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 how networking with other DJs and vendors — even competitors — has helped him grow a thriving Northern Colorado production company known for five-star experiences.

💡 Episode Highlights

• How collaboration keeps events smooth and stress-free.
• Networking with competitors can be a growth strategy.
• Creating event “flow” like a theatrical production.
• Five-star service secrets from Mountain Event Services.

🌐 Connect with Matt Kays & Mountain Event Services

Phone: 970-372-4882
Email: events@mountaineventservices.com
Website: https://mountaineventservices.com

🎟 Network with Us

Next Level Networking Events: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909

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 purpose, community, and belonging through connection and service. From wildfire mitigation to brand collaborations with Pine-Rite Soap, Wander Coffee, and Sweet Heart Winery, Marshall has built a model where business and social impact go hand in hand.

💡 In This Episode:
✨ The story behind Combat Recovery Foundation’s mission and how it began with tragedy and hope.
✨ Why isolation, not depression, is often the root cause of veteran suicide.
✨ How community projects like erosion control, forest restoration, and fishing clubs help veterans reconnect.
✨ The power of brand collaborations — from coffee and cider to skincare — that support veterans and local businesses.
✨ Lessons in resilience and how to pivot when plans fall apart (like the Rising Phoenix 5K event).
✨ Why authenticity and radical hospitality are the foundation of Marshall’s leadership.

💡 Why You Should Listen:
This episode is a masterclass in turning loss into legacy. Whether you’re a business owner, nonprofit leader, or veteran, Marshall’s insights into connection, resilience, and collaboration will remind you what it means to serve — and how to build community from the ground up.

📣 Marshall mentions and collaborates with:

Pine-Rite Soap: https://pineritesoap.com
Wander Coffee: https://wandercoffee.com
Sweet Heart Winery: https://sweetheartwinery.com

🌐 Connect with Combat Recovery Foundation:
💻 Website: combatrecoveryfoundation.org
📞 Contact: info@combatrecoveryfoundation.org
📍 Northern Colorado

🎟 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 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 events, Jessie shares how she helps transform visions into reality, fosters authentic connections among members, and keeps events running smoothly—even when the unexpected happens behind the scenes.

💡 In This Episode:
✨ How Jessie went from weddings to coworking and event management.
✨ Tips for managing vendors, clients, and logistics for seamless events.
✨ Why coworking communities thrive on connection, collaboration, and cocktails.
✨ The secret to balancing business ownership and family life with grace.
✨ How Desk Chair became the “hub of Loveland” for entrepreneurs and professionals.

💡 Why You Should Listen:
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for office space, a professional wanting to expand your network, or someone planning your next event, Jessie’s insights on community-building, hospitality, and business networking will inspire you to see coworking spaces in a whole new way.

📣 Jessie recommends:
Fresh Plate Catering (Loveland)
Door 222 (restaurant)
Sando’s (on-site restaurant)
DJ Brian Howe

🌐 Connect with Jessie & Desk Chair Workspace:
💻 Website: deskchairworkspace.com

📞 Phone: 970-290-3757
📍 Downtown Loveland, CO

🎟 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 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 handing out business cards to being known as a genuine connector in Northern Colorado, and why listening first is the secret to great networking.

💡 In This Episode:
✨ How networking saved Joe’s business during its first year.
✨ Lessons from running for Congress and putting $124k of his own money on the line.
✨ Why listening beats selling at networking events.
✨ The shift from pushing business cards to making meaningful introductions.
✨ His mission to help small businesses afford health insurance and families escape debt.

💡 Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve ever felt like networking wasn’t working for you—or wondered how to grow a business through authentic connections—Joe’s story will inspire you to rethink how you build relationships.

📣 Joe is looking to connect with:
🔹 Small business owners (1–15 employees) needing affordable insurance options.
🔹 Clergy and counselors helping couples or individuals with financial struggles.

🌐 Connect with Joe:
📱 Phone: 970-237-4740
💻 Website: integrityhealthco.com

🎟 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 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 groups, and why referrals from judges, attorneys, and clients carry so much weight. He also provides practical advice for business owners on protecting themselves legally and financially—from insurance coverage tips to managing cases with confidence.

💡 In This Episode:
✨ How one client referral turned into 25+ cases and long-term business growth.
✨ Why networking referrals from judges and attorneys are the ultimate trust factor.
✨ Lessons from decades in personal injury law: picking the right cases and clients.
✨ Body language secrets for reading the room at networking events.
✨ Insurance tips every small business owner should know.

💡 Why You Should Listen:
If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or networker looking to build trust, attract referrals, and protect your business legally, Chris’s insights offer practical, real-world wisdom you can use right away.

📣 Chris is looking to connect with:
🔹 Business owners who want to protect themselves legally and financially.
🔹 Attorneys and professionals seeking a trusted referral partner in personal injury law.

🌐 Connect with Chris:
📱 Phone: 318-422-1235
💼 Chris Parks Law Firm – Northern Colorado

🎟 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 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 of the age spectrum, and learning how to get out of “survival mode” and back into “creative mode.” She also reveals the simple, authentic ways she builds trust with clients and power partners—helping referrals flow naturally.

💡 In This Episode:
✨ Why Amber shifted from real estate to insurance—and what she learned about work-life balance.
✨ The “creative mode vs. survival mode” question her son asked that changed everything.
✨ How to build power partnerships that actually work.
✨ Simple, authentic ways to connect with clients beyond email and CRM tools.
✨ Why consistency matters in networking (and how to stand out).

💡 Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve ever felt like you’re just surviving instead of thriving—or if you want to learn how to build deeper, more consistent referral relationships—Amber’s story will inspire you. This episode blends real-world business advice with personal insights on balance, creativity, and connection.

📣 Amber is looking to connect with:
🔹 Financial planners and mortgage lenders
🔹 Real estate agents and estate planning attorneys
🔹 Business professionals who value authentic referrals and power partnerships

🌐 Connect with Amber:
💻 Website: opcomplete.com
📧 Email: ASigg@opcomplete.com
📞 Phone: 970-405-3473

🎟 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 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 curiosity and connection to build trust with both clients and referral partners. From helping homeowners envision color transformations to collaborating with other trades, Dustin proves that business growth isn’t just about the work you do—it’s about the relationships you build.

💡 In This Episode:
✨ The story behind the “Ace of Diamonds” name and brand.
✨ Why so many entrepreneurs get stuck in the “force field” of busyness.
✨ How curiosity and genuine connection turn networking into opportunity.
✨ The trades and partners who make painting projects stronger (roofing, cleaning, insurance).
✨ Current color trends in 2025 (greens, blues, and bold accents making a comeback).

💡 Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the grind of your business, Dustin’s insights will challenge you to slow down, define your bigger “why,” and focus on meaningful impact. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a remodel or an entrepreneur building your network, this episode will leave you inspired to think bigger than transactions.

📣 Dustin is looking to connect with:
🔹 Homeowners looking to transform their spaces.
🔹 Business owners who value intentional networking.
🔹 Referral partners in roofing, cleaning, and insurance.

🌐 Connect with Dustin:
💻 Website: aceofdiamondspainting.com
📞 Phone: (720) 441-6413
📍 Serving Northern Colorado (Longmont, Erie, and beyond)

🎟 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 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