Connections That Matter

Business networking and networking only work when trust comes first—and Dr. Shpendi Lluhani has built both. In this episode of Connections That Matter , Shpendi shares how he and his wife run Reconnect Chiropractic in Loveland with a family-first approach (including pediatric and prenatal care), why referrals have become their #1 growth driver, and how community-centered networking (like Hustle Ho...

From rusty car frames to smoke-damaged heirlooms, Jim Ford of Bison Laser Cleaning is using high-tech laser cleaning to bring metal, wood, concrete, and more back to life—without harsh chemicals or mess. In this episode, we talk about how Jim carved out a niche with a truly unique service, how he partners with other trades, and why old-school, door-to-door sales still works in 2025. Why You Should...

Serial entrepreneur Tim Jordan has bought six businesses, started three more, and sold five of them—most in the service space. In this episode, he shares how he went from a 21-year-old buying a small window tint shop to leading 100+ employees at Palmer Flowers and now building Service Catalyst, a national peer community for service-based business owners. Tim breaks down how he uses systems, scorec...

What’s the difference between “pretty clean” and Cleanspot clean ? In this episode of Connections That Matter , Andrew sits down with Ninoska Mallory , owner of Cleanspot , to talk about top-to-bottom cleaning, unforgettable client experiences, and how she went from shy networker in the corner to one of Northern Colorado’s most generous referral givers. Ninoska shares how she built a reputation th...

What if your team’s “people problems” are actually genius problems? In this episode, Andrew sits down with HR consultant and Working Genius facilitator Robin Baker of The People Factor to talk about building teams that actually work well together. Why You Should Listen 🔹 You lead (or want to lead) a small team and feel like things keep falling through the cracks. 🔹 You’re curious how the Working...

When someone finally says “I can’t deal with this garage/estate/basement anymore,” Michael Kane is often the first call. In this episode of Connections That Matter , Andrew sits down with Michael, owner of Rubbish Works of Northern Colorado , to talk about what really happens behind the scenes of “junk removal” — and how he’s built a five-star, relationship-driven business in a competitive market....

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with mortgage advisor Austin Foss , who moved from the Texas heat to Northern Colorado—and brought his lending business with him. Austin specializes in helping veterans, first-time homebuyers, and relocating families actually understand the mortgage process so they feel confident instead of overwhelmed. From navigating two very different...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with independent financial advisor Ben Voss of Raymond James to talk about the human side of money: life transitions, trust, and the power of showing up in your community. Ben shares how he built his book of business the hard way—knocking on doors for three years—then rebuilt momentum after COVID by anchoring himself in co-working spaces...

In this episode of Connections That Matter , Andrew sits down with Christina Gressianu , award-winning photographer and owner of Christina Gressianu Photo Studio in downtown Loveland. Christina is known for creating portraits that go far beyond the surface—images that help people feel confident, capable, and genuinely seen. Over her 25-year journey behind the camera, Christina has built a process...

In this episode of Connections That Matter , Andrew sits down with Jen Peterson , founder of Slay Social with Jen , to talk about how business owners can stop hiding behind their logo and start showing up confidently on camera. Jen helps entrepreneurs figure out what to post, how to say it, and how to turn views into paying clients—without needing thousands of followers or fancy gear. She shares r...

In this uplifting episode of Connections That Matter , Andrew sits down with Misty Dockins , publisher and owner of Windsor City Lifestyle , to talk about how she’s turned local storytelling into a movement of connection, collaboration, and community pride. From starting with zero advertisers to now leading a 90%+ retention rate and a thriving calendar of events, Misty shares how networking, inten...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Northern Colorado business leader Steve Martin, owner of Charisma Construction, shares how being authentic (and a little silly) can be your superpower in business. From knocking on every door in downtown Loveland to building a 100% referral-based commercial construction company, Steve’s story is all about relationships, resilience, and doing right by peo...

