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 companies from the ground up, Brian’s story is packed with lessons for business owners who want to grow without forcing relationships, pitching too hard, or chasing every lead in the room.

Episode Highlights

🔹 Why Brian often avoids leading with what he does for a living.

🔹 How music production became the foundation of his career, with DJing as the visible byproduct.

🔹 The difference between delivering a song and delivering an experience.

🔹 Why business owners need to know their product, audience, and message.

🔹 How Brian built companies from $0 by identifying the right niche and the right relationships.

🔹 Why forced networking turns people off, and what to do instead.

🔹 The importance of surrounding yourself with people who know what you do not.

🔹 How Brian intentionally promoted his team so the business could thrive beyond him.

🔹 Why selling Howe Eventful felt like the right step at this stage of his life.

🔹 What Brian is looking forward to next: music production, selective events, and more personal freedom.

Why You Should Listen

🔹 Learn why real relationships outperform rehearsed elevator pitches.

🔹 Hear how Brian built multiple businesses through connection, trust, and reputation.

🔹 Discover how to approach networking in a way that feels more human and less transactional.

🔹 Get practical insight on building a business that is not completely dependent on you.

🔹 Be reminded that the strongest networks often come from showing up consistently and authentically.

Businesses Brian Recommends

Howe Eventful — Brian still fully endorses the company after selling it and highlights its strong reputation, service quality, and leadership under new owner John Ski.

Desk Chair Workspace — Brian credits Desk Chair as a major hub for meaningful Northern Colorado relationships and business connections.

The Rule Events / Jessie Rule — Brian mentions Jessie as a pivotal relationship and trusted event professional in the region.

Venu Hub / Dawn Williams — Brian credits Dawn with playing a major role in the growth of his previous company through authentic support, referrals, and belief in his team.

George Gintoli — Brian recommends George as someone he has known for many years through real estate and long-term relationship-building.

Blas Estrada — Brian highlights Blas as a trusted Northern Colorado mortgage professional and long-standing connection.

Timestamps

0:00 – Why Brian avoids leading with what he does.
0:43 – Brian’s background as a DJ, producer, and entrepreneur.
2:46 – What DJs hear versus what the crowd hears.
6:03 – Business lessons from building the right “playlist.”
7:55 – How networking helped Brian build multiple businesses.
8:32 – The right and wrong way to network.
10:28 – Key relationships that shaped Brian’s career.
12:08 – How to build real relationships without forcing business.
16:07 – Building a business versus owning a job.
18:00 – Why Brian chose to sell Howe Eventful.
20:00 – What retirement looks like for Brian now.
22:39 – Brian’s recommended businesses and trusted connections.

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 built on reading metal, light, pressure, and precision.

🔹 He shares how he went from working in menswear to learning paintless dent repair through an apprenticeship model.

🔹 Dan breaks down the difference between paintless dent repair and traditional body shop work, especially when it comes to preserving factory paint and panels.

🔹 He talks about managing the seasonal highs and lows of Colorado hail damage repair.

🔹 Dan shares his approach to networking: ask good questions, learn about the other person’s business, and play the long game.

🔹 He explains why relationships with detailers, wrap installers, mechanics, fleet owners, and automotive-adjacent businesses are so valuable.

🔹 Dan highlights the power of being part of a local business ecosystem where neighboring businesses refer, support, and hand off customers to one another.

Why You Should Listen
🔹 If you have ever stared at a dent on your car and wished it would magically disappear, Dan explains what is actually possible.

🔹 If you own a business with vehicles, this episode will help you think differently about maintaining your fleet and protecting vehicle value.

🔹 If you are a small business owner, Dan’s networking approach is a great reminder that relationships are often built through curiosity, consistency, and giving before asking.

🔹 If you are in an automotive, service, or trade-based business, this episode is packed with practical insight on building referral partnerships that actually last.

Businesses Dan Recommends
Choice Moving Company — Dan mentions referring people to Joe Pucci and Choice Moving, and Andrew shares that Joe was one of the first people to recommend Dan’s work. It is a great example of local business owners building trust and passing referrals within the community.

How to Contact Dan
Website: www.PDRFoCo.com
Phone: 970-657-3375
Business: Dent Repair Dan / PDR FoCo

Timestamps
0:00 – Dan’s approach to networking through curiosity.
0:14 – Welcome to Connections That Matter.
0:32 – The story behind Andrew’s own dent repair.
1:45 – Why dents do not usually just “pop out.”
2:17 – The craftsmanship behind paintless dent repair.
2:28 – How Dan got started in the industry.
4:57 – Learning through apprenticeship and the desire to mentor others.
5:58 – Paintless dent repair vs. traditional body shop repair.
8:04 – Managing hail season and the ebbs and flows of demand.
11:46 – What vehicle materials mean for dent repair.
14:55 – Who Dan wants to connect with through networking.
17:02 – Building referral relationships with detailers and wrap installers.
19:27 – The value of neighboring business relationships.
21:48 – Creating comfortable customer handoffs.
23:00 – How to book an appointment or consultation with Dan.
24:29 – Dan’s gift for Andrew and closing thoughts.
25:05 – How to connect with Northern Colorado business leaders.

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 long-term opportunity. This conversation is full of practical wisdom for business owners who want to lead well, connect authentically, and become more effective in every room they walk into.

Episode Highlights
🔹 Ryan shares how his path from the military and law enforcement into business ownership shaped the way he builds trust and serves people.
🔹 He explains why networking became a critical tool when he had to start over and build a business from scratch.
🔹 We talk about confidence, authenticity, reading people well, and why listening matters more than talking.
🔹 Ryan breaks down what it takes to grow the right referral group and why not every person is the right fit for your network.
🔹 He also shares how entrepreneurship has influenced the way he leads his family and thinks about legacy.

Why You Should Listen
🔹 This episode will help you become a more confident networker without coming across as pushy or arrogant.
🔹 Ryan offers practical wisdom for building relationships that are rooted in trust, service, and consistency.
🔹 If you are trying to grow a networking group, start a referral community, or expand your reach, this conversation is full of useful takeaways.
🔹 You will also hear a powerful perspective on leadership, personal integrity, and showing up with purpose in every room you enter.

Timestamps
0:00 Ryan’s background and family journey.
1:35 Transitioning from law enforcement to business ownership.
3:45 What networking taught Ryan about starting over.
5:05 Why listening is one of the most important networking skills.
6:18 Reading people quickly and building trust.
7:55 How to create freedom and comfort in conversations.
10:05 Confidence, authenticity, and integrity in business.
13:16 Building strong networks across the Front Range.
15:05 How Ryan found and grew multiple networking groups.
19:23 Tips for starting and growing the right referral group.
22:48 Why people say yes to the right leader.
25:14 Where to connect with Ryan.