Connections That Matter
Connections That Matter is a business networking podcast featuring real stories of growth through relationships. Host Andrew Johnson interviews Northern Colorado entrepreneurs and small business owners who share how strategic networking, trust, and referrals shaped their journeys.
You’ll learn practical insights on networking, referral marketing, and relationship-based business growth—plus the mindsets and habits that help local leaders build communities and businesses that last.
Connect with Andrew + Northern Colorado Networking Events
Want to meet our guests (and maybe be a future guest yourself)
Upcoming Next Level Networking events:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909
Episodes
70 episodes
Why Better Health Builds Better Business with Gerri Kier from Complete Nutrition Alliance
Your health does not stay at home when you go to work. It affects your energy, focus, decision-making, follow-up, and ability to show up for the people who depend on you.In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits do...
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From a Facebook Post to Partnership with Tim Jordan & Michael Weant from Service Catalyst
What can happen when a new entrepreneur makes a vulnerable Facebook post asking for help? For Michael Weant, it led to a conversation over a beer with Tim Jordan, a mentorship relationship, and eventually a business partnership that became Serv...
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Networking, Community, and Authentic Marketing with Desiree Gustafson from City Lifestyle
In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Desiree Gustafson, publisher of Loveland + South City Lifestyle Magazine. Desiree shares how she uses storytelling, intentional networking, and authentic relationships to spotlig...
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Partnership Deep Dive: Connecting Businesses and Nonprofits with Jackie Stevens and Giuli Diaz from The Mayorettes
In this special partnership deep dive episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Jackie Stevens and Giuli Diaz, two of the three women behind The Mayorettes.The Mayorettes are building bridges between Northern Col...
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Building Referral Relationships Across State Lines with Michelle Gould from The Gould Agency
In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Michelle Gould from The Gould Agency, an insurance professional based in Casper, Wyoming, who serves clients across Wyoming, Colorado, and several surrounding states.Miche...
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Creating Momentum in Windsor with Norma Perez from Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce
In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Norma Perez, Executive Director of the Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about intentional connection, community leadership, and the momentum ...
Business Networking and Community Trust with Eric Weedin from Weedin Agency
In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Eric Weedin from Weedin Agency, a multi-generational Loveland insurance agency with deep roots in Northern Colorado business networking, referrals, and comm...
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From Silos to Strategy With Ian Nelson from R.L. Farmer Wealth Strategies
In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Ian Nelson from R.L. Farmer Wealth Strategies to talk about wealth strategy, business transitions, strategic networking, and what it really means to serve people well.
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Spotless Referrals Featuring Ryan Ponto from The Spot Specialist
In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Ryan Ponto from The Spot Specialist to talk about carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, trust-based service, and how intentional networking has helped him build st...
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Hiring Smarter and Networking Better with Scott Mulhollen from Vensure Employer Solutions
In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Scott Mulhollen from Vensure Employer Solutions to talk about business networking, hiring smarter, and simplifying the employee lifecycle for small business owners.<...
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The Art of Organic Networking With Brian Howe
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 businesse...
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Disappearing Dents and Building Relationships with Dan Christian
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 beco...
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Confidence, Service, and Building the Right Network With Ryan Cox
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 th...
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How Strategic Partnerships Create Bigger Wins — Sean Kelly from Kelly Merchant Solutions
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...
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How to Hire Better and Handle HR Dumpster Fires — Tami Parker from Unicycle Business Consulting
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 smarte...
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Taylor Bryner on Selling a Business, Exit Planning, and Building Buyer Trust
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 ...
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How Anthony Navarro Uses Networking to Create Real Business Growth
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...
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Lucas Gillis on Networking, Leadership, and Retirement Plan Blind Spots
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 abou...
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Dog Training, Community, and Relationship-Based Growth with Scott & Holly from Barkbusters
Business networking and referrals aren’t just for “business people”—they’re how trust gets built when you’re entering someone’s home and working with their family (including the dog). In this episode of Connections That Matter, I sit d...
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Messy Books to Clear Strategy: Bookkeeping Insights with Miriam Molina
Clean books aren’t just about taxes—they’re about clarity, confidence, and better business decisions.In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Miriam Molina of Molina Bookkeeping to talk about why...
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Make Friends, Not Just Returns: Networking Lessons from Tax Pro Richard Ross
Richard Ross, Enrolled Agent and founder of Ross Professional Accounting & Tax, shares why relationships matter more than return on investment when it comes to business networking and referrals. From 41 years as a DJ to becoming a trusted t...
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44 Years of Craft: The Referral Habits That Keep Thomas Kern Booked
Thomas Kern has been painting for decades and networking in Northern Colorado for 10–15 years. In this episode, we dig into why painting is really a people-and-prep business, how Thomas earns trust inside customers’ homes, and the relationship ...
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Networking & Referrals: Jeremy Howe on Restoration and Trust
Jeremy Howe from Voda Cleaning & Restoration is only six months into launching in Northern Colorado, but he’s already building serious momentum through intentional networking, strong referral partnerships, and a “serve first” mindset—especi...
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Networking, Referrals, and a Website That Converts with Matthew Regenie
Business networking works faster when your online presence matches your reputation. In this episode, Matthew Regenie (Prospect Future) breaks down practical digital marketing strategies that help Northern Colorado business owners turn networkin...
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Ask Boldly and Network Big with Dixie Daly of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce
Business networking is easier—and more profitable—when you’re clear on what you want and confident enough to ask for it. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Dixie Daly, Membership Director at the
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