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.

If you are a business owner, nonprofit leader, bookkeeper, or CFO, this episode is a great reminder that merchant processing fees are often more negotiable than people realize. Sean Kelly shares how Kelly Merchant Solutions helps businesses and nonprofits reduce or eliminate unnecessary credit card processing costs, why authentic networking has played such a big role in his growth, and why one strategic relationship can be far more valuable than a single account.

Episode Highlights
🔹 Sean explains how many business owners unknowingly overpay on merchant processing and why the effective rate can be much higher than expected.
🔹 We talk about how Kelly Merchant Solutions started with a heart to serve nonprofits and help more donation dollars stay with the causes they support.
🔹 Sean shares a powerful example of helping Longmont Humane Society identify more than $36,000 in savings.
🔹 We discuss how networking helped Sean go from feeling like the new kid in the room to becoming a strong connector in the Northern Colorado business community.
🔹 Sean breaks down why strategic partnerships can outperform one-off sales and become a major growth lever for a business.

Why You Should Listen
🔹 You will learn how to think differently about merchant fees and hidden costs inside payment processing.
🔹 You will hear a practical networking philosophy centered on curiosity, generosity, and authenticity.
🔹 You will get a strong reminder that the best networking is not just about making a sale, but about building relationships that scale.
🔹 You will hear how Sean is building a business with community impact while still protecting family time and staying true to his values.

Businesses Sean Recommends
🔹 Longmont Humane Society — Sean shared this as one of the nonprofit success stories that stands out most to him after helping them identify substantial savings.
🔹 Blue Federal Credit Union — Sean highlighted his relationship with Vicki Shock and how that connection developed into meaningful business growth.

How to Contact Sean
Website: KellyMerchantSolutions.com.
Email: sean@kellymerchantsolutions.com
Call or Text: 720-507-1336.

Timestamps
0:00 Strategic relationships vs. one-off deals.
0:18 Meet Sean Kelly from Kelly Merchant Solutions.
0:48 Why business owners often overpay on processing fees.
1:40 Hidden fees, effective rates, and wholesale pricing.
2:24 Why Sean put his family name on the business.
3:18 How networking changed Sean’s business growth.
4:19 Supporting nonprofits and the Longmont Humane Society story.
5:56 Sean’s networking tips for making quality connections.
8:12 How to identify decision-makers in larger organizations.
10:00 Relationship builders who made an impact on Sean.
11:31 Building a business that still protects family time.
14:01 How Sean’s family experiences the mission of the business.
15:36 Why merchant solutions is not always an easy first conversation.
17:18 Who Sean most wants to help.
18:49 Strategic partnerships as a growth strategy.
20:29 How to contact Sean.

Hiring is one of the biggest growth points and stress points for small business owners. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Tami Parker from Unicycle Business Consulting to talk about hiring smarter, avoiding costly HR mistakes, and building a team that actually fits your business. From ghosted interviews to contractor misclassification to knowing when it is finally time to hire, this conversation is packed with practical advice for Northern Colorado business owners who want to scale with more confidence.

Episode Highlights
🔹 Tami explains why so many employers and applicants are ghosting each other in today’s hiring market.
🔹 She shares why business owners should hire for fit, coachability, and intangibles before focusing only on technical skills.
🔹 You’ll hear her “unicorn versus stallion” analogy and why waiting for the perfect hire can cause you to miss a great one.
🔹 Tami breaks down why many businesses actually need support staff before they need another top producer.
🔹 The conversation covers contractor vs. employee mistakes and some of the biggest legal and operational pitfalls owners overlook.
🔹 Tami also shares how networking can be one of the best ways to find great candidates and trusted referral partners.

Why You Should Listen
🔹 This episode gives practical hiring and HR advice that small business owners can apply immediately.
🔹 Tami makes complex HR topics easy to understand without making them feel overwhelming.
🔹 You’ll learn how to think more clearly about scaling your team and protecting your business as you grow.
🔹 The conversation is especially valuable for owners who know they need help but are unsure what role to hire first.
🔹 If you have ever felt like hiring, documentation, or employee issues were a “dumpster fire,” this episode will help you feel more prepared.

How to Contact Tami
Website: unicycle.consulting
HR CPR: hrcpr.net

Timestamps
0:00 Why business owners should network when they are hiring.
0:15 Intro to Tami Parker and Unicycle Business Consulting.
1:34 Why both job seekers and employers are getting ghosted.
3:03 What Tami is seeing in the Northern Colorado job market.
4:14 Why small business owners struggle to define the right hire.
5:40 The “unicorn versus stallion” hiring lesson.
5:58 How to write a better job description and job ad.
7:14 Why networking matters when finding strong candidates.
8:43 Why hiring feels scary for growing business owners.
9:17 How to decide what role you actually need next.
11:02 Employee vs. contractor vs. VA: how to think through the options.
13:10 Common contractor mistakes that can create legal problems.
15:04 How Tami chooses the right networking rooms.
16:32 What to do in the middle of an HR crisis.
18:37 How Tami stays grounded during emotionally charged HR situations.
20:03 Why documentation matters so much in HR.
22:43 Tami’s best referral partners and strategic connections.
24:10 How she approaches authentic networking and business growth.
25:45 Why LinkedIn has not been her strongest recruiting platform.
27:16 How to connect with Tami for HR help or a discovery call.

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Taylor Bryner of Transworld Business Advisors to talk about what really goes into selling a business, how business owners can prepare for a future exit, and why trust, clean books, and strong systems matter more than most entrepreneurs realize. Taylor shares practical insight on business valuation, buyer psychology, legacy concerns, and how to make a business more transferable long before it hits the market.

Episode Highlights
🔹 Taylor explains the real formula behind business value: return divided by risk.
🔹 He breaks down the business sale process from valuation to marketing to due diligence and closing.
🔹 He shares why clean books and reduced perceived risk can dramatically impact business value.
🔹 He discusses the difference between building a job and building a transferable business.
🔹 Taylor gives practical advice on systems, CRMs, checklists, and automation for owners who want to scale.
🔹 He explains why many business sales are triggered by major life events like health issues, death, divorce, or financial pressure.
🔹 He shares how vulnerability and authenticity help him build trust quickly with clients and referral partners.

Why You Should Listen
🔹 You’ll better understand what makes a business attractive to buyers.
🔹 You’ll learn why exit planning should start years before you want to sell.
🔹 You’ll get a clearer picture of how buyers think and what they are actually looking for.
🔹 You’ll hear valuable insight for business owners who want to increase value now, whether they plan to sell soon or not.
🔹 You’ll pick up networking and relationship-building lessons from someone who works closely with business owners during major transitions.

Businesses Taylor Recommends
🔹 Kelly Vaughn – TeamLogic IT. Taylor praised Kelly and her team for solving urgent IT problems quickly and for reinvesting in the community.

How to Contact Taylor Bryner
Taylor Bryner
Transworld Business Advisors
Phone: 970-222-1202
Email: tbryner@tworld.com

Timestamps
0:00 Why the right buyer matters more than the highest unrealistic offer.
0:21 Introduction to Taylor Bryner and Transworld Business Advisors.
1:02 What Taylor does and the types of businesses he helps sell.
1:42 The full process of selling a business.
3:53 Emotional attachment and the challenge of valuing a business realistically.
4:42 What determines the value of a business.
6:08 Who buys businesses and what buyers are looking for.
7:19 Why business owners decide to sell.
8:29 Communication strategy during a business sale.
10:24 Why clean books matter so much in a transaction.
11:32 Building a business versus building yourself a job.
13:25 Systems, CRMs, automation, and keeping things simple.
14:36 A real story from one of Taylor’s recent transactions.
16:19 The team involved in getting a business deal to the closing table.
17:43 Networking strategies for reaching business owners in the B2B space.
19:43 How referrals and first meetings with potential sellers usually work.
21:42 Legacy, family business emotions, and creative deal structures.
23:09 Taylor’s approach to building trust quickly.
24:21 Business shout-outs and local recommendations.
26:03 Systems versus people in business success.
27:23 When business owners should start exit planning.
28:45 How to connect with Taylor.

In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Anthony Navarro of New York Life to talk about what separates average networking from relationship-driven business growth. Anthony shares how his background as a nurse, entrepreneur, and business builder shaped his approach to serving clients, following up with intention, and helping others win first. If you want to grow your business through stronger referrals, better follow-up, and a servant-hearted mindset, this episode delivers.

