In this episode of the Greeley Business Spotlight, hosted at the Link Library in Greeley, Colorado, Coach Paul introduces his new co-host, Dana Jansen. The conversation explores the critical difference between initial business passion and the long-term systems required to sustain a successful venture.

Host & Guest Information

• Host: Coach Paul (Paulie Bar), a business coach whose work focus is primarily digital.
• Co-Host: Dana Jansen, owner of Double J Homestead, a physical business specializing in sourdough products, garden items, and natural goods like tallow.
• Location Spotlight: The Link Library, managed by Joshua Valdez, offers community resources including a recording studio, wood shop, and sublimation equipment.

Key Discussion Points

1. Redefining Passion: The "Love Bomb" vs. Sustainability

• Dana discusses how her approach to business has evolved from past ventures, such as a boutique she previously owned.
• She warns against the "love bomb" of passion, where a business owner pours 1,000% of their energy into a project at the start, which inevitably leads to burnout.
• The goal is to transition from a mindset of "needing" a business to work (often driven by a desire for a dopamine hit or to prove something to others) to "wanting" it to be sustainable.
• Success requires incremental passion—allowing the love for the craft to grow slowly over time rather than expecting overnight results.

2. Identity and Mental Health in Business

• Sustainable success is rooted in understanding one’s identity and mental health before focusing on external business positioning.
• Coach Paul emphasizes "breaking the frame," which means moving past the programming of societal expectations or the fear of old failures.
• Knowing yourself ensures that you are building the business God intended for you, rather than trying to be someone else.

3. The Intersection of Faith and Business Strategy

• Coach Paul shares his background in ministry with a 12-step program called "Set Free," where he realized his "assignment" was to help families navigate destructive cycles.
• A key spiritual principle discussed is the difference between working "for" God and working "with" him.
• Business owners are encouraged to ask for the "blueprint" rather than just asking for a blessing on their own pre-made plans.
• The hosts differentiate between prayer (talking to God) and meditation (listening for the blueprint).
• Guidance often comes through silence, symbols, or experiences that prepare an individual for future challenges.

Core Philosophy: The Spark vs. The System

• The central takeaway of the episode is that passion is a spark, not the system.
• Using a campfire analogy, the hosts explain that while passion starts the fire, it cannot keep it burning.
• Systematic fuel (the "kindling" and "logs") is required to keep the business alive when the initial "lighter fluid" of excitement burns out.
• If a business is built on passion alone, it will likely fail when pressure arrives.

Closing & Resources

• The Assignment: Identify who is in your reach today and how you can help them reach their next level.
• Connect: Viewers can subscribe to the series on YouTube and potentially Spotify to follow future episodes, including the upcoming discussion on "pursuing when things get real".

🎙️ Greeley Business Spotlight Podcast Hosted by: Pastor Paul Ybarra | Next Level Mindset Coach | Where Kingdom mindset meets community impact.

I want to introduce you to my sister, friend, and soon-to-be co-host, Dana Jansen. It has been nearly a year since our first conversation, and I’m excited to share how much has transpired in her journey as the owner of Double J Homestead.
The Sourdough Evolution: We discuss her growth from being known as the "sourdough chick" to a business owner navigating massive holiday orders and new collaborations, like her recent Valentine’s Day boxes.

The Science of Tallow: I asked Dana to explain her new venture into tallow, which is rendered grass-fed beef fat. She walks me through her intensive six-day rendering process to create a holistic skincare product that mimics the skin's natural barrier.

Faith in Business: We dive into the belief that natural remedies are biblical gifts from God. We talk about the importance of following God's "nudges," even when they require taking a risk.

A Vision for Windsor: Dana shares her dream of opening a brick-and-mortar location on Main Street in Windsor, Colorado. She doesn't just want a bakery; she envisions a safe space for people to gather for **Bible studies and prayer.
The Three C’s: We explore the importance of Connection, Communication, and Community. Dana explains why a personal brand is built on being a "good human" and why she now values an elite, small circle over broad networking.

Solitude vs. Isolation: We reflect on the seasons of solitude that God uses to remove distractions and create focus for His plan.
A Word on Patience: To wrap up, I asked Dana to provide a precise word for other business owners, and she emphasizes the power of patience and not rushing God's timing.

Follow the Journey: I want you to follow Dana on Facebook and Instagram at @doublej_homestead** to see her latest creations.
Join the List: Make sure you visit hotplate.com/doublejhomestead to sign up for text alerts. Her tallow and sourdough often sell out fast, so you’ll want to be the first to know when the menu opens.

In this episode of the Greeley Business Spotlight podcast, host Life Coach Paul sits down with Dana, the founder of Double J Homestead, a Greeley-based micro-bakery specializing in all things sourdough. Dana shares her journey from starting a COVID-era hobby to running a licensed business rooted in faith and health. Discover the science behind "living bread," the importance of removing preservatives from our diets, and how to balance a growing passion project with family life.

Key Takeaways

• The Power of Fermentation: Sourdough is a "living food" that offers significant health benefits, including supporting the digestive system and lowering the glycemic level of an entire meal.
• From Hobby to Micro-Bakery: Dana describes the process of teaching herself traditional skills like sourdough baking and canning to provide cleaner, preservative-free food for her family.
• A Faith-Driven Business: For Dana, God is the owner of Double J Homestead; she discusses how her "bread profits" funded a recent missions trip and how she seeks divine guidance for every business step.
• Scaling with Intention: Learn how Dana manages bulk orders and uses the Hot Plate platform to streamline customer communication and text alerts for her weekly menu drops.
• The "Messy" Joy of Food: A fun look at Dana’s favorite signature sandwich—an ultimate grilled cheese—and why a good sandwich should always be a little messy.

Episode Highlights

• [08:00] Why sourdough is safe for many with gluten intolerances.
• [12:00] The spiritual connection: Jesus as the "Living Bread" and the significance of fermentation in the Bible.
• [16:00] Product Spotlight: Mini loaves, pancake mixes, and blueberry lemon scones.
• [32:00] The logistics of a Colorado cottage food business and the jump to bulk fermentation.
• [46:00] Dana’s advice for the "stuck" entrepreneur: Getting raw and personal with God in prayer.

Connect with Dana & Double J Homestead

Support this local Greeley business and get your hands on some "fire" sourdough!

• Website & Ordering: Visit Dana’s platform to sign up for text message alerts and be the first to know when her weekly menu drops.
• Social Media: Follow Double J Homestead on Facebook and Instagram for photos of the latest bakes and updates on upcoming sourdough classes.
• Sourdough Classes: Keep an eye out this fall for hands-on basics and advanced classes where you can receive your own starter and learn the process in a 4-hour workshop.

Connect with Your Host

• Life Coach Paul: lifecoachpaul.com
• Socials: Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn under @lifecoachpaulinspires.
• Text Updates: Text the keyword "TEXT ME" to 719-509-1051 for personal updates and mindset tips.

In this episode, Coach Paul interviews Julie Villumsen, a former corporate executive who transitioned from the high-pressure world of healthcare fundraising to becoming a successful Mary Kay Director. Julie shares her powerful journey of overcoming personal hardship, rediscovering her self-esteem, and building a business rooted in faith and family values.

Guest Background

Julie spent 20 years as a high-level fundraising executive, including serving as a VP at Catholic Health and working with the NCMC Foundation. Despite her professional success raising millions of dollars, she found the corporate "9-to-5" climb unrewarding and felt it was "sucking the life" out of her, especially as she navigated being a single mother.

