I had an enlightening conversation with Brian and Mary McKnight, the driving forces behind Turf Tamers Landscaping in Fort Collins. Brian shared how he acquired Turf Tamers, initially a tiny business, and grew it from the ground up starting with a few clients in 2001. Brian shared his background, and the drama in moving from “trendy” California to “cowtown” Fort Collins in high school - but how he soon fit right in and found summer work in landscaping. Mary, on the other hand, came to CSU from Indiana and studied global tourism. They met at the Rio, and their shared passion for adventure and travel led to a quick connection, and soon jobs and business opportunities in Chile.

They bought property in Chilean Patagonia in 2008, and over the years developed both the property and deep relationships with the neighboring families. Despite travel challenges and lack of infrastructure - their valley finally got electric power in 2016! - they’ve developed an amazing fishing and recreation property in one of the most unique glacial valleys in Patagonia, and we spend a fair bit of time exploring their valley and the local culture.

Brian and Mary also shared extensively about their business evolution, particularly how incorporating systems and focusing on quality customer service has been their key to success. Brian appreciated how Mary’s involvement sped their evolution, and how his membership in LoCo Think Tank has broadened his and their perspectives. For young people, they emphasized the importance of travel and entrepreneurship, and shared how their focus on values informs their business and family decisions. Our time together was an exploration of building a business and a life with intention and an adventurous spirit, so please tune in and enjoy my conversation with Brian and Mary McKnight.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In this episode, I was joined by Moses Horner, the Founder and Owner of Horner Painting, as he celebrates their 25 years in business! Horner Painting is a market leader in both new construction and residential repaints, and Moses is also my landlord and a longtime LoCo Facilitator for a Builders chapter.

We talked about Moses' special sauce in founding and growing the business, which for Moses has always been maximizing - continuous improvement and streamlining operations. Moses emphasized the importance of operating with profit margins from day one and advises against expanding too quickly - in team size or overhead expenditures. He shares his journey in developing his skills, acknowledging the significance of his LoCo Think Tank membership in helping him develop both business acumen and leadership skills. We also dug into his recent separation from a minority partner, and the challenge in both honoring a strong relationship - and knowing when it’s time for a change.

We dove into Moses' family life, discussing his 31-year marriage to Sara, his pride in his children and their pursuits, and their shared love of travel. Recent travels recounted included a surf trip to El Salvador and a harrowing motorcycle accident in Mongolia that turned into an opportunity to experience the region in a whole new way.

Our conversation highlights the cultural and business experiences that come from fostering strong relationships, and the power of intentionality with family, community engagement, and the pursuit of a lasting legacy. He’s a friend, a mentor, and a strong example of the power of peer advisory - so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Moses Horner.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In this episode of The LoCo Experience podcast, I sat down with Bob Hewson, the CEO and co-founder of Colorado Youth Outdoors,which will celebrate its 25th year in 2026! We started by inquiring the why around the organization’s focus on building relationships through traditional outdoor activities like fishing, archery, and trapshooting.

We talked about the importance of intentional one-on-one time in relationships - especially any parent-child relationship - and how his own upbringing influenced his career shift from corporate life to founding a nonprofit. Bob shared how the organization thrived during the COVID era due to its reliance on private funding and commitment to its mission, and positioned them for an upcoming expansion to a Colorado Springs area campus.

Bob also highlights the significance of having a strong board and community support in overcoming business challenges, and their future plans for a national presence. Additionally, we delved into Bob's personal life, including his family, kids, grandkids, and a memorable stint working in the fishing industry on Orcas Island.

Bob's story underscores the power of relationships in personal and professional life, and the principles involved in making them stronger. So please tune in, as I’m sure you’ll enjoy my conversation with Bob Hewson, CEO of CYO.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain