Track for Founded in FoCo.

Phil has been involved with Founded in FoCo since 2020, contributing to the development of the Nonprofit and Builder Tracks. Now focused on the Creative Track, he brings his expertise from Fort Collins’ vibrant music scene, where he performs with the FoCo Motown Revue.

Karen, a Fort Collins-based entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, trans...

Dayle Wickizer is the CEO and founder of Intentional Results Consulting. With a rich background in executive operations management, she plays the vital role of a fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO), providing part-time executive support to businesses. Her expertise lies in helping leaders execute their strategies, optimize operations, and scale their businesses effectively. Wickizer's experience encompasses corporate-level...

Sara Rosinsky is the talented and experienced copywriter behind Shiny Red Copy. Having been in the advertising industry since the days when horses were a primary mode of transportation, Sara has honed her craft to perfection. She's a sole proprietor who helps businesses reach their customers via clear messaging and brand articulation. She has a rich background that includes starting in advertising by creating and distributing s...

Diana Rogers Jaeger is a seasoned consultant adept at propelling organizations and individuals toward their maximum potential. She lends her expertise through her company, Love to Appreciate Consulting, with a focal point on leadership development as well as employee engagement and retention. Diana crafts strategic solutions that honor the symbiotic relationship between businesses and their workforce. Her modus operandi is crafting...

Abby Veliquette is a seasoned coach and consultant based in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is the founder of Sequoia Leadership, where she specializes in helping organizations, teams, and individuals focus on both the "how" and "what" of work. With a lifetime interest in leadership, Abby holds a background in nonprofit leadership, organizational communication, and a PhD in organizational learning, performance, and ...

LeAndra Foster is an esteemed expert in the field of profitability coaching and entrepreneurship. Her experience includes guiding fellow entrepreneurs in recognizing and correcting profitability issues within their businesses. She is known for her strategic approach to addressing business needs from the ground up, akin to Maslow's hierarchy of needs but applied to business processes. LeAndra has recently taken on the role of a ...

Stefanie Merrill is the K-12 Work Based Learning Business Liaison for the region, whose role involves substantial interaction with businesses every day. With an extensive background in education and business partnerships, Stefanie is dedicated to enhancing the relationship between high school students and the business community by facilitating work-based learning opportunities.

Nick Peterson serves as the Community and Business Dev...

Amanda Fuel is a keynote speaker and coach for public speakers, known for her work encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to share their unique stories on stage. With a passion for advocating for uncommon voices, Amanda has experience in public speaking, marketing, leading meetup groups such as Conscious Business Connection, and operating a sticker company called Dolphin Feet. She has also been involved with TEDx events as a s...

Julia Semple is a seasoned massage therapist with over 17 years of experience in the industry. She is the proud owner of Therapeutic Massage of Noco, where she specializes in providing relief for chronic pain and stress. By integrating her intuitive touch and in-depth knowledge of the human body, Julia is committed to improving the well-being and performance of her clients. Julia is passionate about educating people on body mainten...