Key Discussion Points

• The Turning Point: Julie describes a moment of corporate instability where her boss threatened layoffs, prompting her to realize she wanted to be in control of her own destiny and prioritize being a "good mom".
• Overcoming Skepticism: Initially judgmental of the "happy" atmosphere in Mary Kay, Julie eventually realized the business was a legitimate path to the life she wanted after seeing other women achieve success and earn career cars.
• The Mary Kay Philosophy: The business is built on the foundation of faith first, family second, and career third. It operates on the Golden Rule—treating others the way you want to be treated— and focuses on "praising women to success".
• The Reality of the Transition: Julie emphasizes that building a business is a process, not a "get-rich-quick scheme". She worked her Mary Kay business in the "nooks and crannies" of her life while still working a 60-hour-a-week job until she was able to replace her income.

Mindset & Inspiration

• "Shy Equals Broke": Julie shares that learning to speak up and gain confidence was essential to her growth.
• Abundance Mindset: "What you think about you bring about". Julie discusses the importance of moving away from "stinking thinking" and focusing on abundance and prayer.
• Finding Passion: Julie encourages listeners to find their own passion—whether it is welding, carpentry, or podcasting—because passion leads to true success.

Actionable Advice for Entrepreneurs

1. Work the Numbers: When planning to leave a job, Julie suggests calculating the expenses you will save (e.g., daycare, lunches out, car payments) to determine your true income replacement goal.
2. Over-Schedule Appointments: To account for cancellations, Julie would schedule an appointment every night of the week to ensure her business kept moving forward.
3. Set End Dates: Always have a goal with a specific end date to maintain focus.

Connect with Julie Villimson

• Website: marykay.com/jvillumsen
• Note: Julie requests that you only contact her if you do not already have a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant.

Disclaimer: Only the top 1% of the Mary Kay Independent sales force earn the use of a career car through their Mary Kay business. For more info about the career car program visit marykay.com/en-us/sell-mary-kay/career-car-program.

In this episode, Pastor Paul Ybarra sits down with Avery Riddoch to discuss the powerful intersection of financial literacy, mentorship, and community building in Greeley, Colorado. Avery shares how his deep roots in the baseball world—including his grandfather’s 45-year career in Major League Baseball—have shaped his approach to "coaching" his clients through their financial journeys. From helping retirees secure their dreams to guiding young professionals toward high-yield savings, Avery emphasizes that success is as much about mindset as it is about the numbers.

Key Takeaways

• The Power of Financial Education: Many people are uneducated about what to do with their money or where to put it. Avery focuses on tax diversification and preparing for future tax bracket increases rather than just traditional 401(k) strategies.
• Diversification via the "Baseball Analogy": Just as a coach shifts the outfield based on where a ball might be hit, financial portfolios should be diversified across major, mid, and low-level markets to protect against volatility.
• Mentorship and Mindset: Drawing from his experience coaching travel baseball, Avery discusses the importance of positive self-talk and building confidence. He shares a powerful story of helping a player transition from a "mental head case" to a Division 1 athlete through persistent support and accountability.
• Greeley's Growing Community: Both Paul and Avery highlight the unique, tight-knit nature of Greeley, where business, ministry, and networking groups are "popping up" and supporting one another.
• Taking Action Now: Avery encourages anyone feeling "stuck" to stop looking at the past and take a step forward today, noting that "the only one that could change your life is you".

About the Guest: Avery Riddoch

Avery Riddoch is a financial professional with New York Life, a company with over 175 years of history. He specializes in a wide scope of financial planning, including retirement strategies for older clients and high-yield savings and financial foundations for younger generations. A Greeley native, Avery is also a dedicated baseball coach who uses sports to teach life lessons in resilience and discipline.

Connect with Avery

Avery is always looking to connect with new people and provide financial education to the community. You can reach out to him directly through the following channels:

• Phone: 303-889-9922 (Avery notes that working with him is as easy as his phone number!).
• Website: NewYorkLife.com.
• LinkedIn: Find him on LinkedIn to stay connected with his latest insights and networking opportunities.

Resources Mentioned

• Link Library: The recording space for this episode.
• Joshua Valdez: Contact for podcasting, headshots, and creative services.

