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 importantly, she reveals how she uses networking—not just to grow her business, but to become a connector who helps other professionals thrive.

💡 In This Episode:
✨ How Deonna pivoted from being a chef to building a financial advising career.
✨ The role of networking in turning clients into referral partners.
✨ Why being open, honest, and human builds deeper financial trust.
✨ Tips for entrepreneurs planning finances with risk, growth, and family in mind.
✨ How small, genuine conversations (even with an Uber driver!) can lead to new opportunities.

💡 Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by finances or struggled with networking, Deonna’s story will inspire you. She shows how connection, honesty, and persistence can open doors—in business, in relationships, and in planning for a stronger financial future.

📣 Deonna is looking to connect with:
🔹 Entrepreneurs and families in mid-career who want to build generational wealth.
🔹 Business leaders curious about employee benefits that don’t burden the employer.
🔹 Community members who believe in the power of authentic connection.

🌐 Connect with Deonna:
📱 Phone: 970-581-0404
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deonna-ortiz-7395a22ab/
💻 New York Life – Financial Advisor

🎟 Want to come network with us?
Check out upcoming events here:
👉 ⁠https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909⁠

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 entrepreneurs on compliance and tax savings, Lola shows how empathy, consistency, and community engagement make her one of Northern Colorado’s most trusted brokers.

💡 In This Episode:
✨ Why 9 out of 10 health insurance agents quit—and how Lola built a thriving, referral-driven business.
✨ How networking helped her overcome the challenges of a commission-only industry.
✨ The role of empathy in building trust with clients who share sensitive health and financial information.
✨ How she uses networking to collaborate with CPAs, realtors, and financial advisors to serve business owners better.
✨ Stories of clients who came through referrals and became long-term relationships.

💡 Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a traditionally “scary” industry into one built on trust and connection, Lola’s story is proof. You’ll hear practical tips for saving money on insurance and lessons in networking that apply to any business owner.

📣 Lola is looking to connect with:
🔹 Entrepreneurs moving from corporate jobs to self-employment.
🔹 Companies who want consistent, proactive insurance reviews.
🔹 Business leaders who believe strong relationships drive strong results.

🌐 Connect with Lola:
📱 Phone/Text: 864-991-5008 (best way to reach her)
💼 Brokerage: Davidson Insurance Brokerage

🎟 Want to come network with us?
Check out upcoming events here:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909

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 This Episode:
✨ How a water feature “cave light” became a standout project and a networking success story.
✨ Why putting his last name on the business raises the bar for quality and trust.
✨ Tips for designing year-round lighting that looks amazing in every season.
✨ How outdoor lighting impacts property value and curb appeal.
✨ The networking connections that help a niche business grow in a competitive market.

💡 Why You Should Listen:
If you’re a homeowner, realtor, builder, or simply someone who loves beautiful spaces, Justin’s insights will change how you think about outdoor lighting. From creative design ideas to the role networking plays in growing a specialized business, this episode blends practical advice with inspiring entrepreneurial lessons.

🤝 Connections Justin Recommends:
🔹 Landscapers and custom home builders looking for a trusted lighting partner.
🔹 Real estate professionals wanting to add value and visual impact to listings.

📣 Justin is looking to connect with:
🔹 Home service professionals, realtors, and builders.
🔹 Business owners wanting to enhance their storefront safety and ambiance.

🌐 Connect with Justin:
📱 Instagram: @lindquistoutdoorlighting
💻 Website: lindquistoutdoorlighting.com
📧 Email: Justin@LindquistOutdoorLighting.com
📞 Phone: 303.997.1226

🎟 Want to come network with us?
Check out upcoming events here:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909