Episode Highlights
🔹 Anthony shares his journey from nursing and entrepreneurship into becoming a top-performing advisor at New York Life.
🔹 He explains why real networking starts by helping others before asking for business.
🔹 Andrew and Anthony discuss how intentional follow-up creates stronger referral relationships.
🔹 Anthony breaks down how trust, integrity, and long-term thinking shape the way he serves clients.
🔹 You’ll hear a powerful story about how one connection helped launch major growth for another business owner.

Why You Should Listen
🔹 This episode will challenge the way you think about networking and referrals.
🔹 Anthony offers practical advice on how to follow up faster and more effectively.
🔹 You’ll learn how generosity and consistency can become a true competitive advantage.
🔹 The conversation is packed with mindset shifts for business owners who want to build deeper relationships, not just collect contacts.

How to Contact Anthony Navarro
Email: anavarro.02@ft.newyorklife.com
Phone: 970-381-8188

Timestamps
0:00 Anthony’s networking philosophy and helping people get business.
0:16 Introduction to Anthony Navarro from New York Life.
1:20 From nursing and entrepreneurship to financial services.
2:41 How New York Life recruited Anthony.
3:56 Earning trust while staying disruptive and client-focused.
8:11 Networking follow-up advice that actually works.
10:54 How networking fuels Anthony’s success.
13:41 A referral story featuring Trevor Jones of Rising Altitude.
16:37 What makes someone truly attractive in a networking room.
17:58 How to contact Anthony Navarro.

Episode Description + Highlights
Northern Colorado business networking is about more than handing out business cards. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Lucas Gillis of SRP to talk about how genuine curiosity, leadership, and long-term relationship building open doors in business. Lucas also shares why retirement plans are often full of hidden blind spots and how business owners can avoid costly mistakes by getting the right guidance in place.

Episode Highlights
🔹 Lucas explains his niche as a retirement plan advisor who helps businesses design, administer, and improve employer-sponsored retirement plans.
🔹 He shares why many business owners do not realize there are compliance issues in their plans until those problems become expensive.
🔹 Andrew and Lucas discuss why being top of mind matters in long sales cycles.
🔹 Lucas breaks down how he networks without leading with a sales pitch.
🔹 They talk about the value of stepping into leadership roles within networking communities.
🔹 Lucas shares practical advice for people who feel awkward or inexperienced in networking settings.

Why You Should Listen
🔹 You will get practical networking advice that feels approachable and actionable.
🔹 You will hear how curiosity and generosity can make you more memorable in business circles.
🔹 You will learn why retirement plans can create major liability for business owners if ignored.
🔹 You will discover how leadership positions can accelerate trust and visibility in the community.
🔹 You will get insight into Northern Colorado networking groups, chambers, and young professional spaces.

Businesses “Lucas Gillis” Recommends
🔹 FUEL – A welcoming young professionals networking community that helps people build confidence, connection, and community.
🔹 Loveland Chamber of Commerce – A solid place to build relationships and plug into the local business ecosystem.
🔹 Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce – Another strong networking avenue for connecting with local professionals and business leaders.
🔹 NoCo Works Sector Partnerships – A useful way to connect with leaders and decision-makers in specific industries like construction, hospitality, nonprofit, and finance.

How to Contact Lucas Gillis
Business line: 970-225-2001
Cell: 970-818-1241
Email: lGillis@SRPretire.com

Timestamps
0:00 Why curiosity is such an effective networking tool.
0:16 Intro to Lucas Gillis from SRP.
0:51 What Lucas actually does in the retirement plan space.
2:11 Who Lucas needs to meet inside a company.
3:24 What the sales cycle looks like for retirement plan work.
4:37 Why being top of mind matters over time.
6:58 Lucas shares how his family business and SRP work together.
8:21 Favorite places to network in Northern Colorado.
11:46 How sector partnerships help people meet different kinds of decision-makers.
12:55 The value of taking leadership roles in networking spaces.
14:39 What Lucas sees in young professionals through FUEL.
16:59 Practical networking tips for people who do not feel like natural networkers.
18:59 How to connect with Lucas.
20:35 Andrew and Lucas talk about reputation as a connector.