About This Episode: Kelli Vaughan turned franchised systems + intentional networking into a launch plan for success. In this episode, she shares how TeamLogic IT Fort Collins built a trusted name in Northern Colorado by focusing on community visibility, layered cybersecurity, and authentic relationships that keep businesses safe and connected. 💡 Why You Should Listen ✨ A real-world playbook for...

In this episode of Connections That Matter , Andrew sits down with Matt Kays , owner of Mountain Event Services , to talk about the energy behind unforgettable events — and the genuine relationships that make them possible. From weddings and corporate galas to festivals that stretch across city blocks, Matt reveals how collaboration, communication, and connection fuel every show. He also shares ho...

In this powerful episode of Connections That Matter , Andrew sits down with Marshall Spring , founder and CEO of the Combat Recovery Foundation , a Northern Colorado nonprofit dedicated to evidence-based suicide prevention for veterans and survivors. Marshall shares how the unexpected loss of his business partner led him to launch Combat Recovery Foundation—a mission to help veterans rebuild purpo...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Jessie Rule, the event and community manager at Desk Chair Workspace in downtown Loveland, to talk about building thriving coworking communities, creating seamless events, and managing work-life balance as an entrepreneur and mom of three. From coordinating weddings and rooftop parties to hosting business trainings and networking ev...

In this episode of Connections That Matter , Andrew sits down with Joe Andujo , health insurance broker, debt elimination advocate, and Air Force veteran, to talk about the power of networking , the lessons he’s learned from running for Congress, and how perseverance turned his business around when he was on the verge of losing it. Joe shares why authentic connections matter, how he went from hand...

In this episode of Connections That Matter , Andrew sits down with Chris Parks , a personal injury attorney with nearly four decades of experience, to explore the power of networking, client relationships, and genuine referrals in building a business that lasts. Chris shares how a single client relationship can create a ripple effect of opportunity, the importance of being genuine in networking gr...

In this episode of Connections That Matter , Andrew sits down with Amber Sigg , serial entrepreneur and owner of OP Complete Insurance Solutions , to talk about entrepreneurship, balance, and the networking habits that drive real results. From building a 26-year real estate career to shifting into insurance, Amber shares the life lessons behind transitioning careers, raising kids on opposite ends...

In this episode of Connections That Matter , Andrew sits down with Dustin Hunter , owner of Ace of Diamonds Painting , to unpack the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of intention, and how networking transforms his business beyond just “another paint job.” Dustin shares the story behind his brand, the lessons he’s learned about slowing down to focus on impact, and how he uses curiosit...

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Deonna Ortiz, financial advisor at New York Life, whose journey from 17 years as a chef to a trusted financial professional shows the power of resilience, service, and networking. Deonna shares how her personal story of financial struggle, caregiving, and single parenthood inspired her to help others plan for the future. More import...

In this episode of Connections That Matter , Andrew sits down with Lola Davidson , founder of Davidson Insurance Brokerage, to explore how she’s reshaping the way people think about health insurance—and how networking has been the key to her success. Lola doesn’t just sell policies; she builds deep, lasting connections. From walking families through emotional health decisions to advising entrepren...

In this episode of Connections That Matter , we sit down with Justin Lindquist, founder of Lindquist Outdoor Lighting, to talk about how he’s transforming Colorado properties with luxury outdoor and architectural lighting. Justin shares how a summer job in Minnesota sparked a passion for design, safety, and ambiance that now fuels his thriving business across Northern Colorado and beyond. 💡 In Th...

In this week’s episode of Connections That Matter , we welcome professional organizer Melissa Foster—founder of Happy Home Organizing—to unpack why “one-in, one-out” can transform your entire household. After a decade of accumulating boxes of “stuff,” Andrew learned the hard way that moving is the ultimate clutter test. Melissa shows us how simple, sustainable systems can banish chaos forever. Why...

In this episode of Connections That Matter , we sit down with Paul Rodriguez, founder of Krownz&Kickz , to talk about what happens when you go all in on your dream. Paul shares how a face tattoo, a grill, and a passion for fashion turned into a thriving creative business specializing in custom hats, streetwear, and wearable brand stories. Why You Should Listen: If you’ve ever wanted to turn yo...