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

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 You Should Listen

• Learn the single rule that makes decluttering feel easy: “If you bring one thing in, take one thing out.”
• Discover the three life events—moves, loss, and major transitions—that always trigger an organizing overhaul.
• Hear how Melissa builds trust with clients in their most vulnerable messes.
• Find out which local pros Melissa trusts first (and how she vets them before recommending them).

In This Episode

• Why moving is the ultimate “aha!” moment for every pack-rat.
• How to fuse a natural “purger” mindset with a spouse who treasures every memento.
• The surprisingly powerful role that grief, divorce, and illness play in clutter overwhelm.
• Melissa’s simple framework for creating habits that “just happen” by themselves.
• The key questions Melissa asks every new client to uncover their ideal organizing style.

Business Recommendations

• Ryan Ponto at The Spot Specialist—your go-to carpet-cleaning guru in Northern Colorado.

Connections Melissa Is Looking For

• Move-out cleaners who never miss a spot.
• Handymen with a passion for polished results.
• Funeral-industry professionals who guide families through grief and possessions.

Connect with Melissa:
🌐 https://www.organizeahappyhome.com/
📱 IG: @organizeahappyhome
🎙️ Organizing Mafia podcast: https://www.organizeahappyhome.com/organizing-mafia-podcast

Want to join us live?
See all upcoming Connections That Matter events:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909

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 your side hustle into your full-time gig—or just need a reminder to bet on yourself—this episode delivers. Paul’s bold, no-apologies journey is packed with creative energy, entrepreneurial grit, and a whole lot of heart.

In This Episode:

• The leap of faith that launched Krownz&Kickz.
• Designing fictional minor league baseball teams like the Downtown Clowns and Palisade Screaming Peaches.
• Turning custom hats into conversation starters and brand-builders.
• How his mechanic sparked a breakthrough connection.
• The difference between hustling and grinding—and why it matters.

Business Recommendations:

• Baldo from Honest Mobile Mechanic.
• Blackafornia / Mr. Plugs (fashion creator + host of The Drip Show).

Connections Paul is Looking For:

• Small businesses wanting to turn their brand into wearable art.
• Creatives looking to collaborate on streetwear or design.
• Entrepreneurs who value originality and bold storytelling.

Connect with Paul:
🌐 https://www.krownzandkickz.shop/
📱 IG + TikTok: @krownzandkickz

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

In this high-energy episode of Connections That Matter, we sit down with Aaron Stenson, Sales Manager at Main Event – Windsor, to talk about how he's turning birthday parties, corporate outings, and even networking events into unforgettable experiences.

Aaron shares how he's helping local professionals rethink what networking can look like—by combining fun, creativity, and genuine relationship-building in a venue that brings people together from all over Northern Colorado.

🎉 In this episode:

• How Main Event makes hosting seamless—from small parties to full facility buyouts.
• Tips for entrepreneurs planning impactful networking events.
• Why building partnerships like those with the Colorado Eagles creates momentum for community engagement.
• How Aaron’s attention to detail and hospitality mindset make him a go-to resource for local business leaders.

💡 Why You Should Listen:

If you're tired of boring hotel ballrooms and want to spark meaningful connections in a fun, memorable environment—this episode is for you. Learn how event-based networking can supercharge your business growth, and why Aaron is one of the most community-minded leaders in Northern Colorado.

🤝 Connections Aaron Recommends:

• The Hach Company – A longtime partner known for team events and summer celebrations.
• Colorado Eagles – A valued community partner for meet-the-player nights and local engagement.

📣 Aaron is looking to connect with:

• Corporate event planners.
• Local business owners planning team outings.
• Nonprofit organizers or networking groups looking for a venue with energy and personality.

📍 Want to host your next event at Main Event?

📧 Reach out to Aaron directly: aaron.stenson@mainevent.com
📞 Call: 970-663-6363
📍 Visit: Main Event – Windsor, CO

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

In this episode of Connections That Matter, I sit down with Tillie Peart, Managing Broker at Desperado Realty, who brings a people-first, fiercely loyal approach to property management in Northern Colorado.

Tillie shares her transition from corporate retail to real estate, how she builds trust with tenants and investors, and why she personally vets every vendor before referring them. Her blend of action, integrity, and hustle makes her a standout in a high-turnover industry—and a connector in every sense of the word.

🎧 Why You Should Listen:
If you're in real estate, investing, or work with renters, this episode will show you how to lead with trust, build loyalty through service, and turn your network into a true community. Tillie offers a refreshing, relational approach to a traditionally transactional business.

✅ Professionals Tillie Recommends:

• Chad Phyle – Financial Advisor
• Louis Gartrell / Gart’s Plumbing – Responsive and reliable plumber
• Jalen Perez / White Castle Roofing – Honest, professional roofing partner

🤝 Connections Tillie Is Looking For:

• Ethical tradespeople and contractors
• Real estate agents who value long-term client care
• Vendors who want to grow through relationships, not just sales
• Agents or property managers who want to join her growing team

📞 Contact Tillie: 970-219-1633 (Text preferred)
🌐 Google: Tillie Peart or Desperado Realty

🎉 Want to come network with us?
Meet Tillie and other inspiring Northern Colorado leaders at our next event:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909

In this episode of Connections That Matter, I sit down with Sondra Harper—coach, speaker, and now two-time published author—to talk about mastering your pitch, owning your value, and connecting with clients through powerful communication.

Sondra shares how the right pitch can instantly build rapport and why so many business owners struggle to articulate their value. We unpack how sales is really about solving problems, not pushing services, and how coaching can help entrepreneurs realign their communication with the outcomes they actually want.

We also dive into her journey as an author, the support system that helped her finish her latest book, and the difference between giving advice and coaching someone through meaningful change.

🎧 Why You Should Listen:
If you've ever stumbled through explaining what you do—or felt like your message isn't landing—this episode will help you clarify your pitch, boost your confidence, and improve how you connect with the people you're meant to serve. Whether you're in trades, wellness, or coaching, this is a masterclass in clear, compelling communication.

✅ Professionals Sondra Recommends:

• Alicia Beeson / XSeed Design – collaborator and creative partner during her book-writing journey
• Alex Tanner – former client and high-performing landscaper (and fellow podcast guest!)
• Mary Lucivi – her long-time mentor and leadership coach
• Perry Belcher – marketing strategist and online product coach

🤝 Connections Sondra Is Looking For:

• Trades professionals (roofers, landscapers, builders) who are great at what they do but struggle to close sales
• Wellness providers (acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists) who need help articulating their value
• Entrepreneurs feeling stuck in their communication or sales process
• Business owners curious about coaching but unsure where to start

📘 Keep an eye out for Sondra’s newest book (pre-launch now, coming to Amazon soon!)
📧 Connect with Sondra or book a discovery call: sondraharper.com

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