In this episode of Greeley Business Spotlight, host Paul Ybarra sits down with Marie Warren, a dedicated Realtor serving Colorado’s Front Range. While Marie works with all buyers and sellers, she reveals her deep-seated passion for a often-overlooked niche: the aging population.

Marie shares her personal journey of navigating the "overnight" transition of her grandparents into memory care and assisted living, highlighting the emotional and logistical hurdles families face during the great generational wealth transfer. This conversation explores the importance of protecting seniors from scams, the reality of isolation, and why "work is work," but serving with heart changes everything.

Key Takeaways & Discussion Points

• Marie’s Mission along the Front Range: Originally from Longmont and now based in Greeley, Marie discusses her extensive reach serving clients along the I-25 corridor from Colorado Springs to the northern border.
• The "Why" Behind the Niche: Marie opens up about the traumatic experience of clearing out her grandparents' home in just one month, which led to her calling to protect the elderly from being preyed upon during vulnerable life transitions.
• The Reality of Aging: A look into how quickly health can shift from "okay to not okay," and the specific challenges seniors face, such as isolation due to the loss of driving privileges and the risks of malnourishment.
• Community Impact through Service: Marie discusses her volunteer work with Senior Resources of Broomfield and 60+ Ride, emphasizing that seniors are often the "forgotten" demographic in charitable efforts.
• Finding Your Purpose: Marie offers advice for those seeking their assignment in life: "Pay attention to what you keep coming back to" and the role of spiritual connection in maintaining focus.

Featured Quotes

Resources Mentioned

• 60+ Ride: Specialized transportation services for seniors 60 and over.
• Senior Resources of Broomfield: Providing community support and engagement for aging adults.

Connect with Marie Warren

Marie is committed to being a shield for your family during real estate transitions. Whether you are in New York or local to Colorado, she is available for a conversation to help guide you in the right direction.

• Website & Email: marie@mariehomes.com
• Phone: 303-884-2111 (Direct)
• Facebook: Marie Warren

Don’t navigate these difficult transitions alone. Reach out to Marie today to ensure your loved ones are protected and their legacy is honored.

Navigating the Highs and Lows of Business with Blake Tomasino

Podcast Show Notes

Episode Summary: In this inaugural episode, Pastor Paul Ybarra sits down with Blake Tomasino, the owner of Hi-Lo Designs. Blake shares his journey from studying entrepreneurship in college to building a local clothing and design powerhouse in Greeley. They dive deep into the philosophy behind the "Hi-Lo" brand, discussing how to navigate the inevitable peaks and valleys of the entrepreneurial grind.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Birth of a Brand: Blake discusses how his passion for unique clothing and his background in entrepreneurship led him to start his own business after realizing a career in the distillery industry wasn't his path.
• Embracing the Highs and Lows: The "Hi-Lo" name is inspired by the reality of life’s challenges, including Blake's personal experience with post-college anxiety and the "lows" of starting a business.
• The Battery Concept: Pastor Paul shares a powerful analogy about how life, like a battery, requires both positive and negative charges to create power and light.
• The Entrepreneurial Grind: Blake talks about the reality of the three-and-a-half-year "grind," working out of his home, and the importance of continuous growth and equipment upgrades.
• Practical Growth Tips: From using ChatGPT to create a structured daily schedule to prioritizing physical fitness, Blake and Paul discuss how to stay motivated when "seasons" of business get slow.

Words of Wisdom from Blake:

• For Day 1 Entrepreneurs: "It’s going to be tough—take it day by day".
• For the 10-Year Veterans: Keep goal planning and look ahead at the next five years to see where you can tweak and grow.

Connect with Blake Tomasino: Blake offers everything from embroidery and screen printing to graphic and web design. Whether you are a local Greeley business or located as far away as Canada, Blake is ready to collaborate on your next project.

• Business Services & Merch: https://www.hilodzn.com/